Quick Read
- Nintendo Switch 2 preorders went live on April 24, causing site crashes and quick sellouts at major retailers.
- The new console offers improved graphics and performance but is largely an iterative upgrade over the original Switch.
- Most upcoming games, including Metroid Prime 4, will still be compatible with the original Switch.
- Switch 2-exclusive features, like Game Chat and mouse-like Joy-Con functionality, are limited for now.
- Experts suggest waiting to upgrade as more exclusives and better utilization of the new hardware are expected in the future.
Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders: A Frenzy of Demand
The Nintendo Switch 2, the highly anticipated successor to the original Switch, opened for preorders on April 24, 2025. As expected, demand surged, leading to website crashes and sold-out inventory at major retailers such as Walmart, Best Buy, and Target. While the console is set to officially launch on June 5, many fans are left scrambling to secure their orders amid limited supply.
Retailers faced significant technical challenges during the preorder phase. Walmart implemented a digital queue system, which worked for some users but left others stuck in endless waiting screens. Target and Best Buy also experienced errors, with some buyers reporting canceled orders even after receiving confirmation emails. Despite these issues, Nintendo has assured fans that more preorder opportunities will arise closer to the launch date.
What’s New in the Nintendo Switch 2?
The Switch 2 brings several upgrades, including enhanced graphics, better frame rates, and a larger screen with 1080p resolution and HDR support. Powered by an updated Nvidia GPU, the console promises a smoother gaming experience, particularly for titles optimized for the new hardware. However, these improvements are incremental rather than revolutionary.
For example, while games like Zelda: Breath of the Wild look better on the Switch 2, they remain highly playable on the original Switch. This backward compatibility extends to the entire Switch game library, making it easier for players to transition to the new console without losing access to their favorite titles.
Why You Might Want to Wait
Despite the excitement, experts suggest that waiting to upgrade might be the smarter choice for most gamers. Here’s why:
- Iterative Upgrade: The Switch 2 is designed as a bridge to the original Switch, with many upcoming games compatible with both consoles. This approach mirrors the strategy of other gaming systems like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
- Limited Exclusives: While titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza are Switch 2 exclusives, major games like Metroid Prime 4 Beyond and Pokemon Legends Z-A will still run on the original Switch.
- Price Considerations: Switch 2 games are priced higher, often $10–$20 more than their original Switch counterparts. However, players can upgrade their existing games later for a similar cost, avoiding the immediate financial burden.
- Future Potential: The true value of the Switch 2 will likely emerge as developers create games that fully utilize its enhanced capabilities. Early adopters may not experience significant differences initially.
Exclusive Features: Are They Worth It?
The Switch 2 introduces a few new features, such as Game Chat and mouse-like functionality for its Joy-Con controllers. However, these features are currently limited in scope. Game Chat requires a Switch Online subscription and only works with other Switch 2 users, while the Joy-Con’s mouse-like capabilities are supported by a small number of games. Additionally, camera-based party games are available but lack widespread adoption among developers.
These features, while intriguing, do not represent a groundbreaking shift in gameplay. For most users, they are unlikely to justify the immediate upgrade.
Backward Compatibility: A Key Advantage
One of the most significant advantages of the Switch 2 is its full backward compatibility with the original Switch’s game library. Unlike the transition from the Wii U to the Switch, players can carry over their existing games and even upgrade to enhanced Switch 2 versions later. This compatibility reduces the urgency to upgrade, allowing gamers to continue enjoying new releases on their current hardware.
Tariff Concerns and Pricing Uncertainty
Another factor to consider is the potential impact of tariffs on future pricing. Nintendo has already increased the prices of Switch 2 accessories due to tariff fluctuations, and it remains unclear whether the console itself will be affected. For budget-conscious gamers, waiting could provide more clarity on long-term pricing trends.
Patience Pays Off
While the Nintendo Switch 2 offers exciting upgrades and features, it is not an essential purchase for most gamers at this time. The console’s design as an iterative upgrade, coupled with its backward compatibility and limited exclusives, makes it a system that can be comfortably adopted later. By waiting, players can avoid the current preorder chaos, save money, and enjoy a more robust library of optimized games in the future.
For those eager to experience the Switch 2 immediately, keeping an eye on restock alerts and Nintendo’s official preorder opportunities is recommended. However, for the majority of gamers, sticking with the original Switch for now remains a perfectly viable and enjoyable option.