The Nintendo Switch 2 isn't appealing to everyone. In fact, since the unveiling of Nintendo's next console, it has been receiving an unprecedented wave of criticism. Many will still buy it as soon as it's released, or at least in the months that follow, but others are still hesitant to make the leap to the new generation.
Some players are even considering investing in one of the older Switch models. This is the case for those who had previously only bought the portable version, the Nintendo Switch Lite, and who want to switch to a home console. But it's also the case for players who hadn't succumbed to the Switch but who would now like to be tempted. Is it still a good idea to buy a Switch 1 now?
Performance
The new features of the Nintendo Switch 2 aren't very ambitious, but they are still numerous. A new USB-C port, a better-designed kickstand, magnetic controllers, and a new community button. These are all nice features on paper, but in practice, they're so specific that they become superficial. Even in terms of pure performance, there's nothing to suggest this will be a major step forward.
Since the Nintendo Switch 2 looks more like a Pro version than a next-gen, it seems like from a technical perspective, it's still worth buying a Nintendo Switch 1, or at least its OLED version. That one already had a bigger, better screen, with a reworked dock and a more practical kickstand. The only issue you might encounter is games, but it will take some time before this becomes a real problem for you.
Games
Indeed, if you invest in a Nintendo Switch 1 or OLED now, you will be unable to play titles specially designed for Nintendo Switch 2. But we advise you not to pay attention to this detail, since to date, very few games have been announced, and it will take at least two or three years before Nintendo releases enough to make it worthwhile.
The current Nintendo Switch has the advantage of having an 8-year-old game library, and a huge number of playable titles that are still very attractive today. You can easily pick and choose to find everything you're looking for, and for much less than what you'd have to spend on a Nintendo Switch 2 and its games. And conversely, almost all current Nintendo Switch games will be compatible with the new console, as the cartridge reader is exactly the same.
The price
Personally, we rarely recommend buying an older-generation console when the new one has just been released, as there are normally more advantages to upgrading to the next-gen. But given the price of the brand's next console, it's too big an investment to be taken lightly.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has put off more than one person because of its price range, both for the console and the games. Available on its own, the Nintendo Switch 2 is listed at the recommended price of €469.99, and is sold with Mario Kart World for €509.99. Remember that at its launch, the Nintendo Switch OLED was listed at €349.99, sometimes sold with a game at that price. Today, this model is much more accessible, and is often seen for less than €300 on all reseller sites.
It's also worth considering that physical games are increasing in price on the Nintendo Switch, rising to €90 each. On the current Switch, the full price of a game is €60, and many copies can be found second-hand, which represents a significant saving.
Conclusion
If you're still wondering whether it's a good idea to take the plunge 8 years after the Switch's release and opt for one of the older models, we'll tell you that it's never too late. The Switch 2's technical innovations are currently too few in number or too irrelevant for a purchase of this magnitude to be truly attractive to the traditional consumer. We would still recommend opting for an OLED model, as it has a better design, a better screen, better ergonomics and a price generally between 250 and 300 euros.
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