Buzz
The latest Nintendo Switch, known as the Switch OLED, was launched in October 2021. It marks the fourth significant release in the Switch console series, following the original Switch in 2017, the V2 in August 2019 (which offered improved battery life), and the simpler Switch Lite in September 2019. Four different models, all playing the same games—so how do you choose? The original Switch is no longer widely available, so if you're purchasing a full version in 2021, you're almost certainly opting for the V2. The Switch Lite is also easy to rule out: If you're only looking to play in handheld mode, it's a more affordable option at $199. But that comes with a catch—the Lite can't be docked, so you won’t be able to play on your TV, which is a major drawback if you’re after the Switch’s fantastic selection of couch co-op games.
So your real decision comes down to the V2 versus the Switch OLED. Here are the main distinctions to consider as you make your choice.
Five key differences between the Switch V2 and the Switch OLED
Let’s explore some of the main differences between the original Switch and the latest Switch OLED model.
Cost
The new Switch OLED is priced at $350, while the original Switch costs $300. The price difference isn’t enormous, but it’s enough for you to grab a game or two. The real question is whether the additional features of the OLED model are worth the extra cost, depending on your gaming preferences.
Appearance
The design of the Switch OLED closely resembles the original Switch, though there are some notable improvements. The kickstand has been upgraded, providing a significant benefit if you often play in tabletop mode with the controllers detached.
The Switch OLED is available with either white Joy-Cons (sleek) or blue and red Joy-Cons (traditional). Additionally, the OLED model comes with a more elegant dock that includes an ethernet LAN port, a feature missing from the original.
Display
As the name suggests, the OLED model boasts a 7-inch OLED screen, compared to the 6-inch LCD of the original. The screen is the key difference between the two. OLED technology offers richer colors and deeper blacks, making it a notable upgrade if you play mostly in handheld mode. For those who play mostly docked, the difference is less impactful.
Storage
With 64GB of storage, the Switch OLED has double the capacity of the V2. Both versions allow for microSD cards to increase storage, but purchasing a larger card for the V2 could erase the price difference between the two.
Is the Switch OLED really worth the extra cost?
Since the differences aren’t huge, the decision ultimately depends on how you play. If you haven’t bought a Switch yet and plan to use it handheld even occasionally, the OLED is the way to go for the extra storage and display quality.
If you already own a Switch V2 (or even the 2017 original), upgrading probably isn’t necessary unless you mostly play handheld and prefer having the best version of your devices. Rest assured, any Switch you pick up will offer a fantastic gaming experience.
