Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch: which console should you buy?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a big step up over the original
🆚 Can’t decide between to the Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch?
🤝 We compare the two consoles and highlight the differences
💪 The Nintendo Switch 2 is the latest and greatest system
💰 But the original Switch still has a lot to offer the cost-conscious buyer
After an almost eight-year wait, the Nintendo Switch 2 will finally release on June 5 and was first revealed on January 16. But should you rush out and buy Nintendo’s new console straight away when the Nintendo Switch 2 price is $449, or are you better off picking up the original for a cheaper price? Maybe you’re content to stick with what you have? Whatever your situation, our Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch comparison will help you decide.
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch: price
Nintendo finally announced the Nintendo Switch 2 price at $449 on its April 2 Nintendo Switch 2-focused Direct. As predicted, this is Nintendo’s most expensive console to date. The $449 price makes it $150 more expensive than the original Switch launched for back in 2017.
An $150 increase won’t be too painful for most, especially as that $449.99 price point should get you a far more capable system. But if you’re cost conscious, Nintendo could drop the price of the original Switch to make it more enticing. You can also pick up a Nintendo Switch Lite for $199.99 if you only play in handheld mode.
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch: specs
The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts superior specs to the Nintendo Switch, allowing it deliver more double the resolution (1,080p) and frame rate (120Hz). The Switch 2 can also finally deliver a 4K gaming experience when connected to a big-screen TV. As a handheld the Switch 2 also sports a larger 7.9-inch screen compared to the 7-inch Switch OLED and 6.2-inch Switch.
The Switch 2 can also display HDR colors whether you’re playing it as a handheld or connected to a TV. Internal storage on the Switch 2 has been bumped up to 256GB so it’ll actually be able to hold big games like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077. There’s two USB-C ports on board so you can charge the handheld and connect USB accessories, like a controller or headset, at the same time.
Nintendo hasn’t revealed exactly what chip is powering the Switch 2, but its another custom Nvidia chip like the custom Nvidia X1 Tegra that powered the original Switch.
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch: games
The most pleasing thing about Nintendo’s next console is that it will play every existing Nintendo Switch game released thus far. That means you can revisit and enjoy the best Switch games that came out over the last eight years on the Switch 2.
Of course, you won’t be able to play Nintendo Switch 2 games on the older console, which means there will be countless Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World. There’s a boat load of Switch 2 games including new first-party titles like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Kirby Air Riders.
Several original Switch games will also be enhanced to Switch 2 Editions with enhanced graphics, frame rates, and HDR support. The first batch of games getting the Switch 2 Edition treatment include Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and Super Mario Party Jamboree.
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Nintendo Switch: which should you buy?
It might seem like a simple decision to buy the Nintendo Switch 2, especially because it’s new. But the original Nintendo Switch is still a fantastic console with plenty to offer. With over 140 million units sold, developers won’t want to stop supporting for the system straight away, and Nintendo has already announced games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will release on its aging system.
For most people, though, the Nintendo Switch 2 will be a sound investment, giving you access to the latest and greatest games from Nintendo, as well as several quality of life improvements over its predecessor.
Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.
