Gaming > Consoles & PCs > The One Reason NOT to Upgrade to Nintendo Switch 2 It’s not just the price—it’s what you don’t get By Yoona Wagener Yoona Wagener Editor Bowling Green State University Yoona Wagener is a tech editor, writer, and product reviewer. lifewire's editorial guidelines Published on June 5, 2025 08:00AM EDT Nintendo Switch 2 gaming console, controllers, and accessories. Nintendo Consoles & PCs Xbox Buyer's Guide Close Byte-Sized Brief The Switch 2’s MSRP is $450.Mario Kart World is the only new first-party title at launch.The $500 Mario Kart World bundle is in limited production. Nintendo released the highly anticipated Switch 2 today with new hardware and buzzy features like GameChat, but if you weren’t able to secure a pre-order or you’re wavering between jumping on the upgrade bandwagon, there’s one good reason to wait: The price. You could shell out 50 percent more depending on the older Switch model you have and the Switch 2 option you choose ($450 for the console or the $500 bundle). Other figures to add to the list include the cost of individual games ($80 for the headliner game) and you'll need the Switch 2-exclusive microSD Express; standard microSDs won't work. Plus, besides Mario Kart World, the next slated first-party release, Donkey Kong Bonanza, doesn’t drop until July. And many upcoming third-party games are playable on older Switch models, which means you don’t necessarily have to level up to enjoy new titles. The Bottom Line The list of perks and hardware upgrades to the Switch 2 is long but might not justify the $450 to $500 asking price. Keeping up with future first-party game releases will only add to the bottom line, too. A Gamer's Guide to Picking the Perfect Console: What You Need to Know Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit