February 21, 2024, 9:56 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Even at the release of the Nintendo Switch in 2017, the hardware was not cutting-edge. Is it still worth buying the console now, seven years later, even though a successor, the Nintendo Switch 2, is on the horizon?
While nothing has been officially announced yet, quite a bit is already known about the successor to the Nintendo Switch—likely a Switch 2 (not a Pro device). It was recently revealed that we will probably have to wait until at least March 2025. Nevertheless, one must consider whether it is still worth buying the regular Switch now. This applies both in relation to the successor and generally with regard to the growing market of handheld consoles. TECHBOOK explores whether it is still worth buying a Nintendo Switch today.
Overview
Buying a Switch despite outdated hardware?
In general, it’s worth noting that Nintendo’s Switch console is still selling well. In the last fiscal year, nearly 18 million units were sold. This is a decrease compared to previous years, but still a significant number, meaning Nintendo doesn’t need to rush a successor. This is despite the fact that the hardware is now considered quite outdated. Anyone considering buying a Nintendo Switch now should definitely keep this in mind.
The console has never offered the best graphics and technical performance. The gap to other technical platforms now poses a real challenge for developers, which players sometimes notice. So, if you’re still considering buying a Nintendo Switch, you should ask yourself how important technology and graphics are to you. Do you need great visuals and high performance? Then you should either wait for the Switch 2 or look for a completely different console. However, if you’re interested in the Nintendo system itself and don’t necessarily value the latest hardware, the Switch is definitely worth a look.
By the way, we have compiled all the known information and rumors about the Nintendo Switch 2 in an overview article.
Backward compatibility and exclusivity of games
A major advantage of the console is access to Nintendo’s exclusive titles. Unlike other console manufacturers, whose titles often eventually appear on PC, the Japanese company takes a stricter approach. Nintendo’s in-house games can only be played on the manufacturer’s hardware—or you need to use an emulator.
If you’re interested in “Animal Crossing,” “Zelda,” and the like, you can’t avoid buying a Nintendo Switch. The games already released work on the old console. Since the release of the Switch 2 seems to have been significantly delayed, there is no imminent wave of new games that could overwhelm the current console.
It should also be mentioned that it is almost certain that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be backward compatible. In other words, you will be able to play titles developed for the predecessor on the new console. So, if Nintendo exclusivity and a certain level of performance are important to you, you should wait for the successor. However, if you don’t value Nintendo games but do value performance, you might be better off with another handheld like the Steam Deck or the Asus ROG Ally.
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Still too little known about the Nintendo Switch 2
Speaking of handhelds, that’s the key advantage of the Switch. Except for the Lite model, it’s a hybrid concept. You can play games in handheld mode or via a docking station on a larger monitor. A crucial piece of this puzzle is the easily detachable Joy-Cons, the console’s control elements.
So far, Nintendo has been tight-lipped about specific information regarding the Nintendo Switch 2. As of now, not even rumors have leaked about whether the company will again opt for such a hybrid concept. This is considered likely, as it was a key factor in the success—the Nintendo Switch currently ranks third among the best-selling consoles of all time. However, it’s also conceivable that Nintendo might choose a different concept.
If you’re considering buying a Nintendo Switch now, you know what you’re getting for your money. And the form is just one of the many details where we’re still in the dark about a Switch successor. How big the technical leap will be, how large the display will be, and much more—we can only speculate.
Who might still find a Nintendo Switch worthwhile today
There is still a target audience for the current Switch or, of course, the newer OLED model. Here’s a rough summary of who might still find it worthwhile to buy a Switch—and who might not:
Ultimately, it’s a very individual decision, especially since too little is known about the Switch 2 to make a precise assessment. The fact is, many users report having a lot of fun with their Nintendo Switch even years after purchase. So, if you’re sure you want to buy a Switch—perhaps due to the exclusivity of the titles—you can still do so with a clear conscience and wait for a good deal.