It’s officially been a couple weeks since I picked up the new Nintendo Switch, and after logging in several hours of gaming — mostly Mario Kart — I can honestly say: I’m glad I got it. Is it a revolutionary upgrade? Not exactly. But is it still a solid, fun, and totally worthwhile console in 2025? Absolutely.
Let’s break it down.
First Impressions: Sleek, Familiar, and a Little Sharper
Right out of the box, the new Switch feels familiar, and that’s not a bad thing. Nintendo clearly isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel here. If you’ve owned a previous model, this one will feel like coming home — just with a few more modern touches.
The screen is brighter and crisper, which you really notice during colorful games like Mario Kart and Smash Bros. The handheld mode feels better than ever — smoother edges, slightly upgraded battery life, and it just feels nice in the hands. It’s like your favorite hoodie got a little comfier.
Some might knock Nintendo for not going full “next-gen” with a 4K dock or drastically improved internals, but I think they know their lane. Nintendo games aren’t about hyper-realistic graphics. They’re about fun, creativity, and replayability — and this system leans into that.
So… What Can You Actually Play?
Let’s talk games — because that’s what really matters, right?
To be completely real: Mario Kart is currently carrying the load when it comes to new content. The updated version has some slick new tracks and a few tweaks that make it feel fresh even if you’ve played dozens of hours on older versions. It’s still the perfect party game, the perfect quick race fix, and the perfect reminder of why Nintendo games hit different.
Other than that, the lineup right now is mostly made up of classics and replays. And for me, that’s not a bad thing. This new Switch is also a great excuse to dive back into titles I loved but never fully completed — like Breath of the Wild, Luigi’s Mansion 3, or Super Mario Odyssey.
But I get it — if you’re someone looking for a wave of new releases, you might feel like you’re in a bit of a waiting room right now.
That’s where Donkey Kong comes in.
Donkey Kong Is Coming — And It Might Be the Spark
Nintendo announced that a new Donkey Kong game is on the way, and from everything we’ve seen so far, it looks promising. The visuals are sharp, the gameplay looks fast-paced and chaotic in the best way, and it’s a franchise that hasn’t had a proper refresh in a while.
If it lands the way people are expecting, it could be a must-have for the new Switch and maybe even the system’s first true “killer app.” Until then, Nintendo fans are basically riding the wave of strong existing titles and the always-fun Mario Kart experience.
Still, I wouldn’t call that a dealbreaker. Sometimes it’s better to have a slow drip of quality games than a flood of forgettable ones.
Is the New Switch Worth It?
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Yes — especially if you’re upgrading from an original model or haven’t owned a Switch at all.
The improvements, while subtle, do make a difference. The screen is better, the handheld experience is smoother, and it feels like a more polished version of a console that already dominated the market for nearly a decade. If you’ve been holding out waiting for a big jump or worried that it wouldn’t be worth it — I’d say now is a pretty solid time to jump in.
And if you’re someone who plays on the go or likes gaming while multitasking, the Switch still has no competition. Steam Deck and other handheld PCs might have more power, but none of them have that Nintendo charm or access to the exclusive library that makes the Switch what it is.
Plus, if you’re like me and enjoy couch co-op or hosting game nights with friends, the Switch continues to be the king of fun-for-everyone gaming. It’s one of the few consoles that feels just as good for solo chill sessions as it does for turning your living room into a mini arcade.
Final Thoughts: No Regrets
After a couple weeks of use, I’m not feeling any buyer’s remorse. In fact, I find myself reaching for the Switch more often than I thought I would. It’s easy to pick up, the games run smoothly, and it still captures that spark that made us all fall in love with Nintendo in the first place.
Sure, it’d be nice to have a stronger launch lineup or some surprise titles drop out of nowhere, but Nintendo has always played the long game. With Donkey Kong on the horizon and likely more titles coming later in the year (hopefully a Zelda or Metroid announcement soon?), I think this new Switch is just getting warmed up.
If you’re thinking about grabbing one — do it. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the world of Nintendo, this console is still one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences you can have. It might not be flashy, but it’s fun — and that’s what matters.