If you’re new to Nintendo Switch, you might wonder which console is the best choice for your gaming collection.
Nintendo is a well-known brand that has played a significant role in the current generation of gaming. Its popularity remains strong, as evidenced by its high sales and continued support from the gaming community. Choosing between the Nintendo Switch OLED and the regular Nintendo Switch can be challenging due to their popularity.
Video games are no longer just for kids. They have evolved alongside us, and so have the consoles. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the suitable Nintendo Switch.
Specifications
| Nintendo Switch OLED | Nintendo Switch | |
| Cost | $349 | $299 |
| Screen Size | 7-inch OLED | 6.2-inch LCD |
| Screen Resolution | 1080p (TV), 720p (handheld) | 1080p (TV), 720p (handheld) |
| Console Dimensions | 4.02 x 9.53 x 0.55 inches | 4.02 x 9.41 x 0.55 inches |
| Flash Storage | 64GB | 32GB |
| Processor | Custom Nvidia Tegra X1 | Custom Nvidia Tegra X1 |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Colors | Black dock and red & blue Joy-Cons | Neon blue and red Joy-Cons |
| White dock with white Joy-Cons | Mario red and blue edition | |
| Splatoon edition | Animal Crossing edition | |
| Gray |
Reasons to buy the Nintendo Switch
1. You want the one that changed it all
Nintendo has consistently done well with its gaming consoles over the years, and the Switch console was almost a stroke of genius. The Nintendo Switch was first released in March 2017. It combined the features of a traditional gaming console, a portable gaming tablet, and the Wii U.
The device is portable like the Nintendo DS or GameBoy, but it has a bigger screen and can be connected to a TV, which takes it to the next level. The device is sturdy despite its appearance. The Joy-Con controllers can be easily attached and detached on either side of the screen.
2. Use it docked on TV mode
Now, let’s consider how you plan to use your Switch, considering the main differences between the two models: the OLED screen and internal storage. If you prefer playing games on the go or moving around the house, the OLED is a better choice. It has a high-quality display on the handheld device, making it perfect for portable gaming.
If you enjoy playing games on your TV and have a gaming or TV room, a large TV you want to enjoy, or want to involve the whole family, the original Nintendo Switch might be a better choice. You won’t have to pay extra for a screen you won’t use as often.
3. Save $50 compared to the OLED model
Nintendo succeeded where the PSP failed. They created the Switch, a durable and visually appealing handheld console that is highly portable. Additionally, it can be docked and used on a television. The Switch is the latest gaming console from Nintendo, following a line of famous predecessors like the Nintendo 64, GameCube, and Wii.
The Nintendo Switch costs $299, which is not the cheapest console. However, compared to the Xbox and PS5, it is more affordable, although it targets a different audience. The OLED model costs $349, so if you choose the original Switch instead, you’ll save $50.
The Nintendo Switch has been consistently popular since 2017, with occasional fluctuations due to the pandemic or the release of major games. The gaming community has been discussing a new and better version for a while. Nintendo has been dropping hints, and now the OLED model is finally here.
Reasons to Buy the Nintendo Switch OLED
1. Handheld vs Docked TV mode
Nintendo upgraded the Nintendo Switch by adding a colorful OLED screen with thinner borders, deep black colors, and twice the storage space. This new version is called the Nintendo Switch OLED model.
Nintendo doesn’t prioritize “great graphics” like PlayStation or Xbox. They focus on their target market instead of competing in visual quality. Innovation brings improvement, and the 7-inch OLED screen on the Switch produces clear graphics, making it better than the original for portable users.
If you mostly play your Nintendo Switch on the TV, you won’t get the full benefits of the OLED screen. Unfortunately, Nintendo has not included a 4K resolution in the Switch. Both models only support up to 1080p on TV mode and 720p on the handheld screen.
2. Audiovisual vibrancy and more storage
The Switch OLED has 64GB of internal memory, twice as much as the classic Nintendo Switch’s 32GB. Additionally, you can expand the storage by up to 2TB using a microSD card. So, storage is a small selling point.
The Nintendo Switch OLED has new speakers that are completely redesigned compared to the older models. If you’ve used the original Switch at total volume, you might have noticed audio distortion in the game. The OLED version eliminates this issue by using closed-type speakers. These speakers provide a livelier, more precise, and more powerful audio experience.
The OLED Switch model has a better kickstand for stability and a new dock with a wired LAN port.
3. Larger screen
The original Switch model looks older compared to the OLED version. The former has a 6.2-inch LCD screen, while the OLED Switch has a 7-inch screen with similar dimensions. The OLED Switch has a sleeker design with a smaller bezel, making it look more modern than the original Switch.
The performance and power of both the standard Switch and the OLED Switch are unchanged. There have been no improvements in RAM, battery life, or processor between the two models. You can use the same Joy-Con controllers on the original Nintendo Switch and the Switch OLED. They both have the same rail system for attaching and detaching them. All Switch models, including the Switch Lite, can play all Switch games.
If I already have a Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite, I wouldn’t upgrade to the Switch OLED model. But if I were buying my first Switch, I would choose the OLED over the original. Paying an additional $50 for a better screen with perfect blacks, a sleeker design, and a greatly improved audio experience is worth it.
The Nintendo Switch OLED didn’t meet the high expectations. Nintendo fans hoped for a Switch 2.0 with upgrades like 4K resolution for TV mode, 1080p for handheld way, improved Joy-Cons, and a better processor.
Nintendo has not hinted at a new console release soon, so the Nintendo Switch OLED is their best model.
Do all Nintendo Switch models support the same games?
Nintendo has ensured that all Nintendo Switch models, including the OLED and Lite versions, can play all Nintendo Switch-compatible games.
Is the Nintendo Switch getting discontinued?
The Nintendo Switch shows no signs of stopping. Nintendo has been silent about the rumors of a stronger 2.0 or “Pro” version for the past three years. However, they are still selling their Switch consoles. The Nintendo Switch has sold over 111 million units, making it the third-best-selling Nintendo console. It is only surpassed by the GameBoy and DS.
Any other options to think about?
In addition to Nintendo’s current top console models, there is also a Nintendo Switch Lite available. It is a smaller version with a 5.5″ screen for portable users. The model is one piece, meaning the Joy-Con controllers cannot be detached.