The Nintendo Switch 2 has been in the hands of early adopters for nearly two months. If you’re still on the fence, you might be wondering whether it’s finally time to buy one now that restocks have stabilized — or if you should hold off for possible Black Friday deals. Having covered gaming deals and hardware releases for nearly a decade, I’ve got some thoughts to help you decide.
Reasons to Buy Now
Widespread Availability
You can currently find the Switch 2 at major retailers like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and GameStop (though GameStop’s stock may be in-store only). After months of short supply, it’s great to see shelves finally staying stocked.
The Price Might Rise Soon
With ongoing tariff uncertainty in the U.S., there’s a real chance the Switch 2’s $450 price tag could increase before the holiday season. That’s already higher than many expected, but tariffs could push it further. Given Nintendo’s history of incremental price hikes—like we saw with the original Switch—it wouldn’t be surprising if an increase comes sooner rather than later. Buying now could shield you from that hike.
Donkey Kong Bananza Is a Must-Play (and More Games Are Coming)
While Mario Kart World delivers classic multiplayer fun, Donkey Kong Bananza is easily the Switch 2’s standout title so far. From the team behind Super Mario Odyssey, it combines open-world exploration with clever new digging mechanics to create one of the freshest experiences in years.
If that’s not enough, the release calendar looks packed: Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Metroid Prime 4, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Kirby Air Riders, and even Professor Layton and the Infinite Labyrinth are all headed our way. Ports like Elden Ring, Star Wars Outlaws, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 will also help fill out the Switch 2 library fast.
AAA Games on the Go Feel Incredible
If you’ve never owned a Steam Deck or similar device, being able to play massive games like Cyberpunk 2077 anywhere is a revelation. The Switch 2 makes high-end gaming genuinely portable. Whether you’re traveling, commuting, or just relaxing on the couch, it’s freeing to have big-budget experiences at your fingertips.
Reasons to Wait
It’s an Expensive Upgrade
At $450, the Switch 2 costs $150 more than the original. Add the higher prices of new games and accessories, and the total investment climbs quickly. Waiting could make more sense if you’re conscious of your budget — especially once the library expands.
Possible Black Friday Bundles
While a direct price cut isn’t likely this Black Friday, Nintendo has a track record of offering bundle deals rather than discounts. Expect something like a Mario Kart World bundle at the same $450 price. That could save you around $50 in game value if tariffs don’t push up the price before then.
Limited Exclusives (For Now)
Right now, Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza are the only major exclusives worth buying the console for. If you already own other consoles, you can still play most third-party titles elsewhere. Holding off until more exclusives launch in 2025 might give you more reasons to justify the cost.
A Future Model Is Almost Certain
Nintendo revises its consoles like clockwork — think the Switch Lite and OLED models from the previous generation. While a Switch 2 Pro or OLED variant could be years away, it’s practically inevitable. If you prefer to buy once and keep your console long-term, this is worth considering.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, it comes down to your priorities. I debated the same questions before launch — and I chose to preorder. As someone who plays and writes about games for a living, I could justify the expense a little easier, but I don’t regret it. Donkey Kong Bananza has been a joy, Mario Kart World has been perfect family fun, and my backlog of classic Switch games looks stunning on the new 8-inch display.
If you’d rather wait for a possible holiday bundle or new game releases, that’s perfectly reasonable. But if you’re eager to dive in and enjoy what’s already here, buying now ensures you can make the most of the growing Switch 2 library without worrying about future price hikes.
