Compared to the original Switch launch in 2017, the Switch 2 launch was much more successful, as it seemed like Nintendo sent out a bigger supply of consoles. Avid Nintendo fans lined up, got their bundles and games, including some premium choices like Mario Kart World, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, and more.
10 Nintendo Switch 2 Games That Are Confirmed (But Don’t Have A Release Date Yet)
Will these Switch 2 games be released in 2026, or will they be delayed?
While there is no denying it is a more powerful version of the Switch, there may be some who were a bit disappointed in how the Switch 2 did over 2025. They may have appreciated knowing some things ahead of time before selling things off, buying accessories, and so on. So, anyone looking to buy a Switch 2 now can hopefully avoid these similar 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 bought a Pro Controller for the Switch, a corded controller, or some other wireless controller, then it should work with the Switch 2.
This includes the Joy-Cons for the Switch, although they cannot slide into the Switch 2’s sides, and they’re 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 probably need to buy one other set of Joy-Con 2 controllers, but it shouldn’t be a first-day purchase.
The Switch 2’s Memory Is Great
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, like the PS4 and Xbox One, the storage options were minuscule, but there were two positives. First, games were much smaller in size, and second, players could easily expand their storage with Micro SD cards, which were very cheap.
Unfortunately, players cannot reuse their Switch’s Micro SD cards in the Switch 2, as it requires Micro Express SD cards instead, and they are more expensive at the moment. Players who bought an original Switch or OLED model probably assume they should buy a Micro Express SD with their Switch 2, but it is less necessary because the internal storage is 256GB. Again, compared to its contemporary consoles, this is a small amount, but this should also be enough to last players a while unless they literally buy every game on the market. Eventually, players will need to buy a Micro Express SD, but they should keep their eyes peeled for a sale instead of buying one with their console initially.
Invest In A Power Bank
There Are Plenty Out There
One of the devices that grew in popularity over 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 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, during its lifetime, it can 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 on the lowest settings, including lowering the screen’s brightness or turning off rumble, the Switch 2 may only last a couple of hours. The battery is significantly weaker than any of the previous Switch models because of how much more powerful the Switch 2 system is, so again, a power bank is a worthwhile investment. At home, it may be best to play it in docked mode.
Say Goodbye To The Switch
No Need To Collect Dust
Nearly 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. Some improved games include Bayonetta 3 and Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition. There are, of course, Switch 2 versions of previous games that run even better, thanks to Nintendo’s 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 are expanding their list of options to make them work eventually. So, if there is a game on this list that players absolutely love, and they can’t play it any other way, then they should perhaps 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 make some money to go toward the Switch 2, accessories, or new games. That said, trading in consoles can be kind of a racket, as a lot of trade-in markets won’t give players a good deal. That’s why it might also be a good idea to gift the original Switch and some games to a friend or family member, which is a more wholesome solution and will help the gaming market grow.
Keep Your Games
The Switch 2 Makes Even Bad Games Better
Most Switch owners probably purchased a majority of their games digitally, especially if they were fans of smaller indie titles. Players can’t sell those games when or if they trade in their Switch. That said, even if they have physical copies of games that they can sell, they shouldn’t, and that includes games in the collection that players may not have liked the first time around.
One of the most notoriously bad launches was Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet, as they ran and looked bad on the original Switch. With a patch, players can enjoy those games with better quality on the Switch 2 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, games always appreciate in value.
It Won’t Feel Like A New System
This Is A Switch 2, Right?
One of the wildest feelings players may experience is how underwhelming it will be to turn on the Switch 2 for the first time. The setup is easy enough for transferring data and even games, which should take, at most, fifteen minutes. The strange thing is that the UI is exactly the same. Imagine how less impactful it would be if the startup screens for the PS3, PS4, and PS5 were all the same.
Best Open-World Games On The Nintendo Switch 2
These giant open-world games can now be taken on the go thanks to the enhanced hardware in the Nintendo Switch 2.
When players buy a new system, they don’t just do it for the games and the boost in graphics. They want the product to look new as well, and the Switch 2 is really just a better Switch. So, new buyers should go in not expecting anything drastic, and for some, this is not a bad thing, and for others, this may dissuade them a bit.
Perhaps, It’s Best To Wait
Year One Was Solid, But Not Amazing
The Switch had one of the best launch games of all time, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and it will be a hard launch to beat for any future console. For the 2017 launch year, this was followed up by Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Odyssey, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, and tons of third-party support, which covered a lot of bases. The Switch 2’s launch game was Mario Kart World, which was good, but its follow-up, Donkey Kong Bananza, was better, but none of them did Breath of the Wild numbers.
In terms of 2025’s other Switch 2 exclusives, there wasn’t a lot to be over the moon about beyond Donkey Kong Bananza, which is a certified GOTY contender that all Switch 2 owners should buy. One game and several other okay titles do not make an already expensive console enticing. That is to say, those who bought the Switch 2 day one would have probably liked to have known what the rest of the year was going to look like before jumping in headfirst. It performs well, the screen is beautiful, and the games that hit are really compelling, but it feels like a less impactful 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.
10 Nintendo Switch 1 Games That Were Held Back By The Hardware
Could these games have been better on consoles beyond the Switch?
