Things you should know before buying a Nintendo Switch 2

Compared to the original Switch release in 2017, the Switch 2 launch was much more successful as Nintendo seemed to send out a larger supply of consoles. Avid Nintendo fans lined up, got their bundles and games, including some premium options like Mario Kart World, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Editionand others.

While there's no denying that this is a more powerful version of the Switch, there may be some who were a little disappointed with how the Switch 2 performed in 2025. They might have appreciated knowing some things in advance before selling something, buying accessories, and so on. So anyone looking to buy a Switch 2 now can hopefully avoid these same issues.

Save some money with the old ones

One of the best things about the Switch 2 is that most controllers will be compatible with the console. While it may be tempting to buy a brand new Pro Controller, it comes with a high upfront cost. If gamers have purchased a Pro Controller for Switch, a wired controller, or some other wireless controller, then it should work with Switch 2.

This includes the Joy-Cons for the Switch, although they cannot slot into the sides of the Switch 2 and are best used with older Switch multiplayer games. It's best to buy the console first, bring it home, and then test every controller you own. Eventually, players will probably need to buy one more set of Joy-Con 2 controllers, but it shouldn't be a day one purchase.

The Switch 2 memory is great

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 minuscule, but there were two positives. Firstly, the games were much smaller in size and secondly, players could easily expand their storage using Micro SD cards, which were very cheap.

Unfortunately, gamers can't reuse their Switch's Micro SD cards in the Switch 2 because it requires Micro Express SD cards instead, and those are more expensive at the moment. Gamers who bought the original Switch or OLED model probably assume they should buy a Micro Express SD for their Switch 2, but it's less necessary since the internal storage is 256GB. Again, this is a small amount compared to current consoles, but it should be enough to last gamers for a while unless they buy literally every game on the market. Eventually, players will need to purchase the Micro Express SD, but they should keep their eyes peeled for sales instead of buying it with their console initially.

Invest in a Power Bank

There are plenty out there

One device that gained 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 pricey, but Nintendo released one during the Switch's lifetime as a collaboration with Anker, which 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, gamers should invest in a power bank for the Switch 2 if they plan to travel with it. Even at the lowest settings, including dimming the screen or turning off rumble, the Switch 2 can only last a few hours. The battery is significantly weaker than any of the previous Switch models because the Switch 2 system is more powerful, so again the power bank pays off. At home, it may be best to play in docked 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 loading times or visuals. Some enhanced games include 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 tweaks like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Nintendo has a list of games that don't work on the Switch 2 right now, but they're expanding their list of options to eventually work. So if there's a game on this list that gamers absolutely love and can't play any other way, then maybe they should keep their Switch.

However, 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 cash to go towards the Switch 2, accessories or new games. This means that trading on consoles can be a bit of a racket, as many trading markets won't give players a good deal. Therefore, it might also be a good idea to gift the original Switch and some games to a friend or family member, which is a healthier solution and will help the gaming market grow.

Keep your games up

Switch 2 makes even bad games better

Most Switch owners probably bought most 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. This means that 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.

It was one of the notoriously bad starts Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet, how they ran and looked bad on the original Switch. With the patch, players can enjoy these games in better quality on Switch 2 as if they were brand new games. Also, the internet connection with multiplayer games is much better on the Switch 2, incl Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Good or bad, games will always appreciate in value.

It won't look like a new system

This is the 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 for data transfers and even games that should take fifteen minutes at most. The weird thing is that the UI does exactly same. Imagine how much less impact it would have if the splash screens for PS3, PS4 and PS5 were all the same.

When gamers buy a new system, they don't just do it for the games and graphics support. They want the product to look new too, and the Switch 2 is really just a better Switch. So new buyers shouldn't expect anything drastic, and for some it's not a bad thing, and for others it can be a bit off-putting.

Maybe it's best to wait

Year one was solid, but not amazing

Switch had one of the best launch games ever, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildand it will be a tough launch for any future console. For the 2017 launch year, he followed it up Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Odyssey, Xenoblade Chronicles 2and plenty of third-party support to cover a lot of bases. The Switch 2 launch game was Mario Kart Worldwhich was good but its sequel Donkey Kong Bananawas better, but none of them did the numbers of Breath of the Wild.

As for other Switch 2 exclusives for 2025, there hasn't been too much in a month. Donkey Kong Bananawhich is a certified GOTY contender that all Switch 2 owners should buy. One game and a few other great titles won't make an already expensive console attractive. That said, those who bought the Switch 2 day one probably wanted to know what the rest of the year was going to look like before jumping in head first. It works well, the screen is beautiful, and the games that hit are really compelling, but it feels like a less impressive launch than the original game-changing Switch. The plethora of portable PC consoles that exist now, from the Steam Deck to the ROG Xbox Ally X, are all thanks to the Switch.