The Nintendo Switch 2: Will It Be Worth the Wait?

This year, there was one notable absence from the global Gamescom earlier this year: Nintendo’s showcase of its upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Since then, the Japanese giant has announced plans to release its latest console sometime in 2025. While many believe it will launch sometime in spring 2025, that release period could be delayed into autumn of next year.

This gives Nintendo fans and speculators plenty of time to continue a debate that’s been raging for years—can Nintendo meet the hype of its 2017 release of the original Nintendo Switch? At the time of its release, it promised gamers a totally new approach to mobile gaming and console gaming, literally putting the power to choose in their hands.

Since then, handheld consoles have taken off, including the highly popular Steam Deck. Can Nintendo meet the players’ expectations now that the sector they launched has evolved? Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest questions surrounding Nintendo’s upcoming release, which will dictate whether or not it’s been worth the wait.

The Game Library: How Expansive Will it Be?

One of the biggest drawbacks of the Switch is its limited number of games. For the most part, Nintendo keeps its own releases in the limelight. Players have access to other global favorites, including indie hits like Hades and major releases like DOOM.

Still, the range is rather limited. For this reason, many players want to know what type of games they’ll be able to access via the Switch’s browser in addition to its library. Will there be options for games that have enabled gameplay via any device? That would certainly open the doors to a more expanded gaming universe—which is something that many Nintendo fans are after.

LCD vs. OLED: Will Gamers Have a Choice?

The current Switch is offered on three payment tiers. Two of these are dictated by the display type: OLED versus LCD. OLED is largely regarded as the best in the industry, which would make it a high priority for players. However, OLED screens are more advanced and, generally, cost more to produce.

That means that players can expect the price tag on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 to be a lot higher than it currently is for the original Switch. Or, alternatively, it’s possible that Nintendo will look to offer a tiered approach. In other words, will they allow players to pay less for an LCD screen, should they choose?

Joy-Con Potential: A Solution to the Problem?

The joy-con problem has been one of the messiest for Nintendo to clean up—and it’s been an ongoing issue. The idea behind the Switch is that it allows players to use the device as a handheld console with attachable joy-con controllers. It’s a fresh and innovative take on handhelds… but few players have found them to be usable.

Original Switch players faced issues with the joy-con controllers not charging, recognizing the actual console, or even ‘drifting’ issues. In short: it’s been a difficult problem to fix. But if the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 manages to stick the joy-con landing, then it’s likely to become one of the hottest new commodities in the gaming world.

A Nintendo Account: Can Players Transfer from the Old Console to the New?

Lastly, one of the biggest questions surrounding the upcoming release is what it means for diehard Nintendo Switch users. Traditionally, the Japanese developer doesn’t have quite as much experience in allowing players to transfer their old games to new consoles, as they focus more on game development than console projects.

Apparently, Nintendo is looking to solve this problem with its Nintendo Account scheme. This would allow players to keep all their game progress in a single cross-platform account, enabling them to transfer their games and game progress to their new Switch 2.