Review

Nintendo Switch 2 Faces Criticism and Consumer Backlash

  • Updated December 20, 2025
  • Isaiah Terry
  • 145 comments

Recent reports of the Switch 2 selling 10 million units in the past six months have been met with enthusiasm by some, but a closer look reveals a more critical reception. Many online discussions highlight widespread dissatisfaction with the console, pointing to what they see as anti-consumer practices, such as restrictions on game and console ownership, along with concerns about its high price and underpowered hardware. Critics also argue that recent first-party releases have failed to impress, citing titles like Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Drag X Drive, Legends ZA, and Hyrule Warriors as disappointments, with similar skepticism directed at upcoming games like Kirby Air Riders and Metroid Prime 4.

Looking ahead, 2026 appears to offer little excitement for Nintendo fans, with no major announcements for franchises like 3D Mario, Animal Crossing, Super Smash Bros., or The Legend of Zelda. Instead, the lineup includes titles such as Mario Tennis, Fire Emblem, and a Pokémon-inspired Minecraft clone. This stands in stark contrast to Sony’s upcoming handheld, slated for release next year, which promises backward compatibility with PS4, PS5, and even PS6 games. With acclaimed titles like God of War Ragnarok, Horizon Forbidden West, Astro Bot, Ghost of Yotei, Spider-Man 2, and Death Stranding 2, Sony’s hardware is positioned as a compelling alternative, offering powerful performance and a robust library that may overshadow the Switch 2’s perceived shortcomings.

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145 Comments

  1. Honestly, the part about 2026 having no major announcements for series like 3D Mario or Zelda is what really hit home for me—it makes the reported 10 million sales feel disconnected from the fan sentiment I’m seeing online. As someone who bought the Switch 2 at launch, the restrictions on game ownership have been a constant frustration, and my own excitement has definitely cooled with releases like “Mario Kart World” feeling underwhelming. I’m genuinely curious, has anyone else found themselves playing their old Switch more than the new one lately?

    1. I hear you—the feeling of returning to your original Switch really underscores that disconnect between sales numbers and current player enthusiasm. From my own experience and the discussions you mentioned, diving into indie titles on the new console or revisiting modded communities for older games has helped bridge that gap. Has a specific classic game been pulling you back lately? I’d be curious to hear what’s keeping your original console in rotation.

  2. Honestly, reading about the reported 10 million sales alongside all this criticism is a real head-scratcher. As someone who felt burned by the underwhelming performance of “Hyrule Warriors” on the original Switch, I’m definitely in the camp that’s hesitant to upgrade for what sounds like more of the same. I’ll probably wait to see if that rumored 3D Mario game ever gets announced—what’s the one franchise you’d need to see a solid entry from to consider the Switch 2?

    1. I totally get your hesitation, especially after a letdown like “Hyrule Warriors” on the original hardware. For me, a truly groundbreaking new “The Legend of Zelda” title that pushes the hardware would be the franchise that makes the Switch 2 a must-buy. Given the skepticism around upcoming releases in the article, I’d suggest keeping an eye on dedicated fan communities for unfiltered impressions when those big games finally launch. What’s your take on the rumored 3D Mario, and has anything else caught your eye?

  3. Honestly, reading about the reported 10 million sales alongside all that criticism is a real head-scratcher for me. As someone who skipped the original Switch, I was waiting for a true next-gen leap to jump in, but the complaints about it being underpowered and the underwhelming lineup—like the mention of no major 3D Mario or Zelda on the horizon—really gives me pause. Maybe I’ll just hold onto my current consoles a bit longer; what’s convincing you all to upgrade or not?

    1. I totally get your hesitation, especially as someone waiting for that next-gen leap—hearing it might already feel underpowered is a valid concern. Given the criticism about the lineup and hardware, a practical step could be to wait for a major showcase or direct review from a trusted source like Digital Foundry before deciding. What specific features or games would actually convince you to upgrade?

  6. Honestly, reading about the criticism around the Switch 2’s “anti-consumer practices” and underwhelming first-party games like the new Mario Kart really hits home for me. I was already on the fence about upgrading, and hearing that 2026 might not even have a new 3D Mario or Zelda makes me think I’ll just stick with my original Switch for a while longer. What are others planning to do—upgrade or wait and see?

    1. I totally get your hesitation, especially with the talk of a sparse 2026 lineup and the underwhelming reception to games like the new Mario Kart. Many in our community are adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach, holding onto their original Switch until there’s a must-have exclusive or a potential hardware revision. You might find it helpful to follow specific gaming news sites for deep dives on upcoming titles like Metroid Prime 4, as hands-on previews could change the calculus. Are you leaning toward waiting for a particular game or feature before deciding?

  7. While Nintendo certainly has its share of valid criticisms, these exaggerated hate rants undermine the credibility of this community.

    It’s far too early to label Hyrule Warriors as forgettable—the game was released just five days ago. If someone has already completed the story and claims to have forgotten it, that reflects more on their memory than on the game’s quality. A game can reasonably be called forgettable after several months, not within a week of its release.

    Many who purchased the game at launch are still actively playing it and likely will be for weeks to come, so it clearly hasn’t been forgotten.

  9. Honestly, reading about the reported 10 million sales alongside all the criticism is a real head-scratcher that mirrors my own hesitation. Seeing the 2026 lineup described as mostly Mario Tennis and Fire Emblem with no major Zelda or Smash Bros. on the horizon makes me glad I held off on upgrading from my original Switch. Has anyone who bought the Switch 2 found the first-party games like the new Mario Kart to be worth the investment so far?

    1. I totally get your hesitation, especially when the 2026 lineup seems to lean on familiar franchises without a major Zelda or Smash title to anchor it. From the discussions I’ve seen, many early adopters feel that first-party games like the new Mario Kart haven’t justified the console’s price point yet, echoing the article’s point about underwhelming releases. You might find it helpful to check out detailed player reviews on sites like Metacritic or specific gaming subreddits to gauge if any launch titles align with your interests before considering an upgrade. I’d be curious to hear what kind of game would make the jump worthwhile for you.

  10. Honestly, reading about the reported 10 million sales but then seeing the list of criticized games like “Mario Kart World” and the underwhelming 2026 outlook really gives me pause. I was planning to upgrade, but hearing there’s no major 3D Mario or Zelda on the horizon makes me want to wait and see what Nintendo actually announces. Does anyone else feel like holding off until there’s a clearer must-have title?

    1. I totally get your hesitation, especially when the reported lineup doesn’t include a major new 3D Mario or Zelda to justify the upgrade. A practical step could be to set up a news alert for the next Nintendo Direct, as that’s where they typically reveal their big, system-selling titles. It’s smart to wait for that official announcement before deciding—let us know what you think once they finally show their hand!

  11. Honestly, reading about the reported 10 million sales alongside all the criticism is confusing—my own experience is mixed, as I love my Switch but have definitely felt the sting of those high prices for first-party games. Seeing the skepticism around upcoming titles like Kirby Air Riders makes me hesitant to upgrade immediately; I think I’ll wait for more hands-on reviews before considering the Switch 2. What’s a game that would be a true system-seller for you?

    1. Thanks for sharing your own mixed experience—it’s totally understandable to feel that sting from high prices while still loving your Switch. For a true system-seller to win me over, I’d need to see a groundbreaking new 3D Mario or a Zelda title that leverages the new hardware in a transformative way. Since you’re planning to wait for reviews, I’d suggest keeping an eye on hands-on previews from events like Nintendo Directs or trusted gaming sites as they drop. What kind of gameplay features would make an upcoming title irresistible to you?

    1. Nintendo prioritizes the gamer experience, while others often rely on photorealistic graphics to mask shallow gameplay. That doesn’t make for a compelling experience.

      1. It’s fine to have one lesbian character, and even a second is acceptable. But a third? Not everyone is gay, and it’s historically unlikely for feudal Japan to have had multiple lesbians.

    2. This might be the most uninformed and childish comment I’ve seen on this sub. It seems this community is dominated by edgy teenagers, adults with serious mental health issues, or bot accounts.

    3. Sony has raised the PS5 price twice, and the PS5 Pro is disappointing since it doesn’t include a disc drive or vertical stand. Plus, their online subscription costs $160 per year. Why are you defending a multi-billion dollar corporation?

          3. The only currently active titles are Helldivers 2, which is an excellent game, and Gran Turismo 7. MLB The Show shouldn’t count since it’s not a true Sony-developed game. Destiny also shouldn’t be included, as it was a live service title long before Sony acquired the studio.

    5. Nintendo may face challenges, but Sony’s practices are also concerning. They have one of the most anti-consumer return policies, sell paid versions of games like Overwatch only to shut them down, and much of their catalog is inaccessible on older consoles. Additionally, they’ve made the newer PS5 models worse while increasing the price. It’s hard to believe they truly care about their customers.

          2. Why would I blame Blizzard for your lack of reading or knowledge?

            It’s fine to like a company, but Sony isn’t the saint you think it is.

    6. Sony’s PS5 Pro costs $700 and doesn’t include a disc drive, while Xbox’s portable platform starts at $600 with a $1,000 version as the only alternative. It seems you’ve overlooked that the competition is also pursuing high prices.

      1. The PS5 Pro offers better value than the Switch 2, as it delivers more power and features high-quality games without aggressive monetization, and you actually own your purchases.

        1. The PS5 lacks exclusive games, relying instead on PS4 titles that offer similar performance on a console costing nearly half the price of the Pro model. Its technical capabilities were demonstrated using only these older games. Why would anyone spend $800—for the console and separate disc drive—to play disc-based games that may not include the full content, especially when Sony’s user agreement, like Nintendo’s, allows them to disable your console?

          1. God of War Ragnarok was the best game of 2022. Horizon Forbidden West is one of the best open world games ever made. Spider-Man 2 was the best game of 2023. Astro Bot is a 2024 Game of the Year winner and the only platformer to earn that title. Ghost of Yotei is the best game of 2025. Death Stranding 2 is the best-looking game I’ve ever played. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, Gran Turismo 7 (the best racing game of all time), and Helldivers 2 (the best online game of all time) are all straight masterpieces.

          2. Sony’s current lineup includes four games on PS4: one likely to remain exclusive, one already available on PC, and two new releases from this year that can sustain themselves on PC for at least two years. I also can’t praise Helldivers 2 without mentioning Sony’s PSN controversy, where they sold the game on Steam only to pull it from 200 countries. This happened because Sony—a company that regularly suffers data breaches—tried to enforce PSN registration on another platform, making the game unavailable in regions where creating a PSN account would effectively require purchasing a $500 console just to play a $40 game.

            This is the same Sony that invested $200–400 million in Concord, only to shut down the entire studio after the game failed. Now they’re dealing with Bungie, whose questionable strategies have undermined Sony’s original plan to launch 12 live-service games, releasing two per year—arguably one of the company’s most misguided recent decisions.

          3. While you’re using the “but they’re on PC” argument to criticize Nintendo, it’s important to note that these games remain console exclusives to the PS5. Additionally, Nintendo’s decision not to release their games on PC isn’t a point of pride; it reflects a lack of consideration for consumer accessibility.

          4. Most of those games are either overly focused on social themes or were developed by Sweet Baby Inc., so I’m not interested. The only ones that appeal to me are Astro Bot and Ratchet and Clank.

  17. Nintendo has shut down charity events for using their games and sued individuals over emulation for large sums. They require repurchasing games you no longer own and can disable consoles without cause. Their hardware is often overpriced and underpowered, and their games are expensive. In contrast, Sony’s titles offer modern graphics, engaging gameplay, and strong narratives, whereas Nintendo’s releases can feel uninspired.

    1. Nintendo makes you buy consoles and games you don’t actually own, and they can brick the Switch 2 for no reason.

      That’s actually a problem with every console. If you read the EULAs, you’ll see they all use similar language.

      1. I haven’t heard of anyone’s PS5 being bricked for piracy, but I have seen people’s Switch consoles bricked from using MIG Switch devices or even second-hand games.

        1. Confirmation bias.

          To elaborate, pirating on PS5 requires modifying the hardware or software, which risks bricking the console.

          Additionally, what you’re describing isn’t bricking but a ban from online services, which also occurs when you violate Sony’s terms of service.

    2. While it’s true they stopped their games from being included in a recent charity event, they haven’t shut down the event itself. You might consider mentioning the fan events they have canceled instead.

      Regarding emulation lawsuits, those who were sued typically ignored prior warnings. The fines are excessive, though.

      No console has ever offered true ownership of games, and Nintendo wouldn’t ban a Switch 2 without cause. If they did, it would likely be reversed. PlayStation has similar capabilities.

      It’s a handheld device, so comparing it directly to the PS5 based on power isn’t fair. However, Nintendo’s games are quite expensive.

      Nintendo’s games have excellent visuals, just with a cartoony style. While some stories could be stronger, many games don’t focus on narrative, which isn’t inherently a negative.

    3. Nintendo did not shut down charity events for using games. The situation with the Japanese speedrun charity was misinformation; they simply chose not to feature Nintendo games.

      Regarding lawsuits, Nintendo has taken legal action against individuals for distributing pirated games, which is illegal. Sony, Microsoft, and Valve have also pursued similar measures against piracy.

      The claim that Nintendo forces you to buy consoles and games you don’t own and can brick the Switch 2 without reason is inaccurate. You’ve always owned a license to the copy, not the game itself. An online ban, not a brick, is applied for hacking or piracy, as clearly stated in the terms. This practice has been standard in console EULAs since the Xbox 360 era.

      As for pricing, the Switch 2 offers the best performance in its price range, and game pricing is competitive within the industry.

    4. Nintendo is justified in bricking consoles that have been modified to play pirated games.

      Emulation is reasonable for older systems like the NES or SNES, where Nintendo no longer profits from the games. However, for current systems still on the market, it’s not acceptable.

    5. Nintendo recently supported “Lood für die Welt,” a charity event where they played games like Mario Party and Just Dance on the Switch. Although Just Dance is available on other consoles, they used a Switch for the event. Nintendo has consistently featured their games in such activities over the past 12 years without issue. They assisted with production and provided merchandise and consoles for auction, contributing to a successful charity effort.

      Yes, other companies participate in similar events, but Nintendo’s hardware, particularly for handhelds, remains current. Games like Hyrule Warriors demonstrate strong graphics, engaging gameplay, and meaningful expansions to existing stories, such as in Tears of the Kingdom.

    1. Nintendo’s earlier handhelds like the DS and 3DS were excellent, with great games and user interfaces, making them strong competitors at the time. However, the Switch 2 seems to be struggling in comparison.

      1. Hardcore gamers dismissed the DS and 3DS as casual games with poor graphics before the PSP and Vita launched. The lack of physical games on the new PlayStation handheld will likely lead to its failure.

          2. The PlayStation Portable wasn’t purchased by general gamers or children; it primarily appealed to dedicated fans.

          3. The Switch 1 was purchased by its owners, and it’s arguably the best handheld of all time. I say this as a PlayStation fan who has owned the PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, and PSP.

          5. There’s no evidence for that claim. Kids are likely waiting to receive it as a Christmas gift instead.

      2. Nintendo continues to produce excellent games, and while I’d personally like to see a return to something like the Wii U interface, very few people are that concerned about it. As for the Switch 2 supposedly flopping, in what world is that happening?

          1. You haven’t played any of the games. The only one that’s truly average is Pokémon, but that’s it. Also, there’s no need to complain about next year’s lineup yet—we’ve only seen a few announcements so far, and that’s not all we’ll get.

          2. Nintendo doesn’t announce most of their games a decade before release, unlike Sony and Microsoft.

          4. Nintendo likely won’t take that risk again, especially after the setbacks with Metroid Prime 4 and Tears of the Kingdom.

  20. What does “screwed” even mean in this context? Sony has already sold 10 million units and will likely sell millions more. Fans will remain loyal to their preferred brands, and many PlayStation users will still want to play Nintendo exclusives like Zelda and Mario. Even if the new PlayStation portable performs as well as you hope, it might impact Switch 2 sales to some degree, but that hardly qualifies as Nintendo being “screwed.”

    1. Nintendo may struggle to sell more systems, likely remaining under 20 million units. Their future games could also underperform since fewer people will own the Switch 2, potentially pushing Nintendo to release titles on PC and PS5. Meanwhile, PlayStation 5’s games are likely to outperform anything Nintendo produces as a third-party developer.

      1. Are you describing a dream or just your hopes for the next year? You’re being unrealistic. Nintendo recently revised their forecast to sell 19 million Switch 2 consoles by the end of March 2026, and they likely have more insight than you do.

      2. The Switch 2 sold 10 million units in just five months, and you don’t think it will sell another 10 million over the next five years? Do you really believe that?

        You also think Nintendo will suddenly start releasing its classic games on PC and PlayStation, something they’ve never done before?

        While I’m not a fan of Nintendo, your theories don’t hold up. Even if your claims were true—which I doubt—the Wii U was a failure, and Nintendo wasn’t “screwed” then. They moved on and remain a multi-trillion dollar company.

        1. The Switch was disappointing, even more so than the Wii U. Its success seemed more like a fluke driven by hype. You’re right—knowing Nintendo, they’d likely attempt another flawed console. If they were wise, they’d recognize their decline and step back.

  23. I’ve had my PS Portal for three months, and with the recent update, I can now play many of my owned games through cloud streaming. While there was already a selection of games available, being able to access my personal library is fantastic. I’ve even packed away my PS5 console—I played Silent Hill 2 under the covers, which was quite spooky.

      2. I’m not sure if there’s a specific port for the Switch 2, but it looks very good on the Portal. Since it’s strictly a streaming device, I don’t know what’s on the backend. It only has Wi-Fi 5, so I’m impressed. Hopefully, the new handheld will come with major upgrades.

    1. I subscribe to this subreddit specifically for the humor of watching people try to “gotcha” Nintendo over every minor issue. I’m not a fanboy—I enjoy all consoles, so this debate is irrelevant to me. I call it Nintendo Derangement Syndrome.

  26. While that’s your opinion, it lacks strong arguments. You may not personally enjoy Mario Kart World or Donkey Kong Bananza, but they are well-received by the general audience, sell well, and have high scores—there’s no evidence to support claims of bought reviews. Weak hardware is relative; achieving that level of portable graphics comes at a cost, as more powerful handhelds start at $700–800. It’s naive to assume Sony’s new handheld will be cheaper or won’t face similar licensing issues as the Switch. Historically, Sony’s handhelds have sold far less than Nintendo’s counterparts. Also, comparing Switch games to those from a similarly priced or more expensive stationary console isn’t fair—Switch 2 games don’t look like PS3 titles, and that’s something to accept.

      1. Are you seriously citing Dreamcastguy as your source? The same person who shifted to negative content because it attracts more views? And that’s the only negative review you’re relying on?

        1. The Dreamcast reviewer has low standards for games—he gave Marvel’s Avengers an 8/10. If he regrets buying Bananza, then that game must be truly awful, even worse than Marvel’s Avengers.

      2. As we discuss Metacritic, it’s worth noting that Nintendo’s first-party games consistently receive high scores, which helps maintain their strong market position regardless of new competitors.

        1. Wait, so Mario Kart World’s user score is valid and correct from real fans, but Donkey Kong Bananza’s isn’t? Can you at least maintain some consistency in your argument and evidence?

          1. MKS is also valid, but keep in mind there was review bombing, which makes comparisons unreliable. I usually focus more on critic scores to avoid issues like emotional review bombing over minor inconveniences.

        2. Nintendo’s situation isn’t as dire as some suggest. The Switch 2 lost momentum among serious gamers after Mario Kart World underperformed, but dedicated fans still show strong support.

          5. As far as I know, that’s not entirely accurate. He mentioned he’s not interested for now but might consider buying it later, and he’s happy for those who enjoy it.

  27. Many online comments express dissatisfaction with the console, but it’s important to remember that internet sentiment doesn’t always reflect broader public opinion. If Reddit accurately represented everyone, Kamala Harris would have won the election by a large margin.

  28. If Sony releases a handheld that runs games natively without relying on cloud or Remote Play, supports the PS4 and PS5 catalogs, offers real ownership, and is priced under $500, it could seriously challenge the Switch 2. This would mirror how devices like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally have already eroded Nintendo’s advantage as the only portable option.

    1. As a dedicated Steam Deck enthusiast who co-hosts a weekly podcast about it, I can say it hasn’t affected Nintendo’s Switch 2 sales. The Steam Deck doesn’t compete because most people aren’t even aware of it. I’m often asked if it’s a type of Nintendo Switch, which highlights the Switch’s brand recognition—something the Deck and similar devices can only aspire to.

    3. Nintendo is in a comfortable position right now. Regardless of how you feel about them, selling 10 million units in six months is a very impressive achievement.

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