Is the Nintendo Switch 2 worth upgrading from the original Switch?
This is the big question, right? Let me give you the honest answer: it depends on you.
What's Actually Different
The Switch 2 is faster, has a bigger and sharper screen, outputs 4K to your TV, and has way more storage. Games load faster and run smoother. The new Joy-Cons snap on magnetically. It's better in basically every measurable way.
But "better" costs $450.
You Should Probably Upgrade If...
You play on TV a lot. The jump from 1080p to 4K HDR is real. If you have a nice TV, you'll notice.
Performance bugs you. Remember how Pokémon Scarlet stuttered everywhere? Or how some games took forever to load? That stuff is mostly fixed on Switch 2.
You play every day. If gaming is a big part of your life, the improvements make everything feel better.
You want GameCube games. Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and eventually Sunshine and the Pokémon games are Switch 2 exclusive.
You Can Totally Wait If...
You play casually. If you pick up your Switch once a week, your current one works fine.
Money is tight. $450 for the console, then controllers, maybe storage, maybe games. It adds up fast.
You want more exclusives. The first-year lineup is solid but not incredible. The real heavy hitters are still coming.
The Library Thing
Almost all your Switch games work on Switch 2. You're not starting over. And many of them actually run better on the new hardware without any patches.
My Take
If your current Switch still does what you need, there's no shame in waiting. But if you've been frustrated by performance, want better visuals, or you're just ready for new hardware, the Switch 2 delivers.
📚More About Nintendo Switch 2
Where to Buy
| Retailer | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|
P PayMore Taylor | $459.99 | Buy Now |
 AliExpress | $582.75 | Buy Now |
Considering the Nintendo Switch 2?
Here's our "TLDR" Review
Download ShopSavvy App
Compare prices for anything in real-time, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more
Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension
Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.
More Answers
If you're still curious about the Nintendo Switch 2, here are some other answers you might find interesting:
Does the Nintendo Switch 2 support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)?
Yes, Nintendo Switch 2 supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate). Here's what that means.
What VRR does:
Your TV matches whatever frame rate the game outputs. No tearing, no stutter from mismatched refresh rates.
Do you have a compatible TV?
TVs from 2020 or later in mid-range and higher often support VRR. Look for HDMI 2.1 with VRR, AMD FreeSync, or G-Sync compatibility.
How to turn it on:
System Settings > TV Output > enable VRR. Also enable "Match Display."
When it helps:
Games with variable frame rates. Open world games, demanding scenes, anything where performance fluctuates.
When it doesn't matter:
Games locked at stable 60 fps already feel smooth.
Handheld mode?
No VRR. Built-in screen runs at fixed 120Hz. VRR only works docked via HDMI.
Compare Nintendo Switch 2 prices at major retailers.
What are the best screen protectors for Nintendo Switch 2?
Nintendo Switch 2 has a plastic screen. It will scratch. Get a screen protector.
The easy choice:
Spigen GlasTR EZ Fit. Made for Switch 2, has an installation tray, tempered glass. Around $15-20 for a 2-pack.
Budget option:
AmFilm or JETech tempered glass. About $8-12 for a 3-pack. No installation tray, but the glass is fine.
Premium option:
dbrand. Precise fit, premium quality, slightly more expensive.
Tempered glass vs film:
Get tempered glass. Feels better, protects better, easier to clean.
Installation tips:
Clean the screen obsessively. Line up before pressing down. Use the installation tray if included.
What to avoid:
Random no-name brands. Poor adhesive, rainbow effects, misaligned cuts.
Compare Nintendo Switch 2 prices at major retailers.
How long does it take to fully charge the Nintendo Switch 2?
From empty to full, about 3 hours. Here are the details.
When the console is off or sleeping:
Plug in the included adapter, come back in 3 hours. Using a stronger USB-C PD charger might save 30 minutes.
When you're playing:
Way longer. Demanding games might prevent charging entirely. Expect 4-6+ hours for a full charge while playing.
Fast charge:
A 15-minute charge with a 30W USB-C PD charger gives about 2 hours of playtime.
Why the last bit takes forever:
Lithium-ion batteries charge fast when empty and slow near full. The last 20% takes its time. This is normal.
Keeping your battery healthy:
Don't leave it plugged in constantly at 100%. Let it drain sometimes, then full charge.
Compare Nintendo Switch 2 prices at major retailers.
🔥 Trending Deals
Loading trending deals...
Footer 1
Subscribe for Updates
Get the latest news, and updates on ShopSavvy. You'll be glad you did!