Sadly, the Switch 2 is Now a Great Value

Nintendo Switch 2 Review Summary

Overall Verdict

Despite rising from $450 to $500, the Switch 2 remains a strong value in 2026 for people who want one system that works as both a handheld and a living-room console—especially families who will use its Nintendo games and local multiplayer.

It is not the cheapest way to play games, nor does it match PCs or other consoles for game variety. But its hybrid design, Nintendo library, and compatibility with Switch 1 games make it an appealing all-purpose option.

Main Strengths

• Hybrid play is its biggest advantage. Switching between handheld and docked play is seamless. Docked, it can run at up to 4K/60 Hz or at lower resolution and 120 Hz. A software update also added docked variable refresh rate.
• A substantial existing library. The reviewer says around 32,000 Switch 1 games are playable on Switch 2. Many are worthwhile, though he notes that most eShop listings are not games he would recommend.
• Nintendo games and local multiplayer. The system is particularly suited to first-party games, indies, and playing together locally. The reviewer’s family often uses it for games such as Switch Sports and board-game-style titles.
• Useful software updates. Docked VRR and “boost mode” improve the experience. Boost mode can let compatible Switch 1 games run at up to 1080p in handheld mode, though it uses about 20% more battery.
• Strong family flexibility. The reviewer can play docked while his children use the same system in handheld mode.
• Competitive pricing against current alternatives. The reviewer compares the $500 Switch 2 with a $500 Xbox Series S, a $750 entry-level Series X, a $600 PS5 Digital Edition, and a $900 PS5 Pro. He also cites the Steam Machine at over $1,000, the ROG Xbox Ally at $600, and the Steam Deck at $790. In that context, the Switch 2’s combined handheld-and-console role looks attractive.

Drawbacks

• Still a costly purchase. The console is $500 before games or accessories. Bundles cited were $550 with Mario Kart World and $530 with Switch Sports Resort. If low cost is the priority, the reviewer recommends a used Switch 1 instead.
• Games can add up. Many major releases cost $70–$80, and Nintendo first-party games rarely receive deep discounts. The reviewer says around $35 during Black Friday may be the best deal.
• A narrower third-party library than on Xbox, PlayStation, or PC. The Switch 2 has ports such as Cyberpunk 2077, Fallout 4, Elden Ring, Skyrim, and Oblivion Remastered, plus annual sports games and RPGs. But it lacks some major releases, including mainline Call of Duty games and GTA 6. The reviewer sees it primarily as a first-party and indie machine.
• Limited internal storage and expensive expansion. It has 256 GB of internal storage, which can fill quickly. It requires microSD Express cards rather than standard microSD cards. These are faster but more expensive; the reviewer cites a 512 GB Samsung card for $99 on sale, versus a usual price of $150.
• Expensive official accessories. The Switch Pro Controller costs $90, and replacement Joy-Cons cost $99.
• Locked-down operating system. Compared with a handheld PC, the Switch 2 lacks flexibility. The reviewer would like options such as PC streaming through Moonlight and streaming apps such as Netflix.
• Limited value from Nintendo Switch Online for the reviewer. He mainly uses it for cloud saves, particularly to move saves between family members’ Switch systems. He rarely uses its retro-game offerings.
• Potential LCD ghosting or motion blur. The reviewer barely notices it and says many casual players may not either, but people sensitive to it may find the screen disappointing.

How the Reviewer Uses It and Accessory Impressions

The reviewer mostly plays docked, preferring the bigger screen and best graphics; his children mostly play handheld.

Controllers

• The official Pro Controller feels good and has smooth sticks, but its D-pad is not great and it is expensive.
• The 8BitDo Pro 3 costs $70, often less on sale. It has a retro-meets-modern design and trigger stops, and the reviewer used it as his main controller for a time.
• His current budget pick is the Mobapad C2 Lite, at $27. He finds it comfortable, with Hall-effect sticks, adjustable rumble, gyro, programmable rear buttons, and quiet face buttons. It lacks HD rumble, a Switch 2 wake function, and a charging dock, but its battery is rated for up to 20 hours. He considers it a particularly good low-cost choice.

Handheld Controls and Grips

• The reviewer uses Mobapad M12S replacement Joy-Cons, especially liking their ergonomics and gray finish, which shows fewer smudges than the black version.
• He prefers the $80 M12S to the $120 M12 Pro. The Pro adds features such as HD rumble and Switch 2 protocol support, but he does not think those justify the extra $40 for his needs. He also notes the M12HD as another model.
• He has heard positive things about NYXI replacement Joy-Cons, but considers the cited $170 Ultra model too expensive.
• For people keeping the standard Joy-Cons, he discusses grips from dbrand (starting at $60) and Mechanism. The dbrand grip’s textured surface is especially appealing to him. Mechanism offers different grip sizes and a modular system, with free 3D-printable files and attachment options.
• Both grips can make handheld play more comfortable, but their protective setups do not fit directly into the dock and require a separate, somewhat clunky docking solution. The reviewer generally avoids a shell or grip so he can dock the system directly.
• Genki Grips, at $55, are another option, though the reviewer had not yet tested a review unit.
• His son enjoys a GameSir G8 Plus telescopic controller for Fortnite, though the reviewer finds the Mobapad Joy-Cons lighter and more comfortable.

Games and Personal Experience

• The reviewer has been enjoying the video’s Ocarina of Time remake, saying its updated presentation and modern conveniences finally made it click for him. He had previously stopped early in other versions and had played about five hours of this version at the time of recording.
• He still returns to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and says he prefers it to Mario Kart World.
• He stopped playing Donkey Kong Bananza at around 20%, feeling overwhelmed by the amount to do in each level.
• He stopped Metroid Prime 4 at around 50%, finding its backtracking and gameplay increasingly repetitive.
• His 10-year-old son has made substantial progress in Breath of the Wild—about 50%, by the reviewer’s estimate—and enjoys exploring it. The Switch 2 update improves its graphics and frame rate.

Comparisons and Alternatives

• A used Switch 1 is the reviewer’s recommendation for the lowest-cost route into Nintendo’s library.
• A sub-$100 retro handheld can be better value for older games, but cannot play current Switch titles.
• High-end Android handhelds offer extensive emulation and some PC-game compatibility, but require configuration.
• A handheld PC such as the Steam Deck offers a much larger game library—the reviewer cites nearly 150,000 Steam games—but costs more and is less simple as a family-friendly hybrid console.

Speaker Perspectives

• Russ, the reviewer: Sees the Switch 2 as an unusually good value for conventional, family-oriented gaming, despite its price and limitations. He prefers playing docked and favors inexpensive third-party controllers.
• His children, as reported by Russ: Prefer handheld play. His youngest enjoys Fortnite, including with the GameSir controller, while his 10-year-old is deeply engaged with Breath of the Wild.