Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Gaming enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2 this summer, marking eight years since the release of its predecessor. The gaming giant has showcased forthcoming titles and functionalities, potentially justifying its retail price, including Mario Kart World, Hogwarts Legacy, and Madden NFL. After a lengthy wait, dedicated Nintendo players are primed for an upgraded console experience. However, the central question remains: Will the Switch 2 live up to expectations?
Gamer Interest in the Nintendo Switch 2: Key Survey Findings
A recent FASTNET survey reveals that a majority (58%) of adult gamers in the US are interested in purchasing the Switch 2, but are weighing several considerations. Specifically, 27% are prioritizing a budget-conscious price point, while others are hoping for compelling new games within the Nintendo universe and enhanced technology to meet their demands.
The Switch 2 is slated for release on June 5th with a price of $450, positioning it as Nintendo’s most expensive console to date. However, ongoing trade discussions have cast doubt on whether this price could increase and have caused delays to pre-orders, initially planned for April 9th. Nintendo paused pre-orders following tariff announcements earlier in the month, but has affirmed that the June release date is still on track.
Here’s what FASTNET’s research uncovered regarding gamers’ perspectives on the Switch 2, including the factors influencing their purchase decisions and their expectations for the months ahead.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
- Over half of US adult gamers (58%) express interest in upgrading to the Nintendo Switch 2.
- More than one in four (27%) gamers cite an accessible price as a key factor in their Switch 2 purchase decision, followed by the appeal of new Nintendo franchise games and enhanced technology.
- Younger gamers, particularly Gen Z (70%) and Millennials (71%), show strong enthusiasm for acquiring the Switch 2.
- US gamers currently spend an average of $35 monthly on new games or subscriptions, with Gen Z leading at an average of $56.
Gen Z’s Expectations: Enhanced Games and Performance
FASTNET’s findings indicate that 70% of Gen Z and 71% of Millennial gamers are interested in the forthcoming Switch model. Particularly noteworthy are Gen Z’s aspirations for the new console and their gaming preferences.
Almost one-quarter (23%) of Gen Z survey participants are looking forward to fresh titles within Nintendo franchises, while 30% are hoping for technological advancements such as a larger display and improved visuals. However, the primary determinant for purchasing the Switch 2 was a reasonable price (31%). FASTNET Editor-at-Large Scott Stein, a tech journalist specializing in gaming devices, found these results unsurprising.
“These results certainly suggest a favorable outlook for the Switch 2’s market reception,” Stein commented.
Below is a more detailed examination of the factors influencing Gen Z gamers and US adult gamers when considering a Switch 2 upgrade, alongside expert insights on the survey data.
Price Point Remains a Top Consideration
Nintendo’s latest console enters the market at a price closer to competitors like the Xbox Series X, priced at $450, or $500 when bundled with Mario Kart World. In comparison, the original Switch launched at $300.
Despite the higher cost than anticipated by FASTNET analysts, Gen Z consumers may be willing to invest given the Switch 2’s promised expanded functionalities, game library, and higher-resolution graphics.
Performance and Unique Features are Key
As a generation raised on gaming, Gen Z anticipates that Nintendo will deliver superior graphics with the upcoming release, aligning with standards set by PlayStation and Xbox. Considering that this demographic was younger during the initial Nintendo Switch release, Stein suggests this is their first opportunity to significantly influence perceptions of Nintendo’s graphical and technical capabilities.
Beyond graphics, Gen Z is also evaluating the Switch’s distinctive attributes.
For instance, Nintendo has announced that each Joy-Con controller can function as a mouse for compatible games like Civilization 7. While this feature alone may not be a decisive factor, David Lumb, a senior reporter at FASTNET, notes that Gen Z is seeking unique selling points that justify the purchase.
Gaming Expenditure: Intentional Choices
Although price sensitivity is evident among younger gamers, the primary factor influencing their Switch 2 interest is game availability. Lumb observes, “Gen Z, with their discretionary funds, are opting to concentrate their spending on a select few games, diving deep into those rather than spreading their resources across a broader range, particularly if their social interactions revolve around these core titles.”
Lumb further suggests that Gen Z might initially delay purchasing to observe the expansion of the Switch 2’s game catalog, particularly since they already have established “evergreen” games for social gaming with friends.
Yet, this demographic leads in spending on gaming subscriptions and purchases.
Gen Z allocates an average of $56 each month to subscriptions or new games, compared to the $35 average for US adult gamers overall. This amounts to an additional $252 annually from the youngest generation surveyed.
Beyond acquiring new games and subscribing to services, this monthly budget could be channeled into in-game purchases for titles that Gen Z gamers might acquire infrequently. Alternatively, they could dedicate these funds to customization options, upgrades, and various in-game items, Lumb suggests, citing examples such as cosmetic enhancements and purchasable items within Fortnite, which will also be accessible on the Switch 2.
Switch 2’s Growing Appeal Among US Gamers
The gaming landscape has transformed since the original Switch debuted. Today, 4K resolution, virtual reality, streaming capabilities, game subscriptions, and social gaming experiences are increasingly important to many players. The new Switch has the potential to close the technological gap with rivals like the Xbox Series X and Sony PlayStation 5 while retaining its family-friendly, portable design that appeals to a broader audience.
As a result, over half (58%) of US adult gamers are interested in buying the Nintendo Switch 2. The crucial question is why.
Lumb explains that for devoted Switch users, the console’s format and game library are appealing, and they are ready for the next evolution of this experience.
“I believe there’s a general excitement to witness the next iteration, but this enthusiasm doesn’t automatically guarantee widespread purchases,” Lumb added. Here’s what might sway US adults to purchase the new Switch.
Anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 Features
Rumors surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 suggest several enhancements, including a larger screen and magnetic Joy-Cons. Based on survey responses and recent Nintendo Direct announcements, here’s what gamers and industry experts are eagerly awaiting.
Enhanced Performance for Premier Games
Beyond console price, improved technology and game availability are the two most significant factors influencing Switch purchases. However, to secure both, attracting major popular games requires enhanced performance capabilities surpassing Nintendo’s typical offerings.
Lumb points out that Nintendo historically hasn’t prioritized raw performance to the same degree as Xbox and PlayStation, which often parallel personal computer performance. Instead, Nintendo has focused on delivering unique and engaging gameplay experiences.
“Nintendo consistently emphasizes style over cutting-edge specifications, which is part of its appeal. However, the original Switch encountered limitations in porting top-tier games,” Lumb explained. “Therefore, a performance upgrade that allows for a substantial number of leading titles would significantly enhance the new console’s appeal.”
Several prominent game titles are confirmed for Nintendo, including WWE 2K, The Duskbloods, and Civilization 7 – the first mouse-compatible strategy game for the Switch 2. Nintendo will also introduce GameShare for up to three systems to facilitate compatible game play.
Revamped Nintendo Subscription Service
Currently, Nintendo provides Nintendo Switch Online, offering cloud save functionality, online multiplayer access, and a library of classic Nintendo games. Industry editors were keen to see if Nintendo’s significant announcement would include upgrades to the existing subscription to offer greater value to players. And Nintendo delivered.
Nintendo Switch Online is set to receive several new functionalities, including live game chat, exclusively available for the Switch 2. Game chat will require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription after March 2026. Nintendo will also offer expansion packs for games that players may already own, enabling upgrades for the Switch 2. A notable surprise was the introduction of a Nintendo GameCube library for Switch 2 users.
Specialized Features and Advanced Technology
Alongside a comprehensive lineup of games, Nintendo is introducing an extensive array of new features and accessories this year, potentially exceeding gamer expectations. The Switch 2 will support gameplay at up to 120 frames per second, feature improved audio fidelity through integrated microphones, and offer 256GB of internal storage.
Furthermore, Nintendo unveiled a dedicated Nintendo Switch Camera, a new Switch 2 controller design, and a GameCube-style controller.
“It’s ironic because we often dismiss Nintendo as not prioritizing graphics or necessarily technology, yet they periodically introduce innovations that push technological boundaries,” Stein observed.
Backward compatibility for the Nintendo Switch, a feature Stein hoped for, will also be included. This ensures that older Switch game cartridges will function on newer Switch models, including the Switch 2, although minor compatibility issues may arise. Stein believes this will be welcome news for loyal Nintendo consumers, who may contemplate purchasing the newer model in the future, knowing they will already have a ready-made game library.