The Nintendo Switch is Nintendo's fastest-selling console to date, thanks to an innovative format and an exceptional lineup of games.

However, since the release of the Switch, Nintendo hasn't made significant improvements to the hardware, despite competitors releasing new consoles in the meantime. Therefore, it's not surprising that you might not be sure about buying a Switch in 2023.

However, we think the Switch is still a great console to buy in 2023. If you're wondering if you should buy a Nintendo Switch, read ahead.

1. The Switch Has the Best Original Games

A photograph of a Nintendo Switch console next to a game case for The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom

When it comes to original games, nobody does it better than Nintendo. With amazing titles in series like The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, and Animal Crossing, Nintendo is constantly creating the most popular games on the market. While other games can be played on multiple consoles or PC, you can only play these games on a Nintendo Switch.

The Switch is also the only console you can play Mario games, like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Party Superstars, and Super Mario Odyssey.

To better make the case for Nintendo games, there are only six video games in 30 years to get a perfect score from both Edge and Famitsu, both well-respected video game reviewer magazines. Out of these six games, five of them are available on the Nintendo Switch:

  • The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
  • The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
  • The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
  • Bayonetta
  • The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (through Nintendo Switch Online)

For many people, that alone is worth the price of a Nintendo Switch, even in 2023. After all, there are plenty of fantastic original Nintendo Switch games that can keep you occupied for years to come.

2. The Switch Has a Massive Library of Non-Nintendo Games

A photograph fo a Nintendo Switch console in a Dock with Joy Cons resting in front of the console

Thankfully, the Switch has plenty of games that cater to every type of gamer. So if original Nintendo games aren't your thing, but you want portability, then you should still consider a Nintendo Switch.

With games like Hogwarts Legacy, Diablo III, and Witcher 3, even hardcore gamers will be satisfied. The Nintendo Switch also features popular games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, Rocket League, Fall Guys, and more popular free-to-play games, with no subscription needed to play online.

The Nintendo Switch Store also features popular games like NBA 2K23 and Among Us, often at prices cheaper than you'd find on other consoles.

Developers are also constantly porting games over to Switch, or releasing them for the console at launch. And with it being the newest Nintendo console, you can expect many new and exciting games to be released on the Switch.

3. Nintendo Switch Online Is Affordable and Constantly Improving

A screenshot of the home screen for Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo's commitment to the Switch is evident in its Nintendo Switch Online service.

For most paid games, you'll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play online. However, the subscriptions are cheaper compared to other consoles. For example, an online pass is just $20 annually, compared to $60 for Xbox and PlayStation.

A Nintendo Switch Online subscription also has added benefits, like the ability to play classic NES, SNES, and Game Boy games.

You could also weigh up getting the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, which lets you play N64, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy Advance. You'll be able to experience classics from these platforms like Banjo-Kazooie, Gunstar Heroes, and Metroid Fusion. These games have been improved and formatted specifically for the Nintendo Switch.

The Expansion Pack also comes with DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Splatoon 2.

4. The Switch Is Going to Be Supported for a Long Time

A promotional image of a white Nintendo Switch OLED console
Image Credit: Nintendo

While the Nintendo Switch is now six years old, there is no sign of it slowing down. With the release of the OLED model in 2021, Nintendo showed that it's still dedicated to the Switch and working on improving it.

At an investor Q&A in early 2022, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa made it clear that Nintendo is focused on building long-term relationships with customers (translated by Video Games Chronicle). He mentioned that the transition to the next generation of hardware is a current challenge for Nintendo but that this transition isn't happening any time soon.

So this means that Nintendo is likely not releasing a new console in the near future, making it safe to purchase a Switch without the fear that the next console will be released soon after. This also means that backward compatibility is possible for any future console. If that's the case, all of your games would port over.

But the bottom line is that Nintendo isn't abandoning the Switch any time soon, so you're safe to buy one in 2023 and beyond.

5. The Switch Is the Best Console to Share With Friends

A promotional image of multiplayer on the Nintendo Switch
Image Credit: Nintendo

Gaming is an experience that should be shared with friends, and the Nintendo Switch is the best console on the market for this. Thanks to the detachable Joy-Con, you don't have to worry about buying an extra controller to play with a friend.

If you're planning on gaming with friends, the regular Switch console and the Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) both include detachable Joy-Con. Don't buy the Switch Lite if you want to play with a friend, as its controllers cannot be separated.

Joy-Con are also sold in packs of two, so you're technically getting two controllers for the price of one. Overall, the Switch provides the best bang for your buck if you're planning on gaming socially thanks to its innovative controllers and a massive library of games.

The Switch also easily connects to any TV with the included dock, and the built-in stand makes it easy to play anywhere.

6. The Switch Lite Is Still the Most Affordable and Portable Console

A photograph of a yellow Nintendo Switch Lite console

Valve's Steam Deck is the first serious competitor to the Switch. Both are powerful handheld consoles, but the Switch is still able to claim the title of the most portable console around. Compared to the Steam Deck, the standard Nintendo Switch console is smaller and lighter. But if you want ultimate portability, the Switch Lite is your friend.

There are some drawbacks to the Switch Lite. You can't connect it to your TV due to the lack of HDMI input, and its controllers can't be detached. However, it's $100 cheaper than the standard model, without any reductions in performance.

The cheapest Steam Deck is about $200 more expensive than the Switch Lite and $100 more than the traditional Switch. The Steam Deck also doesn't support original Nintendo games, which is a big drawback for many. If you have the cash for both, the Switch and Steam Deck make a great pair, though.

The Nintendo Switch Remains a Strong Buy in 2023

The Nintendo Switch remains a worthwhile purchase in 2023. The release of the OLED model in 2021 offered increased storage and a better screen. But more importantly, it showed us that Nintendo will support the Switch for years to come.

With original Nintendo games and a massive library of third-party games, the Nintendo Switch is on-par with the Xbox Series X|S and the PS5. Better yet, the Nintendo Switch is portable, more affordable, offers better deals, and is great for multiplayer.

Nintendo also updates its online platform constantly with new games and DLC. So, even beyond 2023, the Switch will remain a relevant console.