Illustration, not a photo of this exact model
Our verdict on the Nintendo Switch 2
- Buy it if
- You want Mario, Zelda and Pokémon, love playing on the couch and on the go, or game with kids.
- Skip it if
- You want the best graphics for big third-party games.
- Best for
- Families and handheld play
- Key feature
- Play on the TV or on the go
- Typical price
- $449–$499
Key specifications
| Screen | 7.9-inch 1080p LCD |
|---|---|
| TV output | Up to 4K |
| Storage | 256 GB |
Who should buy it, and who should skip it
A good fit if you
- have kids or play local multiplayer
- want to play at home and on the go
- own Switch 1 games
Skip it if you
- want the best graphics
- mostly play shooters and sports games with PlayStation or Xbox friends
Pros and cons
Pros
- Plays at home and handheld
- Larger 1080p screen
- Plays most Switch 1 games
- Great for local multiplayer
Cons
- Games are rarely discounted
- Less powerful than PS5
What it is
The Switch 2 is Nintendo’s hybrid console. It docks to a TV for up to 4K output and works as a handheld with a larger 7.9-inch 1080p screen. Magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers attach to the sides and can work like a mouse in supported games.
What stands out
- Big, sharp handheld screen
– Plays most original Switch games
– 256 GB of storage, up from 64 GB
– GameChat for voice and video with friends
What to know
- Nintendo games are rarely discounted
– Some games ship as game-key cards that still need a download
– Battery life in handheld mode is a few hours in demanding games
Is it worth it?
If you have kids, love Nintendo series or want to game on the couch and on a plane, yes. If you only play big third-party blockbusters, the PS5 gives you more for the money.
Alternatives worth considering
Sony
PlayStation 5 Console (Slim)
Buy it if you want the console with the biggest blockbuster exclusives and a huge game library.
Sony
PlayStation 5 Pro
Buy it if you own a large 4K TV with 120Hz and want the sharpest PS5 graphics.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nintendo Switch 2 worth it?
Yes, for families and anyone who loves Nintendo games or playing on the go. The bigger 1080p screen, stronger performance and backward compatibility make it an easy upgrade from the original. Skip it if you mainly want the best graphics for big third-party games.
Who should skip it?
If you want the best graphics, an alternative will suit you better.
Does the Switch 2 play Switch 1 games?
Yes, most original Switch games work, and some get free or paid upgrades for better performance.
Where to buy
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