As someone who mostly plays cosy games, I wasn’t sure if the Nintendo Switch 2 was something I really needed. I already had the original Switch and it’s always done the job just fine for what I play – think Animal Crossing, Hello Kitty Island Adventure, Disney Dreamlight Valley… you get the vibe. But curiosity got the better of me and I ended up upgrading. Now that I’ve had a bit of time with both, I thought I’d write a quick post on the differences, and whether I actually think it’s worth the upgrade.
Let’s just be honest. If you’re someone who plays the more chilled, slow paced games like me, then the original Switch is still totally fine. It’s more than capable of running games like Animal Crossing and Dreamlight Valley without any problems, and if you’re happy with what you’ve already got, there’s no real urgency to upgrade. I loved my original Switch and still think it’s one of the best consoles out there.
With that said – there are definitely some quality of life improvements that I’ve really noticed. The most obvious one is the larger screen. It’s not just slightly bigger, it actually makes a noticeable difference, especially when playing handheld. The colours pop more, everything feels a little bit more immersive, and it just looks really clean and sharp.
I also love that it now has a proper stand at the back. If you’ve ever tried to balance the original Switch on something while playing in bed or on the sofa, you’ll know how awkward it can be. The new stand is sturdy, wide, and adjustable, so you can actually position it at different angles without it toppling over. I use it constantly.
Another tiny but genius update – there’s now a charging port on the top, instead of just underneath. This makes such a difference when you want to keep playing while it’s plugged in, especially if you’ve got it propped up. With the original Switch, charging and playing in tabletop mode was basically impossible without some kind of weird workaround. This completely fixes that.
It is heavier though… The Switch 2 is definitely weightier and a bit bulkier. I don’t mind it, but it’s something to be aware of. If you do a lot of handheld gaming, especially lying down or curled up on the sofa, it’s not quite as lightweight or comfortable to hold for long periods as the original. But, that’s where the stand comes in handy again.
So, should you get it? Honestly? If you’re a casual or cosy gamer and you already have a Switch, you’re probably fine sticking with it. The Switch 2 is definitely a lovely upgrade, but I wouldn’t say it’s a must-have unless you’re really into having the latest tech or play a wider variety of more demanding games. That said, I do love mine, and the bigger screen and new stand have actually made a bigger difference than I expected.
If your current Switch is getting a bit tired or you just fancy a little treat, it’s a really nice upgrade to enjoy. But if you’re mainly collecting turnips, building dream homes or picking fruit in game – you’re not missing out by sticking with the original.
Let me know if you’ve tried both and what you think. I’ll be over here tending to my virtual garden and redecorating my island for the hundredth time.
