Nintendo Switch OLED vs Nintendo Switch: What’s the difference?

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  Nintendo Switch OLED

  The latest Switch model gets a major upgrade to its screen, with revolutionary changes in presentation, but runs the same games as the standard version.

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  nintendo switch

  It’s quite old now, but the Switch still represents great value and is cheaper than its OLED sibling, with access to the same library of games and the same level of performance.

Main points

• Nintendo Switch OLED offers a larger, more vibrant screen with improved contrast and color accuracy.
• The internals of both models are basically the same, with the same chipset, RAM, and battery life.
• For existing Switch owners, it may not be necessary to upgrade to OLED, but new buyers should opt for the OLED model.

Nintendo struck gold when it launched the Nintendo Switch in 2017. In the years since, it hasn’t lost steam, ranking second only to the DS series of systems in terms of overall sales. The original design was revolutionary for both handheld and portable systems, but Nintendo has since made some minor modifications to the original device.

In addition to the Switch Lite, the Switch model that attracts the most attention is the OLED model. The name itself provides a clue as to how it differs from the base unit, but is that the full story? If you already bought a Switch, is it worth upgrading to this one? Let’s check out the differences to make the best choice.

Switch OLED vs. Switch: Price and Specs

Which one is more cost-effective

There are several key differences between the Switch OLED and the standard Switch, which can be succinctly summarized through a direct comparison. Nintendo Switch OLED offers many new features, such as a larger screen. However, at its core, it’s basically the same as the existing Switch.

• 	Nintendo Switch OLED	nintendo switch
  aspect	102×242×13.9mm	102×239×13.9mm
  weight	320 g (420 g with Joy-Con)	297 grams (398 grams including Joy-Con)
  chipset	NVIDIA Tegra X1	NVIDIA Tegra X1
  Memory	4GB	4GB
  storage	64GB expandable	32GB expandable
  Headphone compatibility	Bluetooth and wired	Bluetooth and wired
  exhibit	7-inch OLED	6.2-inch LCD screen
  Output resolution	720p (handheld), 1080p (TV)	720p (handheld), 1080p (TV)

The Nintendo Switch OLED has many similarities to the standard Switch. Both are powered by the same Nvidia Tegra X1 chipset and 4GB of RAM, and offer the same battery life. Their visual output is also comparable, offering 720p resolution in handheld mode and 1080p resolution when connected to a TV. This ensures a consistent gaming experience whether you use the OLED model or the standard model.

What’s impressive about these two models is their compatibility. Since they share the same core specs, all Nintendo Switch games can be played on both, and accessories like Joy-Con controllers can be easily interchanged. This compatibility allows Switch users to seamlessly switch between models.

Despite these similarities, the OLED version sets itself apart with its larger, more vivid screen and extra storage. Both versions come with everything you need to start gaming: a dock, two Joy-Con controllers, and a Joy-Con grip for a traditional controller experience.

Switch OLED vs. Switch: Design

There are some key differences between the Nintendo Switch (OLED model) and the original Switch.

Dimensions and weight

The size and weight of the Nintendo Switch OLED and the original Switch are similar, with only minor differences.

The OLED model has a larger screen while maintaining the same console height by reducing bezel size. This design choice ensures compatibility with Joy-Con. Although the Switch OLED is slightly longer and heavier, these differences are barely noticeable in day-to-day use.

Built-in stand

While the original Switch had a built-in stand, it was very small (about 10mm wide) and didn’t do a particularly good job of supporting the console in tabletop mode. The Switch OLED has a sturdier stand. It extends the width of the rear of the device and is adjustable through a wide range of angles, improving repositioning during tabletop gaming. The MicroSD card slot is conveniently located behind the stand on each console.

Selection of color

While both consoles offer classic “neon” color options (blue for one Joy-Con, red for the other), the Switch OLED also offers a great white option for a nice, clean look. The base of this model is also white, whereas it’s usually only available in black plastic.

There have been multiple special edition versions of the standard Switch over the years, as well as gray versions that are now often produced for OLED, such as the current impressive The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom limited edition console .

Switch OLED vs. Switch: Display

By far the most notable difference between these models is the display. As the name of the latest model suggests, it features an OLED panel that offers better color accuracy, higher contrast and overall improved picture performance. It also offers wider viewing angles than the LCD panel used in the standard Switch. OLED panels produce a cooler white output, giving the impression of enhanced brightness and clearer-looking images.

Additionally, because OLED pixels are self-illuminating and don’t require a backlight, the screen can have smaller bezels (as mentioned earlier). As a result, the Switch OLED has a 7-inch display without increasing the overall size of the console. By comparison, the standard Switch has a 6.2-inch screen.

Switch OLED vs. Switch: Storage

The Nintendo Switch (OLED model) has double the storage capacity, so you’ll be able to install twice as many games. However, 64GB is still relatively small, so you’ll need to buy a microSD card separately anyway – so factor in the cost. We consider this a mandatory requirement for the standard Switch.

Switch OLED vs. Switch: Dock

Both consoles come with charging docks and also offer TV connectivity. There are two USB 2.1 ports and an HDMI output on each side. The notable difference between the standard dock and the OLED dock is that the latter now includes a wired internet connection via a LAN port, rather than the hidden USB socket on the back of the old Switch. You can only connect to the standard Switch via Wi-Fi.

Once docked, both consoles output 1080p60 and support up to 5.1 PCM audio.

It’s worth noting that the base for the Switch OLED can be purchased separately and is compatible with older Switch models.

Switch OLED vs. Switch: Audio

The Switch OLED’s sound output has been enhanced. It has slightly different speaker ports for louder, more immersive sound.

Both support Bluetooth and wired headphones.

Switch OLED vs Switch: Which one should you buy?

OLED comes all the way

If you already own a Switch, upgrading to the OLED model can be difficult, especially if you primarily play games on your TV, where you’ll hardly notice any difference.

However, for new buyers who don’t have an existing Switch, we see no competition. After using both models extensively, the OLED model is undoubtedly the best you can find. You’ll need to stretch your budget, as it’s $50 more expensive than the standard version, but we think it’s worth it – the screen really is that good. That said, if you don’t have the extra cash, the original Switch is still a great machine.