TechGamingGaming ConsolesIs Switch OLED worth it: should you upgrade to Nintendo’s top spec console?Original Switch or Switch OLED: is the Switch OLED the better buy?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechGamingGaming ConsolesIs Switch OLED worth it: should you upgrade to Nintendo’s top spec console?Original Switch or Switch OLED: is the Switch OLED the better buy?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Original Switch or Switch OLED: is the Switch OLED the better buy?
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
It’s a question on so many people’s lips: should I buy theNintendo Switchor theSwitch OLED upgrade? Well, I own both versions of the console so can advise you on whether the newer, higher-spec OLED version is worth spending the extra cash on.
First thing’s first though, I want to establish what’s identical between the two options. Buying the original Switch versus the Switch OLED model has no bearing whatsoever on how powerful the consoles are, nor what games you can play on them. Their interior hardware is one and the same, so graphically speaking there’s no difference.
That means 720p gaming on the handheld screen, or 1080p gaming on a connected TV. Nintendo can’t output at higher resolutions like thePlayStation 5orXbox Series X, nor can it muster faster refresh rates, supportvariable refresh (VRR)or auto low-latency modes (ALLM) as you’ll find with the more up-to-date competitor consoles. Not that, really, that’ll matter for much of what you’ll play on Nintendo’s console anyway.
Is Switch or OLED Switch better?
So if they’re sort-of the same, why would you want the Switch OLED model? The clue is in the name, of course, as it has an OLED rather than LCD panel technology. That means deeper blacks and, in my experience, a more natural colour balance (it’s less warm in my opinion, but more balanced).
In addition the Switch OLED has a better rear kickstand design, so it’s more adjustable, which is great if you like tabletop gaming. Oh, and importantly: there’s double the storage built-in with the OLED model (64GB vs 32GB), which is still unlikely to negate your need to buy amicroSD card, but it’s a step up nonetheless.
Switch vs Switch OLED: Conclusion
So there we have it: the Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED can both do the same things. Games will run the same on either console and look identical on a connected TV. However, the OLED is a better panel and larger too, plus there’s an improved kickstand and more internal storage.
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Of the two, then, the OLED is the clear winner – but it’s also the more expensive option. I’d only really opt for the OLED Switch if I was big into handheld gaming. As it stands, however, I tend to play more on the big screen and, therefore, given the price difference – see the widget below for up-to-the-minute pricing – the original Switch might actually be the better option for many people.
After all, that gap in asking price might be enough to bag you a triple-A game with the cheaper console. And there’s so many amazing games on Switch that, really, that’s why I think you can’t lose whichever option you pick that’s best suited to you.
Take a look at ourNintendo discount codespage for the latest deals from the Nintendo Store.
Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED dealsNintendo Switch$59.99$53.98ViewSee all pricesNintendo Switch OLED$329.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED dealsNintendo Switch$59.99$53.98ViewSee all pricesNintendo Switch OLED$329.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED dealsNintendo Switch$59.99$53.98ViewSee all pricesNintendo Switch OLED$329.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED deals
Nintendo Switch$59.99$53.98ViewSee all pricesNintendo Switch OLED$329.99ViewSee all prices
Nintendo Switch$59.99$53.98ViewSee all prices
Nintendo Switch$59.99$53.98ViewSee all prices
Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch
$59.99$53.98View
$59.99$53.98
$53.98
See all prices
Nintendo Switch OLED$329.99ViewSee all prices
Nintendo Switch OLED$329.99ViewSee all prices
Nintendo Switch OLED
Nintendo Switch OLED
$329.99View
$329.99
$329.99
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
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