Why I Gave In to FOMO and Bought the Nintendo Switch 2 Sooner Than Expected
FOMO Got Me: I Finally Own a Switch 2
Just after the Nintendo Switch 2 launched, I was pretty sure I didn’t need to rush out and buy one. Most new consoles don’t have huge upgrades or tons of games right away, and the Switch 2 was no exception. The launch lineup is light, with only Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza standing out as must-play exclusives. But guess what? FOMO won, and now I have a Switch 2 in my hands.
- Why I decided to buy the Switch 2 so soon
- The current game lineup and what’s fun about it
- How tariffs and pricing influenced my decision
- Performance improvements with original Switch games
- Thoughts on the future price trends of consoles
Why Buy Now?
While I was hesitant at first, Nintendo’s steady release of games means the Switch 2’s library will grow over time. Mario Kart World is a blast with its 24 racers, new race modes like Knockout Tour, and fun Grand Prix twists. Donkey Kong Bananza also offers a different, more chaotic style compared to the platforming of Super Mario Odyssey, which I was playing just before picking up the Switch 2.
One big plus is how the Switch 2 handles older games. For example, Pokémon Scarlet ran poorly on the original Switch but feels much smoother on the new hardware. This boost doesn’t change the game’s environments, but the improved framerate makes exploring Paldea way more enjoyable. Plus, Pokémon now appear in greater numbers, which is perfect for shiny hunting fans like me.
Tariffs and Price Considerations
The main reason I pulled the trigger on the Switch 2 is the price — not because $500 for the Mario Kart World bundle is cheap, but because it might be the best deal for a while. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies have been unpredictable, with confusing timelines and frequent changes. Nintendo even delayed preorders and raised prices on some accessories after tariffs were announced on April 2, the same day the Switch 2 was fully revealed.
Tariffs set to kick in on August 1 for countries like Canada, Japan, and Cambodia could affect prices further, though it’s unclear if they’ll actually happen. Even if the Switch 2 itself isn’t directly impacted, these tariffs could add around $2,400 to the average American household’s costs in 2025, according to Yale Budget Lab.
Rising Game and Console Prices
Games are getting pricier too. While Microsoft backed down from an $80 price tag for The Outer Worlds 2, Nintendo is sticking with $80 for titles like Mario Kart World. Hardware prices are also going up instead of down — the Xbox Series X and Series S both saw price hikes this year, and Sony has raised PlayStation 5 prices globally. It’s possible the Switch 2 could follow this trend and get more expensive rather than cheaper over time.
With that in mind, I figured if I was going to buy a Switch 2 eventually, it made sense to do it now before prices potentially rise.
Enjoying the Switch 2 So Far
Since buying it, I’ve been playing daily. The Switch 2 even replaced my Steam Deck as my go-to handheld, which is saying something since the Deck had replaced my OLED Switch two years ago. I know the new console excitement might fade, but for now, I’m having a blast smashing bananas and racing through tracks.
