More than 150 million units. That’s how many Nintendo Switch consoles have sold since 2017. It outsold the Wii. It outsold the PlayStation 4. It’s one of the best-selling consoles of all time. That’s not luck. That’s loyalty.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is now a real thing. And with it, a decision.
Do you need it?
That’s the question that’s bothering long-time fans. Not whether it’s stronger. But whether it’s smarter to stick with what already works. What still plays well.
What holds memories?
New screen. Improved processor. Physical game compatibility. And more support moving forward.
The Nintendo Switch vs Switch 2 debate isn’t just about features. It’s about value. About time. About what kind of player you are and what kind of system fits your lifestyle.
If you bought the first Switch, you remember. Long nights with Mario Kart. Zelda on the go. Cosy couch co-op. It wasn’t just a console. It was a change.
So what now? Will the new one bring that same spark? Or just polish the old one?
This Nintendo Switch upgrade guide is here to help you figure that out.
We’ll lay out what’s different, what’s better, and what it all means. Reviewers cannot use it. For real players. For people who want to know if it’s worth moving on or staying put.
The Switch still has a lot to give. But so does what’s coming.
Let’s find out.
Switch 2: What’s New and Confirmed
The wait is over. The Nintendo Switch 2 is official, and it hits shelves on June 5, 2025. You’ll pay $450 for the console or $500 if you go for the launch bundle with Mario Kart World. That’s a $150 jump from the original model’s launch price.
But Nintendo didn’t just slap a “2” on the name and call it a day.
Right away, the screen grabs you. It’s now a 7.9-inch LCD with full 1080p resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate, making everything look sharper and smoother in motion.
Under the hood, the console now runs some games at 4K60 when docked and 1080p120 in handheld mode. That kind of boost isn’t minor; it’ll be obvious the moment you fire up a game like Metroid or Mario Kart World.
These Switch 2 new features don’t feel tacked on; they’re smart upgrades to the core experience. Its storage also increases to 256GB, although the new card slot means older microSD cards won’t be compatible.
Joy-Cons have been rethought too. They’re a bit larger and lock into place magnetically, now even working as motion-sensitive mice, which are useful in games like Metroid Prime 4. Voice chat is now built in and activated through the new “C” button on the right Joy-Con.
The build is more solid. A wider kickstand, two USB-C ports, and tighter overall construction make it feel like a premium device.
This isn’t a reinvention. It’s refinement. The Nintendo Switch vs. Switch 2 comparison may seem subtle on paper, but in your hands, the difference feels substantial. The screen alone is a huge step up, and the new controls feel better built for grown-up hands.
Switch 2 vs Original Switch: Full Specs Comparison
You’ve seen the claims. But how do they stack up side by side?
Here’s a clear Nintendo Switch specs comparison you need to make sense of the Nintendo Switch 1 vs Switch 2 debate:
These are not merely cosmetic tweaks but rather a shift in design, speed, and feel. However, that doesn’t mean the Switch 1 is done.
Let’s talk about what still makes the original console worth holding onto.
So Who Should Stick With the Classic Switch?
Sometimes the smart move is to skip the upgrade. The Nintendo Switch vs Switch 2 debate isn’t about chasing specs; it’s about fit. And for many players, the original still fits just fine.
Stick With Switch 1 if You:
Play mostly first-party Nintendo games, such as Mario. Zelda. Animal Crossing. They still run great on the original hardware.
Use it mostly docked. If you’re always plugged into the TV with a Pro Controller, the handheld upgrades matter less.
Don’t care about 4K or 120 fps. If visuals aren’t your thing, the old screen still shows off games well enough.
Already own a big game library. Your saves are there. Your digital games. Your accessories. No hassle.
Play casually or occasionally. If you only play games a few hours a week, it’s hard to justify spending more for a little extra smoothness.
Share it with young kids. The lighter build, lower price, and Joy-Cons designed for small hands make the original model better suited for families.
Are budget-conscious. A $300 vs. $450–$500 difference is significant. That money could go to games, not hardware.
Not everyone needs the latest console. So if your current Switch still runs fine and your games play well, why fix what isn’t broken?
Who Should Upgrade to Nintendo Switch 2?
Not everyone needs the latest thing. But for some, the Switch 2 isn’t just better; it makes more sense. The debate between the Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Switch may already be settled if you fit one of these profiles. Consider It if You Are:
A first-time buyer. Don’t overthink it. If you’re new to Switch, the second model is the better long-term buy.
A performance-focused player. You care about 4K, 120 fps, load times, and smooth gameplay. That’s where Switch 2 shines.
Using a launch-day Switch. If your Joy-Cons drift, your battery is weak, or your screen is scratched. This is your out.
Into voice chat and online co-op. GameChat has social features built in. No more clunky apps. Just tap and talk.
Someone who plays big third-party games such as Street Fighter 6 and Cyberpunk 2077. Those games need more muscle, and Switch 2 has it.
Planning to share the console. The new Joy-Cons feel better, the screen is larger and the grip works better for all hands.
Willing to invest more upfront. It’s $150 more than the original, yes. However, you get more years out of it and likely better game support in the long term.
Bottom line: If you want better hardware and plan to keep your console for a while, this one’s worth the jump. Switch 2 doesn’t change how you play, but it improves every part of the experience.
Who Should Wait or Skip the Upgrade?
Not every leap is worth the price. Even with all its improvements, the Switch 2 isn’t a must-buy for everyone. If you’re weighing the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 and leaning toward staying put, you might be right.
You Might Want to Hold Off If…
Battery life matters to you. The Switch 2 runs shorter than any previous model. If you play long sessions unplugged, expect a drop in performance.
You mostly play older or indie games. Those titles run just fine on the original Switch. You won’t see a huge boost.
Your current Switch still works well. No glitches, no hardware issues? You’re good. Save the money or wait for a possible OLED version later.
You already own the OLED model. That screen still outperforms the new LCD in terms of contrast and colour depth. The upgrade might feel sideways, not forward.
You’re on a budget. $450 is steep. Add games, accessories, and that number climbs. You can stretch your dollar better elsewhere for now.
You don’t care about voice chat or new controls. If you play solo or stick to the Pro Controller, the changes won’t mean much.
It’s not about chasing the latest. It’s about getting what fits you. And that brings us to one last thing: the real point behind all of this.
Final Thoughts: Which One’s Right for You?
You’ve seen the numbers. You’ve heard the case for both. And the Nintendo Switch vs Switch 2 decision really comes down to how you play.
If you’re happy with what you have, that’s fine.
The original Switch still delivers a great experience, especially for casual play or families. It’s proven, affordable, and still supported.
But if you care about what’s next, if you want sharper visuals, smoother gameplay, stronger online features, and a console built to last the next ten to fifteen years, then Switch 2 is the better pick. It’s not just new; it’s smarter, stronger, and more future-proof.
Yes, it costs more. Yes, battery life takes a hit. But what you get in return is a real step forward. Better screen. Better feel. Better everything under the hood.
So, should you upgrade?
If you play often, care about quality, and want something built for more than just now? The answer is yes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Will the Nintendo Switch 2 Be Released?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025. You can purchase the console separately for $450 or get it in a bundle with Mario Kart World for $500. Preorders opened on April 9, 2025.
What Are the Main Differences Between the Original Switch and Switch 2?
Switch 2 is faster, sharper, and built with more care. It features a larger 7.9-inch screen, supports up to 4K graphics when docked, offers double the frame rate in handheld mode, provides more storage (256GB), and includes magnetic Joy-Cons that can be used as mice. It also features built-in voice chat, a sturdier kickstand, and an overall improved build quality.
Will Accessories from Switch 1 Work with Switch 2?
A few will. You can still use Pro Controllers and Switch 1 docks, although without 4K output. However, Joy-Cons have changed and won’t attach to Switch 2, since they now use magnetic locks. Old microSD cards also won’t work—the Switch 2 uses microSD Express instead.
Is the Nintendo Switch 2 Backward Compatible With Games for the Nintendo Switch?
Yes. The Switch 2 supports most Switch 1 game cards and digital downloads. Some games will even get “Switch 2 Edition” upgrades with better visuals and additional features. A few accessories, such as Labo kits, may not be compatible, but core games will still be supported.
Can I Transfer My Saved Data From the Nintendo Switch to Switch 2?
Yes, Nintendo allows save data transfer between consoles. You can move your profiles, game saves, and digital purchases using the built-in System Transfer feature, just like with previous Nintendo hardware.