Nintendo Switch 2 – Overcoming the FOMO

Posted on June 10, 2025 by Aywren

Last week, the Nintendo Switch 2 released and I was not in line for it. Nor did I preorder, like I did the original Switch, which I was a day 1 adopter of.

Taking a look at what the new system had to offer before preorders opened, I determined there wasn’t much of a reason for me to upgrade (because that’s what it feels like it is – just an upgrade) to a Switch 2, especially for the high price point. Still, now that the system has dropped, I’m hard pressed not to admit that I’m feeling the FOMO as I listen to a number of those who did pick up the system have a great time.

I’ve been a Nintendo girl since the late 80s, and have rarely strayed from the path of Nintendo consoles - I do have a PS1 and PS2, but that’s it as I gravitated hard towards PC gaming since my college years. I’ve owned just about every Nintendo console throughout the years, though the Switch has certainly been the system I’ve built the most expansive library for.

Knowing that the Switch 2 is backwards compatible is a big deal and a big pull to me. That would be the main reason I’d want a Switch 2 – playing my original Switch library on a more robust system. None of the first party game offerings for it really speak to me. Though also knowing some Nintendo games put a price tag on unlocking the better play-ability for Switch 1 games on the Switch 2 puts a real sour taste in my mouth.

I’m not interested in the pay-walled voice chat feature or the mouse controls. I don’t like the idea that Nintendo can remotely brick your system if the system senses you’ve meddled with it, or there’s some strange sort of power flux (what happens if there’s a true power surge?). As a game collector of physical media, I’m extremely unhappy with the idea of physical boxes selling with nothing but activation keys on the carts.

For the cost of the system, it’s just not worth it to me right now, as I’ve stated before. Maybe a few years down the line, if there’s a cheaper version introduced that allows for docking (since I play primarily docked), I’ll give it another look.

But despite the logic of these thoughts, it’s easier said than done when I hear lots of other folks in my social circles picking up the Switch 2 and seeming to enjoy it.

Switch 2 Controversy

This has been quite a polarizing release. Unlike with the original Switch, which was highly lauded by just about everyone, there’s a lot of nay-sayers out there claiming those who purchase the Switch 2 at launch are “part of the problem” and are supporting the increase in prices for games across the board.

For me, it’s a little sad to see and feel so much drama around what should be an enjoyable console launch. I don’t agree with the pricing, and obviously I’m on the side of “vote with wallet” by not buying. But at the same time, I remember how fun the original Switch launch was. I was proud to be an OG Switch adopter. So, I sorta lament that should I have bought the Switch 2 at launch, I’d probably have been made to feel bad about the choice instead of just enjoying my new console along with everyone else.

Gaming is supposed to be a fun hobby. But it’s getting less and less so as more and more money grabbing and drama crowds in – nothing new, I know, but still.

Battling FOMO

One of the things I’ve chosen to do to shake off the lingering feeling of FOMO is to further embrace my OG Switch. Truth is, I’ve built a huge backlog and a wonderful library of fantastic games and remakes on the Switch. And while this is true, there’s still a number of games – specifically in physical format – I want to collect for my library.

I ran across this video last night, and whole-heartedly agree. For those of us who collect physical games and not carts with activation keys, the Switch 1 may be the last truly collectable Nintendo system.

So, I’ve determined this is what I’m going to focus on rather than my feelings of FOMO for a system I don’t really need. Then, when the Switch 2 situation gets a little more in hand (and cheaper), I will have a full Switch library of physical media ready to make that jump and enjoy for the life of that system, as well.

Or, well, for as long as my OG Switch will keep on kicking for me. Hopefully that won’t be an issue!

Where have you stood on the Nintendo Switch 2 situation? Are you an adopter, someone holding out, or someone just not worried about any of it? What are you doing to skirt the console drama?

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