Many gamers are facing a dilemma if they don’t already have a Switch. Because I’m not sure if I should buy a Switch now or wait until Switch 2 comes out.
All rumors point to a March 2025 release date for the Switch 2, so Nintendo’s next console is still some time away. But now it’s not so far off that you don’t need to buy a Switch.
So is it actually worth buying a Switch in 2024, or are you better off waiting for Nintendo’s next console?
Why you should buy a Switch in 2024
There are certainly some reasons to buy a Switch in 2024, but it’s worth considering whether this is a wise investment later in its life cycle.
AMAZING GAME LIBRARY
There are tons of great exclusive games on Switch. Whether you like platform games, life simulations, large-scale open world adventures, or racing, there’s something for you!
Super Mario Odyssey, Tears of the Kingdom, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Splatoon 3 are just a few of the great Switch exclusive games, and they’re all great in their own way. If you don’t have a Switch, you’re definitely missing out!
If you can’t wait for your Switch 2 to play these games, I recommend buying a Switch. Plus, you can get great deals on the Lite version of the console too!
Switch Lite is a great, affordable option
If you’re looking to buy a Switch for exclusive games, you can enjoy many benefits by purchasing the Switch Lite now.
You can buy a refurbished Switch Lite directly from Nintendo for just $170, and you may be able to find better deals elsewhere. So even if the console isn’t supported for too long, it’s a reasonable deal to be able to play a whole library of great games for that price!
Why You Should Wait for Switch 2
On the other hand, waiting for Switch 2 is probably the best course of action for most gamers.
Switch 2 is coming soon
All leaks suggest that Nintendo Switch 2 will be released in early 2025. Release is likely still a year away, but that kind of time flies in the gaming world.
If you decide to buy a Switch in 2024, you’ll be left with a very old and unsupported console in about a year.
Switch is very outdated now
As for the Switch’s age, the console is now almost seven years old.
Even when it launched in 2017, the Switch was far from a powerhouse. But in 2024, the difference between the Switch, PS5, and Xbox Series X will be night and day.
Graphics and loading times aren’t everything, though. The Switch is far behind other home consoles and Steam Deck.Buying now would be a bit unwise.
Switch 2 will almost certainly be much more powerful, and judging by the Switch, it will likely be fully supported for at least the next five years.
Nintendo Loves Backward Compatibility
Lastly, Nintendo heavily supports backward compatibility, so we expect Switch games to be perfectly playable on the Switch 2.
Additionally, some popular Switch games like Tears of the Kingdom could be receiving next-gen upgrades for Switch 2 to improve their graphics!
So if you enjoy waiting to play a great Switch exclusive game, waiting for Nintendo’s next console will definitely be worth it.
Overall Verdict
Overall, We recommend waiting until Switch 2 is released. For most gamers. The original Switch is so old and outdated that you won’t be able to drop $300 on it in 2024 unless you really want to play Switch-exclusive games.
You can pick up a refurbished or used Switch Lite for much less, but the Switch 2 will likely be backwards compatible as well. Therefore, waiting for Nintendo’s next console is the wisest choice.
Stay tuned for more information about Switch 2 in the coming months. If the rumored March 2025 release date is accurate, expect Nintendo to announce the console later this year!