Should You Buy a Nintendo Switch in 2026?

If you‘re wondering whether now is the right time to finally pickup a Nintendo Switch, this definitive guide will walk you through all the reasons why purchasing a Switch is still a fantastic investment in 2024.

As someone who has owned and loved my Switch since launch day back in 2017, I‘ve seen firsthand how Nintendo keeps this console thriving year after year with amazing exclusive games, creative innovations, and the magic of on-the-go gameplay.

While Playstation and Xbox battle it out for cutting edge 4K visuals and processing power in the "console wars", the Switch continues carving its own successful niche with a library of iconic Nintendo franchises, innovative portable/docked flexibility, and a lower price point.

After examining all the facts around software support, rumored hardware upgrades, target demographics, and upcoming releases, my verdict is clear – the Nintendo Switch is still an absolute must-buy console in 2024.

Here‘s a comprehensive look at why you should feel confident joining the Switch family this year:

Nintendo‘s Packed 2023 Lineup Will Drive Ongoing Sales

The number one reason why purchasing a Switch is a smart choice in 2024 is the incredible slate of exclusive games coming over the next 12 months. Nintendo‘s bread and butter is its legendary franchises starring mascot icons like Mario, Zelda, and Pikachu.

Let‘s look at some of the major Switch-only titles dropping in 2024 that are sure to move hardware:

• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – The Breath of the Wild sequel is the most anticipated Switch game in years, launching May 12th. Expect it to dominate sales charts in 2024.

• Pokemon Scarlet & Violet – Already topping sales records, the latest Gen 9 Pokemon drove Switch demand over holidays. Will get continued support.

• Fire Emblem Engage – Early 2023 entry in the popular strategy RPG series already reviewed well. A Switch exclusive.

• Super Mario Odyssey 2 – A direct Super Mario Odyssey sequel is rumored for 2024 though not confirmed yet. But a big new 3D Mario would be huge.

• Mario Kart 9 – The Mario Kart franchise moves hardware like no other for Nintendo. Expect a new entry before 2025.

And those are just the tentpole titles! Nintendo bolsters its AAA catalog with a wide array of acclaimed exclusives across its franchises like Splatoon, Kirby, Donkey Kong, and more. The Switch will continue seeing multiple landmark game launches each year.

Beyond just exclusives, the steady cadence of ports for games like Persona and Assassin‘s Creed ensures there‘s always something new coming to the thriving Switch library.

Switch OLED Model Improves Handheld Gaming

In October 2021, Nintendo released the Switch OLED Model featuring an upgraded 7-inch OLED screen for $50 more than the base model MSRP of $299.

If you primarily plan to use your future Switch as a handheld device, the OLED model provides a noticeably improved display:

• Brighter picture with vivid colors
• Inky blacks and contrast thanks to OLED
• Reduced bezel size makes screen pop out more
• 720p resolution unchanged but games look sharper

Below you can see a side-by-side comparison of how the richer OLED panel impacts game visuals:

[Image credit: Nintendo Life]

While the Switch OLED isn‘t a huge leap over the original, it is an incremental upgrade, especially for handheld-focused players. At $349 MSRP vs $299 for the base model, that $50 premium buys you a meaningfully superior portable display worthy of being the Switch‘s new "flagship" model.

No True "Switch Pro" Coming in 2024

Rumors of a Nintendo Switch Pro model with 4K output when docked and beefed up performance have swirled for years. However, based on multiple credible reports, no major Switch hardware revision is planned through at least the end of 2024.

Here‘s a quick timeline on Switch Pro rumors and why a 2023 upgrade is unlikely:

• March 2022 – Bloomberg reports new Switch dev kits are not out in the wild, dashing 2022 Pro hopes.

• June 2022 – Game developer says Nintendo told them no 4K Switch coming for the "foreseeable future."

• September 2022 – Analyst predicts no new Switch in 2024 but sees Pro chances rising for 2024.

• January 2023 – Digital Foundry‘s new report cites sources saying "Switch Pro is not happening" after plans changed.

Barring a huge surprise announcement from Nintendo later this year, these credible insider reports all point to the current OLED Model and original Switch being the main options throughout 2023.

With no superior Pro Model coming anytime soon to make the standard Switch obsolete, you can buy one in 2024 confident it will be the flagship for a while longer.

Estimated 5-10 Year Lifespan Means Plenty of Support Ahead

When the Switch originally launched back in March 2017, Nintendo suggested the console would have a traditional life cycle around 5-10 years.

Fast forward to 2023, and the Switch is just passing the 6 year mark, meaning it likely has at minimum 2-4 years of life left, if not more.

Nintendo also supported the Wii U for over 5 years before moving on to the Switch, so they tend to keep producing games and updates for their hardware a good while.

With the current Switch selling so well, there‘s little incentive for Nintendo to rush out a next-gen follow up too fast when the existing platform still has so much money to make.

Rest assured your Switch won‘t become obsolete overnight in 2024, giving you years to build up an excellent game collection and master Nintendo‘s fantastic franchises before the next system.

Used/Resale Switch Prices Remain High in 2024

The red hot demand for Switch consoles ever since 2020 has driven up resale prices for used units to extremely inflated levels.

While MSRP for a new base model Switch is $299, checking eBay or other secondhand sites will show they rarely sell below $250 even years later.

Here are current average resale values for Switch models in 2024:

Model	Used Price
Nintendo Switch OLED	$350+
Original Nintendo Switch	$240-$280
Nintendo Switch Lite	$180+

With such high retention of value for the most desirable OLED model, buying a new system doesn‘t feel like getting ripped off. You can resell a Switch you‘ve used for a year or two and come out with less than $100 loss in most cases.

Digital Games Stay with Your Account

One concern with buying a console potentially late in its life cycle is whether your game library will carry forward if you upgrade to a future successor system.

The good news is any digital games purchased on the Switch eShop are tied to your Nintendo Account permanently rather than the hardware itself.

That means you can safely build up a big collection of digital Switch titles in 2024 knowing they‘ll still be yours to download and play even if you upgrade to a newer Nintendo console down the road.

Of course, there‘s no guarantee of backwards compatibility, but at minimum you‘d be able to replay your Switch digital games on future Nintendo hardware in some form.

Unmatched Couch Co-Op and Local Multiplayer

Beyond its fantastic exclusive franchises, the Nintendo Switch stands apart for its focus on accessible local cooperative and multiplayer gaming experiences. This makes the console perfect for families, kids, dorm rooms, parties, and other social play.

A few examples of fantastic couch co-op or multiplayer games best on Switch:

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
• Super Smash Bros Ultimate
• Mario Party Superstars
• Overcooked 2
• Pokemon Let‘s Go
• Super Mario 3D World
• Luigi‘s Mansion 3
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land

The ability to wirelessly connect 8 Switch systems for local wireless play, or detach the Joy-cons for 2-player on one unit makes the hardware intrinsically built for social fun. Nintendo focuses on gameplay and content suitable for all ages.

For families with kids or groups wanting to battle it out together in person rather than online, the Switch offers satisfying local multiplayer you can‘t get anywhere else.

Portable Play and Unique Flexibility

Part of what made the Wii U unsuccessful was its clunky and limited tablet controller. With the Switch, Nintendo finally achieved their vision of a powerful hybrid portable and home console in one device.

Being able to play AAA Nintendo titles on a handheld screen, propped up in tabletop mode, or docked on the TV maintains the Switch‘s killer app advantage over rival devices.

In my experience, here are just some of the ways the Switch flexibility shines:

• Playing full console-quality games during a short commute
• Propping up the Switch for airplane tray table gaming
• Seamlessly switching from handheld to TV display when home
• Linking multiple Switch units to play local wireless multiplayer anywhere
• Continuing the same saved game progress whether portable or docked

Between home console power in a sleek portable form factor, and interchangeable play modes, the Switch hardware itself offers unique versatility beyond just the games.

Carved Out Profitable Niche Despite New Competition

With the PS5 and Xbox Series X now available boasting cutting edge 4K visuals and super fast load times, how can the modest Switch hardware from 2017 keep up?

The answer lies in how Nintendo has carved out a unique product niche and target demographic that sets it apart from direct competition with Sony and Microsoft in the console market.

Key factors that make the Switch successful even against more powerful rivals:

• Lower $299 price point compared to $499+ for other consoles
• Portability and handheld play make it a different use case than PS/Xbox
• Brand recognition and appeal of exclusive Nintendo IPs
• Casual friendly couch co-op and party games
• Viral sensation of Switch games like Animal Crossing driving sales

The Switch has staked out profitable ground skewing younger than leading competitors and being seen more as a secondary companion device to complement PS/Xbox rather than replace them.

With 91.62 million Switch units sold as of December 2022, the business strategy is definitely working!

The Verdict: Absolutely Buy a Switch in 2024

Given everything we‘ve covered, I can wholeheartedly recommend picking up a Nintendo Switch in 2024 as both an excellent gaming investment and fun entertainment centerpiece for your household.

To quickly recap:

• Huge franchises like Zelda, Pokemon, and Mario will continue driving Switch hardware and software sales.

• The OLED screen makes handheld play really pop if you‘re on the go a lot.

• Don‘t expect any major new hardware revision for at least 1-2 years minimum.

• The portable and multiplayer focus provide experiences you can‘t get anywhere else.

• Your game purchases will carry forward even if you eventually upgrade.

• The value and high demand makes buying new a better proposition than used currently.

• Rumored 10 year lifespan means plenty more successful years ahead.

Whatever your age, gaming tastes, or budget, the Nintendo Switch truly offers something for everyone and deserves a spot under your TV or in your travel bag in 2024. Thanks for reading this comprehensive guide, and may your Switch bring you endless gaming joy once you get your hands on one!