When the original Nintendo Switch launched, I didn’t think much of it. Fast forward a couple of years, and my 7-year-old now considers her Switch her “favorite thing in the whole wide world.” Between marathon rounds of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and designing her dream island in Disney Dreamlight Valley, that little red-and-blue console has provided hours of fun—and, let’s be honest, a few blissfully quiet minutes for me, too.
So when Nintendo dropped the Switch 2 back in June, I knew I had to check it out. The hype was immediate: faster performance, a crisper screen, 4K TV support, and a sleeker design. But as a parent, my first question wasn’t “how are the graphics?” but rather, “is this actually worth it?”
After testing out the new Nintendo Switch 2, talking to other parents, and watching my daughter put it through her own “kid test,” here’s my honest take: The Switch 2 is a big step forward, but not a must-upgrade for everyone. If you’re buying your first video game console, it’s a fantastic family-friendly pick. But if your kids already love their current Switch, you might not need to rush to upgrade just yet. Here’s my full Nintendo Switch versus Switch 2 review.
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Key takeaways
- Age range: 5-14; younger kiddos may need some help navigating the game controls
- Price: $449.99
- The Nintendo Switch 2 has a 7.9 inch screen with a full 1080p handheld resolution and a 4K resolution when docked; it also has 256GB of storage!
- The Nintendo Switch 2 has backward compatibility, meaning all original Switch cartridges can be used on the new Switch 2 (and may even look better!)
- Parental controls allow parents to limit playtime, monitor total hours, and lock purchases with a PIN; the “pause” feature also allows parents to give their children a five-minute warning before bedtime or homework
What’s new on the Nintendo Switch 2?
Let’s start with what’s different. The Switch 2 has a bigger 7.9-inch screen with full 1080p handheld resolution (a noticeable jump from the original), and when docked, it can output in 4K—perfect for families who love cozy movie-night-style gaming.
It’s faster, too. Games like Mario Kart load almost instantly, and there’s way less lag or choppiness in open-world games like Dreamlight Valley. It also has more built-in storage (256GB versus the original’s 32GB) and a sturdier kickstand for tabletop play. But the battery life isn’t a huge improvement. My daughter can usually get about 3–4 hours of handheld play before needing a recharge—fine for home, not the best for long car rides.
The real perks are smoother performance and better visuals—especially when you’re playing together on the TV. But the upgrades aren’t so massive that your kids will suddenly find their old Switch “boring.”
Set up and ease of use for kids
Nintendo has always done a great job keeping things intuitive. The setup for the Switch 2 was simple enough that my daughter could do most of it herself (with a little guidance on WiFi and account setup).
Parental controls (Amen!) are still managed through the Nintendo app, and you can set daily playtime limits, block certain game ratings, and get notifications when time’s up. There are just still some mildly confusing parts—like managing multiple profiles and in-game purchases—but overall, it’s one of the most parent-friendly gaming systems out there.
Game library and family favorites
Good news: The Switch 2 is backward compatible, meaning all those Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, and Dreamlight Valley cartridges you already own from your original Nintendo Switch will work (and even look better). For families, at least for me, that backward compatibility is huge. It means you don’t have to start over or repurchase your entire library—just plug in and play.
Screen time and parental controls
If your kids are anything like mine, screen time limits are… negotiable at best. Thankfully, Nintendo makes it easy to set realistic boundaries. You can manage daily playtime, get reports on total hours, and lock purchases with a PIN.
I personally like to use the “pause” feature when it’s time for homework or bedtime—it gives my daughter a five-minute warning before the system automatically suspends play which helps prevent meltdowns. (Prevent, not completely avoid.)
In short, the parental controls are enough to keep kids safe without needing a degree in cybersecurity.
Portability and durability
If your Switch travels everywhere—from road trips to the backseat to grandma’s house—you’ll appreciate the build quality here.
The Joy-Cons feel a bit sturdier, and the new magnetic connection makes them less wobbly than before. Still, I’d strongly recommend a carrying case and screen protector (ask me how I know).
The only real letdown is battery life. Expect about 3–5 hours in handheld mode, depending on the game. For longer travel, pack a USB-C charger or portable power bank.
Price and value
The Nintendo Switch 2 starts around $449.99—and that’s before adding controllers, games, or accessories. Compared to the $299 price of the original Switch, it’s definitely a jump.
If you already have a working Switch or OLED, this might not feel like a necessary expense yet. But if you’re buying your first family console, the performance upgrades, bigger screen, and long-term potential make it a smart buy.
The Nintendo Switch Online Family Plan is still the most affordable option for multiplayer gaming and cloud saves, especially if you have multiple kids.
Nintendo Switch 2 pros and cons for families
Pros:
- Huge library of age-appropriate, family-friendly games
- Backward compatibility saves you money on games you already own
- Faster performance and better visuals
- Easy parental controls and setup
- Flexible play: handheld, tabletop, or docked to TV
Cons
- Higher price point ($449+)
- Battery life could be better for travel
- The online system and friend management are still a bit clunky
- Not a massive upgrade for casual young players
Verdict: Should parents buy the Nintendo Switch 2?
If you’re a family who loves gaming together—racing each other in Mario Kart, fishing side by side in Dreamlight Valley, or exploring new worlds—the Switch 2 is a strong buy. For kids about age 5 to 14, it hits a sweet spot: fun, intuitive, and flexible enough to grow with them.
But if your 7-year-old is still perfectly happy with her original Switch (like mine is most days), you can absolutely wait. The original is still a great system with plenty of life left in it, especially if most of your games are already on that platform.
Bottom line: The Nintendo Switch 2 is a worthy family upgrade—but not an urgent one. If you’re new to Nintendo or ready for a faster, shinier version, go for it. If not, your kids will still be just as happy playing Mario on the original.
FAQs
Can my child’s old Switch games work on the new console?
Yes! The Switch 2 plays most original Switch cartridges and digital downloads—many even run smoother and load faster.
What age is the Nintendo Switch 2 best for?
The brand says it is ideal for ages 6 and up. We got ours at 5. Younger kids may need help navigating menus, but it’s easy to grow into.
Is online play safe for kids?
Use the built-in parental controls to manage chat and friend requests.
How does it compare to the OLED or Lite versions?
The OLED still has a beautiful screen and solid battery life at a lower price, while the Lite is budget-friendly but lacks TV play. The Switch 2 offers more power and future-proofing—but for many families, the older versions still hold up just fine.
Will Nintendo Switch 2 be on sale for Black Friday/Cyber Monday?
According to the company, the only Black Friday/Cyber Monday “deals” on Nintendo Switch 2 happen when you buy a console bundle, meaning you get the gaming system and a game at a discount that typically retails for more on its own. The current bundles available for $499.99 are:
However, it could be worth checking for any retailer-specific deals at Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and more once Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are underway.
Erin Celletti, Contributing Writer
Erin is an NYC-based writer with a BA in Journalism from Quinnipiac University (Go Bobcats!) and two master’s in education. She is a proud mama to a magnificent little girl, and has a passion for storytelling and organized chaos. She is a lifestyle, beauty, wellness, and trends reports writer. Beyond The Everymom, Erin’s editorial work has been featured in publications like Allure, Byrdie, The Everygirl, TeenVogue, BRIDES, SundayEdit, and TODAY, among others. When she isn’t chugging coffee, longing for a nap or trying out the latest skincare, she’s shopping or dreaming about her next Disney trip.
Images in graphics credited to Nintendo
