Nintendo Switch 2 Price Debate: Is The $449 Tag Really Worth It?

I must confess that when I first came upon the price of $449 for the Nintendo Switch 2, I rather had mixed feelings. It was quite above the original Switch which went for a little under $299, and that’s a gigantic leap, really. Along my usage, however, my opinion started to change; this little handheld console is producing quite insane performance.

The Switch 2 is so much more than an upgrade in the landscape of video game hardware. It has the ergonomics of a portable device but acts considerably like a home console, making it all the more functional and chilled out. I could toss the thing in a bag and take it down to my cousin’s place to play some Pokémon Legends: Z-A before shoving it into the dock and diving into some Metroid Prime 4: Beyond in full resolution. The flexibility alone did manage to convince me that the price was relatively valid.

Some online folks are saying that it’s too much compared to the older Switch. But look: The ROG Ally X and other powerful handhelds run for about 999 bucks, and not everyone can afford that. Given that, Switch 2 is sort of in the middle. It offers good gameplay without going into crazy-high prices.

Quite frankly, I am not just looking at the number on the box; what matters to me is what I get out of it. And with the games and performance that I’ve witnessed, it feels fair.

While testing Resident Evil Requiem on the Switch 2, graphics and frame rate were shiny smooth. This really did not feel like a handheld at all. Lighting, textures, and motion were comparable to something on a home console such as PlayStation 4.

It seems like Nintendo had implemented something along the lines of DLSS-styled technology to upscale frames and enhance visual clarity. Perhaps an imperfect technology, but at least in my mind, quite commendable, considering the size and price. Additionally, I’ve noted a rather interesting boost in the performance of older Switch titles, as they seem to glide along with more ease due to the hardware upgrades.

As a matter of fact, it is funny how some big websites complain about the price of the Switch 2 but spontaneously applaud $1000 handheld PCs with no second thought. This kind of bias leaves room for people these days to wonder if reviews have even become that fair.

For me, it’s about real-life usage; I don’t ever care what a sponsored reviewer says. If something feels right in my hands, runs the games smoothly, and gives me lots of joy, then it’s worth it. And that is exactly where the Switch 2 clears all the criteria.

Nintendo expects to sell 25 million units by March 2026, which is a clear demonstration of confidence in the whole project. Analysts, though, suspect it may be around 17 to 20 million, which is a good margin from its own forecast.

The games bring in much of that. Beyond Pokémon and Metroid, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Hades 2, and Silkong run fine. Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, and Mario Tennis Fever have already been teased for next year, making for a healthy supply for both old fans and new players.

One thing I absolutely love is it can still run Switch games. I don’t have to let go of my old collection, so the console really feels like an investment for the long term. When I went back to play Breath of the Wild, it felt awesome, thanks to the smooth frame rates and graphical upgrades.

That made me chuckle, as it felt as if I was rediscovering some old titles without any remaster fee.

It is being said that it is $150 to $200 above the last model, which is true. But when compared to portable PCs or high-end handhelds, this price seems quite reasonable. These other devices pack a punch but cost double and sometimes don’t even have the library of games to match.

So yes, it is not cheap, but it is certainly not overpriced considering the performance and features and most importantly the games on offer.

Honestly, after about two weeks’ worth of use, I’d say the Nintendo Switch 2 hits the best balance between power and premiumity while being still small enough to carry around easily. Yes, it does come at a premium price, but with good measures.

Sometimes, with friends, comparisons are made to devices, and even the owners of the ROG Ally admit the Switch 2 is doing great for $449.

So is it actually worth the asking price? I say yes. It is not without flaws. Still, if you are interested in strong performance, stunning exclusive titles, and portability, the Switch 2 deserves a spot in your shelves. You may also be interested in: Here’s my take on Keeper. No big professional talk just how it felt to me.

Yes, it plays all your old Nintendo Switch games smoothly, and the older games run even better on the new system.

No, it’s only for the console. Nintendo may have a bundle of some sort later with a popular game or something.

It depends on what you want. If you want strong PC performance, go for the ROG Ally X. But if you want portability with exclusive games, Switch 2 makes far more sense.

Yes, Nintendo has already confirmed several titles for 2026, so there’s a lot to look forward to.

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