Topic: Should I upgrade to Switch 2?

I currently own the original Switch and mostly use it for Animal Crossing and Just Dance, and sometimes Mario Kart when I have friends over.

It seems like Nintendo is starting to make newer games only for the Switch 2 (like Pokopia), so I’m wondering if it’s worth upgrading. Are those newer games actually that different from older ones like Animal Crossing, or is it pretty similar?

@traz08 That's how game console generations work. Console gens are normally about 6+ years apart, and the tech/power upgrade is so large that the previous gen won't have enough power to run the newer, shinier, next gen games. The next animal crossing, 3d mario, 3d, zelda, will be switch 2 exclusive. Other than Tomadachi life, I'm not sure any more big Nintendo titles will be coming to Switch 1, and Nintendo has stated that their development is now focused on Switch 2.

The answer currently is, it's worth it if the increased power and games are worth it to you. So, the answer is a bit subjective for each person.

Granted, if you buy a console early in it's life, it's a bit of a gamble becasue you are trusting Nintendo to bring the games. Currently, Nintendo usually doesn't like revealing games more than six months in advance. I think, partly because the marketing likes the reveals for creating buzz each year, and also because other companies may try to copy new game innovations from trailers if Nintendo reveals the games too far in advance.

For me, I mainly play docked and wanted the power & speed of the new hardware, Swtich 2 plays switch 1 games, and I know I likely want the next Splatoon, 3d mario, 3d zelda, etc. And other unannounced games usually come along that I want. Splatoon has been one of the most played games on my switch 1 & 2.

@traz08 If you mostly just use your Switch for Animal Crossing and Mario Kart with friends, I would advise you to not upgrade yet. Switch 2 is no small investment, so it's only really justifiable to purchase the system if you expect a sizable quantity of games you are interested to come to the system.

If you're someone who only has a system for 1 or 2 games that you're interested in, I'd strongly recommend you to hold off on upgrading to Switch 2 until there is a lite model or a fairly large discount (probably from a holiday sale in the mid-late life-cycle of the system). Until that point, your Switch 1 will probably continue to deliver quality gaming for you, whether you stick to your usual titles or expand your horizons to new kinds of games.

@traz08 Going by what you've written, it didn't sound worth it yet.

Switch 2 games are more expensive, demand more storage, and battery life is lesser. Unless you've identified at least one or two must-play games, you may as well hold and see what's happening next year.

If you have the money and can name at least three exclusive games you want, I would say absolutely.

At this point, I'd wait for the next revision with an OLED screen and replaceable battery.

@MoldyPasta I would say more 3-5, but in general this is a pretty good metric for buying a console.

Do you wanna play Pokopia?

Gotta shell out, Skippy.

Honestly the recent boost mode update is a good reason to get the upgrade. Not to mention it'll have it's own library of exclusives

Agreed.

The boost mode alone makes it the Switch Pro we always wanted. I literally hardmodded my Switch just to be able to output the docked image in handheld mode while overclocking to support it.

But now Switch 2 does that on its own, and has a 1080p screen to take advantage of the higher docked resolutions and the power maxes the framerates (playing Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes on Switch 2 boost mode almost feels like a Switch 2 game- it runs at 60 fps too).

Forget about Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bonanza, Pokopia, Splatoon Raiders, Fire Emblem, Pokemon Winds/Waves... those are great, but anyone who loves playing Switch 1 games and can afford it owes themselves the upgrade it provides.

And if not, at least pay to get the Switch 1 hardmodded. But at this point I'd say it's more worth it to just put that $ toward a Switch 2 instead.

@traz08 I see you're in the US, too. You might also consider the fact the prices of a Switch 2 and accessories are likely going to rise, so buying now might save you some money on a system you sound like you're going to get eventually anyway. Your Switch 1 controllers will work just fine with Switch 2, though, so no need to fork out more cash for the crazy expensive controllers.

@traz08
Nope.
Better keep on your Switch 1 games, wait until 2 or 3 years later to see more games on Switch 2 that cater your genre.
With your current interest in Animal Crossing and some casual games, Switch 1 is still the best option for games you can play.

Yea, I mean, if you really like Animal Crossing, definitely don't get the system that lets you play the game everyone says is as good as or better than Animal Crossing.

Wait for the OLED/Pro/Switch 3.

I'd buy it for Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza alone, but there's not much else on offer unless you're in to rehashed games with slightly better graphics and a bit of extra content. Also I hear due to memory prices going up it may push the price of Switch 2 up, so may be a good time to get it before it's out of your price range. We all need to keep our fingers, toes, hands, arms, legs, and eyes crossed that Nintendo announce the next Mario or Zelda game SOON because we need them, and the Switch 2 needs the new games, not rereleased Switch 1 games that have little extra to offer.

Nah. I'd wait for the Switch 4.

Maybe even just stop gaming.

@maxrpg The next new Zelda game is likely years away at this point given how long BotW and TotK took (7 years each), if they're doing anything this year for the 40th anniversary it'll be a remake/remaster of some kind.

I think you should get a Sega Dreamcast, that would be cool.

@kkslider5552000 I agree with this.

I'm in a similar spot but I've actually never owned a Switch before. I've played them at friends' houses and always loved stuff like Wii Sports Golf, so I'm finally thinking about buying my own console.

@traz08 I’m also looking at Pokopia but I can’t tell if the upgrade is worth the extra money for a casual player. Since I don't have a system yet, should I just jump straight to the Switch 2 for the better graphics or just find a cheap original model? @Megas75 mentioned that boost mode which sounds cool, but is it really noticeable if I'm not a hardcore gamer?