Nintendo Switch OLED Vs. Original: What's The Difference?

So, you're thinking about diving into the world of Nintendo Switch, or maybe you're looking to upgrade your existing console? Awesome! But then you hit a crossroads: the Nintendo Switch OLED and the original Nintendo Switch. What's the deal? What are the real differences? Which one should you choose? Don't worry, guys, I got you covered. Let's break it down in a way that's super easy to understand.

Display Showdown: OLED vs. LCD

The most significant and immediately noticeable difference between the Nintendo Switch OLED and the original model is, you guessed it, the display. The OLED model boasts a vibrant, 7-inch OLED screen, while the original Switch has a 6.2-inch LCD screen. Now, what does that actually mean for your gaming experience?

Let's dive deep. OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology is a game-changer. Unlike LCD screens that use a backlight to illuminate the entire display, OLED screens have self-lit pixels. Each pixel can turn on and off independently, resulting in true blacks, incredibly high contrast, and richer, more vibrant colors. Imagine playing Metroid Dread on an OLED screen – the dark, spooky environments will be truly dark, making the neon lights and explosions pop like never before. Games like Breath of the Wild benefit hugely from the vibrant color palette.

On the other hand, the original Nintendo Switch uses an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen. LCD screens are backlit, meaning that even when a pixel is supposed to be black, some light still shines through. This results in blacks that appear more grayish and a lower contrast ratio overall. While the original Switch's screen is perfectly adequate and still provides a decent gaming experience, it simply can't match the visual fidelity of the OLED. It's the difference between watching a movie on a standard TV and watching it on a high-end OLED TV. You'll find yourself immersed even more in the gameplay. The bigger screen size of the OLED also adds to this immersion.

For many gamers, this display difference alone is enough to justify the upgrade. The improved visuals make games look more stunning and engaging. If you're someone who appreciates visual fidelity and wants the best possible handheld gaming experience, the OLED screen is a clear winner. However, if you're more concerned about budget or don't mind a slightly less impressive display, the original Switch is still a very capable console.

Kickstand: Stability Upgrade

Beyond the screen, another notable upgrade on the Nintendo Switch OLED is the kickstand. The original Switch has a flimsy, thin kickstand that's prone to collapsing, making tabletop mode a bit of a precarious experience. The OLED model, however, features a wide, adjustable kickstand that spans the entire back of the console. This provides a much more stable and reliable base for tabletop play.

Think about it: you're on a long flight, or maybe you're chilling at a coffee shop with a friend, and you want to play some Mario Kart in tabletop mode. With the original Switch, you're constantly worried about the kickstand giving way and your console toppling over. With the OLED model, you can relax and enjoy your game without that anxiety. The wide kickstand provides a solid foundation, allowing you to adjust the viewing angle to your liking. This simple but effective improvement makes tabletop mode significantly more enjoyable and practical.

This might seem like a small detail, but it's a significant quality-of-life improvement. The sturdier kickstand makes the OLED model a better choice for those who frequently use tabletop mode, whether it's for playing with friends, enjoying games on the go, or simply propping up the console on a desk or table. It adds peace of mind. The adjustable nature of the kickstand also allows you to find the perfect viewing angle, minimizing glare and maximizing comfort. If you have ever had to play on a train or bus, you know how important that is.

Internal Storage: Double the Space

Storage space is always a concern when it comes to gaming consoles, especially with the rise of digital game downloads. The original Nintendo Switch comes with 32GB of internal storage, while the OLED model doubles that to 64GB. While both consoles support microSD cards for expandable storage, the extra internal space on the OLED model is a welcome addition.

With 32GB of storage on the original Switch, you might find yourself constantly deleting and re-downloading games to make room for new titles. This can be a hassle, especially if you have a large digital game library. The 64GB of storage on the OLED model gives you more breathing room. You can store more games, save data, and screenshots without constantly managing your storage space. This is especially beneficial for those who prefer to buy games digitally rather than physically.

While a microSD card is still recommended for serious gamers, the extra internal storage on the OLED model provides a more convenient and user-friendly experience right out of the box. It reduces the need to immediately invest in a microSD card and allows you to enjoy more games without worrying about running out of space. For example, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom takes up a significant chunk of storage, so having that extra space helps considerably.

Enhanced Audio: A Subtle Upgrade

The Nintendo Switch OLED also features enhanced audio compared to the original model. While the difference isn't as dramatic as the screen upgrade, the OLED model's speakers offer a slightly richer and more immersive sound experience. The speakers have been redesigned to deliver clearer and more balanced audio, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

In handheld mode, the improved speakers on the OLED model provide a noticeable difference in sound quality. Gunshots in action games have more punch, music sounds more vibrant, and dialogue is clearer. While it won't replace a good pair of headphones, the enhanced audio adds to the immersion and makes playing games without headphones more enjoyable. The difference is most noticeable in games with rich soundtracks or detailed sound effects.

While the audio upgrade might not be a deciding factor for everyone, it's a nice bonus that adds to the overall premium feel of the OLED model. If you're someone who appreciates good audio quality, you'll likely appreciate the improvements in the OLED model's speakers. It creates a more complete and engaging sensory experience, and when playing for long periods of time, this can make all the difference.

Dock Differences: A Minor Tweak

The dock that comes with the Nintendo Switch OLED also has a minor difference compared to the original Switch dock: it includes a built-in LAN port. This allows for a more stable and reliable internet connection when playing in docked mode. While the original Switch dock relies on Wi-Fi for internet connectivity, the LAN port on the OLED dock provides a wired connection, which can be beneficial for online multiplayer games.

If you frequently play online games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Splatoon 3, a wired internet connection can make a significant difference in reducing lag and improving overall performance. The LAN port on the OLED dock eliminates the need for a separate USB LAN adapter, making it more convenient to connect to the internet. This is particularly useful if your Wi-Fi signal is weak or unreliable.

For casual gamers who primarily play offline, the LAN port might not be a major selling point. However, for serious online gamers, it's a valuable addition that can enhance their gaming experience. It ensures a stable and consistent connection, minimizing interruptions and allowing for smoother online play. A wired connection can also reduce the latency, giving you a slight edge over players using Wi-Fi.

Battery Life: Staying Power

Both the Nintendo Switch OLED and the updated original Nintendo Switch (released in 2019) have similar battery life. You can expect around 4.5 to 9 hours of playtime, depending on the game you're playing and the brightness settings. Games that are graphically intensive and require more processing power will drain the battery faster. Games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons can last closer to the nine-hour mark, while games like Breath of the Wild might only give you around five hours.

The original Nintendo Switch model released in 2017 had significantly shorter battery life, typically around 2.5 to 6.5 hours. So, if you're considering buying a used original Switch, be sure to check which model it is to avoid getting the older version with the shorter battery life. The model number can usually be found on the back of the console.

The OLED model's OLED screen is more power-efficient than the LCD screen on the original model, which helps to offset the slightly larger screen size. Overall, the battery life is comparable between the OLED and the updated original Switch, so it shouldn't be a major deciding factor when choosing between the two.

Price Point: What's Your Budget?

Of course, one of the most important factors to consider is the price. The Nintendo Switch OLED typically retails for a higher price than the original Nintendo Switch. The price difference reflects the upgraded features and components, such as the OLED screen, enhanced audio, and increased internal storage.

If you're on a tight budget, the original Nintendo Switch is still a great option. It offers a similar gaming experience at a lower price point. However, if you're willing to spend a bit more, the OLED model offers a more premium experience with its improved visuals, enhanced audio, and other upgrades. The extra cost might be worth it for those who value visual fidelity and want the best possible handheld gaming experience.

Consider your budget and weigh the pros and cons of each console. If you're primarily going to be playing in docked mode, the original Switch might be a better value. However, if you frequently play in handheld or tabletop mode, the OLED model's improved screen and kickstand might be worth the extra investment.

Which Switch is Right for You?

Choosing between the Nintendo Switch OLED and the original Nintendo Switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you value visual fidelity, enhanced audio, and a more premium experience, the OLED model is the clear winner. The OLED screen alone is a game-changer, making games look more vibrant and immersive. The improved kickstand, increased internal storage, and LAN port are also valuable additions.

However, if you're on a budget or don't mind a slightly less impressive display, the original Nintendo Switch is still a great option. It offers a similar gaming experience at a lower price point and is still a very capable console. The original Switch is also a good choice for those who primarily play in docked mode, as the OLED model's screen advantage is less noticeable in docked mode.

Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both consoles out for yourself if possible. Visit a local electronics store and see if you can get a feel for the different screens and features. Consider what games you'll be playing and how you'll be using the console. With careful consideration, you can choose the Nintendo Switch that's perfect for you.

In summary:

• Nintendo Switch OLED: Best for handheld and tabletop play, superior visual quality, enhanced audio, more internal storage, stable kickstand, LAN port.
• Original Nintendo Switch: Best for budget-conscious gamers, good for docked play, still a great gaming experience.

No matter which Switch you choose, you're in for a world of fun with Nintendo's amazing library of games! Happy gaming, guys!