The Nintendo Switch 2 launched in June 2025, and the buying decision is refreshingly simple compared to most console launches. There are no confusing mid-generation refreshes yet, no disc-versus-digital split, and the accessory situation is mostly settled. That said, there are still a few traps — mostly around storage and overpriced add-ons — worth knowing about before you check out.
Which bundle to buy
Nintendo sells the Switch 2 as a standalone console and in a Mario Kart World bundle. The bundle is the better deal whenever you can find it at its normal price: you get the console plus a full game for less than buying both separately. If you have zero interest in Mario Kart World, the standalone is fine — but most households will get their money's worth from the pack-in eventually, since it's the rare game that works for every age group.
One thing not to wait for: a price cut. Nintendo hardware historically holds its launch price for years, and the Switch 2 has been no exception. If you're waiting for a discount on the console itself, you'll be waiting a long time. The deals are in the games, not the hardware.
Accessories worth buying
- An extra pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers if you play local multiplayer — but buy them when a game you own actually needs them, not preemptively.
- A screen protector. The Switch 2's larger display scratches the same way the original's did, and a tempered-glass protector is cheap insurance.
- A microSD Express card (see our storage guide below) if you buy digital games. The internal 256GB fills up fast, and regular microSD cards do not work in the Switch 2 — it must be microSD Express.
- A comfortable grip or charging stand if you play handheld for long sessions.
What to skip
- The official camera accessory unless you specifically want GameChat video — most players use voice chat rarely enough that it's shelf decoration.
- Third-party docks from no-name brands. The Switch 2 is pickier about power delivery than the original, and a bad dock is the fastest way to a repair bill.
- Expensive 'pro' controller alternatives at launch — the Joy-Con 2 grip that ships in the box covers most needs, and Nintendo's own Pro Controller 2 is the safe upgrade when you want one.
Physical or digital?
Switch 2 game cards work like Switch 1 cards, and some publishers are using game-key cards — physical cards that download the game instead of containing it. If resale value and lending matter to you, check whether a game is a full card or a game-key card before buying physical; the box doesn't always make it obvious. For the full breakdown, see our guide to physical vs. digital games.
Bottom line: buy the Mario Kart World bundle if it's in stock at list price, add a screen protector and a microSD Express card, and skip everything else until a specific game makes you want it.