Now that the Switch 2 is out, is the first generation Nintendo Switch still worth buying? And what about the Nintendo Switch Lite?

With Nintendo’s latest console FINALLY out in the world after years of leaks, speculation and anticipation, you might be wondering which model to buy this Christmas.

The sequel to one of the best and most popular consoles of all time has more power, a bigger and better screen and brand-new social features.

The problem is, its £395.99. And that’s without any games.

If you want a Switch 2 with the brand-new game - Mario Kart World - that’ll set you back £429.99.

Nintendo Switch 2 Black Friday deals

Over the course of November we'll be keeping track of any deals or offers we find for the Nintendo Switch 2 to help you save money ahead of Christmas. If you're in the market for a new Switch, remember to bookmark this page.

The price definitely raised eyebrows when Nintendo launched the console back in the summer but it's actually starting to look like a pretty good deal. The increased capabilities, wide array of games including hits like Hogwarts Legacy alongside Nintendo titles like Pokémon Legends Z-A and Mario Kart World and versatility make it quite an attractive console for families.

Combine that with the fact that other consoles are seeing massive price hikes and you're on to a winner.

Nintendo are known for making consoles that appeal to all generations young and old. They're also renowned for making great multiplayer games (Mario Kart probably being the best), making a Nintendo console a must have in any family living room.

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Whether you’re after a new console for yourself or picking up a present for your child, we wanted to explore the entire Nintendo Switch line-up to help you find the best option to buy. Do you go with the latest and greatest Switch 2 or maybe you're better sticking with the original Switch.

Which Nintendo Switch is best for kids?

After a quick glance at the Nintendo Switch 2 box and you might be forgiven for mistaking it for the previous generation Switch. Combine that with the fact that the consoles look similar and have similar names, and you might be wondering what consoles Nintendo are actually selling. Overall, we think the best Switch for families is probably the Switch 2. It is the most expensive Switch in the line-up but considering the wide array of games, the fact that your child can play solo or you can play in TV mode as a family, the Switch 2 wins out.

There are currently 4 Switch models on sale.

Nintendo Switch 2, £429

Nintendo Switch 2

The brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 includes a larger screen, more powerful internals that allow for 4K resolution when docked in TV mode as well as new Joy-Con 2 controllers with magnetic attachment and mouse mode. It’s a slick console that pretty much pluses everything good about the previous Switch. It’s also £395.99 without any games.

New games like Mario Tennis Fever, Donkey Kong Bananza and Super Mario Party Jamboree are fantastic picks for families, taking advantage of all the new social features and tech to create a whole new way to play.

Honestly, given that we're expecting to see some discounts this Black Friday, the Switch 2 is probably the console we'd suggest most families buy. It future proofs you and ensures that you'll be able to play the latest games. It's backwards compatible with everything you can play on the Switch 1 and you also get access to a ton of retro games from older Nintendo consoles. Whether your child wants to play Zelda in hand-held mode or you want to get the whole family together for a round of Mario Kart World, you can't go wrong with the Switch 2.

Available at: Amazon, Very, Currys, Argos

Nintendo Switch 1, £234.95

nintendo switch 1

Believe it or not, the very first Switch is still on-sale almost 10-years on from launch, though we suspect it won’t last much longer and probably wouldn’t recommend buying one. The price has gone up slightly too making it an even less appealing option, especially compared with the newer console and even the Nintendo Switch OLED.

Available at: Amazon, Very, Currys, Argos

Nintendo Switch OLED, £269.51

Nintendo Switch OLED

Speaking of which, next up is the Nintendo Switch OLED, the second version of the first-generation Switch that comes with a souped-up screen. We told you it’s complicated. The OLED model is currently retailing for £299.99 making it an attractive option if you're looking for a cheaper Switch that can still play a ton of games in both hand-held and docked mode.

Available at: Amazon, Very, Currys, Argos

Nintendo Switch Lite, £168.66

Nintendo Switch Lite Best Classic Toy MFM Toy Awards 2024

And then there’s the Nintendo Switch Lite, the handheld only version of the first-generation Switch which can play all the same games as the original Switch but cannot be used in TV mode. This one is kind of only really useful if you're buying a Switch specifically for 1 person. It's reasonably priced making it a good option if your just looking to pick up a console for your Mario obsessed child.

Available at: Amazon, Very, Currys, Argos

Does that make sense? Yeah, we’re not sure either.

So, there are 4 Switch consoles available with the cheapest being the Switch Lite and most expensive being the new Switch 2.

Which should you buy? That depends on a few things.

What is the best value Nintendo Switch console for families?

If money is no object, then the Switch 2 is the future-proofed, best of the best option. It has all the latest games, looks the best when playing on the big screen or in hand-held mode and will last you for years to come.

If you’re toying between the Switch OLED and the Switch 2, we’d probably advise you spend the extra £100 and buy the Switch 2.

However, if you just want to play Nintendo games and you’re not bothered about the better screen, performance or social features, then the Switch Lite is 100% the best value option. At £200 less than the Switch 2, this is the best way to play for the least amount of money making it a great option for gifting or just passing time on your commute. It has access to tones of games and is super portable giving you a lot of Nintendo for a much smaller price tag.

What Nintendo Switch 2 games are best for families?

SWITCH 2 GAMES

One criticism of the Switch 2 has been the distinct lack of NEW games exclusive to the console. Sure, Cyberpunk 2077 and Split Fiction are nice, but those aren’t new games and they're definitely not suitable for children.

Of the big Nintendo franchises, its only really Mario Kart World you can’t play on any of the previous Switch consoles. The Switch 2 IS backwards compatible with games from the first generation Switch, but does that warrant spending an extra £200?

Keep in mind that games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom have received Switch 2 upgrades and there are new titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and Super Mario Party Jamboree, so the library of games you can only play on the new console is expanding.

Interestingly, the latest Pokémon game, Pokémon Legends: Z-A has both a Switch 1 and Switch 2 version meaning you can play the game on the older Switch consoles as well as the newer Switch 2.

When it comes to games, which console you pick will be entirely down to your desire to future proof your purchase. There aren’t many Switch 2 only games out NOW, but that will change.

If you want the best of everything including new versions of both Zelda titles and you’re okay with the price tag, then we’d suggest going for the Switch 2.

Otherwise, the Lite or OLED is the better option – particularly if you’ve got younger kids who want something to do on a long journey and you don't need to worry about better graphics or the exclusive games.

You can also check out our list of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids for more options. We've also got our new games for families in 2025 for more to play.

As a family, do you need TV mode?

The last question to ask yourself is how important TV mode is to you or the person you’re buying the Switch for.

If they prefer to play games on the biggest screen possible then the Switch 2 is the only option we’d recommend.

However, if they’re on the go a lot or you’re after a console you can buy for your child then the Switch Lite is the best bet. Sure, you can’t dock the console but you’re getting access to tons of games at a great price.

Overall, all of the Nintendo Switch consoles are great thanks to the incredible library of fun and exciting games for the whole family. Where the Switch 2 wins out is in its new features, exclusive games and the fact that buying the latest and greatest console will ensure your family can keep playing for years to come.

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Authors

Matthew Trask
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