Things to know before buying Nintendo Switch 2

Compared to the original Switch launch in 2017, the Switch 2 launch was more successful, as Nintendo seems to have shipped a larger supply of consoles. Avid Nintendo fans lined up, received their bundles and games, including some premium options. Mario Kart World, Bravery Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster, Cyberpunk 2077: The Ultimate Editionand more.

There's no denying that it's a more powerful version of the Switch, but there may be some who were a little disappointed with how the Switch 2 performed in 2025. They may have appreciated knowing in advance how to sell goods, buy goods, and so on. So, anyone looking to buy a Switch 2 now can avoid these same 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 upfront cost. If players buy a Pro Controller, a corded controller, or some other wireless controller for the Switch, then it should work with the Switch 2.

This includes the Joy-Cons for the Switch, although they cannot slide next to the Switch 2, and they are best used with older multiplayer Switch games. It's best to buy the console first, bring it home, and then test every controller they own. Eventually, players will 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 excellent

Save that 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. First, the games were very small in size, and second, players could easily expand their storage using micro SD cards, which were very cheap.

Unfortunately, players can't reuse their Switch's Micro SD cards on the Switch 2, as it requires Micro Express SD cards instead, and they're expensive right now. Gamers who bought the original Switch or OLED model will probably need to buy a Micro Express SD with their Switch 2, but with 256GB of internal storage, this is less necessary. Again, compared to its contemporary consoles, this is a small amount, but it should also last players for a while until they buy literally every game on the market. Eventually, players will need to buy a Micro Express SD, but they should keep their eyes peeled for sales instead of buying one with their console initially.

Invest in a power bank

There are many 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 gaming consoles like the Switch. The best ones are a bit more expensive, 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 purchased one, or several, in their lifetime, it may still work with the Switch 2.

Either way, players should invest in a power bank for the Switch 2 if they plan to travel with it. Even at the lowest settings, including reducing screen brightness or turning off rumble, the Switch 2 can only last a few hours. The battery is much weaker than any previous Switch models because of how powerful the Switch 2 system is, so again, a power bank is a worthwhile investment. At home, it might be better to play it in dock mode.

Say goodbye to the Switch

No need to collect dust

Almost every Switch game can be played on the Switch 2 thanks to backwards compatibility. These games will often run better between load times or visuals. Includes some improved games Bayonetta 3 and Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition. Of course, there are Switch 2 versions of previous games that run even better, thanks to Nintendo's tweaks. 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 the list of options to make them work eventually. So, if there's a game on this list that players absolutely love, and they can't play it any other way, then they should keep their Switch.

However, if there are no games on the list that affect them, then they should go ahead and just sell the console. It's an easy way to earn some money to get into 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 players a good deal. That's why it can also be a good idea to gift the original Switch and some games to a friend or family member, which is a better solution and will help the gaming market grow.

Keep your games

Switch 2 makes bad games better

Most Switch owners bought most of their games digitally, especially if they were fans of smaller indie titles. Players cannot sell those games when or if they trade in their Switch. That said, 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.

was one of the most notoriously bad launches Pokemon Scarlet and pokemon violet, They ran and looked bad on the original Switch. With a patch, players can enjoy those games on Switch 2 with better quality as if they were brand new games. Also, Internet connections with multiplayer games are much better on the Switch 2, including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Good or bad, the game is always worth the price.

It doesn't seem like a new system

It's a Switch 2, right?

One of the wildest feelings players can experience is how amazing it will be to turn on the Switch 2 for the first time. Setup is easy enough to transfer data and even play games, which should take fifteen minutes at most. The strange thing is that the UI Exactly the same Imagine how much less efficient it would be if the startup screens for PS3, PS4, and PS5 were all the same.

When gamers buy a new system, they don't just do it for the boost in games and graphics. They also want the product to look new, and the Switch 2 is a really cool Switch. So, new buyers should go without expecting anything drastic, and for some this is not a bad thing, and for others, it can discourage them a bit.

Perhaps, it is best to wait

The year was solid, but not amazing

The Switch had one of the best launch games of all time, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildAnd it will be a tough launch for any future console to beat. For the 2017 launch year, it was followed Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Odyssey, Xenoblade Chronicles 2And tons of third-party support, which covers a lot of bases. Switch 2 was the launch game Mario Kart WorldWhich was good, but its follow up, Donkey Kong Bananawas good, but none of them did Breath of the Wild numbers.

In terms of 2025's other Switch 2 exclusives, there wasn't much to talk about beyond the moon. Donkey Kong BananaWhich is a proven GOTY contender that all Switch 2 owners should buy. One game and several other ok titles don't make an already expensive console attractive. That said, those buying a Switch one day out of 2 will like to know what the rest of the year looks like before jumping in headfirst. It performs well, the screen is beautiful, and the hit games are really compelling, but it feels like a less impressive launch than the original Switch, which was a game-changer. The number of portable PC consoles that exist now, from the Steam Deck to the ROG Xbox Ally X, is all thanks to the Switch.