The Nintendo Switch 2 is officially being released into the world tomorrow, but if you didn't already secure a preorder, you're likely going to have a hard time finding one available on launch day. Many retailers have stated that they will have some consoles available after the initial release date, but Nintendo has already started shipping out official "Out of Stock" signs ahead of the launch.
If you already have a Nintendo Switch and are looking to upgrade to the new console, you may have to wait a little bit longer to do so. But if you don't currently own a Switch console and want to start playing Nintendo games, there's no reason you can't still buy the older model and be happy about your choice.
The First Switch Is Still Great
Personally, I opted to not even try to preorder a Switch 2. I plan to wait at least a year before I buy one, simply because I'm still perfectly happy with my existing console setup. I think the actual hardware of the Switch 2 seems great and Mario Kart World looks really fun, but right now, it's not enough to convince me to immediately upgrade. I first purchased a Nintendo Switch back in 2018, it was an absolute game changer for me. Since then, it has become my primary gaming device and I've amassed quite the collection of both physical and digital games. There are multiple reasons the Switch is one of the best-selling consoles of all time, but I love it for the games.
All of the best Switch Games are still on the Switch
While its true that the Switch 2 has backward compatibility with most Switch 1 games, pretty much all of the best Switch games were specifically made for the original Nintendo Switch. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Odyssey, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Metroid Dread, and many more are just as excellent as they were when they were first released. These games may have enhanced graphics on the Switch 2, but the fun of it hasn't been diminished.
Outside of the Switch exclusive games I mentioned above, there's also a massive library of indie games on the console that really don't require a high-powered console. Games like Celeste, Hollow Knight, and Stardew Valley are all excellent and run great on older hardware.
Some Switch 2 Games Will Still Come Out on Switch 1
While there are a lot of Switch 2 launch games that won't be playable on the standard Switch, many of these "new" games are already available on PC and other consoles. Outside of Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, some of the biggest upcoming Nintendo games will still be available on the Switch when they release. This includes Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Hollow Knight Silksong, and even Metroid Prime 4. These games will likely run better on the Switch 2, but you don't need the new console to play them.
Many other new releases can be played on other consoles
The hardware upgrade the Switch 2 brings makes it possible to play bigger games on the console, but you can still play these elsewhere if you have another console or a decent gaming PC. In my case, I have a Steam Deck that lets me play games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Split Fiction just fine. If you're planning on only having one console to play all of your games, the Switch 2 is an excellent choice, but it isn't necessary if you already have another piece of hardware with enough juice to play those newer games.
If you find yourself debating whether or not to pick up a Switch 2 or a Steam Deck, I'd recommend checking out our in-depth comparison to help you decide.
Is It Still Worth Buying a Regular Switch in 2025?
Now that I've gone ahead and publicly defended my decision not to buy a Switch 2 just yet, the question still remains: Does it make sense to buy a new original Switch in 2025? The answer really depends on your situation and what you're looking for in a console. If you're looking for an affordable way to play a bunch of great games, the Switch is still one of the best choices on the market despite its age. It's also a great first console for younger kids, especially with the more affordable Switch Lite console that doesn't have a direct Switch 2 equivalent.
If you're looking to play the newest games with improved graphics and performance, you'll probably want to wait to buy the Switch 2. It's more expensive overall (including the game prices), but you'll be able to play the latest Nintendo games and ports that are too big to be compatible with the standard Switch. The Switch 2 also has the addition of video chat if you purchase the add-on camera accessory, making it great choice if you're looking to stream games or play with friends online.
The final thing to consider is how much the screen matters to you. The Switch 2 is launching without an OLED screen, so the older Switch OLED model will still have a better display in handheld mode. If you plan on playing most of your games on your TV, this doesn't really matter, but if you really care about having an OLED screen, then the older model is still worth buying at this point.
