5 Good Reasons to Buy a Nintendo Switch in 2023
Reading Time: 5 minutesThe Nintendo Switch has been around for a while, but it’s still worth picking one up if you haven’t already. Here are some reasons to buy a Switch.
The Nintendo Switch is Nintendo’s fastest-selling console to date, thanks to an innovative format and an exceptional lineup of games.
However, since the release of the Switch, Nintendo hasn’t made significant improvements to its performance, while other consoles have innovated with better hardware and improved features. Therefore, it’s not surprising that you might not be sure about buying a Switch in 2023.
However, we think the Switch is still a great console to buy in 2023. If you’re wondering if you should buy a Nintendo Switch, read ahead.
1. The Switch Is Going to Be Supported for a Long Time
The Nintendo Switch is now six years old, which is mature for a console. The Wii U and 3DS replaced Nintendo’s previous consoles, the Wii and the DS, after five years, and competitors like Sony and Microsoft replaced theirs after eight years.
It makes sense to be wary about buying a Switch console in 2023 because who wants their console to go out of date within a year? The OLED model offered an enhanced screen and larger storage, but it offered no improvements to the Switch’s performance, making it a hard sell for anyone looking to upgrade their existing Switch.
However, Nintendo has guaranteed that it won’t be dropping the Switch anytime soon. At an investor Q/A in early 2022, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa made it clear that Nintendo’s focus was on building long-term relationships with customers (translated by Video Games Chronicle). He mentioned that the transition to the next generation of hardware is Nintendo’s current challenge, but that this transition isn’t happening any time soon.
We don’t know how this will play out in reality; perhaps we will see a form of backward compatibility for the next console. But the bottom line is that Nintendo isn’t abandoning the Switch any time soon, so you’re safe to buy one in 2023.
2. The Switch Is the Best Console to Share With Friends
Gaming is an experience that should be shared with friends, and the Nintendo Switch is the best console on the market for this. Thanks to the detachable Joy-Cons, you don’t have to worry about buying an extra controller to play with a friend.
If you’re planning on gaming with friends, the regular Switch console and the Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) both include detachable Joy-Cons. Don’t buy the Switch Lite if you want to play with a friend, as its controllers cannot be separated.
Joy-Cons are also sold in packs of two, so you’re technically getting two controllers for the price of one. Overall, the Switch provides the best bang for your buck if you’re planning on gaming socially thanks to its innovative controllers and a massive library of games.
The Switch also easily connects to any TV with the included dock, and the built-in stand makes it easy to play anywhere.
3. The Switch Lite Is Still the Most Affordable and Portable Console
Valve’s Steam Deck is the first serious competitor to the Switch. Both are powerful handheld consoles, but the Switch is still able to claim the title of the most portable console around. Compared to the Steam Deck, the standard Nintendo Switch console is smaller and lighter, but if you want ultimate portability, the Switch Lite is your friend.
There are some drawbacks to the Switch Lite. You can’t connect it to your TV due to the lack of HDMI input, and its controllers can’t be detached. However, it’s $100 cheaper than the standard model, without any reductions in performance. There are also some Switch games that do not support handheld mode, so keep an eye out for those. Regardless of these drawbacks, the Switch Lite remains the most affordable and portable console around.
The cheapest Steam Deck is about $200 more expensive than the Switch Lite and $100 more than the traditional Switch.
4. The Switch Offers a Massive Library of Games
While the Switch may be convenient to transport, and easy to play with friends, none of this matters if its library of games is lacking. Thankfully, the Switch has plenty of games that cater to every type of gamer. Nintendo and third-party publishers continue to release excellent games on the Switch and show no sign of slowing down.
If the aforementioned social aspect of the Switch appeals to you, games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Overcooked are there. Even hardcore gamers will be satisfied with Doom 2016 or Dark Souls 3 (although we recommend buying a better Nintendo Switch controller for these).
The Switch is also the only way to play the best exclusive Nintendo games like Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and Kirby and The Forgotten Land, so if you’re a fan of Nintendo’s exclusive titles, a Switch is the only way to keep up with the current releases.
The Nintendo Switch also features popular games like Fortnite and Minecraft, so even if you want options for gaming that aren’t Nintendo games, you’re covered here too.
Buying a Switch in 2023 means you have a beautiful library of established games to pick from, and a future of new releases that show no sign of slowing down.
5. Nintendo Switch Online Is Constantly Improving
Nintendo’s commitment to the Switch is evident in its Nintendo Switch Online service. While its debut in 2018 was marred by a lack of important features and spotty connectivity, it’s now a valuable asset for any Nintendo Switch owner.
The Switch is great for playing couch games with friends, but you’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play online. However, your subscription provides a lot more than just online multiplayer, as you also get access to a selection of NES and SNES games.
You also have the option of purchasing the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, which lets you play N64 and Sega Genesis titles. This is the easiest way to access retro games, as you don’t have to fumble with an emulator or buy a retro console. The Expansion Pack also comes with DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Splatoon 2.
There is also a rumor that Nintendo might release GBA games on the Switch, similar to what it did with the NES, SNES, and N64 and Sega games. The GBA games rumored include some of the classic Mario and Pokémon games.
While the service still needs improving, recent updates have shown that Nintendo Switch Online is now a useful tool for any Switch owner.
The Nintendo Switch Remains a Strong Buy in 2023
Despite its shortcomings, the Nintendo Switch remains a worthwhile purchase in 2023. The release of the OLED model in 2021 offered increased storage and a better screen, but it still lacked internal hardware improvements, indicating that Nintendo isn’t planning on upgrading the hardware any time soon.
While this is a significant drawback, The Switch’s massive library of games and continued first-party support makes it a worthwhile contender to the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and next-gen handhelds.
Nintendo is also updating the online platform constantly, with new games and DLCs being added. There are also rumors that Nintendo is planning on releasing GBA games on Switch, so you’ll need one to play your previous favorite classics.