Nintendo Switch 2 buying guide: storage, game-key cards and what to buy with it
Everything to know before buying a Switch 2 — what's in the box, which microSD card works, how game-key cards differ from normal cartridges, and the accessories worth adding.
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Short version. The Switch 2 is a handheld-plus-TV console with a 7.9-inch screen and 256GB of built-in storage. If you add storage, it must be a microSD Express card — ordinary microSD cards will not hold Switch 2 games. Most original Switch games work on it, and a second set of controllers is optional for many two-player games because the included Joy-Con 2 can be split.
Nintendo's second Switch launched in June 2025 and has been the company's fastest-selling console. It keeps the idea that made the first Switch a hit — one machine that works as a handheld and as a TV console — and adds a bigger screen, more power and a few new tricks. This guide focuses on the practical questions buyers ask most.
What's in the box
A standard Switch 2 box contains the console, two Joy-Con 2 controllers, a Joy-Con 2 grip (to hold both controllers together like a gamepad), the dock for connecting to a TV, an HDMI cable, a power adapter and a USB-C charging cable. The Joy-Con 2 attach to the console magnetically rather than sliding onto rails as on the first Switch.
Bundles that include a game come and go. The Mario Kart World launch bundle has been discontinued, so check what each current listing actually includes before assuming a game is in the box.
The headline specs, translated
| Feature | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| 7.9-inch 1080p screen, up to 120Hz, HDR | Noticeably larger and sharper than the original Switch; smoother motion in games that support higher frame rates |
| Up to 4K output when docked | Sharper on a big TV, in games that support it |
| 256GB internal storage | Eight times the base original Switch; still fills up if you buy many digital games |
| microSD Express slot | The only kind of card that can store Switch 2 games |
| Joy-Con 2 with mouse-style sensors | Some games let you slide a Joy-Con on a table like a computer mouse |
| "C" button and GameChat | Built-in voice and video chat with friends (a Nintendo Switch Online membership is required after the trial period) |
Storage: get the right card
This is the most common Switch 2 mistake. The console's card slot accepts microSD Express cards, a newer and faster standard. A regular microSD card from an original Switch, a camera or a phone can't be used to store or play Switch 2 games. Look for the "EX" mark or the words "microSD Express" on the packaging.
Do you need one at all? If the household mostly buys physical games, 256GB will last a long time. If most games are digital — or the player loves large games — a card is worth adding at the start. Read more in our console storage guide.
Physical games and game-key cards
Switch 2 games come on cartridges, as on the first Switch, but some releases are sold as game-key cards. A game-key card is a physical card that doesn't contain the full game: it acts as a key, and the first time you insert it the console downloads the game. After that, the card must be in the console to play — just like a normal cartridge.
Why it matters:
- You need an internet connection and enough free storage for the first download.
- You can still lend, resell or trade in a game-key card, because the license lives on the card.
- If keeping a game playable for decades without downloads matters to you, look for boxes that say the full game is on the cartridge.
Nintendo labels game-key cards on the box. It is worth a five-second check before buying a gift for a family with slow or capped internet.
Original Switch games and accessories
Most original Switch games work on Switch 2, and some receive paid or free "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" upgrades that improve them. Nintendo publishes a list of titles with known issues, so if a particular older game is important, look it up.
Original Switch Pro Controllers and Joy-Con can be used with Switch 2 for compatible games, which helps families who are upgrading. They can't attach to the sides of the Switch 2, and a few Switch 2-specific features (such as mouse controls) need the new Joy-Con 2.
Accessories worth considering
A screen protector and carrying case
If the console will leave the house — or live with a child — a case with a hard shell and a tempered-glass screen protector is the cheapest insurance you can buy. Nintendo sells an official combo, and many third-party options exist.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
For longer sessions on the TV, a full-size controller is far more comfortable than the Joy-Con grip. The Switch 2 Pro Controller adds two rear buttons and a headphone jack. Original Switch Pro Controllers also work if you already own one.
microSD Express card
Only needed if the household buys mostly digital games. Start with the capacity you can afford; you can add or replace the card later.
A second set of Joy-Con 2
Useful for four-player games or for families with several children. For two players, the included pair can often be split.
Online play and Nintendo Switch Online
Playing most games online, using cloud saves and accessing Nintendo's library of classic games requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership. There is a standard tier and an "Expansion Pack" tier with a larger classic library. Family memberships cover up to eight Nintendo Accounts and are usually the best value for a household.
Before you wrap it
- Set up the console yourself before gifting if you want parental controls in place from day one — Nintendo's free Parental Controls smartphone app is the easiest way. See our parental controls guide.
- If the recipient is upgrading from an original Switch, they can transfer data during setup. Ask them to keep the old console handy.
- Keep the receipt and box: you'll need both for most returns and for a better trade-in value later.
See Switch 2 consoles and bundles
Facts, prices and policies in this article were checked in November 2026. Prices, bundles and store rules change often — always confirm on the product page before you buy. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
