Which Nintendo Switch to Buy: OLED vs. Original vs. Lite

The Nintendo Switch has brought a resurgence to handheld gaming, even influencing new mobile gaming techniques. There are several differences between the three Nintendo Switch models when deciding on which one to purchase. The OLED, the original and the Lite can all support the same Switch games at a handheld level, but the differences between each version can dictate gameplay and the overall gaming experience.

Not only is the screen slightly larger, but the OLED, or organic light-emitting diode, technology produces a pure black color and a higher contrast white by lighting individual pixels in the screen. This introduces a sharper, more vibrant image that can make gameplay more realistic and entertaining, which helps gamers weigh the differences of this new Nintendo Switch vs. old models.

When comparing the original Nintendo Switch vs. Lite, both come with 32GB of internal memory, but the OLED has 64GB of space. Having double the memory is convenient and depending on the number of games a person plays or downloads, it might be more than enough space.

The Nintendo Switch OLED is the only model to include an ethernet port connection. This allows the system to be plugged directly into the internet’s router with an ethernet cable instead of having to rely on Wi-Fi, providing greater reliability and security.

Similar to the base model, every OLED Switch has detachable Joy-Con controllers that can conveniently be removed when the system is docked to a TV. This gives gamers the option of choosing between handheld play or enjoying more action on a bigger screen.

Every OLED model features enhanced speakers that not only amplify a game’s sound, but also present an audio quality that is clearer and more pronounced, giving the OLED an auditory advantage in any Nintendo Switch comparison.

The improved OLED screen and sound are only applicable during handheld play. The Switch’s OLED technology and enhanced sound don’t translate through the screen of a TV while it is docked. Plus, it still displays imagery at the standard 720p HD resolution in handheld mode, just like the other Switch models.

When comparing Nintendo Switch models, having double the amount of internal space isn’t necessarily a big improvement because gamers can easily just purchase microSD cards that provide extra storage for any version.

Because of the minor improvements, the Nintendo Switch OLED is pricier than the other models. If you are planning on just connecting the console to your TV, the crisp OLED technology and louder sound are irrelevant.

Just like the OLED model, the original Nintendo Switch features controllers that can easily be removed and used when the console is hooked up to a TV. This allows gamers to enjoy the intimacy of handheld play as well as playing their favorite games on a bigger screen.

The detachable Joy-Con controllers are capable of splitting in two separate controllers when the console is docked to a TV, permitting games to be enjoyed in two-player mode. If a gamer finds that the two-player version of the Joy-Con controller is too limited, bigger and more traditionally designed wireless controllers are also available and compatible with both the original and OLED Switch. Other accessories are also available if you plan on optimizing your gaming setup.

Although the OLED model’s screen is the largest of the three, the base model is not far behind and is still bigger than the Lite’s screen. Since certain games can sometimes feature smaller, captioned dialogue that is difficult to read on the Lite version, the screen size can be the deciding factor when comparing Nintendo Switch Lite vs. Nintendo Switch.

The OLED and Lite both have a couple of special editions, but the original has many to choose from. These special editions are based on the various games and characters from Nintendo’s extensive catalog, putting a fun spin on the regular design. For example, gamers have the option of choosing between Nintendo Switch Animal Crossing Edition vs. normal models.

The original Switch only comes with 32GB of internal memory. This is fine if you are planning on only purchasing physical games that can be inserted into the console. However, downloading games is more popular than ever and only 32GB will limit your downloadable options without additional memory cards.

Part of the allure of the Nintendo Switch is that it is both a handheld gaming device and a console that can be displayed on a TV monitor. Yet, if you are looking solely for handheld gameplay, the original model might not be the best Nintendo Switch for you. The Lite’s smaller size and cheaper price welcome exclusive handheld gameplay and the OLED’s upgraded screen makes handheld playing that much more immersive and rewarding on a visual level.

The Nintendo Switch Lite doesn’t have the same docking capabilities as the other two models and it doesn’t necessarily need them. The Lite was specifically designed to enjoy handheld play and the system works perfectly for it. There are no extra steps or equipment to connect to a TV, just a solid video game console designed for the handheld experience.

Since the size is smaller and it lacks docking capabilities, the Switch Lite is priced significantly lower than the OLED and original models. This is not only ideal for gamers on a budget, but can also help justify purchasing more Switch games for the console.

Every Nintendo Switch model is portable, but the Lite is the most convenient to bring with you wherever you go. In the debate of a regular Nintendo Switch vs. Switch Lite, the smaller size allows the console to fit nicely in most bags and is a great way to pass the time on everyday commutes to work or school and on longer trips.

The speakers in the classic Switch and the OLED model perform much better than the speakers in the Switch Lite. The Lite’s speakers are not as loud and they are aimed downward, leaving them easily muffled without the aid of headphones.

All three models of the Switch have comparable battery lives, but the Lite model’s battery gets used up the quickest. Because of its smaller size, the Lite’s battery is smaller, resulting in a slightly lower battery life. 

The OLED model and the original Switch are both equipped with a foldout kickstand on the back of the unit that can be extended out to support the handheld screen, allowing gamers to play in tabletop mode. The Switch Lite doesn’t have this capability and it can’t connect to a TV monitor.

There is no universal answer to what the best Nintendo Switch is. The best model for you depends on your personal preferences and gaming needs. The Nintendo Switch Lite is perfect for a gamer on a budget that prefers only playing in the handheld mode. The original Nintendo Switch is an excellent option for a gamer who plans on docking their system to a TV most of the time, but still appreciates the occasional handheld play. The Nintendo Switch OLED is ideal for the gamer who enjoys playing in TV mode just as much as in handheld mode, getting the best of both worlds.

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