This year marks best Nintendo Switch’s fifth birthday. The Switch V2, Switch Lite, and most recently, the Nintendo Switch OLED, have all been released since the original Switch made its debut in 2017. (Not to mention the possibility of a new Switch.) Choosing the one that would meet your gaming demands the best among all those alternatives might be challenging. Even trickier: If you currently possess one of the other versions, which should you buy? Read more 9 Best Nintendo Switch Controller for 2022.
Even while the Switch OLED appears to be the greatest option, not everyone should get it. After testing and evaluating each model, I have some advise.
1. Nintendo Switch OLED
The OLED Switch isn’t precisely a console redesign. But it is an upgrade over the original with a bigger OLED display and a better kickstand. In 2019, the battery life of the original Switch was improved, and so has this one. You receive a bigger, more colourful show this time. It appears more vibrant, has more contrast, and deeper black levels than the original Switch and Switch Lite, but having the same 720p resolution.
The portable mode of the OLED Switch sees the most of its improvements. It has a bigger display, louder speakers, and a kickstand that can stretch to various angles and finally covers the entire back panel. If you’re interested in a portable Switch, the kickstand could be enough to convince you to upgrade, especially if you frequently play multiplayer games in tabletop mode.
There is greater onboard storage available (64GB vs. 32GB on earlier Switches), which can accommodate about a dozen game downloads. However, the majority of Switch owners will simply insert a microSD card to enhance capacity (you can now acquire 256GB for approximately $20). Basically, a large SD card is a necessary Switch accessory. I don’t worry about that because I use Wi-Fi for everything and am OK; the new dock that came with it includes an additional Ethernet plug for wired internet.
The device’s footprint is essentially unchanged despite the screen’s expansion from 6.2 to 7 inches in size. After all, it must fit the identical Joy-Con controllers, which, when not in use, slide onto the sides of the device. Because you get a larger screen for the same size body, the bezels surrounding the display are less and the screen takes up a larger portion of your view.
However, games won’t function any differently. The same Nvidia Tegra X1 CPU is housed within as previously. That hardware setup was first introduced with the Switch’s 2017 debut, which was four years ago. the opponent? consoles having 2020 CPUs or newer.
The screen and kickstand in particular make the $50 more for the OLED Switch well worth it for the enhancements. It’s the one to choose if you’re fresh to Switch life. But if you already have a Switch, it just doesn’t feel as essential.
2. Nintendo Switch Lite
At $199, the Switch Lite costs $150 less than the OLED Switch, which is a sizable discount. It also engages in the same sports. The Lite is tiny and more portable, and its manufacturing quality is great. But it lacks the bigger Switches’ TV-docking capability, so you can’t use it as a linked game console for your TV. Furthermore, you cannot remove its controllers.
Families and gamers who like playing on the sofa stand to lose a lot from this. The Switch is reduced to a portable when this happens. However, if you just want some casual portable games, it’s a strong replacement for the Nintendo 3DS and a great second or travel Switch for families.
3. Nintendo Switch
The original Switch is still available for $300, which is ludicrous at the moment. Sales may alter the situation, but the OLED Switch is unquestionably the one you should get in its place. Although there are currently no Switch sales, if the original model were to receive a game bundle or a price cut (if it is the V2 revision in 2019 with a longer battery life), it may be worthwhile to purchase for the cost savings compared to the OLED variant. The experience will be identical when docked with a TV. Naturally, this is the one to buy if you exclusively play in docked mode, using the Switch as a permanently fixed living room console.
Making the decision to upgrade: alone versus group; TV versus handheld; budget versus spend
How you want to utilise the Switch is one of the main considerations. These factors are more significant than any one spec and will help you choose whether Switch is the right choice for you.
- Playing alone vs. with friends and family: If you prefer playing alone, a Switch Lite may be sufficient, especially if you’re doing so in a small dorm room or office. The OLED Switch with the larger screen is a luxurious option and a must for TV-docking if you’re a little more clumsy. Buy a Switch that docks to a TV if you want to play video games with your family, though (sorry, Lite).
- Don’t get a Switch Lite if you are someone who is almost constantly watching TV. Additionally, if everything is displayed on a large screen, you might not even need the OLED Switch. Continually use the original.
- The Lite is primarily a handheld gaming device that is both affordable and portable. Although the OLED model is larger and more costly, it offers a fantastic screen. Whether you need a better screen may depend on whether you use a portable device 70% of the time or 90% of the time.
- If money is no object, clearly purchase the OLED Switch. (Considering everything, it’s not really that pricey at $350.)
- Will the Switch be updated this year? Every two years or so, Nintendo can’t help but release a new iteration of their portable gaming devices. There are still rumours about a 4K Switch with improved graphics that may be dubbed the Switch Pro or the Switch 2. Just a friendly reminder that the OLED Switch won’t likely be the last Switch. You may always wait it out and be content with the Switch you now possess (if you have one).
