Nintendo Switch
4 comparisons available
About Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid gaming console developed by Nintendo, released globally in March 2017. It can be played as a home console (docked to a TV) or portable handheld device, a unique design that has proven wildly successful. As of Q3 2024, Nintendo has sold 143+ million Switch units across all models (original Switch, Switch Lite, Switch OLED), making it the third best-selling gaming console of all time. The Switch family lineup includes Switch ($299), Switch Lite ($199, handheld-only), and Switch OLED ($349, upgraded 7-inch screen). Nintendo's first-party exclusives drive hardware sales: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Odyssey, Animal Crossing: New Horizons (43M+ copies), Pokémon Sword/Shield, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (63M+ copies — the best-selling Switch game). Nintendo Switch Online ($3.99/month or $19.99/year) provides online multiplayer and a library of NES, SNES, N64, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy games. Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to launch in 2025 with 4K TV output and backward compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nintendo Switch vs PlayStation 5: which should I buy?
Get a Switch if: you want Nintendo exclusives (Zelda, Mario, Pokémon, Animal Crossing), portability matters, you play with kids/family, or prefer local multiplayer party games. Get a PS5 if: you prioritize graphical power and 4K gaming, prefer Sony exclusives (God of War, Spider-Man, Horizon), or play most popular AAA third-party titles. Many households own both — they serve different gaming needs. The Switch is also significantly cheaper ($299 vs $499).
Is Nintendo Switch Online worth it?
Nintendo Switch Online ($3.99/month or $19.99/year) is required for online multiplayer in most games. The Expansion Pack ($49.99/year family) adds N64, Sega Genesis, Game Boy/GBA games and DLC for Animal Crossing, Mario Kart, and Zelda: Breath of the Wild. At $19.99/year, NSO is worth it if you play any online multiplayer games. The Expansion Pack is good value if you want classic games — but the N64 library is smaller than emulators offer.
When is Nintendo Switch 2 coming out?
Nintendo officially announced Switch 2 (currently called 'Nintendo Switch 2') for release in 2025, with launch expected in Q1-Q2 2025. The new console features a larger screen, improved Joy-Con magnetically attaching controllers, 4K TV output capability, backward compatibility with most Switch 1 games, and a new game-sharing feature. Pricing is expected around $349-$399.
Top Alternatives to Nintendo Switch
PlayStation 5
More powerful hardware, better AAA third-party titles, exclusives like God of War
Xbox Series X
Game Pass subscription, better performance specs, more adult titles
Steam Deck
PC handheld with full Steam library, more powerful but less Nintendo exclusives
PlayStation Portable
Sony's ecosystem for portable gaming