Nintendo Switch 2: A Year Later — Is It Worth Upgrading Amid Rising Console Prices?

A year ago, the Nintendo Switch 2 hit the market with significant attention but mixed reviews. At the time, it seemed like an excellent portable console but not a must-have upgrade for original Switch owners. Today, amid rising electronics and gaming device prices, the Switch 2 appears far more appealing. While competitors like the Steam Deck and other PC handhelds approach the $1,000 mark, and PlayStation 5 and Xbox prices remain high, Nintendo increased the Switch 2’s price by just $50—to $500—effective September 1.

In its first year, the Switch 2 saw the release of several notable games, though none from legendary franchises like Zelda or Mario. Standout titles include *Donkey Kong Bananza*, *Metroid Prime 4*, and the surprise hit *Pokémon Pokopia*. The console has also demonstrated its ability to run major third-party projects, such as *Resident Evil Requiem*, *Indiana Jones and the Great Circle*, and *Cyberpunk 2077*. This confirms that the Switch 2 is not just a handheld but a full-fledged gaming platform.

There are, however, some drawbacks. Battery life remains modest—just a few hours depending on the game. The screen, while high-quality, doesn’t match the brightness of OLED displays, and the Joy-Con controllers still fall short, lacking analog triggers. Nevertheless, Nintendo compensates for these shortcomings with a convenient dock for TV connectivity and modular controllers, making the Switch 2 a versatile device for gaming at home or on the go.

Nintendo now offers the Switch 2 with a free game included for $500—a solid bonus, given that many top titles cost $70 or more. With console prices continuing to rise, this deal looks increasingly attractive. Meanwhile, the company is gradually shifting its exclusives to the Switch 2, leaving the original model without major new releases. For first-generation Switch owners, this may be the push needed to consider an upgrade.