Nintendo has finally announced its highly anticipated successor, the Nintendo Switch 2, eight years after the original Switch was released.
Like the earlier model, Nintendo's latest hybrid gaming console can be handheld or connected to a TV. It's set to be released on June 5 and cost $450 -- marking it as Nintendo's most expensive console ever. The franchise unveiled several features and new games that could help justify the sticker price, including Mario Kart World, Hogwarts Legacy and Madden NFL. And gamers are ready for it.
A new CNET survey finds that over half of US gaming adults (58%) are interested in buying the Switch 2 but are considering a few factors ahead of the launch. By the numbers, 27% are looking for an affordable price tag, while others hope new games for the Nintendo franchise and improved technology will meet their expectations this summer.
The gaming world has evolved since the first Switch hit the scene. Nowadays, 4K graphics, virtual reality, streaming, game subscriptions and social play are increasingly important to many gamers. The new Switch has the opportunity to catch up to the technology of competitors like the Xbox Series X and Sony PlayStation 5 while maintaining a family-friendly, portable format that's more accessible to everyone.
After years of waiting, loyal Nintendo gamers are ready for a new and improved system -- and to pass down the older one. However, the big question is, will the Switch 2 deliver?
Here's what CNET's latest gaming survey found and the big Nintendo moments our gaming editors say you don't want to miss.
Key takeaways
- Over half of US adults who are active gamers (58%) are interested in upgrading to the Nintendo Switch 2.
- Over one in four (27%) gaming adults say an affordable price would sway them to buy the Switch 2, followed by new games for the Nintendo franchise and improved technology.
- Younger generation gamers, including Gen Z (70%) and millennials (71%), are interested in buying the Switch 2.
- US gaming adults spend an average of $35 per month on new games and/or subscriptions, but Gen Z leads the way with an average of $56.
Gen Z hopes the Switch will bring better games and performance
CNET found that 70% of Gen Z and 71% of millennial gamers are interested in the upcoming Switch model. What's most interesting is Gen Z's hopes for the new console and how they view gaming.
Nearly one in four (23%) of Gen Z respondents are looking forward to new games for Nintendo franchises, while 30% are looking forward to improved technology such as a bigger screen and better graphics. Above all, the top factor for deciding whether or not to buy the Switch was an affordable price (31%). CNET Editor-at-Large Scott Stein, who writes about gaming devices among other things, wasn't shocked by any of this.
"It definitely sounds like those results favor the Switch 2's existence," Stein said.
Here's a closer look at the factors Gen Z gamers and US gaming adults overall consider when deciding to upgrade to the Switch 2 and what experts think about the data.
Read more: What You Need to Know About Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games
The No. 1 factor is the console price
Nintendo's newest console is now closer to other console prices like the Xbox Series X, costing $450, but $500 with the Mario Kart World bundle. In comparison, the first Switch cost $300 when it was released.
Even though the console is more expensive than CNET experts predicted, Gen Zers may be willing to pay since the Switch 2 offers more features, gaming availability and higher-resolution graphics.
"It may seem high, but it's right in line with higher-end handhelds like Steam Deck, and Windows handhelds are even more expensive. Plus, this comes with its own dock," Stein said.
Stein pointed out that if Gen Zers love the usual Nintendo games, they'll likely buy the newer Switch model. However, it could depend on how much support big-name publishers give the Switch 2 for popular games that could make the new console worth the sticker price for them. So far, Nintendo has announced close to 50 Switch 2 games, including a few classics that have a Switch 2 edition.
It's all about the Switch's performance and unique features, too
As one of the youngest gaming generations, Gen Z hopes that Nintendo will deliver higher-resolution graphics with the upcoming release, which could meet Gen Z's expectations -- like we see with PlayStation and Xbox. Since this generation was much younger when the first Nintendo Switch was first released, Stein said this is the first time they can weigh in on the Nintendo franchise's graphics and capabilities.
Beyond graphics, Gen Z is also looking at what makes the Switch stand out.
For example, Nintendo announced that each Joy-Con can be used like a mouse to play compatible games, like Civilization 7. That might not move the needle for making the purchase, but Gen Z is looking for something different that will make the purchase worthwhile, said David Lumb, a senior reporter at CNET.
They're spending more on gaming, but intentionally
Even though the younger generation is weighing the console price, let's not forget about the No. 1 factor for the younger generation considering the Switch 2: the availability of games. "Gen Z, with its disposable income, is choosing to focus on a couple of games and going a little bit on that, rather than having a broader [array] of games, especially if their socialization is based on those one or two games," Lumb said.
Lumb also said there's a chance Gen Z will initially wait to see if more games come out to justify the price of the Switch 2, especially since they already have forever games they're socially playing with friends.
Yet this generation spends the most on subscriptions and gaming.
Gen Z spends an average of $56 per month on subscriptions and/or new games, compared with US gaming adults as a whole, spending an average of $35 per month. That's an additional $252 per year for the youngest surveyed generation.
Beyond buying new games and paying for subscriptions, there's a chance this monthly amount could be spent on in-game purchases for games that Gen Z gamers may only buy once a year. However, they could spend the monthly amount on customization, upgrades and other in-game purchases, said Lumb. For example, think about in-game cosmetics and items you can purchase in Fortnight, which will also be available on the Switch 2.
Read more: Best Nintendo Switch Deals: Grab the Switch OLED and Get Super Mario Bros Wonder for Free
Why the Switch 2 is gaining traction for US gamers
More than half (58%) of US adults that game want to buy the Nintendo Switch 2. The big question is why.
For loyal Switch gamers, the format and games are fun, and gamers are ready for the next iteration of it, Lumb said.
"I think it's just people are excited to see the next version of this, but I also think it's excitement, not a guarantee people are going to buy it," Lumb said. Here's what would persuade US adults to buy the new Switch.
Read more: How to Preorder Nintendo Switch 2: All Store Links
The big Switch 2 moments our editors and gamers
The Nintendo Switch 2 came with a few rumored upgrades, including a bigger display and magnetic Joy-Cons. Here's what else gamers and our experts are looking forward to based on survey findings and the latest Nintendo Direct.
Better performance to lure popular games
Aside from the price of the console, the two biggest factors for buying the Switch are improved technology and game availability. However, to have both, big-name popular games need better performance to offer more than Nintendo's usual titles.
Nintendo hasn't been focused on performance like Xbox and PlayStation -- which perform similarly to a personal computer, said Lumb. Instead, it has focused on offering unique games.
"Nintendo is really going for style over the latest and greatest, which is fun. However, the original Switch suffered in terms of porting top-end games," said Lumb. "So hopefully, we will see a performance boost to at least be able to get a decent amount of these leading games."
A few big-name game titles are coming to Nintendo, including WWE 2K, The Duskbloods and Civilization 7 -- the first mouse strategy game for the Switch 2. Nintendo will also offer GameShare for three systems to play a compatible game.
A new Nintendo subscription plan
Currently, Nintendo offers Nintendo Switch Online, which allows cloud data storage, online gameplay and a library of Nintendo games. Our editors were eager to see if Nintendo's big announcement would include changes to the existing subscription to offer more to gamers. And Nintendo delivered.
Nintendo Switch Online is getting a few new features, including live game chat, which will be available only for the Switch 2. Game chat will require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription after March 2026. Nintendo will offer expansion packs for games that you may already have but want to upgrade for the Switch 2. The biggest shock was the Nintendo Gamecube library for Switch 2 users too.
Special features and upgraded technology
Beyond the long list of games, Nintendo has an extensive list of new features and accessories coming this year that could meet gamer's expectations. You'll be able to play Switch 2 games at up to 120 frames per second, have better sound quality with the consoles built-in mic and 256GB of internal storage.
Plus, Nintendo announced a Nintendo Switch Camera, a new Switch 2 controller and a Gamecube controller.
"It's funny because we always write off Nintendo as not being about graphics or necessarily about tech, but they do have moments that they push the envelope on tech," Stein said.
The Nintendo Switch will also be backward compatible, as Stein hoped. That means your older Switch games will be compatible with later Switch models and the Switch 2, though you might encounter some compatibility issues. Stein said that would be welcoming news for loyal Nintendo customers, who may consider buying the newer model later on. And when they do, they'd already have a library of games at the ready.
Methodology
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 2,369 adults, of which 1,290 were gamers. Fieldwork was undertaken between March 19 and 25, 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18 and over).