Nintendo Switch
Affordable, Good for Children
The original Nintendo Switch model may have a smaller screen than the OLED, but it remains an affordable console with an extensive gaming library.
Nintendo Switch OLED
Best If It’s Your First Switch
The Nintendo Switch OLED model enhances the graphical features of the original Switch and offers a bigger screen, improved dock, and more internal storage.
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TheNintendo Switchlaunched in 2017 and quickly became one of the company’s most popular bestselling consoles, due in part to its ability to be played as both a home console and a handheld gaming device. In 2021, Nintendo launched the OLED model of the Nintendo Switch, which improved on the original console in various ways.
However, as the two consoles are fairly similar, it can be difficult to know whether it’s worth investing in the extra cash needed for the OLED model. What exactly is the difference between the two versions of the Switch, and which one is best suited to your needs?
Updated August 02, 2025 By Ben Jessey:As it’s the holiday season, many people are looking into consoles they may buy, either as gifts for others or to give themselves something to play over the festive period. So, we thought now was the time to return to our comparison between the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch OLED to clean it up and make it as clear as possible.
Same Games, Bigger Screen
The OLED model has the exact same games catalog as the original Switch, with no exclusive titles, but the biggest difference between the two is the size of the console’s screen. The original Nintendo Switch has a 6.2-inch LCD screen, whereas the OLED has a 7-inch OLED screen.
Where the original Switch had a black border around the edge of the screen, the OLED’s screen expands further, giving you an extra 0.8 inch of screen while playing in handheld mode. The upgrade from LCD to OLED also means that colors appear brighter on the screen and make graphics appear to be more detailed.
Docked Mode Vs. Handheld Mode
Which version of the Nintendo Switch is right for you may depend on whether you prefer to play in docked mode or handheld mode.
At first glance, the OLED’s larger screen may draw you if you’re into handheld gaming, but that also means the console is slightly heavier — 0.93 lbs compared to the original’s 0.88 lbs.
The original Switch’s lighter weight makes it more convenient for traveling, but you will sacrifice the brighter on-screen visuals.
If you plan on playing your Nintendo Switch in docked mode, you will also need to consider the dock. While you may purchase third-party docks, the consoles come packaged with one, and the OLED has an improved version. It’s made from higher-quality plastic but also has extra features.
Both are fitted with a charging port, two USB ports, and an HDMI output, but only the OLED’s dock has a LAN port for a wired internet connection. The original Switch model can only connect to the internet via Wi-Fi. If you plan to do a lot of online gaming on your Switch, you may prefer the OLED model for this reason.
However, when docking your OLED, you lose the added benefit of the bigger OLED screen. If you plan to dock your Switch but don’t play many online games, the original Switch would be the option for you.
Does The OLED Have Better Graphics?
The later model’s bigger OLED screen does enhance the visuals when you’re playing in handheld mode, but on a technical level, the graphics are the same as the orignal Switch. The two have the same processor — NVIDIA Custom Tegra — so they have the same internal power.
In handheld mode, both consoles will be 720p. In docked mode, it will be 1080p. However, the OLED screen does brighten up the Switch’s visuals, giving the impression of improved graphics.
Internal Storage
Purchased games from the Nintendo eShop and any saved data are stored on the Switch’s internal storage system. The original Switch comes with 32 GB of internal storage, whereas the OLED has 64 GB.
Given the size of many games these days, you will likely need to purchase an additional microSD card to store your games and saved data. The OLED gives you more room before you need to buy one, but it’s likely that you’ll need one later anyway, especially if you purchase games digitally.
Affordable Gaming
Other than the technical aspects, a big difference between the original model and the OLED is the price.
You can easily find the Nintendo Switch on sale for around $300. On average, the OLED version costs $50 more.
For this price, you receive a larger screen, an improved dock, and more storage space.
Conclusion
There are a few important distinctions between the original Switch and the OLED model, and the one that’s right for you generally depends on how you plan to use the console.
If you already own the original Switch, it’s difficult to recommend upgrading for the extra features, unless there’s aspecific special editionthat you want.
Overall, the OLED model makes a number of improvements to the Switch, making the extra $50 worth it if you’re planning to play in handheld mode a lot or to use it for online games.
The Nintendo Switch OLED is right for you, if…
However, the original Switch model could be for you if you plan to play on the TV in docked mode, but not for online gaming. The cheaper alternative is also great for children who aren’t interested in the technical aspects of the Switch models.
The Switch has a wide library of games that’s perfectly suited for younger gamers, and the original Switch isn’t as heavy as the OLED, so it’s easier for them to hold in handheld mode.
The original Nintendo Switch might be right for you, if …
FAQ
How much better are the graphics on the Nintendo Switch OLED?
The Nintendo Switch OLED model has the same screen resolution as the original Switch (720p in handheld mode, 1080p in docked mode), but has a bigger screen and brighter colors.
Why is the OLED Switch more expensive?
The larger OLED screen, bigger internal storage (64 GB compared to the original models 32 GB), and higher-quality materials used the for the system’s dock add towards the console’s increased price.
Is the OLED worth the extra money?
Whether the OLED is worth the extra money depends on how you plan to use your Switch. If you appreciate the bigger screen and brighter visuals, it’s worth the higher price.
