The Nintendo Switch 2 is priced at $629,99 or $699,99 with a bundled digital copy of the new Mario Kart game, while the first model was only 399$. This means the new Switch is 58% more expensive than the last one.
Due to US tariffs on everything entering the United States from other countries, including where most of Nintendo’s electronics are coming from, Japan, the pre-orders started later than they were supposed to. This affected the supply chain and pricing a lot, so the pre-orders in Canada only began on April 9. Despite the pre-order delays, the official launch date is still scheduled for June 5, 2025.
Even though the pricing is not the best, the performance makes up for it. The Switch 2 processor is the A78C, a 5-year-old processor, compared to the 13-year-old A57 that the first model uses. This new processor is approximately 200% more powerful, according to ChatGPT. This results in higher FPS ( Frames Per Second ), better graphics, and overall much better performance.
The GPU also got a massive upgrade, going from Maxwell Architecture to Ampere. It has 5 times more CUDA cores and it also supports Ray Tracing and DLSS, while the Nintendo Switch doesn’t. This big jump in CUDA cores and other upgrades can lead to more than 10 times better GPU performance, especially when used with DLSS or Ray Tracing.
The RAM also got a big upgrade, RAM is where memory, including things like ammo, your place in the world, and other crucial information, is stored when you play a game. Going from 4GB to 12GB of RAM provides smoother and faster gameplay, and textures can look a lot higher resolution.
The new Switch also includes a slightly larger screen able to handle 120Hz in 1080p, while the previous Switch can only handle 60Hz in 720p. When docked, the Switch 2 offers 60Hz in 4 K, while the Switch only supports 60Hz in 1080p.
One of the biggest improvements is that the Joy-Con now attaches magnetically, but it still has a button to release them. The SR and SL are wider and are now made of steel to be attached to the Switch 2’s magnets. The new Nintendo Switch also has a sleeker design, so, thinner body, smaller bezels, refined materials, improved ergonomics, and a modernized look.
Reactions on social media platforms are uncountable, with mostly positive reviews but some negative ones. “I was just expecting we’d get the next big leap in gaming from Nintendo… but all we have is a minor update”, said a user on Reddit. This proves that many are disappointed and were waiting for more features with the new Nintendo Switch.
Even though Nintendo received some hate throughout some reactions like the previous one, they did get a lot of positive comments.”The first time I picked up the Switch 2… I could already feel that Nintendo is going for a premium upgrade”, a reviewer mentioned. They also got some opinions on the somewhat expensive price, but for some users, it feels reasonable.”The $629,99 price tag is relatively reasonable compared to the $950 PS5 Pro and $750 portable PCs”, commented a GamesRadar analyst.
