Is the Switch worth buying in 2022?

Nintendo's latest console was certainly a quirky one, but it has been nothing short of a roaring success. Despite having been released in 2017, the Nintendo Switch continues to enjoy strong sales, with its first-party games continually topping charts. Its hardware sales also continue to impress, with the hybrid console selling over 111 million units worldwide, putting it on track to reach higher lifetime sales than juggernauts like the PS4 and Xbox One.

Though there are millions of Nintendo Switch consoles in the wild, there are still plenty of gamers considering whether they should take the plunge and purchase one. There are many reasons to be hesitant, as the console has been around for a few years, and there are constant rumors of a successor being just around the corner. Furthermore, it seems vastly underpowered compared to other gaming systems on the market. However, the hybrid console's continual supply of great first-party games ensures that even in 2022 the Nintendo Switch is a smart choice.

Why It May Be Worth Reconsidering Purchasing a Nintendo Switch

The biggest knock against the Nintendo Switch is that it is severely underpowered when compared to its competitors. When the console was released in 2017, its inferior hardware was easy to overlook because it offered portability, something which the PS4 and Xbox One are incapable of. However, the hardware gap is becoming harder to ignore with the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S gaining more of a market share. With these consoles capable of outputting 4K graphics at 60 FPS, moving back to the Nintendo Switch can make games feel outdated even if they were recently released.

The problem of the Nintendo Switch's inferior hardware makes itself especially apparent when it comes to multi-platform games. Titles that run smoothly on other consoles will sometimes struggle on the Nintendo Switch, leaving players with a lackluster experience, as was the case with The Outer Worlds. The Nintendo Switch's weaker hardware is not a problem for everyone, however. For gamers who do not mind 720p gaming when playing in portable mode, or will be mostly sticking to first-party games, the Nintendo Switch still packs a mighty punch. Best of all, the Nintendo Switch OLED model brightens colors and darkens blacks when playing in handheld mode thanks to its beautiful OLED screen, making it a perfect choice for newcomers.

While the Nintendo Switch's ability to swap between docked and handheld mode is impressive, it still lacks much of the versatility that other gaming devices have. For gamers looking for a device that will go beyond gaming and also serve as a media hub, they will have to look elsewhere because even in 2022, the Nintendo Switch still lacks in this department. The Nintendo Switch also has to contend with a new problem - the Steam Deck. Like the Nintendo Switch, the Steam Deck can be played portably or hooked up to a screen. However, the Steam Deck also gives gamers access to most of the Steam library, which includes plenty of ported console games. This makes it a worthwhile alternative for gamers looking for a portable gaming option, except for gamers with an attachment to Nintendo's attractive first-party library.

Why the Nintendo Switch Is Still Worth Purchasing

One of the factors that have kept many from purchasing the Nintendo Switch is the constant rumors of an upcoming revision or successor that will replace the current console, whether it be in the form of a Nintendo Switch Pro or a Nintendo Switch 2. As part of these rumors, there is usually the claim that the new console will be capable of 4K gaming. Given that these rumors have been around for over a year at this point, and the Nintendo Switch OLED was released in late 2021, it is not likely that Nintendo will be churning out a Switch successor soon, and gamers who are on the fence would probably be better off going with a Switch OLED instead of waiting for the elusive Switch 2.

In 2022, gamers also have a variety of Nintendo Switch options to choose from, letting players find the right model to suit their budget and needs. There is the classic Nintendo Switch model which offers hybrid play and detachable Joy-Cons. For gamers looking for a cheaper option and planning on exclusively playing in handheld mode, there is the Nintendo Switch Lite which is a purely handheld device. The lack of detachable Joy-Cons and the inability to connect it to a screen means the handheld is incompatible with a few Switch titles, but it still makes a great gaming device for younger gamers, or casual gamers looking to game on the go.

Lastly, there is the Nintendo Switch OLED, which is the latest model. It resembles the classic Nintendo Switch, except it sports a fancy, slightly larger, OLED screen. The difference is significant, and it is the best choice for new players who are willing to spring for the slight price difference.

The biggest reason the Nintendo Switch continues to be a smart purchase is the console's first-party line-up. Any gamer jumping into the Nintendo ecosystem now accesses five years of phenomenal Nintendo Switch exclusives, including must-play titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Luigi's Mansion 3, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

The steady release of quality games has not slowed down, and in 2022, gamers can look forward to more stellar titles including Splatoon 3 and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. The console has yet to suffer from any significant game droughts, and it remains strongly supported by first-party titles. The Nintendo Switch has been around for a while and although it does have its downsides, especially when compared to other options on the market, it remains a remarkable device that rarely fails to entertain. It shines thanks to its library of standout games that should not be missed, and it does not seem like the steady release of new titles is slowing down soon. Even in 2022, the Nintendo Switch remains a worthwhile purchase.

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