Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Gamers, rejoice! The Nintendo Switch 2 has officially arrived!

Eight years after the 2017 release of the original Switch — and following months of anticipation and excitement — Nintendo’s latest console finally hit the shelves on Thursday, June 5, promising to deliver an even richer gaming experience for fans around the globe.

With powerful upgrades that bring sharper graphics, faster processing, and new ways to connect with friends, the Switch 2 not only builds on everything players loved about the original but also introduces a handful of surprising new features designed to entertain both longtime gamers and those just jumping into the Nintendo universe.

But it all comes at a cost. The standard console retails at $449.99. There’s also a bundle that comes with system’s biggest new game — Mario Kart World — which goes for $499.99.

So, is the Nintendo Switch 2 worth the upgrade? Here’s everything you need to know:

There Are New Features That Make Every Game Look, Sound and Play Better

The original Nintendo Switch console still holds its own among its competitors. So its not surprise that Nintendo didn’t reinventing the wheel with Switch 2. Instead, it builds upon the original design, leveling up the way its games look, sound and feel thanks to upgrades to the system’s screen, processing power, audio and even accessibility tools.

The quick summary:

• Switch 2 has a bigger, better screen: The Nintendo Switch 2 features a 7.9-inch built-in LCD screen — a bump up from the original 6.2-inch screen — that displays in full HD at 1080p. That means you’re getting richer detail and smoother motion, all while keeping the same slim profile as its predecessor.
• Plus faster processing and sharper visuals: An upgraded CPU and GPU mean quicker load times, smoother gameplay and more detailed graphics across the board.
• There’s crisper audio and spatial sound: Whether playing in handheld or tabletop mode, improved 3D sound makes the experience more lifelike, with clearer and more natural audio.
• And a 4K-ready dock: When connected to the new Nintendo Switch 2 Dock, the system can support up to 4K resolution and 120 frames per second on compatible TVs and games. Basically, it’s cinematic quality in your living room.
• New accessibility options, too: In addition to existing tools, the Switch 2 adds more ways for players to customize their experience, including adjustable font sizes, screen reader support and speech-to-text features.

The Switch 2 Also Has Smart Hardware Changes That Offer New Ways to Play

Nintendo didn’t just focus on what’s inside the system, it also introduced some clever new design features that make playing more intuitive and fun.

• The new Joy-Con 2 controllers snap on magnetically: It makes them way easier to attach and detach when switching between play modes.
• You can slide the Joy-Con 2 controllers like a mouse: In supported games, each controller can now act like a mouse when slid across a flat surface — including your legs, while sitting down. It adds a fun, new way to interact with certain games.
• The stand is sturdier, and more flexible: It now adjusts to a wider range of angles, making it easier to find the perfect view when playing in tabletop mode.
• There’s a second USB-C port — and it’s in a smarter spot: The Switch 2 adds a USB-C port to the top of the console, so you can charge while playing upright or connecting various new accessories.

You’ll Get Added Storage, So There’s Plenty of Games at Your Fingertips

With 256 GB of internal storage, the Nintendo Switch 2 offers eight times more space than the original system so players have more room to store more games, save data and updates right out of the box. And if you need even more space, the system supports microSD Express cards, which allow for faster data reading speeds than standard microSD cards. That means less waiting and more playing.

Should You Need, There’s Updated Parental Controls, for Those with Kids at Home

Nintendo has added new safeguards to help parents feel more confident about how their kids play online. Using the updated Nintendo Switch Parental Control app, grown-ups can easily monitor gameplay, set time limits and manage access to features. For added safety, any child under 16 will need a parent or guardian’s approval through the app before they can use the system’s new voice or video chat feature (more on that below).

But the Biggest Change? Playing Switch with Friends Just Got All That Easier

Nintendo is making it simpler than ever to connect with friends, no matter where they are, thanks to a brand-new feature called GameChat.

Built right into the system, GameChat lets players start a voice or video conversation mid-game — all by pressing the new C Button on the right Joy-Con 2 controller.

Up to 12 friends can join a session, with support for voice chat and even video. Up to four players can share their screens during gameplay, and others can still hop in and listen via audio.

The feature will be free to use until March 2026, after which a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required.

Nintendo also built in safety tools, including reporting options and parental controls. And as mentioned above, kids under 16 will need permission through the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app to join a GameChat session, giving parents full oversight on who their children are chatting with.

You Might Want the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, Though

The Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is a new accessory that brings a whole new level of interaction to your gaming experience. Priced at $54.99, this compact camera plugs directly into the USB-C port on top of your Switch 2 console, whether you’re playing in handheld, tabletop, or TV mode.

Designed specifically for the Switch 2, the camera features a wide-angle lens with an adjustable stand, allowing players to capture a broad view of their surroundings. Its high-sensitivity image sensor automatically adjusts brightness to ensure clear visibility, even in varying lighting conditions. Additionally, a built-in privacy shutter provides peace of mind when the camera isn’t in use

This accessory enhances the GameChat feature, enabling video chats with friends during gameplay. It also supports CameraPlay, which allows a player’s image to appear in compatible games. It’s a fun and immersive element to gaming sessions Nintendo’s never offered before.

Third-party USB-C cameras may also be compatible, too. However, compatibility isn’t guaranteed, so the company advises to check the “Test USB Camera” feature in the system settings to ensure proper functionality.

GameChat’s Not the Only New Social Upgrade

Nintendo is introducing even more ways for players to connect and share their favorite games with friends — whether they own the title or not.

• Share Your Game Without Giving It Up: Thanks to a new feature called GameShare, players can invite others to join in on a game they own, even if their friends don’t have a copy. It works via local play between Switch 2 systems (and even with the original Switch), and can also be paired with GameChat for an all-in-one social gaming experience online.
• Lend and Borrow Digital Games with Virtual Game Cards: Nintendo Switch 2 users can now manage and share digital titles more easily using virtual game cards. These cards show all the games tied to your Nintendo Account and let you load them onto a second system — even without internet. They can also be used to lend or borrow games within a Nintendo Account family group, offering more flexibility for families or friend groups who want to share their library.

Now About the Games: No, You Don’t Have to Buy All New Ones

For longtime Switch fans, the Nintendo Switch 2 plays many of your favorite Nintendo Switch games — both physical cartridges and digital downloads — so you won’t have to start your game library from scratch.

That said, some older Switch games might not work perfectly or at all on the new system, so it’s worth checking compatibility before diving in. For full details on which games and accessories are compatible, Nintendo has all the info on their website.

And for those who want to take advantage of the new capabilities of Nintendo Switch 2, compatible physical and digital games released on Nintendo Switch can be taken to the next level with Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Packs featuring enhanced graphics, exclusive content offerings and new gameplay experiences.

You Also Don’t Have to Buy All New Accessories

Existing Joy-Con controllers and accessories like the Pro Controller can still connect wirelessly and work just fine with the Switch 2. (though there are new controllers if you do want to get them).

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That Said, There Are Plenty of New Games To Buy — Starting with Mario Kart World

Let’s gooooooo! Mario Kart World is the biggest and most ambitious Mario Kart yet, introducing a vast interconnected world where you can race, explore and compete in exciting new ways. It’s a thrilling evolution of the franchise, blending classic racing with new freedom and social fun for players of all ages.

Among the new offerings?

• Open-World Racing: Drive across cities, plains, deserts and oceans in a seamless world, with roads connecting different race courses for the first time in the series.
• Multiple Game Modes: The game offers classic competitive modes like Grand Prix, where you race across multiple courses in a series, and a brand-new Knockout Tour mode — a high-stakes rally where if you fall behind, you’re out. Prefer a more relaxed pace? Free Roam lets you cruise around the world, discover hidden secrets, take scenic detours, or snap in-game photos.
• Massive Multiplayer: Race with up to 24 players online — the most in Mario Kart history!
• Diverse Characters and Courses: Play as iconic Mushroom Kingdom favorites or quirky racers, (like Goomba and Cow). Explore fresh tracks like Mario Bros. Circuit and Starview Peak, alongside revamped classics.
• Exciting New Items: Shake up races with new gear like the Coin Shell, Ice Flower, Hammer and more — each adding unique ways to outpace opponents.
• GameChat and CameraPlay: Use Nintendo Switch 2’s GameChat to voice chat with friends during races. If you have the optional Switch 2 Camera, you’ll see your face and friends’ reactions in-game for a more connected experience.
• Bonus Features: Stop by Yoshi’s for Dash Food speed boosts and unlock new outfit or customize your play with assist features like Smart Steering and Tilt Controls.

Other New Games for the Switch 2 Are Just as Robust

Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a diverse lineup of games, from exciting new exclusives to upgraded versions of fan favorites and thrilling third-party titles.

At launch, those games include:

• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour: Explore a virtual exhibition with tech demos, minigames and interactive experiences designed to introduce players to all the new system’s features.
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: Experience these classics with smoother frame rates, faster loading and enhanced graphics. Plus, enjoy the new Zelda Notes service in the Switch app, which offers in-game navigation tips and commentary from Princess Zelda herself.
• Street Fighter 6 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: The iconic fighting game gets even more competitive with exclusive modes like Local Wireless One-on-One and Avatar Matches, plus party-ready options using the Joy-Con 2 like Gyro Battle and Calorie Contest. Launch day also brings new amiibo figures and cards, with both the digital version and Years 1–2 Fighter Edition available.
• Hogwarts Legacy: Step into the Wizarding World with updated graphics, faster load times, enhanced audio and new Joy-Con 2 mouse support on Nintendo Switch 2. Explore an open-world Hogwarts, master spells, tame magical beasts and shape your legacy in this immersive action RPG.
• Bravely Default — Flying Fairy HD Remaster: The beloved RPG returns in HD, with updated visuals, quality-of-life improvements and two new minigames designed for Nintendo Switch 2’s dual mouse controls. Master 20+ jobs and strategize with the classic “Brave & Default” battle system as you help four heroes restore balance to their world.
• Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: Build an empire that stands the test of time with upgraded visuals and new Joy-Con 2 mouse controls. Shape your civilization through innovation, diplomacy or domination in this next chapter of the iconic strategy series.
• Split Fiction: Team up in this genre-hopping co-op adventure where two writers are trapped in a simulation of their own chaotic stories. Switch between sci-fi and fantasy worlds, solve puzzles together and invite a friend for free with the Friend’s Pass on Nintendo Switch 2.
• Cyberpunk 2077 — Ultimate Edition: Step into the neon-drenched streets of Night City as V in this definitive edition of Cyberpunk 2077, including the Phantom Liberty expansion. Enhanced graphics and performance on Nintendo Switch 2 make this dystopian RPG feel more immersive than ever.
• Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut: Dive into the gritty underworld of 1988 Japan in this definitive edition of Yakuza 0. Play as Kiryu and Majima across Tokyo and Osaka with enhanced visuals, never-before-seen cutscenes and the new Red Light Raid online multiplayer mode.
• HITMAN World of Assassination – Signature Edition: Step into the shoes of Agent 47 in this definitive stealth-action package featuring HITMAN, HITMAN 2 and HITMAN 3. Take on missions across intricate locations with disguises, gadgets, and creative kills in the full campaign, contracts, escalations and more.
• Fortnite: Battle it out, race, build or perform! Fortnite on Nintendo Switch 2 lets players jump into Battle Royale, LEGO Fortnite, Rocket Racing, Fortnite Festival and more — all with enhanced visuals and Joy-Con 2 support.

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Other games coming down the line include Donkey Kong Bananza (out July 17), Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV (July 24), Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World (Aug. 28), plus Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Hades II, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade and EA Sports Madden NFL and EA Sports FC.

There’s also Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Kirby Air Riders, Project 007 and Drag x Drive — the latter an online 3v3 game that challenges players to use the Joy-Con 2’s mouse controls. Plus The Duskbloods, NBA 2K and WWE 2K, Borderlands 4, ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition, Enter the Gungeon 2, STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, DELTARUNE, Survival Kids, Star Wars Outlaws, Hollow Knight: Silksong and more.

And If That Weren’t Enough, GameCube Games Join the Lineup at Launch

Nintendo Switch 2 brings classic GameCube titles to a new generation with the launch of Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics. Essentially, players with a Nintendo Switch 2 and a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership can revisit fan favorites with enhanced resolution and improved image clarity. Those games include Zero GX, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and SOULCALIBUR II. 

To complete the nostalgic experience, Nintendo will also release a wireless controller modeled after the original GameCube design, available exclusively to paid Nintendo Switch Online members.

So… Is It Worth Upgrading?

If you’re still playing the original Switch — now more than 8 years old — the Switch 2 is a major leap forward in almost every category. The system isn’t just a modest upgrade; it’s a generational leap that brings Nintendo closer to the fidelity and flexibility of competing consoles while still offering its unmistakable charm. Plus, it plays your existing game library (with enhancements for many top titles), adds features fans have been requesting for years and boasts a launch window lineup that easily rivals any Nintendo system before it.

For more casual players or families who only recently bought a Switch OLED, the decision is trickier. With plenty of games for the O.G. system available to go through — and those games likely available at major discount now — it might be worth sticking with what you go.

But Mario Kart World is hard to resist. The courses are a delight, the new competition modes endlessly fun. And when mixed with GameChat, hours of gameplay go by in minutes.

Ultimately, Nintendo Switch 2 feels like more than just a sequel; it’s a new era in Nintendo gaming. And for die-hard gamers, being a part of that experience feels worth every penny.