Nintendo have long been a name in family-friendly gaming with consoles aimed at innovation and fun over technological prowess. With the Nintendo Switch, they combined home gaming with handheld technology so you can enjoy the power of a home console with the convenience of portability.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is the next progression of this with upgraded tech and sharper graphics but what are the key differences between the two and which is best for you? Here we dive in and uncover what separates Switch from Switch 2.

What is the difference between the Switch and the Switch 2?

The biggest difference between the two consoles is the graphical output, with sharper, smoother graphics being immediately noticeable on the larger and more powerful screen with nearly as twice as many pixels. This is the crux of the differences with a few physical changes too, mostly around the controllers. Originally click in, these controllers could become loose if over used or plastic parts could snap so the magnetic upgrade over the sliding rails does give it a longer lifetime of use, as well as allowing the controllers to be used upright, like computer mice.

There’s a wider kickstand to prop up the screen when it’s not docked, making for a sturdier prop when playing on the move. However, all these upgrades do slightly affect the battery life with the chance of half an hour less gametime between charges, depending on how heavy the usage is. Newer does also mean more expensive so think about your budget before buying.

Is Switch 2 worth the upgrade?

With noticeable graphical upgrades and newer games for the Switch 2 that aren’t available on Switch, the Switch 2 is definitely worth the investment.

As Nintendo start to focus more on this console, eventually support for the original will dwindle so it is probably worth the upgrade if you can afford to do so right now.

Can I play Switch games on Switch 2?

For the most part, yes. With large scale backwards compatibility support for most Switch games, simply putting them into the Switch 2 will be enough to continue the fun.

Many Switch games even have downloaded updates on the Switch 2 to improve their output on the newer console, so playing them on the Switch will be a smoother experience than before. This isn’t across all games but certainly a large amount of them.

What are the disadvantages of a Switch 2?

More expensive than its predecessor, the Switch 2 may be more powerful than the Switch but still falls behind the likes of the PS5 and Xbox X Series. If, power is your main priority, you may want to consider changing consoles rather than simply upgrading.

With a library of Nintendo exclusives, the Switch 2 still doesn’t necessarily receive games from third-party developers from launch as they need to be toned down for its lower output settings, and if they are not popular enough on other consoles, they may never be ported over. However, Nintendo make their own games, exclusive to the Switch 2 and optimised for it.

Is Nintendo Switch 2 worth it for kids?

Absolutely! Nintendo games are typically focussed on family friendly fun and the Switch 2 will now be where the company focusses its attention, so there will be more and more games for children and adults coming from Nintendo, as well as most of the Switch titles being able to be played on the Switch 2 as well.

The portability makes it great for taking on long journeys, or just shifting it around the house, but with social gaming a massive part of its development, it can also encourage playing with friends and family too.

Which version of Nintendo Switch is best?

With more powerful output, newer games, better software and hardware, it’s pretty evident that the Switch 2 is a massive improvement over the original Switch and its subsequent models like the Switch Lite and OLED Switch.

With consoles and games galore, check out our gaming hub for inspiration, tips and guidance on what’s best for your needs, and discover our full range of games and accessories.

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