Just got a Nintendo Switch 2? A friendly, no-nonsense guide to setup, extras and whether to upgrade

Unwrapping a Nintendo Switch 2 is fun. Figuring out what to do next? Not always.

If you’re holding a new Switch 2 (or thinking about buying one), you’ve got three immediate questions to answer: how to get it running, what accessories you actually need, and whether this is the moment to upgrade if you already own the original Switch. Below is a practical guide built from official setup notes and the best tips the tech press has been advising since launch.

First things: plug in, sign in, transfer (if you care)

Hook the dock to your TV with the HDMI cable, plug the AC adapter into the dock’s USB‑C port and into the wall, then turn the console on. The on‑screen Welcome Center walks you through region, Wi‑Fi and creating a user profile.

If you already own a first‑gen Switch and want your save data and users moved across, do a system transfer while both machines are plugged into power. It’s the cleanest way to keep progress and accounts together.

Create or link a Nintendo Account to use the eShop, GameChat and online features. You’ll need an email address and a password, and — for some features — a mobile number for text verification.

Must‑set items you shouldn’t skip

• Parental Controls: built into the console and available via the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls mobile app for iOS/Android. Useful if kids will be playing — set daily play limits, restrict communications and monitor activity.
• Storage: Switch 2 ships with roughly 256GB internal. If you plan to download games, buy a microSD Express (EX) card — older microSD cards won’t work. Insert it under the kickstand while the console sits in handheld mode; the slot is next to the serial number.
• GameChat & GameShare: the system supports voice/video chat and a GameShare feature, but GameChat setup requires a phone number and, after March 31, 2026, a Nintendo Switch Online membership. GameShare sessions are initiated by the Switch 2 host and only let players use shared software during the session.

Which accessories are genuinely worth your money

A few items come up again and again in hands‑on testing and buyer guides:

• microSD Express card — non‑negotiable if you want more than a couple of downloads. The console needs the faster EX interface to run games from card storage.
• Pro Controller — Joy‑Con 2s are fine, but for longer sessions a proper Pro Controller is more comfortable. If you already own the old Switch Pro Controller, it will work with the Switch 2.
• A good carry case and screen protector — travel was the Switch’s defining feature; protect the device if you plan to use it on the go.
• Nintendo Switch Online (base or Expansion) — online play, cloud saves for many titles, and classic game libraries. The Expansion tier also unlocks some Switch 2 upgrade content for select existing games.

If you want a concrete example of a third‑party title available on the platform, consider Madden NFL 26 — it’s one of the cross‑platform sports releases players name when talking about the Switch 2’s broader library.

What works (and what doesn’t) from your old Switch

• Most Switch games are playable on Switch 2, and many titles have received free updates or paid upgrade packs to take advantage of the new hardware.
• Original Joy‑Con controllers will work wirelessly but won’t physically attach to the larger Switch 2 shell; charging them requires your old Switch or a separate accessory.
• Backward compatibility is a big selling point — but it’s not a perfect replacement for new software optimised for the platform. Some backward‑ported titles have behaved oddly at launch.

Should you upgrade now or wait? Two viewpoints

If you’re budget‑conscious (or attached to a perfectly serviceable Switch), skipping the initial rush can make sense. As one experienced reviewer pointed out, a number of high‑profile releases like Hades II run well on the older Switch hardware, so the immediate need to spend $450 on a new box isn’t universal.

On the other hand, Nintendo’s sales and support plans indicate the system is off to a strong start — the company has even adjusted forecasts upward as consumer interest remains high. If you’re chasing smoother frame rates, the newest exclusive experiences, or you want the best possible version of forthcoming first‑party releases, your math might tilt toward buying now. Nintendo has also reconfirmed a robust release cadence for Switch 2 titles into next year, so the software pipeline isn’t drying up.

What the Switch 2’s first year of games tells us about Nintendo’s strategy

Nintendo took a slightly oddball path out of the gate: rather than relying exclusively on safe, mainline sequels, its early slate leaned into experimentation. That means you’ve got things like an unconventional take on kart racing, surprise revivals of quirky franchises, and fresh spins on established series. The result is a lineup that’s lively and talkable, even if not every entry is universally adored.

If you enjoy being part of the conversation — debating whether a bold pivot worked or didn’t — the Switch 2’s first year rewards that curiosity. If you only buy hardware for “must‑play” tentpole titles, you may want to wait until one of those arrives.

For readers following major releases like Metroid Prime 4, there’s a steady stream of trailers and updates to track; the recent Metroid Prime 4 'Survive' trailer ramped interest ahead of its December launch. And the platform’s growing momentum has led Nintendo to raise sales forecasts for the Switch 2 as third‑party support accelerates and the company reconfirms its release schedule.

Quick checklist before you start playing

• Plug in and finish the Welcome Center walkthrough.
• Link or create your Nintendo Account and enable two‑factor where offered.
• Decide whether to transfer saves from an old Switch now or later.
• Buy a microSD Express card if you plan big downloads.
• Set up parental controls if needed and download the mobile app for easier management.
• Consider a Pro Controller and a carry case for comfort and safety.

If you’re still undecided, try this small experiment: play a few modern releases on your current Switch. If the experience satisfies you, there’s no shame in waiting. If you find performance or features (camera/GameChat, faster load times, higher fidelity) make a meaningful difference in your sessions, the Switch 2 is ready and stocked with enough interesting — sometimes divisive — games to justify the move.

So, what will you do first with your new console? Tidy that download queue, or go straight for a test race in Mario Kart World and see how it feels?