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Nintendo Switch 2 is now available globally at a price of US$499.
The record-breaking sales of this next-gen console exemplifies how badly players have been waiting for it this whole time.
Still, the additional upgrades have confused them about whether to spend on a controller and camera or not.
The highly anticipated successor of Nintendo’s 2017 gaming console is finally live. The hype around this next-gen portable gaming console has been in the air since it was announced. With improved graphics and advanced features, this Nintendo hardware promised a lot to gamers. Shattering all the previous records with more than 3 million sales within 24 hours of its global release is also overwhelming.
Against this backdrop of strong demand, Nintendo has taken a bold step to push Switch 2 with upgraded hardware and brand-new accessories, most notably a native camera and a revamped Pro Controller. However, here the biggest confusion arises: are these upgrades justified? Here’s what gamers should know.
Switch 2 presents a complete evolution from its predecessors in features. Still, at its core, the console maintains the familiar hybrid: handheld, dockable, and user‑friendly. In terms of its appearance, this console boasts a slightly larger screen with a 7.9‑inch LCD with 1080p resolution. That’s in handheld mode. If one uses the docked mode, it provides 4K with smoother frame rates, reaching up to 120 fps in some titles. Switch 2 is thus best for titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Metroid Prime 4, and No Man’s Sky.
Nintendo has integrated social features into the console, a built‑in camera, and a microphone. The best part of the social feature is a dedicated GameChat button on Joy‑Cons, which enables video chat with teammates and fellow players during gameplay. These are indeed exciting, but the demand depends on how much players care about chat-enhanced play.
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One aspect that has sparked discussion among the community members is the native camera accessory that is now available separately. During pre-orders, retailers have reported strong demand for these accessories, especially for the camera. However, it has a different side as well.
Aside from games like Mario Kart World and a few other titles, there’s no evident requirement for GameChat and photo mode. For instance, players who are interested in game streaming have the utility of a camera to enrich the experience. However, for casual players, it doesn’t matter much.
The most compelling addition is the renewed Pro Controller. Currently, this controller is priced around US$84, and it elevates the comfort across different aspects: improved grip, customizable back buttons (GL/GR), smoother analog sticks, and amazing build quality.
Reddit users accurately echo this sentiment in their acknowledgment of the controller. Some players mentioned, “It’s a very minor upgrade…if money is no issue, it’s a nice premium feeling controller that I would prefer to use over the original.”
Maintaining the same tone, others stated, “Out of all my controllers…this one has the best analog sticks…Hands down even better built.”
Now, if the dilemma is whether it's worth paying full price, then it needs some discussion. If you have a Switch console and a Pro Controller, you can pass this opportunity. The improvements are indeed elegant, but not game-changing. On the contrary, if someone has never owned a Switch console before and has no Pro Controller, this upgrade is justified.
Mario Kart World, a Switch 2 launch exclusive, exemplifies how the console’s new hardware is being leveraged. The game has open-world stages, rail grinding, wall-riding, 24-player races, boats, etc., as vehicles, and a visually rich environment running at a very smooth 60 frames per second. Free Roam mode looks promising, although its integration into the core gameplay emphasizes the lack of precision.
Backward compatibility comes in handy, too. The next-gen Nintendo console enhances visuals, and one can easily take Breath of the Wild, Fortnite, and No Man's Sky as examples. However, there’s a catch. The bigger file sizes and heavy storage usage. That said, the internal 256 GB may not last long, thus encouraging more purchases of microSD Express options.
The Switch 2 is what players have expected for this long. In terms of strengths, this console offers players performance, display, social tools, and general polish. For existing Switch 1 users, particularly those having the previous Pro Controller, the camera alone would not warrant a full upgrade. The new Pro Controller does feel better to grip and use, and it is definitely worth it if you plan on doing some heavier gaming.
It indeed comes with a steeper price tag, retailing at US$449, and requires extra spending on accessories, but what you get feels like the next step—a gentler, more refined jump rather than a leap into PC-level power. Finally, for social gamers and newcomers, it is an exciting upgrade; for long-time owners, it’s still questionable whether to have these accessories or not.
Also Read: 10 VR Games You'll Love: Even If You're Not Into VR
