Things To Know Before Buying Nintendo Switch 2

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The launch of the Switch 2 was significantly smoother than the original Switch in 2017, likely because Nintendo made more consoles available. Dedicated fans eagerly purchased the new system, along with various bundles and games, including popular titles like Mario Kart World, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster, and Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition.

The new Switch 2 is definitely more powerful, but some early adopters were let down by how things played out in 2025. It would have been helpful for them to have known more beforehand about what to expect, especially when it came to selling old gear or buying new accessories. Hopefully, future buyers can avoid those same problems.

No Need To Buy Extra Controllers

Save Some Money With The Old Ones

A great thing about the Switch 2 is that you’ll likely be able to use most of the controllers you already have. While a new Pro Controller might be appealing, it can be expensive. If you own a Pro Controller, a wired controller, or any other wireless controller that works with the original Switch, it should also work with the Switch 2.

The new console works with the original Joy-Cons, but they don’t attach directly to the system and are better suited for playing older Switch games with friends. It’s a good idea to get the console and test all your existing controllers first. While you’ll likely want another set of the new Joy-Con 2 controllers eventually, they aren’t essential to buy right away.

The Switch 2’s Memory Is Great

Save That Micro Express SD For Later

The first Nintendo Switch came with 32GB of storage, which was doubled to 64GB in the OLED version. While this was much less than what you’d find in consoles like the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, two things helped. Games for the Switch were generally smaller, and it was easy and affordable to add more storage using Micro SD cards.

The new Switch 2 doesn’t work with the older Micro SD cards used in the original Switch and OLED model. It requires a newer, more expensive type called Micro Express SD cards. While many players will likely think they need to buy one right away, it’s not immediately necessary. The Switch 2 has 256GB of internal storage, which is a decent amount – though smaller than some other consoles – and should be enough for most players for quite some time. Eventually, you’ll probably need a Micro Express SD card, but it’s best to wait for a sale before purchasing one.

Invest In A Power Bank

There Are Plenty Out There

Throughout the Nintendo Switch’s lifespan, portable power banks became increasingly popular. These are basically rechargeable batteries that let you charge devices like phones and the Switch itself. While high-quality power banks can be pricey, Nintendo partnered with Anker to release one specifically for the Switch, though it’s now discontinued. If you were able to buy one (or more) before it was taken off the market, it will still work with the new Switch 2.

Okay, so I’ve been reading up on the Switch 2, and honestly, you’re going to want a power bank if you plan on taking it anywhere. Even if you turn everything down – brightness, rumble, the works – you’re probably only looking at a couple of hours of playtime. Apparently, it’s way more powerful than the older Switch models, which means the battery life isn’t as good. Seriously, a power bank is a must-have. When I’m at home, I’m definitely planning to play it docked just to be safe.

Say Goodbye To The Switch

No Need To Collect Dust

The Switch 2 will be able to play almost all games made for the original Switch, and many of them will actually run better with faster loading or improved graphics. Games like Bayonetta 3 and Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition are already seeing improvements. Nintendo is also releasing enhanced versions of existing games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, that take full advantage of the new hardware. While a few games aren’t currently compatible, Nintendo is working to fix that. If a player has a favorite game on the incompatible list and no other way to play it, they might want to hold onto their original Switch.

If you’re not planning to play any new games that require your current console, selling it is a simple way to earn money for a Switch 2, accessories, or other games. However, trade-in values are often low, so consider gifting your Switch and games to a friend or family member instead. This is a more generous option and helps share the joy of gaming with others.

Keep Your Games

The Switch 2 Makes Even Bad Games Better

As a Switch owner, I think a lot of us have built up huge digital libraries, especially with all the amazing indie games available. It’s a bit of a bummer though, because you can’t resell those digital titles if you ever decide to upgrade or move on. But honestly, even if you do have physical copies, I think you should hold onto them! That includes games you weren’t crazy about the first time – they might be worth more than you think, and it’s nice to have a complete collection.

The launch of Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet was famously problematic, with performance and visual issues on the original Switch. However, a future update promises to significantly improve the experience on the Switch 2, essentially making them feel like new games. The Switch 2 also boasts much better online connectivity for multiplayer titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Regardless of how well a game performs initially, its value tends to increase over time.

It Won’t Feel Like A New System

This Is A Switch 2, Right?

One of the most surprising things about getting the Switch 2 will likely be how familiar it feels. Setting it up and transferring your data and games is simple and shouldn’t take more than fifteen minutes. However, the user interface is virtually unchanged. It’s a bit like if the startup screens for the PlayStation 3, 4, and 5 were all identical – it would feel less exciting for a new generation of console.

As a Nintendo fan, when I think about getting a new console, it’s not just about the games or how pretty they look. I want that ‘new console’ feeling, and honestly, the Switch 2 feels more like a really polished Switch than a totally brand new system. So, if you’re coming in expecting a massive overhaul, you might be surprised. For some people, that’s totally fine – they just want a better version of what they already love. But for others, it might not be enough of a change to make them upgrade.

Perhaps, It’s Best To Wait

Year One Was Solid, But Not Amazing

The original Nintendo Switch had an incredibly strong start, largely thanks to the release of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a game considered one of the best launch titles ever. It was followed by other popular games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Odyssey, and Xenoblade Chronicles 2, along with a wide variety of games from other companies. While the Switch 2’s launch game, Mario Kart World, was well-received, and Donkey Kong Bananza was even better, neither managed to reach the same level of success as Breath of the Wild.

Beyond Donkey Kong Bananza – a potential game of the year winner that every Switch 2 owner should experience – the lineup of exclusive games for 2025 isn’t very exciting. One great game and a few decent ones aren’t enough to justify the console’s high price. People who bought the Switch 2 at launch would have appreciated knowing what other games were coming throughout the year. While the new console performs well and has a beautiful screen, and the standout games are truly engaging, it doesn’t feel as revolutionary as the original Switch, which completely changed the gaming landscape. In fact, the Switch paved the way for the portable PC consoles we have today, like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally X.

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2025-12-31 14:35