Is it worth buying a Nintendo Switch in 2026? Yes, absolutely.

tags for the final article

• Apply markdown formatting for headings, lists, links, and other elements

Even 6 years after launch, the Nintendo Switch remains a fantastic video game console purchase in 2024. Its stellar game library, hybrid portable and TV modes, family-friendly multiplayer fun, and steady flow of new exclusives make the Switch a top choice for most gamers. Upcoming titles ensure the platform will continue strong for years ahead.

Diving Deep on the Switch Models

Let‘s break down the key differences between the 3 available Nintendo Switch models:

Model	Screen	TV Dockable?	Detachable Controllers?	Release Date
Original Nintendo Switch	6.2" LCD	Yes	Yes	March 2017
Nintendo Switch Lite	5.5" LCD	No	No	September 2019
Nintendo Switch OLED	7" OLED	Yes	Yes	October 2021

Original Switch: This is the iconic hybrid console that started it all back in 2017. Its versitility between handheld and TV modes made it an instant hit. The 6.2" 720p LCD screen is decent, and detaching the Joy-Cons allows for local multiplayer. Overall hardware is starting to show its age but still plays Nintendo exclusives perfectly.

Switch Lite: As a handheld-only revision, the Switch Lite ditched TV connectivity and removable Joy-Cons to focus on portable play. The smaller 5.5" screen, lighter weight, and lower $199.99 price point make it ideal for travel and kids. But the lack of TV docking and multiplayer flexibility mark the main trade-offs.

Switch OLED: This slightly upgraded 2021 model swapped in a gorgeous 7" 720p OLED screen for noticeably better visuals in handheld mode. It‘s brighter, higher contrast, and the larger size enhances gameplay. But besides the improved kickstand, other hardware like processor, RAM, and battery remain unchanged. No performance upgrades here.

All versions play the same great Nintendo games. The OLED improves portability, while the standard Switch still works great on TV. Choose based on your main usage – the Lite for pure handheld or others for versatility.

By the Numbers: Switch Sales and Games

• 103.54 million – Lifetime Nintendo Switch console sales as of December 31, 2022, surpassing the PS4 and Wii. [Source]

• 868 million – Total Nintendo Switch game sales as of December 2022, averaging 8.4 games per console. [Source]

• 6 years – Time the Switch has been available, launched March 2017.

• 23 – Number of exclusive Nintendo Switch games scoring over 90 on Metacritic. [Source]

• 92 – Metacritic average of highest rated Switch game, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. [Source]

• 24 million – Nintendo Switch Online subscribers as of September 2022. [Source]

The staggering sales numbers show the console‘s immense and ongoing popularity. An excellent attach rate indicates users are finding lots of appealing games for the system across first and third-parties.

Why the Switch Stays Strong in 2024

Here are the key factors that keep the Nintendo Switch a highly recommended purchase, even in its 6th year:

• Hybrid design – Play on a TV or handheldanywhere. Lite version enhancesportability. OLED improves visuals.

• Exclusive Nintendo games – Mainline entries in Mario, Zelda, Smash Bros, Animal Crossing, and other iconic franchises.

• Constant new releases – Between Nintendo and third parties, there‘s always a steady stream of fresh titles.

• Indie support – Hundreds of acclaimed indie games complement AAA blockbusters.

• Easy local multiplayer – Included Joy-Cons and family-friendly games make local co-op a breeze.

• Affordable pricing – Between sales and lower-cost Lite model, deals can be found.

• Bayonetta 3, Splatoon 3, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet – Some of the biggest 2022 exclusives show support continues.

Simply put, no other device matches the Switch‘s versatility and world-class exclusive games. Nintendo has mastered creating experiences perfect for the hardware. The popularity shows no signs of fading.

Addressing the Switch‘s Limitations

I must acknowledge the Switch isn‘t perfect when considering:

• Dated processor/RAM – Now very outdated compared to PS5/Xbox, lacks horsepower for modern AAA games.

• Joy-Con drift – A hardware defect causing controls to glitch. Nintendo will repair for free under warranty.

• Paid online – Nitendo Switch Online mandatory for online play and costs $20/year. But includes classic NES/SNES games.

• No Bluetooth audio – Need a wireless adapter to use Bluetooth headphones.

For serious players wanting high frame rates and resolution in shooters and graphically intensive games, a PS5 or Xbox Series X is likely the better choice. Nintendo aims for a broader audience.

Switch Game Releases Still Got Me Hyped for 2024

Even this late into the Switch lifecycle, Nintendo continues dropping exciting exclusive game bombs. Here are some of my most anticipated Switch titles slated for 2024:

• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – The epic, sprawling sequel to Breath of the Wild arrives May 12th. It‘s set to be one of the biggest Switch releases ever.

• Pikmin 4 – Finally continuing the beloved real-time strategy franchise on July 21 after years of waiting.

• Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp – Remasters of handheld classics. Turn-based combat at its finest.

• Fire Emblem Engage – Marrying classic and modern Fire Emblem styles on January 20.

Plus there are new Kirby, Mario+Rabbids, and Bayonetta 3 DLC expansions in the works. Third parties continue filling 2023 with ports and multiplatform entries too. The game prospects brighten by the month.

Analyzing the Likelihood of a "Switch 2"

Rumors constantly swirl about a potential 4K "Switch 2" coming down the pike. But so far, Nintendo has shot down those reports:

“We have no plans for launching any other model at this time,” a Nintendo spokesperson told Nikkei on June 21, 2022. [Source]

The OLED model kept processor, RAM, and other internals the same. This, along with Nintendo‘s statement, suggests a true successor is not imminent.

The original Switch is only about halfway through its projected 10-year lifecycle. Iterative revisions remain possible, like a new model with more storage or slightly improved battery. But I don‘t anticipate a major performance upgrade until at least late 2024 or beyond.

Software and services remain Nintendo‘s focus, not next-gen hardware. Expect great new Switch exclusives for years to come based on the long support for 3DS and Wii U.

How Does the Switch Stack Against PS5 and Xbox Series X?

The Nintendo Switch obviously can‘t compete with the PS5 and Xbox Series X in terms of raw power and technical specs. Just look at a quick specs comparison:

Console	CPU	GPU	RAM	Max Resolution
Nintendo Switch	Custom Nvidia Tegra X1	256 CUDA cores @ 768MHz	4 GB LPDDR4	1080p docked, 720p handheld
PlayStation 5	8x Zen 2 Cores @ 3.5GHz	10.28 TFLOPS, 36 CUs @ 2.23 GHz	16GB GDDR6	8K, 4K 120fps
Xbox Series X	8x Zen 2 Cores @ 3.8GHz	12.16 TFLOPs, 52 CUs @ 1.825 GHz	16GB GDDR6	8K, 4K 120fps

With a tablet-level Tegra X1 chip designed in 2015, the Switch‘s hardware is no match for the advanced Zen 2 CPUs and high-end RDNA 2 graphics in the PS5 and Series X.

But the Switch was never aiming to compete on raw power – its strengths lie in the portable form factor and Nintendo exclusives. PS5 and Xbox trump it on third party support and performance. Different target audiences.

I view the Switch as a complement to other modern consoles thanks to its unique hybrid abilities, rather than direct competition. It carves out its own niche.

Great Accessories to Enhance Any Switch Setup

One benefit of the Switch‘s popularity is the huge ecosystem of accessories to improve your experience:

• Pro Controller – More ergonomic and traditional design. No drift issues. Perfect for big hands.

• 128GB MicroSD card – A must buy for storing digital game downloads and screenshots/videos.

• HDTV cable – Upgrade to an HDMI 2.1 cord for 4K/120hz if you have a new TV.

• Travel case – Protect your Switch and take games on the go. Cases with game cartridge storage exist.

• Bluetooth adapter – Genki and Homespot adapters allow using wireless headphones.

• Grip case – Makes handheld play more comfortable and ergonomic.

• Screen protector – Guards the plastic screen from scratches. Tempered glass is optimal.

• amiibo – Unlocks extras in some games. These collectible figurines get pricey though!

I‘d say a tempered glass screen protector and 128GB memory card are smart day one purchases to accompany your Switch.

Nintendo Switch Online – Pricing, Perks, and Drawbacks

Since September 2018, Nintendo has required a Switch Online subscription for online multiplayer gaming, cloud save backup, and other features. It currently costs:

• $3.99 per month
• $7.99 for 3 months
• $19.99 per year

The major perks:

• Online play
• Classic NES and SNES game library
• Cloud saves
• Exclusive offers
• Tetris 99 and Pac-Man 99 battle royale

Downsides:

• No monthly free games like PS Plus or Games with Gold
• Voice chat still done via phone app
• Cloud saves not compatible for all titles
• Cheaper family plan only available on PC

The asking price is reasonable compared to the competition. But Nintendo could expand the incentives like free monthly titles and better voice chat support to provide even more value.

Even if mostly utilizing single player, the annual package for $20 is worth it just for the classic game library alone. Local multiplayer negates the online requirement.

Third Parties Have Adopted Switch Well

Being traditionally viewed as underpowered compared to competitors, Nintendo‘s consoles have sometimes struggled to get support from third party publishers. But the Switch‘s sales success and portable advantage have attracted robust support:

• The Witcher 3
• Skyrim
• Doom Eternal
• Apex Legends
• Fortnite
• Minecraft
• NBA 2K series
• Assassin‘s Creed series
• Resident Evil series
• Sonic Mania
• Civilization 6
• Overwatch
• Alien: Isolation

While some titles require visual cutbacks compared to other platforms, the Switch gets solid ports of many AAA franchises now. The eShop also offers easy access to acclaimed indie hits.

Certain games like shooters and big open worlds struggle to run well, but Nintendo‘s audience and portability help offset shortcomings. Mature games keep coming too.

Differences Between TV and Handheld Play

The Switch truly delivers a console-level experience both docked on a TV and in handheld mode:

Docked

• 1080p resolution
• TV multiplayer with Joy-Cons or Pro controller
• Full home console feel
• Play with sound system
• OLED screen doesn‘t offer benefits

Handheld

• Smaller 720p screen, but looks great due to high pixel density
• True portability – play anywhere
• OLED screen makes a big difference
• Internal speakers or headphone jack audio
• Touchscreen controls an option

Switching between modes is seamless. Those who primarily play on TV might stick with the regular Switch model. But OLED improves handheld visuals noticeably.

Exclusive games are designed around each mode. Couch co-op comes alive docked while indies shine handheld. Having both choices empowers players.

Perfect for Multiplayer Enjoyment

Local multiplayer makes a resurgence with the Switch. Simply detach the included Joy-Cons and rotate them sideways for each person to have a controller instantly.

Having two controllers ready for split-screen or co-op play out of the box is brilliant. Up to eight players can join in with extra controllers on many titles. This opens fun gaming moments for:

• Couch co-op story modes
• Versus competition
• Family game nights
• Parties
• Kids to play together

From Mario Kart 8 and Smash Bros. to Overcooked, the Switch‘s multiplayer focus brings people together. Online expands the possibilities, but local play gets back to gaming‘s social roots.

Great Gaming Options for Younger Kids

With family-friendly franchises and easy parental controls to restrict content, the Switch is fantastic for younger audiences. Some standout titles for kids include:

• Super Mario Odyssey
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
• Mario Party Superstars
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons
• Pokemon Let‘s Go Pikachu/Eevee
• Super Mario 3D World
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land
• Yoshi‘s Crafted World

Nintendo‘s history and character appeal to children. Simple but deep gameplay for all ages and multiplayer promote learning and interaction. I‘ve already seen the Switch foster a love of gaming in my nephew.

Wrapping It All Up: Still an Excellent Purchase

If I wasn‘t clear already – yes, absolutely grab a Nintendo Switch in 2024! It continues standing the test of time with a stellar library, innovative hybrid design, must-have exclusives, and constant flow of new titles on the horizon.

For gamers of all types, it delivers unique experiences you simply can‘t find elsewhere. There is nothing else quite like it on the market right now and significant upgrades remain far off.

Unless you primarily play cutting edge shooters, racing sims, and other graphically intensive genres, the Switch offers some of the best fun around. It wins on portability alone. Nintendo magic and quality remain alive and well.

So jump on the Switch train now if you haven‘t already. I guarantee it will pay dividends in family fun and gameplay memories for years to come. No other device can match its versatility and original IPs. This hybrid hits gold.