Our research on Nintendo products: what each one is best for, how they compare and which alternatives to consider.
VerdictFox is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the brands we cover.
Nintendo · Game Consoles
You want Mario, Zelda and Pokémon, love playing on the couch and on the go, or game with kids.
Pros
Cons
ReviewGame Consoles
Is the Nintendo Switch 2 worth buying? Our verdict, who it suits, who should skip it and the best alternatives.
VerdictBuy $449–$499
Thinking about buying Nintendo? VerdictFox covers 1 Nintendo product in game consoles, each with an independent Buy, Consider or Skip verdict. Our highest-rated Nintendo pick is the Nintendo Switch 2, which typically sells for $449–$499 on Amazon.com.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is best for families and handheld play. Its key feature is play on the TV or on the go, and it usually costs $449–$499. Buy it if you want Mario, Zelda and Pokémon, love playing on the couch and on the go, or game with kids. Skip it if you want the best graphics for big third-party games. Our verdict: Buy, with a research score of 9.1 out of 10.
How does Nintendo compare with rivals? In game consoles, the main alternatives include the PlayStation 5 Console (most gamers, $449–$549), the PlayStation 5 Pro (enthusiasts with a high-end TV, $699–$749) and the Xbox Series S (budget Game Pass, $379–$399). Our best game consoles list ranks them side by side so you can see where Nintendo wins and where it does not.
Buying Nintendo online is simple if you check three things: the exact model number, who the seller is, and how long the return window lasts. Listings sold by Amazon or the official Nintendo storefront are the safest route to full warranty support.
Choose by games first: the exclusives you want decide the console. Check storage; big games take 100 GB or more, so budget for an SSD or microSD card. Factor in online subscriptions such as PlayStation Plus, Nintendo Switch Online or Game Pass.
PS5 is better for big action games and graphics. Switch 2 is better for Nintendo games, families and playing on the go. Many households end up with both. Only if you own a high-end 4K TV with 120Hz and care about graphics. On a typical TV the standard PS5 looks very close.
Console bundles with a game are the best US deals, usually around Black Friday. Avoid third-party sellers charging over list price, check the return window, and budget for an online subscription if you play multiplayer.
Across the game consoles we cover, typical prices run from $379 to $749. Prices on Amazon.com change often, so treat these as typical ranges and check the current price before you buy.
Also worth a look is the Xbox Series X, usually $599–$649, which is best for game Pass fans. Its standout feature is powerful console with Game Pass; the main trade-off is price increased sharply in 2025.