Is the Nintendo Switch OLED Worth It?

Due to be released on October 8, 2021, the Nintendo Switch OLED model is one of the latest upgrades to video game consoles in recent months.

Nintendo has a couple of Switch models out on the market right now, like the original Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch Lite. In just a few months, the new OLED model will offer users enhanced gameplay and unique experiences for them to enjoy.

Let’s get a brief overview of the new Nintendo Switch OLED model and see how it compares to the original Switch model.

Overview of the Nintendo Switch OLED

At a retail price of $349.99, the Nintendo Switch OLED system features a new and vibrant 7-inch display to provide stunning visuals for players. The enhanced colors and sharp contrast add visual appeal to the console, so no matter how users play, they’ll be able to notice the difference compared to other consoles and Switch models.

The OLED model has a wide, adjustable stand for tabletop play, a significant improvement from the flimsy kickstand the original Switch has. Players can angle their consoles more easily without fear the console would fall over and potentially break.

New Joy-Con colors are also available — they come in white now. And the best part? Original Joy-Con models can connect to the new OLED model, so users won’t have to pay extra to purchase a new set of controllers.

For streamers on Twitch, the Nintendo Switch OLED also has a built-in LAN port so users can easily connect to the internet. There’s 64 GB of storage on the system, so users can download some of the top-selling games without fear of running out of space. Enhanced onboard speakers also provide players with immersive sounds, which only improves the gaming experience.

Now that we know some of the features, let’s compare the original Nintendo Switch to the new OLED model and see what the main differences are.

Nintendo Switch vs. Nintendo Switch OLED

One of the most prominent features of both the original Nintendo Switch and the OLED model is the choice between three playing modes: TV mode, handheld mode, and tabletop mode. The original Switch is a bit lighter and smaller in size compared to the OLED model and has half the storage space.

Here are some specifications for the Nintendo Switch OLED:

• Display: 7-inch OLED touchscreen
• Battery life: 4.5 to 9 hours
• Connectivity: 3.5mm audio, wired LAN, microSD, USB-C
• Storage: 64 GB
• Chipset: Custom Nvidia Tegra X1
• Size: 9.5” x 4” x 0.55”
• Weight: 0.93 pounds

Some people were expecting a 4K display and thought the new Nintendo Switch model would be called the “Nintendo Switch Pro.” Some of the new features included in the new model may be convincing enough to buy for experienced gamers looking to level up their gaming experience.

These are the original Switch specifications for comparison:

• Display: 6.2-inch LED display
• Battery life: Approximately 4.5 to 9 hours
• Connectivity: microSD, USB-C, 3.5mm audio
• Storage: 32 GB
• Chipset: Custom Nvidia Tegra X1
• Size: 9.4” x 4” x 0.55”
• Weight: 0.88 pounds

As you can see, the specifications for both models are incredibly similar, with only a few upgrades that heavy users would typically consider “killer features.”

Is the New OLED Model Worth It?

While the Nintendo Switch OLED boasts some new features, it’s challenging to know if the price for the new console is justified. The retail price of $349.99 is a bit steep. Still, for users looking for enhanced visuals and audio, the price may be reasonable.

There’s no way to know for sure if the new OLED model is worth buying. However, if you have the original Switch console, you could probably get by without purchasing this new model. At the end of the day, it’s your choice, depending on your financial situation and gaming needs.