The Nintendo Switch 2 is the successor to the popular Nintendo Switch console. This page breaks down the differences between the two Nintendo Switch consoles, how much they cost, and who this new gaming machine is best suited for.

Overall Findings

The original Nintendo Switch (now being referred to by some as the Nintendo Switch 1) is an incredibly solid console with a massive library of video games in numerous genres. With games like Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Fortnite, and Mortal Kombat 1, plus its ability to be played on TV or on the go, it’s a console that has something for everyone.

The Nintendo Switch 2 takes everything people loved about the first Switch and improves it. The screen is bigger, video games look and sound better, and they even added built-in voice and video chat. More importantly, the Nintendo Switch 2 can play most Nintendo Switch 1 games and all future games designed for this new current-gen console, including the re-release of some GameCube titles. It does come at a cost, though, with everything from the Switch 2 console and accessories to the games themselves hitting high price-points compared to their last-gen equivalents.

Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware: The Switch 2 Is Bigger and Faster

The Nintendo Switch 2 is an improvement on the original Nintendo Switch in almost every way. The screen is both larger and more powerful than the one used on its predecessor, supporting 1080p resolution instead of 720p in handheld mode and 4K resolution rather than 1080p when docked and connected to a TV. While Xbox and PlayStation consoles have had 4K gaming for several years now, this is the first Nintendo console to make the leap. And it’s about time.

The Switch 2’s 256GB storage is loads better than the Switch’s measly 32GB, and the addition of a second USB-C port is both more convenient and practical. Especially with the added support for USB-C webcams for video chat and other features in some Nintendo Switch 2 titles. The improved kickstand is a welcome addition, as is the added mouse functionality to the new Joy-Con 2 Controllers. The only major disappointment with the Switch 2 is its battery life, which can last up to six hours on a single charge, but this can be reduced to as little as two hours when playing a high-end game that requires more energy to run.

Nintendo Switch 2 vs 1 Compatibility: Lots of Switch Video Game Support with Little Accessory Backwards Compatibility

The vast majority of first-gen Nintendo Switch video games are playable on the newer Nintendo Switch 2 console. Most of the titles that aren’t playable are expected to gain support via online patches in the second half of 2025. Some major titles, such as those from franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Donkey Kong, have also received special Nintendo Switch 2 re-releases, which are basically the same games but with improved graphics and additional features.

The Nintendo Switch 2 supports all of the digital games available via the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) paid subscription service. This includes every Super NES, Game Boy, NES, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64, and SEGA Genesis titles and the newly-released GameCube games.

The original Dock and Joy-Con Controllers don’t work with the Switch 2, but newer versions are included with all new Switch 2 purchases. However, you will need to purchase additional Joy-Con 2 Controllers if you want three or more players playing a game at once. The original Switch Pro Controller still works with the Switch 2 consol,e though a new Switch 2 Pro Controller has also been released with improved rumble, mappable buttons, a headphone jack, and a dedicated chat button.

Nintendo Switch 2 Price Differences: Switch 2 Games and Console are More Expensive

The Nintendo Switch 2 console, being the more advanced of the two Switch console generations, is naturally more expensive than the original. The base Nintendo Switch 2 console has a recommended retail price of $499 and comes with a Dock for connecting to your TV and two Joy-Con 2 Controllers. For comparison, the original Nintendo Switch console costs $299.99 and also comes with a Dock and two Joy-Con Controllers.

Individual Switch 2 accessories are also more expensive than those designed for the first-generation Switch. A pair of the new Joy-Con 2 Controllers retails for $94.99 compared to $79.99 for a pair of the original Joy-Cons. This price increase also extends to video games with a $10-20 higher price tag for the Switch 2 version of games that are also available on the original Switch console.

Final Verdict: 

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a sleeker and more powerful console than the original Switch. It boasts a number of overdue improvements that make it a solid choice for both first-time Switch buyers diving into the ecosystem and existing owners looking to upgrade their Nintendo gaming experience. Many serious gamers will find the addition of 4K resolution to be reason enough to upgrade all on its own. 

The Nintendo Switch 2 console, games, and accessories are undeniably more expensive than their predecessors, but the experience is better and also more comprehensive, especially with almost full backwards compatibility with first-generation Switch video games and all of the classic NSO digital titles. What’s more, the newly re-released NSO GameCube games are exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 consoles, as are several major video games such as Mario Kart World. Simply put, if you want to play these games, you’ll have to get a Nintendo Switch 2.

If you’re looking for a cheaper gaming console for a junior gamer who just needs something to play Fortnite on, the original Nintendo Switch is a totally fine choice.