Is the Nintendo Switch 2 Worth the Hype? Why You Might Want to Wait
The Nintendo Switch 2, released in June 2025, has certainly made a splash, boasting the best launch sales in Nintendo’s history. But before you rush to buy, let’s unpack why waiting might actually be the smartest move.
The Price Tag: A Real Barrier to Entry
One of the biggest criticisms leveled at the Switch 2 is its price. Starting at €470, it’s a hefty 42.85% more expensive than the original Switch, which launched at €329 back in 2017. That’s a €140 price jump, and it’s understandable why many gamers are hesitant.
Compared to the powerhouses like the Xbox Series X and PS5, the Switch 2’s price point seems even more significant. This leads many to anticipate potential price drops. The Black Friday sales and the holiday season could be prime opportunities to snag a deal, either for the console itself or a bundled pack with games like Mario Kart World.
The recommended retail price of €90 for Mario Kart World also sparked debate. However, retailers like Leclerc, Carrefour, and Amazon quickly offered more competitive prices, often around €70 or even €60. The best deals are usually found during seasonal sales.
Pro Tip: Set up price alerts on your favorite retailers so you’re notified the second a discount appears!
Anticipating Holiday Deals
Historically, the end of the year brings the best deals on gaming consoles. Nintendo has a history of offering attractive bundles during the holidays, which could significantly lower the overall cost of entry for new Switch 2 owners. Keep an eye out for these opportunities to get more for your money.
Screen Concerns: Not Quite OLED Quality
The Switch 2 doesn’t quite live up to the high standards of the Switch OLED. Opting for an LCD screen instead of OLED is a point of contention for many.
Our lab tests reveal that the Switch 2 screen reflects more light than the previous Switch models. While the maximum brightness is improved (390 cd/m² compared to 360 cd/m² on the Switch 1 and 330 cd/m² on the Switch OLED), it still falls short compared to competitors in the handheld gaming market. For those prioritizing visual fidelity, this is a considerable factor.
Color accuracy is also a concern. The color temperature is too high at 8778 K, far from the ideal of 6500 K. Color precision, measured by Delta E, is about 3.6, exceeding the threshold of 3 where color deviations are noticeable to the naked eye. This is a significant drop from the Switch OLED’s Delta E of 1.8.
On a positive note, the image remains clear in motion with a response time under 8 ms, which is good for an LCD screen.
Limited Game Library: The Power of the Switch 2 Underutilized
The Switch 2 has significantly more power than the original Switch, but many game developers haven’t fully tapped into it yet. Nintendo has also limited the number of development kits sent to developers, which has further delayed full use of the console’s capabilities.
Many games currently look similar to their Switch 1 counterparts. Some, particularly from major studios, have received notable optimizations, with paid upgrades and free updates enhancing performance and graphics. Titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Mario Odyssey, Super Mario Party Jamboree, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Hogwarts Legacy benefit from this.
The core issue? The limited number of games truly built to exploit the Switch 2’s power. While certain AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 benefit, only Mario Kart World and the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza appear to meet expectations.
Did you know? Game developers often need time to familiarize themselves with a new console’s hardware. Expect more graphically impressive games to release as they become more familiar with the system.
Upcoming Releases and Optimization Patches
A small launch lineup justifies the wait. Patience could be rewarded with a broader selection of exclusive titles. The future looks bright with the upcoming releases, including Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Hyrule Warriors: The Seal Chronicles, Kirby Air Riders, and The Duskbloods. Optimizations could also be coming in patches for existing games, which will further enhance the gaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Switch 2 better than the original Switch?
A: Yes, the Switch 2 boasts improved performance and a sharper display. However, the price and screen technology may not be appealing to all. The availability of exclusive titles is also an issue.
Q: When is the best time to buy the Switch 2?
A: Consider waiting for holiday sales or promotional bundles, which often include discounts on the console and games.
Q: What are the main drawbacks of the Switch 2?
A: High price, LCD screen quality compared to the OLED version, and limited games utilizing the system’s full power.
Q: What games are exclusive to the Switch 2?
A: While the launch lineup is currently limited, expect to see more exclusive titles like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Hyrule Warriors: The Seal Chronicles, and Kirby Air Riders in the future.
Q: Should I wait to buy a Switch 2?
A: If you are budget-conscious or prioritize the best possible gaming experience, waiting is a sensible approach. You can anticipate better deals and more games that fully utilize the console’s power.
Do you own a Switch 2? Share your thoughts in the comments below! What do you think are the biggest pros and cons? Let’s discuss!
