Nintendo Switch 2 Buying Guide
Everything you need to know before buying. We compare alternatives, recommend accessories, and give you our honest verdict.
Quick Verdict
Our take in 30 seconds.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a worthy successor that fixes the original's biggest issues. DLSS upscaling enables genuine 4K gaming, magnetic Joy-Con with hall-effect sensors end the drift nightmare, and full backward compatibility protects your library. At $449, it's a significant investment, but for Nintendo fans, it's an essential upgrade that modernizes the hybrid gaming experience.
Buying Guide
Step-by-step breakdown to help you decide.
Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: Which handheld is for you?
The Switch 2 offers Nintendo exclusives, better portability, and DLSS upscaling. The Steam Deck offers a massive PC game library and better raw performance. Choose Switch 2 for Nintendo games and battery life; choose Steam Deck for indie/PC gaming.
- Switch 2: Nintendo exclusives, DLSS, battery life
- Steam Deck: PC library, performance, SteamOS
- Consider: What games do you want to play?
Is the Switch 2 worth upgrading from the original Switch?
If you primarily play docked, the 4K DLSS upgrade is transformative. If you primarily play handheld, the 8-inch HDR screen is a big improvement. The magnetic Joy-Con alone may justify the upgrade for frequent players.
- Docked players: 4K DLSS is transformative
- Handheld players: 8-inch HDR is excellent
- Casual players: The original is still fine
Best Alternatives
Other great options worth considering.
Steam Deck OLED
$549Valve's handheld PC with SteamOS and massive game library.
ASUS ROG Ally X
$799Windows-based handheld gaming PC with Z1 Extreme chip.
Recommended Accessories
Complete your setup.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
Upgraded Pro Controller with Hall-effect sticks and back paddles.
Switch 2 Carrying Case
Official carrying case for the larger Switch 2 form factor.
Still Have Questions?
We've got answers.
Original Joy-Con connect via Bluetooth but don't physically attach. The old Pro Controller works. The new dock is not compatible with the original Switch. Cases designed for the original Switch do not fit.