Things to know before buying Nintendo Switch 2

Compared to the original Switch launch in 2017, the Switch 2 launch was much more successful, as it seemed like Nintendo sent out a wider variety of consoles. Eager Nintendo fans lined up, got their bundles and games, including some premium picks like Mario Kart World, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Editionand more.

While there's no denying that it's a more powerful version of the Switch, there might be some who were a little disappointed with how the Switch 2 fared in 2025. They might have appreciated knowing a few things upfront before selling off things, buying accessories, and so on. So anyone looking to buy a Switch 2 now can hopefully avoid these similar issues.

Save some money with the old ones

One of the best features of the Switch 2 is that most controllers will be compatible with the console. While it may be tempting to buy a shiny new Pro Controller, it comes at a high initial cost. If gamers bought a Pro Controller for Switch, a controller, or any other wireless controller, it should work with Switch 2.

This includes the Joy-Cons for the Switch, although they can't slide into the sides of the Switch 2, and are best used with older multiplayer Switch games. It's best to buy the console first, bring it home, and then try out all the controls they have. Eventually, players will probably need to buy another set of Joy-Con 2 controllers, but it shouldn't be a day one purchase.

The Switch 2's memory is amazing

Save the Micro Express SD for later

The original Switch model had 32GB of internal storage, while the OLED model had 64GB. Compared to other consoles at the time, such as the PS4 and Xbox One, the storage options were small, but there were two positives. Firstly, the games were much smaller in size, and secondly, players could easily expand their storage with Micro SD cards, which were very cheap.

Unfortunately, gamers can't reuse their Switch's Micro SD cards in the Switch 2, as that requires Micro Express SD cards instead, and they're more expensive at the moment. Gamers who bought an original Switch or OLED model probably assume they should buy a Micro Express SD with their Switch 2, but that's less necessary since the internal storage is 256GB. Again, compared to its console contemporaries, this is a small amount, but this should also be enough to last gamers for a while unless they literally buy every game on the market. Eventually, gamers will need to purchase a Micro Express SD, but they should keep their eyes open for a sale rather than buying one with their console initially.

Invest in a power bank

There are tons out there

One of the devices that grew in popularity during the Switch's life cycle was the power bank. These are essentially rechargeable batteries that can be used to charge other devices, from phones to game consoles like the Switch. The best ones are a bit pricey, but Nintendo released one during the Switch's lifetime as a collaboration with Anker that is no longer available. For those lucky enough to have bought one, or more, during its lifetime, it can still work with the Switch 2.

Regardless, gamers should invest in a power bank for the Switch 2 if they plan to travel with it. Even on the lowest settings, including lowering the screen brightness or turning off rumble, the Switch 2 can only last a couple of hours. The battery is significantly weaker than any of the previous Switch models due to how much more powerful the Switch 2 system is, so again a power bank is a worthwhile investment. At home it might be best to play it in docked mode.

Say goodbye to the Switch

No need to collect dust

Almost all Switch games can be played on Switch 2 thanks to backwards compatibility. These games will often run better between load times or images. Some improved games include Bayonetta 3 and Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition. There are of course Switch 2 versions of previous games that work even better, thanks to Nintendo's tweaks like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Nintendo has a list of games that won't work on the Switch 2 right now, but they're expanding their list of options to make them work eventually. So if there's a game on this list that gamers absolutely love, and they can't play it any other way, then maybe they should keep their Switch.

But if there are no games on the list that affect them, they should go ahead and just sell the console. It's an easy way to earn some money to go towards the Switch 2, accessories or new games. That said, trading in consoles can be a bit of a racket, as many trade-in markets don't give gamers a good deal. Therefore, it can also be a good idea to give away the original Switch and some games to a friend or family member, which is a more healthy solution and helps the game market grow.

Keep your games

Switch 2 makes even bad games better

Most Switch owners probably bought a majority of their games digitally, especially if they were fans of smaller indie titles. Players cannot sell these games when or if they trade in their Switch. That said, even if they have physical copies of games they can sell, they shouldn't, and that includes games in the collection that players may not have liked the first time around.

One of the most notoriously bad launches was Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet, because they ran and looked bad on the original Switch. With a patch, players can enjoy these games with better quality on Switch 2 as if they were brand new games. Internet connections with multiplayer games are also much better on Switch 2, inclusive Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Good or bad, games always appreciate in value.

It won't feel like a new system

This is a Switch 2, right?

One of the wildest feelings gamers can experience is how overwhelming it will be to turn on the Switch 2 for the first time. Setup is easy enough to transfer data and even games, which should take no more than fifteen minutes. The weird thing is that the user interface is exactly same. Imagine how much less impact it would have if the PS3, PS4 and PS5 splash screens were the same.

When gamers buy a new system, they don't just do it for the games and graphics. They want the product to look new too, and the Switch 2 is really just a better Switch. So new buyers should go in not expecting anything drastic, and for some this isn't a bad thing, and for others it might put them off a bit.

Maybe it's best to wait

Year one was solid, but not amazing

Switch had one of the best launch games of all time, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildand it will be a hard launch to beat for any future console. For the 2017 launch year, this was followed up by Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Odyssey, Xenoblade Chronicles 2and tons of third-party support, which covered a lot of bases. The Switch 2's launch game was Mario Kart Worldwhich was good, but its follow-up, Donkey Kong Bananawere better, but neither did Breath of the Wild numbers.

As for 2025's other Switch 2 exclusives, there wasn't much to be over the moon about beyond Donkey Kong Bananawhich is a certified GOTY contender that every Switch 2 owner should buy. One game and several other okay titles do not make an already expensive console attractive. That is, those who bought the Switch 2 day one probably wanted to know what the rest of the year would look like before they jumped in head first. It performs well, the screen is beautiful and the games that hit are really compelling, but it feels like a less impactful launch than the original Switch, which was a game changer. The number of portable PC consoles out there now, from the Steam Deck to the ROG Xbox Ally X, is all thanks to the Switch.