The original Nintendo Switch remains a viable purchase in 2025 for players prioritizing game library and lower cost, but it carries hardware limits compared with the newly released Nintendo Switch 2.
Why the Switch still matters in 2025
Released in 2017, the Nintendo Switch introduced a hybrid design that lets users play on a TV or in handheld mode. Eight years after its debut, the console still has an active user base and continues to receive support from Nintendo.
Nintendo has indicated that the original Switch will keep receiving games and system updates. Official updates and announcements about ongoing support can be checked on the console’s official page.
Game catalog and third-party support
One of the Switch’s strongest selling points is its extensive and varied game library. The system hosts first-party exclusives such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Pokémon Sword and Shield.
Third-party developers also back the platform, with major releases available on Switch including The Witcher 3, Doom Eternal and Fortnite. That breadth makes the console attractive to many types of players.
Price comparison and buying options
Price remains a key consideration. The Switch 2 launched at approximately R$ 4.500, while the original Switch can be found for lower prices: about R$ 2.000 for the base model, and around R$ 1.400 for the portable-only Switch Lite. The OLED version is listed around R$ 2.500.
Buying used consoles is another route to reduce cost; many sellers offer well-maintained units, sometimes bundling games, which can improve overall value for budget-conscious buyers.
- Original Nintendo Switch: about R$ 1.960 on Amazon.
- Nintendo Switch Lite: about R$ 1.400 on Amazon.
- Nintendo Switch OLED: about R$ 2.500 on Amazon.
- Nintendo Switch 2: about R$ 4.500 on Amazon.
Performance considerations and limitations
The original Switch delivers a satisfactory gaming experience for many titles but has more modest hardware compared with current-generation consoles. That can translate to lower frame rates, reduced resolutions or simplified visuals in more demanding games.
Battery life in handheld mode is also a limitation for some users: certain games can drain the battery within a few hours, which may be inconvenient for extended portable play sessions.
Compatibility with Nintendo Switch 2
A significant advantage is that the Nintendo Switch 2 is largely backward compatible with most Switch titles, allowing owners of the original console to carry their library forward. However, some games may not be fully compatible or may not take full advantage of the Switch 2’s new features.
Who should buy the original Switch in 2025?
Choosing the original Switch in 2025 depends on budget, the importance of immediate access to the current game catalog, and tolerance for technical limitations. For buyers seeking a lower-cost entry into Nintendo’s ecosystem and access to a wide selection of games, the original Switch remains a reasonable option.
Conversely, those who prioritize improved performance and are willing to pay more should consider investing in the Switch 2.
