The gaming world is constantly evolving. Every year, new consoles, games, and accessories flood the market, giving gamers more options than ever before. In 2025, one question that continues to pop up in gaming circles is: Is the Nintendo Switch worth it? With advancements in gaming technology and fierce competition from consoles like the Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, does the Nintendo Switch still hold its own in 2025?
Grab your Joy Con controller, buckle up, and let’s dive into the world of the Nintendo Switch—its history, the current state of the console, the games, the special editions, and more—answering that crucial question: Is the Nintendo Switch still worth it?
This Article Contains
Is the Nintendo Switch Worth It in 2025?
The Evolution of the Switch: Then and Now
Which Model Fits Your Play Style? (Standard, Lite, or OLED)
Nintendo Switch Online: Is the Subscription Worth It?
Switch vs. Next-Gen Consoles: Portability vs. Power
Does the Nintendo Switch Have What It Takes in 2025?
If you ask any Nintendo fan if the Switch game library is impressive, you’ll likely get an earful. And with good reason—Nintendo is a juggernaut when it comes to quality gaming content. From the heartwarming Animal Crossing to action-packed Metroid Prime and the timeless Super Mario Odyssey, the library of games available on the Nintendo Switch is vast and varied. You’ll find yourself immersed in countless Nintendo games, with something for every kind of gamer.
Some noteworthy titles that continue to shine in 2025 include:
- Super Mario Odyssey: This Nintendo Switch game remains one of the best platformers ever created, offering fun, exploration, and creative puzzles that appeal to players of all ages.
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons: While the Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, Animal Crossing: New Horizons still reigns as one of the most beloved titles on the system. This cozy life simulation game has kept players engaged for years—and with regular updates, it’s still a hit despite being an older game.
- Hello Kitty Island Adventure: Okay, maybe this one isn’t for everyone, but it’s a quirky gem for fans of the pink cat. If you’re into cutesy Nintendo Switch games, don’t miss out.
- Metroid Prime: With the resurgence of Metroid Prime in recent years, it’s clear that Nintendo is serious about keeping its older franchises relevant while giving them modern twists.
- Mario Kart: You can’t talk about Nintendo Switch games without bringing up Mario Kart. Whether you’re playing on the Switch Lite or the Switch OLED, racing around tracks in Mario Kart is a timeless multiplayer experience.
- Ring Fit Adventure: Sure, it’s not your typical gaming experience, but this game gives you a full-body workout while you tackle in-game quests. It’s a great way to blend fitness with gaming, especially when you need a break from the usual racing games or action-adventure titles.
And then there’s the ever-growing library of third-party games. Although not as expansive as the Xbox One or PlayStation 5 libraries, the Switch has proven that gaming is not all about power; it’s about having fun. You can even find Rockstar Games titles like Grand Theft Auto V on the Switch, allowing you to cruise around Liberty City on the go!
If you’re also into Apple Arcade, you can easily sync some of your mobile version games with your Switch. For the gamer on the go, the portability of the Nintendo console truly stands out, especially compared to gaming PCs or the Xbox Series S.
The Evolution of the Nintendo Switch
Before we start comparing the Nintendo Switch to the Xbox Series or the PlayStation 5, let’s take a stroll down memory lane. The original Switch, released back in 2017, was an instant hit.
It combined the best of both worlds: a home console that doubles as a portable handheld gaming device. Back then, it didn’t feel like anything we had seen before—gaming on-the-go had officially entered the mainstream, and Nintendo was leading the charge. But is it still leading in 2025?
In the years following the release of the original Switch, Nintendo introduced a few variants, including the Switch Lite and the Switch OLED. Let’s take a moment to understand each version’s unique appeal.
Nintendo Switch vs. Nintendo Switch Lite: What’s the Difference?
The Nintendo Switch Lite is often seen as the smaller, more budget-friendly sibling of the original Switch. Unlike the regular Switch, the Lite version is a handheld-only device.
While the Switch Lite lacks the ability to dock and play on your TV, it’s still perfect for those who want to enjoy Nintendo games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart, and Super Mario Odyssey in the palm of their hands.
The Lite’s lower price point also makes it an attractive option for new gamers or those who don’t mind missing out on the TV gaming experience.
But does the lack of a dock and the slightly smaller screen make the Switch Lite worth it over other handheld gaming devices? For some, it’s a no-brainer. For others, the regular Switch or Switch OLED might be the better choice.
Nintendo Switch OLED: The Bigger, Better Version
Fast forward to 2021 when Nintendo unveiled the Nintendo Switch OLED. As the name suggests, this version boasts a vibrant OLED screen that enhances the gaming experience, especially for titles with rich colors like Super Mario Bros Wonder and Metroid Prime. It’s still very much the same console in terms of features, but the screen, improved audio, and adjustable stand make a significant difference for those who prefer to game on the go.
If you’re someone who loves handheld gaming, the Switch OLED is certainly worth considering. But is the higher price tag worth it in 2025? Keep reading as we get into the nitty-gritty of pricing and value for money.
The Nintendo Switch Online Experience: Is It Worth the Subscription?
One of the major selling points for the Nintendo Switch is its robust online gaming capabilities. However, unlike Xbox Live or PlayStation Plus, Nintendo’s online service is somewhat bare-bones, though it has vastly improved since launch. In 2025, Nintendo Switch Online remains essential for multiplayer experiences, including playing Nintendo Switch Sports, Mario Kart, and the classic Super Mario Bros Wonder with friends.
And let’s not forget that the Online Subscription grants you access to a growing library of classic games from systems like the Nintendo DS, Wii U, and even the Game Boy. For retro gaming lovers, this is a dream come true.
But if you’re not into racing games or multiplayer madness, you might not feel the subscription is necessary. Still, there’s the Expansion Pack, which provides access to DLC for popular titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Ring Fit Adventure—and that’s something to consider for dedicated fans of Nintendo’s ever-expanding game library.
Switching Over to Competitors: How Does the Switch Stack Up Against Xbox Series and PlayStation 5?
When it comes to raw power, the Nintendo Switch is no match for the Xbox Series or PlayStation 5. These next-gen consoles offer impressive graphics, ultra-fast loading times, and a catalog of third-party titles, including Elden Ring and Red Dead Redemption—games that are sure to blow your mind with their photorealistic visuals.
But the competition is getting stiffer. The Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally have entered the handheld market, offering gamers more powerful devices with the ability to play PC games. These devices certainly give the Switch a run for its money when it comes to sheer performance, as both Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally offer far more power under the hood, with access to a vast library of games from Steam and Epic Games Store.
But here’s the catch: gaming is not just about graphics. It’s about the experience. And that’s where the Nintendo Switch shines. The portability of the Nintendo Switch, whether you’re playing on the Switch Lite or the standard Switch, adds a layer of flexibility and freedom that the Xbox Series S or Xbox One just can’t compete with. Plus, with exclusive games like Super Mario Bros Wonder and Metroid Prime, the Switch offers a unique gaming experience that you can’t get anywhere else.
Final Thoughts: Is the Nintendo Switch Worth It in 2025?
So, is the current Switch worth it in 2025? Here’s the deal: If you’re someone who loves handheld gaming, enjoys racing games like Mario Kart, wants to experience Nintendo classics on-the-go, and doesn’t mind sacrificing a bit of graphical power for portability, the Nintendo Switch is definitely worth it. Whether you’re grabbing the Switch Lite for portability or opting for the Switch OLED for its stunning screen, this console has something for everyone.
Sure, the Xbox Series and PlayStation 5 might have more cutting-edge technology, but there’s no denying that the Nintendo Switch has carved out its own space in the gaming world—especially for those who just want to have fun and experience a variety of Nintendo Switch games.
In short: If you’re a gamer who values the ability to switch from gaming consoles to mobile version and back again, then yes, the Nintendo Switch is totally worth it. If you need the latest graphics and exclusive content from companies like Rockstar Games, then you might be better off with an Xbox Game Pass subscription or a PlayStation.
But in 2025, the Nintendo Switch is far from obsolete. In fact, it might just be the new console you didn’t know you needed.