Nintendo Switch 2 Guide: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

The rumour mill is in full swing: the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2 is one of the most talked-about topics among gamers. As the successor to one of the most popular consoles ever, expectations are sky-high. But new technology also brings new marketing terms and potential pitfalls. Before you spend your savings, it's important to know what to look for. We'll help you separate fact from fiction.

Here are a few common pitfalls when buying a new console:

1. Blindly trusting the "4K promise": Many consoles advertise 4K gaming, but the reality is often more nuanced. Sometimes the resolution is upscaled rather than being native 4K, resulting in a less sharp image. It's crucial to understand what kind of 4K support is being offered.
2. Ignoring hidden costs: The purchase price of the console is just the beginning. Essential accessories like an extra controller, a charging station, a protective case, or a larger memory card can significantly increase the total cost.
3. Underestimating the game library: The most powerful hardware is useless without good games. Ultimately, you buy a console for the games you can play on it, especially the exclusive titles that aren't available anywhere else.

Core Specifications: What to Look For

To make an informed choice, it's helpful to understand a few technical specifications. We'll break down the most important ones for you in plain language.

Screen and Resolution: TV vs. Handheld

The unique strength of the Switch line is its hybrid functionality. The Nintendo Switch 2 continues this tradition. According to the available specifications, it features a built-in 7.9-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1920x1080 (Full HD). This is a clear upgrade from the 720p screen of the original.

When you connect the console to a TV, it can output a signal up to 3840x2160 (4K). This means that if you have a 4K television, you can enjoy games in a higher resolution. The actual performance will vary per game, but the hardware is ready for it.

Storage: Is 256 GB Enough?

The new Nintendo Switch comes with 256 GB of internal storage. This is a significant improvement, but modern games are getting larger. Titles of 50 GB or more are not uncommon. If you plan to buy many games digitally, that 256 GB will fill up faster than you think. Fortunately, you can easily expand the storage with a microSD card, a relatively small additional investment that gives you a lot of freedom.

The New Joy-Con 2 and Backward Compatibility

One of the most interesting innovations are the Joy-Con 2 controllers. According to the product information, these attach to the console with magnets, which should make attaching and detaching them easier.

Perhaps most importantly for current Switch owners: the Nintendo Switch successor is compatible with your existing games. Both physical game cards and digital purchases linked to your Nintendo Account can be played on the new console. This protects your investment in your current game collection.

Our Recommendations for Different Gamers

Not everyone is looking for the same thing in a console. We've highlighted a few popular choices and matched them with specific user profiles.

MATCH FOR: THE LOYAL NINTENDO FAN

Nintendo Switch 2 - Console (EU)

Why This Fits Their Persona: Ideal for the gamer who values the unique Nintendo experience and wants to play both at home on the couch and on the go. If you're looking forward to the next Zelda, Mario, or Pokémon, this is the logical choice.

How It Avoids the Trap

This console avoids the "no games" pitfall through backward compatibility. You have immediate access to a huge library of existing Switch games, in addition to new titles.

Key Advantage & Pros

Improved 1080p handheld screen and 4K output to TV. The new Joy-Con 2 controllers offer updated functionality.

MATCH FOR: THE GRAPHICS POWERHOUSE

Sony PlayStation 5 Slim 1TB Disc Edition

Why This Fits Their Persona: For the gamer who primarily plays at home on a large TV and wants the highest possible graphics performance and loading speeds. Portability is not a priority for this user.

How It Avoids the Trap

The PS5 delivers a consistent high-end experience and makes good on the 4K promise for a growing number of titles, ensuring you get what you pay for in terms of graphics.

Key Advantage & Pros

Extremely fast load times thanks to the SSD and access to acclaimed PlayStation exclusives. The DualSense controller provides haptic feedback.

MATCH FOR: THE PC GAMER ON THE GO

Asus ROG Xbox Ally Portable Gaming Console

Why This Fits Their Persona: Perfect for those who already have an extensive PC game library (via Steam, Epic Games, or PC Game Pass) and want to take these games anywhere without compromising on performance.

How It Avoids the Trap

You don't have to build a new game library. This device gives you instant access to thousands of existing PC games, which lowers the total long-term investment.

Key Advantage & Pros

Runs on Windows 11, which offers maximum compatibility. The 120Hz Full HD screen ensures smooth gameplay.

What is the expected Nintendo Switch 2 price?

Although Nintendo has not yet confirmed an official price, analysts expect it to be higher than the original Switch at launch. Expect a price between ?350 and ?450, given the improved hardware and new screen. For now, this remains speculation.

Can I play my old Switch games on the successor?

Yes, expectations and available product information indicate that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be compatible with most physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. Your Nintendo Account and its associated purchases can be transferred.

When can I pre-order a Nintendo Switch 2?

The official Nintendo Switch 2 release date has not yet been announced. Once Nintendo officially unveils the console, pre-order opportunities are expected to follow quickly. Keep an eye on the product pages for the latest updates.