Four months. It feels like four days and four years all at once. The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 was one of those rare events in gaming—a release that felt like a collective sigh of relief and a roar of celebration rolled into one.
That success is not just a feeling; it’s backed by unprecedented numbers. As of late 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 has sold over 10.36 million units worldwide, cementing its place as the fastest-selling hardware launch in history. For context, it sold more units in its first few months than the Wii U did in its entire lifetime, and it smashed the 10 million sales mark incredibly quickly after its June launch. That level of success is phenomenal and proves that the world was, indeed, waiting for it.
The Identity Crisis in a Handheld World
Yet, once the dust settled and the launch euphoria faded, a different reality set in. The original Switch wasn't built on launch-day AAA blockbusters; it was built on the incredible indie scene that flourished on the platform. Fast forward to today, and the Switch 2 finds itself in a strange new world, one populated by powerful competitors like the Steam Deck and other PC handhelds.
I believe the Switch 2 is now wrestling with a bit of an identity crisis. It's a fantastic piece of hardware, but it currently suffers from the same ailment its predecessor did: a worrying lack of deep third-party publisher support at launch. Yes, the power is there this time, but where are the games that prove it?
Revisiting Hyrule in Breath Of The Wild.
The Undeniable Power of the Hybrid
Despite this launch library hesitation, the core function of the Switch 2 is a triumph.
For me, it is the currently best hybrid home console. If your daily driver requires a fully supported, seamless, and working handheld experience that can immediately become a docked console on your TV, the Switch 2 just works. The transition is instantaneous, the connection is stable, and the experience is fundamentally improved.
The bump in power—thanks to the new processor and clever upscaling tech—has fundamentally changed the console’s standing. While it’s unrealistic to expect it to match the raw fidelity of a PS5 or an Xbox Series X, it has enough muscle to make modern games genuinely enjoyable. For the first time, I feel like the Switch isn't just a niche console, but a viable option instead of a full-fledged Xbox or even a PS5 for a significant portion of my gaming. It’s an amazing technical feat.
Nintendo’s Ace in the Hole
Of course, we all know what truly drives the platform: Nintendo's incredible first-party library. Even with Microsoft's monumental acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Nintendo remains the number one IP holder of some of the best and most universally beloved games ever created. We expect future first-party titles to fully utilize the new hardware, and that is a certainty.
The new Switch 2 Joy-Cons in Atomic purple.
However, I can't shake the feeling that a golden opportunity was missed with the launch. Nintendo should have done a "Wii Sports" moment and given everyone a new pack-in game for free, like a "Tour" game showcasing the power and features. It makes me wonder about the decisions coming out of Nintendo of America. Historically, it was the North American team—people like the "Nintendo lady boss" and Reggie Fils-Aime's decision to bundle Wii Sports for free—that made bold, consumer-friendly decisions that truly broadened the market. I hope that vital push for value and accessibility hasn't been lost.
The Miracle of Remasters and My Current Queue
Speaking of the games, the remastering of older titles has been nothing short of miraculous. Playing the Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild and even Tears of the Kingdom just shows you how much untapped potential was in those masterpieces. The fidelity bump is a constant, delightful reminder of how good those games actually are.
Tears Of The Kingdom on the Switch 2.
Currently, I’m wrapping up Breath of the Wild, trying to 100% it and finally finish my save file, alongside a charming playthrough of Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Both are immensely fun, and Tears of the Kingdom is next. But here's the rub: once I'm done with those, the console suddenly feels light. The immediate list of new games I need to play isn't as long as I’d like.
The Cost of Digital Power
Finally, I have to talk about the price. I get that the hardware price might go up to justify the development and cost of the hardware itself. We all know that an iPhone costs around $130 per unit to produce before factoring in R&D and marketing. Valve is partly subsidizing the Steam Deck so that you buy more games on Steam.
But with over 2 billion pieces of software sold on the eShop in the Switch's lifetime, I think the price of new first-party games is starting to feel a little steep. This is especially true when you consider the cost of reduced memory in a physical key card versus the price of traffic to download the content. We’re being asked to pay a premium for a console that sells a staggering amount of software—and that’s a balance I hope Nintendo re-evaluates sooner rather than later.
The new C button for sharing your gaming experiences.
Overall, my first four months with the Switch 2 have been a mix of exhilaration and frustration. It’s the fastest-selling console ever, a testament to the hardware’s fundamental appeal. It’s the best hybrid ever made, an incredible piece of technology, and the home of games I will replay forever. Now, it just needs the consistent, third-party support and the bold, consumer-first pricing strategies to match its phenomenal hardware potential.
What do you think is the biggest missing piece from the Switch 2's launch lineup right now
