Nintendo Switch 2 vs. 1: What’s New, Is Upgrading Worth It?

The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here, and unless you bought one on launch day, you’re probably wondering the same thing as everyone else: is it worth upgrading to the Switch 2? This isn’t like the OLED edition, which was mostly just a light refresh; the Switch 2 is a whole new console. 

We’ve got you covered on specs and aesthetics for the Nintendo Switch 2 vs. 1, including details on Switch 2 backwards compatibility and graphics. Plus, if you’re looking to pick up a new Switch game for free—yes, for free—we’ll show you how to earn a Nintendo eShop gift card just by snapping your receipts in the Fetch app.

Key differences between Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

We’ll get into the specific differences between Nintendo’s Switch and Switch 2 below, but the short version is that the Switch 2 has better graphics, a bigger screen, advanced Joy-Cons, more storage and worse battery life.

For the sake of comparison, we’ve included both the specs for the standard Switch and the OLED version.

Thinking of upgrading? Keep reading—and don’t forget you can earn gift cards for Switch 1 or 2 games with Fetch.

Are Switch 2 graphics actually better?

Yes, Switch 2 graphics are actually better:

• When docked, the Switch 2 outputs 4k HDR graphics while the old console was limited to 1080p.
• If you’re playing in handheld mode, you’ll have 1080p resolution on a bigger screen (the old Switch was limited to 720p).

What if you don’t play handheld and you’ve got an older TV that doesn’t support 4k HDR? The Switch 2 should still look better, for two reasons:

1. Processor and RAM upgrades allow for superior graphics rendering over Switch 1.
2. The 120 FPS max framerate will give graphics a smoother and more continuous feeling.

If you’re still on the fence about graphics being a key difference between Switch and Switch 2, what if we told you your Switch 1 games will look better on the Switch 2, too? 

Fetch fans are already using gift cards to test Switch 2’s graphic capabilities—why not join them?

Will Switch 1 games run better on Switch 2?

Given that we’re only a few months into the Switch 2, it’s impressive that the majority of Switch 1 games run without a hitch on the system (and Nintendo is tracking the ones that don’t). Backwards compatibility is almost expected these days, but Nintendo has gone a step further: not only will your old games play on the Switch 2, they’ll run better. 

There are two main tiers of upgraded games on the Switch 2: those with Switch 2 versions (paid upgrades) and those with free updates.

Switch 1 games with Switch 2 versions

• Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
• Pokémon Legends: Z-A
• Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
• Super Mario Party Jamboree
• Tamagotchi Plaza
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Switch 1 games running better with free upgrades

• ARMS
• Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
• Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
• Game Builder Garage
• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
• Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
• Super Mario Odyssey
• The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
• The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

Switch 1 games running better with improved framerate

One of the biggest quality of life improvements to the Switch, the Switch 2’s increased max framerates means that you can rely on gems that were designed for 60 FPS to actually get 60 FPS, including:

• Bakeru
• Batman: Arkham Knight
• Bayonetta 3
• Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
• Disco Elysium
• Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes
• The House of the Dead
• Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
• NEO: The World Ends with You
• No More Heroes III
• Outer Wilds
• Pokémon Legends: Arceus
• Resident Evil 6
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Is it worth upgrading to a Switch 2? 

Yes, it’s worth upgrading to a Switch 2. As supply levels have started to stabilize and you should have little trouble finding a Switch 2 at Walmart, Target or Amazon, there’s not a good reason not to upgrade. 

• Graphics fans will love seeing Nintendo’s console take a step closer to Xbox and PS5 resolution.
• First-time Switch buyers should definitely start with the Switch 2 (so should anyone who only bought the Switch Lite).
• Diehard gamers who need to have the next big title ready to go for the weekend will want to trade their Switch for a Switch 2 asap.

At the same time, if you’re content with the Switch 1, the backwards compatibility of the Switch 2 means that you can probably keep gaming on your current console until that big title comes out that demands an upgrade (if you’re like most gamers, that’s going to be Metroid Prime 4: Beyond).

Whether you upgrade now or wait, you can use Fetch to earn free Nintendo eShop cards along the way.

How to earn free Nintendo Switch games with Fetch

Whether you’re gaming on the Switch 1 or Switch 2, there’s one constant: you can build out your game library for free with Fetch. Once you’ve downloaded the Fetch app, just:

• Snap your receipts
• Shop personalized offers
• Buy boosted brands
• Play games on Fetch Play
• Make purchases in Fetch Shop (including your Switch games)

Once you’ve banked some points, redeem them for a gift card to the Nintendo eShop. Prefer physical games? Try a gift card to your favorite game retailer, from Target to Gamestop to Amazon.

Get your gaming gift card in the Fetch app today

Open your Fetch app to check your points balance today. With $10 and $50 Nintendo eShop gift cards available, you should have no trouble picking up that next new game (or a Switch 2 upgrade to Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom).

If you find yourself a few points short, tap that joystick in the top right corner of the app to check out your Fetch Play games catalog and earn your next game by playing games.