Released on March 3, 2017, the Nintendo Switch has provided friends, families, and solo gamers with over seven years of entertainment, revolutionizing the hybrid console genre. However, seven years is a considerable amount of time, and in that period, technology has advanced significantly. This raises the question: is the Switch still worth it in 2024?
Answering this question isn't straightforward, particularly with the possibility of Nintendo's next console being on the horizon. Nevertheless, our guide is here to walk you through everything you need to know to determine if buying a Switch today is still a smart decision.
How much is a Switch in 2024?
Determining whether or not something is "worth it" often hinges on how much it costs. It isn't the only factor to consider, but worth is directly linked to price. Therefore, knowing how much a Switch costs today is a good place to start when trying to figure out whether to buy one or not.
Where to buy a Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch originally launched at a price of $299.99 in the US, £279.99 in the UK, and 29,980 yen in Japan. Nowadays, the price can vary depending on the retailer and location. Here are some places where you can purchase a Nintendo Switch:
- Amazon - $220.00 / £259.00
- StockX - $356.00 / £276.00
- Best Buy - $299.99
- Walmart - $249.99
- Target - $299.99
- Nintendo Store - £259.99
- GAME - £259.99
* prices are accurate at the time of our last check
Things are a bit more complicated than that, though. Since the release of the original Switch, Nintendo has introduced two additional models. The Nintendo Switch OLED features a 7-inch OLED screen and a wider, more durable flip stand. Additionally, the company released the Nintendo Switch Lite, a dedicated handheld gaming version.
The OLED model tends to be more expensive and is available from retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and the Nintendo Store. However, the Switch Lite (also available from Amazon, Walmart, and the Nintendo Store) is slightly cheaper, so puts up less of a fight in the "is it worth it?" debate. That said, your choice of games is a little more limited on the Lite...
What games can you play on a Switch?
One of the greatest advantages of owning a Nintendo Switch is the vast selection of beloved Nintendo titles available for purchase and download. Whether you're diving into the exhilarating races of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, exploring the expansive world of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, or catching them all in the Pokémon series, there's a treasure trove of both single-player and multiplayer games to enjoy. Many of these exceptional games are exclusive to Nintendo, making the Switch a must-have for these awesome titles.
There is also Switch Sports, a highly competitive and fun entry that follows on from the highly popular Wii Sports from back in the day, plus a multitude of games you can also find on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, like EA FC and Hogwarts Legacy.
Just bear in mind that the Switch Lite is mostly limited to handheld games, so motion-controlled titles like Switch Sports are out of the question unless you purchase a separate set of Joy-Cons. It's not necessarily a deal breaker, but it is worth thinking about if you're umming and ahhing over which console to buy.
What about the Nintendo Switch 2?
Time to address the elephant in the room—there are rumors that a new Nintendo Switch is on its way, which does throw a spanner into the works when it comes to deciding whether the current Switch is worth buying.
Allegedly, Nintendo's next console is due to be released in 2025, perhaps as early as March like the original Switch. Although just a rumor, Shuntaro Furukawa confirming to Nikkei that official Switch support will end in 2025 does give the rumors some merit. Also, the new console's specs may have already leaked, which, if true, suggests that the Switch 2 will be an upgrade on the original Switch in a few key areas.
Despite the rumors, we still don't know when exactly Nintendo's next console will be released, nor do we have any information on its price. Although it'll probably cost around the same as the original Switch did back in 2017, it could end up costing significantly more for all we know. There's just no telling until Nintendo gives official confirmation.
If the possibility of a new Nintendo console is a concern to you, you can keep up with everything you need to know about the Nintendo Switch 2 here.
So, is a Switch worth it in 2024?
The Nintendo Switch is an outstanding console, truly shining in its versatility and game library. As an owner of both the OLED Switch and the Switch Lite, I highly recommend any of the Switch models. They are particularly fantastic if you have friends who also own a Switch, as the variety of party games available for online play is perfect for enjoying your downtime together.
That said, there's no denying that buying a Switch is a significant investment, even if you opt for the slightly cheaper Lite model. With strong rumors of a Switch 2 on its way too, is spending over 200 dollars/pounds really worth it when it could become outdated in just over half a year? It all depends on your budget really, as a 200+ investment is more significant for some than others.
I would say this though, the playtime I'm likely to get out of my own Switch from now to the rumored release date of the next console does make that investment worthwhile, in my opinion. The console provides a completely different experience to PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and you gain access to some superb Nintendo exclusives as well. Therefore, I'd say a Switch is worth it personally, but make sure you do your research on each model before you decide to dive in.