Should you buy a Nintendo Switch 2 before the price hikes? I played 5 of its biggest exclusives to find out

Date:
Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Description:
The Switch 2 has a pretty compelling lineup as it approaches its first birthday and with a price hike on the way, now could be the time to snap it up.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Its official. The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to receive a price hike around the world, largely as a result of the ongoing memory crisis .

In the US, the Switch 2 will get a $50 increase, effective 1 September 2026, meaning it will cost $499.99. Consumers in the UK, Europe, Canada, and beyond can also expect to pay more for the console in coming months. The
announcement has led a lot of people to wonder whether they should act now
and grab the console at its current lower price. But is the Switch 2 actually worth spending the (pre-price-rise) price of almost $450 / 400 / AU$700 on? Latest Videos From You may like The 26 best Nintendo Switch 2 games to play right now If you want a Switch 2, an ex-Nintendo sales lead is warning you to buy now The 27 best Nintendo Switch games in 2026

Well, Ive played five of the biggest Switch 2-exclusive games in the
console's current lineup to help answer that question, and Im pretty set on
my answer. So, lets take a look at each of the Switch 2s heaviest hitters,
and find out whether the console is really worth buying sooner rather than later. Mario Kart World: the series most chaotic entry since the Wii era (Image credit: Nintendo) Lets start with the Switch 2s leading launch title, Mario Kart World . Its proven to be fairly divisive with fans, due to many finding the connections between tracks in Grand Prix and online modes to be uninspired, and the open world mode to be a little plain.

However, I personally find the open world mode to be pretty solid. Could it
be improved? Certainly. But roaming around while listening to the games masterful and eclectic soundtrack, completing missions, and practicing shortcuts is very enjoyable on the whole. The interconnected sections also
got a a revamp in the 1.4 update, and can be avoided in VS mode, which is a big plus.

A lot of this is pretty secondary as well, as the main draw at least in my view is the new Knockout Tour mode, where four players are eliminated per
lap and only one can take the crown. Knockout Tour is phenomenal with
friends, and has led to a lot of highly tense moments, shouting at the TV, as well as some crazy photo finishes. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals
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More generally, Mario Kart World absolutely nails it with smooth controls, an incredible character roster, and beautiful visuals. There are 24 racers now, and items feel a lot more punishing than they did in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe , resulting in a more chaotic, action-packed karting experience. Despite some small hiccups, Id argue that World is the best game that the series has produced since the Wii era. Today's best Mario Kart World deals 59.95 View 59.99 View 66.99 View Show more We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Donkey Kong Bananza: a great action platformer, but not a true system-seller (Image credit: Nintendo) Donkey Kong Bananza really
doesn't require an introduction. This Game of the Year-nominee was a smash
hit with critics including our very own Dash Wood, who scored the game 4.5 stars out of five.

This title which is developed by the same team that handled Super Mario Odyssey is quite unique, in that so much of the game is centered around smashing your environment into smithereens. Doing so can net you hidden collectibles and coins, and help you progress through the games story, which has an absolutely iconic ending, I have to say. What to read next Super Mario Bros. Wonder Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park review Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch 2 review: good, but not quite great Low and behold, the Nintendo Switch 2 will face a price hike this September

For DK fans, this title is absolutely essential. Everything from the charismatic cutscenes through to the bizarre power-ups and addictive destruction will please almost any Nintendo gamer. Is it a real
system-seller? Perhaps not quite. Although Nintendo went in hard on the marketing for this title, everyones favorite ape lacks the draw of a 3D Mario game or new entry in the Legend of Zelda series.

The game itself, though, is certainly high in quality. The performance can be a little shaky at times, and I found that some of the layers lacked the raw creativity of the Kingdoms in Odyssey. All in all, though, Bananza is a good time. Today's best Donkey Kong Bananza (Nintendo Switch) deals 44.99 View 54.99 View 66.99 View Show more We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Pokmon Pokopia: like Animal Crossing, but better (Image credit: Nintendo / The Pokmon Company) I dont think its even slightly controversial to say that Pokmon Pokopia is the best exclusive that the Nintendo Switch 2 has to offer.

This social sim, co-developed by Game Freak and Koei Tecmos Omega Force, has received many comparisons to Animal Crossing, but for me, is better than just about every game that series has offered. Playing as Ditto, youll enter a post-apocalyptic world, where humans are nowhere to be seen. Youll help to rebuild a fractured environment, build communities of Pokmon, and uncover the mystery of the worlds upheaval.

What really makes this Switch 2 exclusive so special is its charisma. All of the Pokmon are bursting with personality, and come out with hilarious lines. Whether it's Pidgey telling you that its time to lock in or Bulbasaur exclaiming, "Lets get this place HUMID, theres just so much charm and character to admire.

Pair that with simple yet enjoyable crafting mechanics, varied and vast environments, and a surprisingly dark story (for a Pokmon game), and Pokopia is one of the best games on Switch 2 and one of the greatest games of 2026
in general. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book: a charming exploration game for
all ages (Image credit: Nintendo) I recently reviewed this new release, and although I cant see people buying a Switch 2 for this title alone, it's still a great addition to the systems lineup.

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book isnt your typical platformer. Its not even a typical Yoshi game; its something that feels brand new. The whole experience is centered around exploration, with a host of whimsical creatures hiding in the pages of a sentient encyclopedia named Mr. E. Yoshi can hop into each page, learn more about the curious critters inside, and hunt down
collectibles like Smiley Flowers.

This game is all about charm and whimsy. I adored the stop-motion animation and hand-drawn characters, and the strikingly vibrant art style instantly hooked me during my play-through.

Its a game best played in segments rather than long sessions, and some
players will certainly want a bit more challenge in terms of platforming and combat. But families and long-time fans alike will certainly find things to love about Yoshis latest adventure. Today's best Nintendo Switch 2 Yoshi and the Mysterious Book deals 49.99 View 49.99 View 52.99 View Show more We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Kirby Air Riders:
like Smash on wheels (Image credit: Nintendo) Lets finish with the weirdest and whackiest title of them all, Kirby Air Riders , which was developed by Super Smash Bros. lead Masahiro Sakurais Sora Ltd alongside Bandai Namco Studios.

And believe me, the Smash Bros. influence is clear in just about every way. The sound design, music, visual style, and even UI all have big Super Smash Bros. Ultimate vibes, but I kinda love it. The gameplay also draws a lot from Smash, with fast-paced, all-action racing sprinkled in with combat mechanics that result in an even more chaotic experience than Mario Kart World can provide.

Everything about this game has an oddball vibe, whether that be the strange and sometimes obscure cast of characters, the unconventional control scheme, or the pure disorder of the City Trial mode. Theres even a way to customize vehicles, and as you can imagine, people have created all sorts of cursed, nightmarish designs that will either make you laugh or cry.

Despite wearing its inspirations on its sleeve, Kirby Air Riders really is a gaming experience like no other, and if you want high-octane, full-throttle racing/battling then this ones for you. Shoutout to the brilliant visuals and technical performance too. Today's best Kirby Air Riders deals 44.99 View 58.99 View 64.99 View Show more We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices The verdict: buy it now and save your future self some money (Image credit: Future) There you have it. Thats what I made of my time with the Switch 2s five biggest exclusives, and as you can probably tell, Ive had a pretty great time with what the console has had to offer so far.

All of the games above have their flaws some more than others. But for one year in, the Switch 2 has a really admirable library, with fun racers, a GoTY-nominated 3D action platformer, and one of the best Pokmon games ever made.

Theres a lot of exciting stuff on the horizon too, with The Duskbloods , a
new Fire Emblem entry, and Splatoon Raiders all confirmed. There are rumors
of a Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake and a new 3D Mario game too
both of which would likely excite those yet to buy into Nintendos latest system. Of course, weve got Pokmon Winds and Waves arriving in 2027 as well.

So should you buy a Switch 2 before the price hikes? Well yes, I think you should. Sure, the upcoming stuff is exciting, but whats already here makes
the system worth investing in. Beyond the impressive titles, you get 4K capabilities in docked mode, a beautiful 1080p display in handheld mode, 120fps gameplay for select titles, and impressive virtual surround sound .

The system is backwards-compatible, meaning you can use it to play your old Switch games, too. And thanks to a new Handheld Mode Boost , you can enjoy them in 1080p on the go, which is an absolute treat. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. The best Nintendo Switch 2 games to play right now Our top picks for Nintendo's latest handheld

Read our full guide to the best Nintendo Switch 2 games 1. Best overall: Donkey Kong Bananza 2. Great for multiplayer: Mario Kart World 3. A sequel
for the ages: Hollow Knight: Silksong 4. A timeless adventure and remake: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition 5. Best Pokmon: Pokmon Legends Z-A



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