Nintendo Switch is 5 years old this year. Since the original Switch came out in 2017, we’ve seen the release of the Switch V2, Switch Lite, and the latest Nintendo Switch OLED. (However, there may be other switches along the way.) With all these options, it can be complicated to decide which option is best for your gaming needs. Or much more complicated. If you already own one of the other models, which one should you buy?
Although the Switch OLED looks like the best version, it’s not necessarily the right choice for everyone. Here is my advice after testing and reviewing each model.
Nintendo Switch OLED
The OLED switch isn’t exactly a console reinvention. However, it is an improvement over the original, with a larger OLED display and a better kickstand. The original Switch had better battery life in 2019, and so does this version. This time you get a bigger and more vivid screen. It has the same 720p resolution as the original Switch and Switch Lite, but looks more colorful with more contrast and deeper black levels.
Most OLED switch gains are for passive mode. There’s a bigger screen, bigger speakers, and finally a kickstand that covers the entire rear panel and bends to multiple angles. If you’re interested in a portable switch, this kickstand alone could be a reason to upgrade. This is especially true for multiplayer games on the go in tabletop mode.
There is more storage built into the board (64 GB vs 32 GB for older adapters). You can save dozens of games. However, most Switch owners will put a microSD card in to increase the storage space (you can get 256GB for about $20 today). A high-capacity SD card is basically a necessary switch accessory. The included new dock has an additional Ethernet port for wired internet, but I don’t care. I use wifi for everything and it’s ok.
Despite the increased screen size from 6.2 inches to 7 inches, the footprint of the device is almost the same. After all, they should accommodate the same Joy-Con controller that opens to the side of the system when not in hand. This means that you get a larger screen of the same size, so the edges around the screen are narrower and the screen takes up much more of the field of view.
But the game doesn’t go any differently. Inside is the same Nvidia Tegra X1 processor as before. The configuration of this device dates back to the Switch s 2017 launch 4 years ago. compete? Console 2020 with the latest processors.
The extra $50 for the OLED switch is well worth it, especially when upgrading the screen and kickstand. If it’s your first time changing your life, this is your option. But if you already own the switch, it doesn’t seem necessary.
Read our Nintendo Switch OLED review.
Nintendo Switch Lite
At $199, the Switch Lite is $150 less than the OLED Switch, which is a huge price drop. She plays the same game. The build quality of the Lite is excellent, and it is compact and portable. However, it cannot be used as a TV-connected game console due to the lack of a TV docking function for the larger keys. I can’t even remove the controller.
This is a huge loss for the family or anyone who loves sofa games. Decode the switch to make it a handheld device. But it’s a great used or travel key for the family, and the obvious successor to the Nintendo 3DS if you’re looking for a portable game.
Read our Nintendo Switch Lite review.
Nintendo Switch
The Switch Classic is pegged at $300 and looks absurd now. OLED switches should be purchased instead, but that could change the selling price equation. We don’t see any Switch sales at this time, but if the original version comes bundled with built-in games or is priced down (the 2019 version 2 with longer battery life), it might be worth picking up for the savings. OLED model. You can have the same experience when you dock it to your TV. Needless to say, if you only play in docked mode and treat the Switch as a permanently fixed living room console, this is exactly what you get.
Upgrade Dialing: Solo vs. group; TV vs Mobile; budget vs waste
The biggest factor to evaluate is your key usage plan. This is a way to know that the switch makes more sense to you and is more important than the individual specs.
Solo vs Friends & Family: If you’re a solo player, the Switch Lite might be for you. Especially if you’re playing in a cramped bedroom or cubicle. If it’s more fluid, the bigger screen OLED switch is a high-end option and a must-do for docking your TV. But for the gaming family, make sure you have a switch that connects to your TV (sorry lite).
You almost always play on TV. If you are, don’t buy a Switch Lite. But if all of this happens on a big screen, you probably won’t even need to switch to OLED. Stay true to the original.
Essentially portable gaming: Lite is portable and inexpensive, but only for handhelds. OLED models have great screens, but they are much larger and more expensive. Deciding whether you need a better screen can decide whether you want to use a 70% handheld or a 90% handheld.
Money is nothing. Then, of course, buy an OLED switch. (All things considered, it’s not that expensive at $350.)
Will there be a new Switch this year? It doesn’t seem like Nintendo helps make a new model of a handheld game console about every two years. We keep getting reports of a 4K upgraded graphics switch, probably called the Switch Pro or Switch 2. Remind me that the OLED switch will definitely not be the ultimate switch. You can always wait until you are satisfied with the key you have (if you have one).
For more information, check out Why You Don’t Have to Worry About OLED Screen Burn-in on Nintendo Switch and Best Switch Controllers.