The gaming console industry is constantly expanding; With new devices releasing every few years, it’s a race to outperform and outdo opponents with new technology and new games. A recent console that might come to mind is the Nintendo Switch, released in 2017 with immense success.
But, as time goes on, its technological prowess is being eclipsed by other, stronger devices. As more and more competitors continue to get ahead of the Japanese company, many fans have wondered when another will be released. Now, we don’t have to wait for an answer. Nintendo teased the release of a new device in January, and with the recent Nintendo Direct in April, it was officially debuted as the Nintendo Switch 2.
However, its announcement stirred up just as much doubt as excitement. Many, including myself, wonder about its claim about being a better, stronger version that’s worth our money. Is it really worth it? Releasing on June 5, it’s unclear if its success will even come near the original’s.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is defined as a “hybrid gaming console” like its predecessor, meaning it can function as a handheld device and a home console. Besides the usual stronger technology, it features many quality-of-life upgrades from the original Nintendo Switch, such as a larger screen, longer, more secure controls for optimal play when removed from the console. Upon release, it will be sold for $449.99 in the United States.
More exciting, though, is the console’s opening game lineup, easily one of the most promising we’ve seen for a device upon launch. The following releases were confirmed along with the April Nintendo Direct:
- Kirby Air Riders (To be released in 2025)
- Mario Kart World (To be released with the Switch)
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (To be released in late 2025)
- Duskbloods (To be released in 2026)
- Hades II (To be released in 2026)
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Final Fantasy VII Remake
- Deltarune
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
- Tomodachi Life 2: Living the Dream (To be released in 2026)
But is it worth it? While the console clearly boosts upgrades from the original, it feels too much like a cash grab in many aspects. For one, the console is almost twice the amount of the original Nintendo Switch when it was released. It’s insanely expensive, and games are locked behind $80 paywalls. It’s unclear yet if all games for the original Nintendo Switch will work on the Nintendo Switch 2, as the company has also announced the release of old games for the switch such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and its sequel game Tears of the Kingdom.
Though the games and featured upgrades make it tempting, the prices for the console, add-ones and games are simply too much to be worth it. The costs upon release are unrealistic. I, and many others, have stated that it’d be more worth it to buy the console and its games later, when prices hopefully go down.
