Is the Nintendo Switch OLED Worth Upgrading To?

14 March 2025

So, you've probably heard the buzz about the Nintendo Switch OLED and are wondering, "Is this really worth my hard-earned cash?" I mean, the original Switch already feels like the Swiss Army knife of gaming consoles, right? But now Nintendo has upped the ante with a shinier, sleeker version. If you're scratching your head trying to decide whether to stick with your current model or make the leap, don't worry—I’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down, step by step.

What's New With the Nintendo Switch OLED?

Before we dive into whether you should upgrade, let’s talk about what’s different. The Nintendo Switch OLED isn’t a complete overhaul of the original; instead, it's more like a glow-up. Here’s a quick rundown:

1. 7-Inch OLED Screen
This is the showstopper. The OLED model swaps out the original's 6.2-inch LCD for a 7-inch OLED screen. The difference? Vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and overall crisper visuals. Think of it like upgrading from regular TV to 4K HDR—once you see it, it’s hard to go back.

2. Improved Kickstand
Remember that flimsy little kickstand on the original Switch that made you pray it wouldn’t collapse mid-game? The OLED model totally fixes that with a wider and more adjustable kickstand. It’s so sturdy you might even catch yourself using Tabletop Mode more often.

3. Enhanced Audio
Nintendo claims the new speakers deliver better audio quality, and while it won’t replace your Bluetooth headphones, the sound does feel richer and fuller in handheld mode.

4. 64GB Internal Storage
Double the storage of the original model! It’s still not massive—it won’t save you from needing a microSD card if you’re downloading tons of games—but it gives you a bit more breathing room.

5. Sleek New Dock with Ethernet Port
The dock got a glow-up too! Not only does it look more modern, but it also includes a built-in Ethernet port for smoother online gaming. No more buying a separate adapter just to avoid lag in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Who Is the Switch OLED For?

Alright, here’s the big question: Who is Nintendo targeting with this upgrade? Well, it depends on your gaming style and priorities. Let’s break it down:

1. If You’re Completely New to the Switch

If you’ve been holding out on buying a Switch, this is hands-down the version to get. The OLED screen alone makes it the standout model, and all those small improvements over the original add up. It’s like walking into a bakery and opting for the deluxe chocolate cake instead of the plain one—it just feels more indulgent.

2. If You’re a Handheld Gaming Enthusiast

Do you primarily play in handheld mode? Then the OLED screen will feel like a game-changer. You’ll notice richer colors, sharper images, and better contrast, especially in games with vibrant art styles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Splatoon 3. Plus, the improved speakers make gaming on-the-go sound better than ever.

3. If You’re a Casual Docked Player

Here’s where it gets tricky. If you’re using your Switch exclusively in docked mode, the OLED screen won’t matter. Why? Because your TV does all the heavy lifting for visuals. Sure, the Ethernet port on the new dock is a nice bonus, but it’s probably not enough to justify the upgrade.

Is It a Game-Changer or Just a Nice-to-Have?

Here’s the straight-up truth: The Nintendo Switch OLED isn’t a must-have for everyone. It’s not the "Switch Pro" some fans were hoping for, with improved performance or 4K resolution. Instead, it’s more like an enhanced version of what we already love.

Let’s talk about the price for a second. The OLED model is about $50 more expensive than the original Switch. If you’re tight on cash or already own a Switch that runs just fine, upgrading might feel unnecessary. I mean, why fix what isn’t broken, right?

But, if you’re someone who appreciates visual quality—or your current Switch is starting to show its age—the OLED could feel like a breath of fresh air. Those who play a lot in handheld mode will especially notice the upgrade.

What About the Battery Life?

Battery life is one area where there isn’t too much of a difference. The OLED model has roughly the same battery life as the 2019 revision of the original Switch, clocking in around 4.5 to 9 hours, depending on the game. Essentially, you're getting comparable playtime per charge despite the upgraded screen.

Does the Switch OLED Future-Proof Your Gaming?

Now, here’s a thought: Should you upgrade to future-proof your console? If you’re in it for the long haul with Nintendo, the OLED model might be worth considering. It’s not just about better visuals right now, but also a potentially longer lifecycle as newer games are optimized for the latest hardware version.

That said, Nintendo hasn’t announced any exclusive games for the OLED model, so you won’t miss out on content if you decide to stick with your current Switch.

What About the Joy-Cons?

Let me give it to you straight: The Joy-Con controllers are the same ones we've always had, which means they still have the potential for that dreaded drift. Nintendo didn’t make improvements here, so if Joy-Con issues are your personal nightmare, the OLED model won’t magically make them vanish. Just something to keep in mind.

So, Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Alright, let’s wrap this up. Is the Nintendo Switch OLED worth it?

- If you don’t own a Switch yet and plan to play in handheld mode a lot, then absolutely, go for the OLED. It’s the best version of the console right now.
- If you already own a Switch and mainly play docked, it’s probably not worth the splurge. Stick with what you have, or wait for that long-rumored "Switch 2" (assuming it ever comes).
- If you’re a handheld player feeling underwhelmed by the original screen, the OLED is definitely a noticeable upgrade—and in that case, it might just be worth opening your wallet.

At the end of the day, it’s all about how you use your Switch. Think of it like upgrading your phone. If you’re perfectly happy with what you have, then keep rocking it. But if you’re itching for something newer and shinier, the OLED could be a delightful treat.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the Nintendo Switch OLED is more of an evolution than a revolution. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it makes the wheel look and feel a whole lot nicer. If you’re sold on the OLED screen or crave those quality-of-life improvements, you’ll probably love it. If not, your current Switch will still keep delivering hours of gaming joy.

Whatever you decide, the most important thing is this: gaming should be fun. So whether you’re battling it out in Super Smash Bros. or chilling in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, enjoy the experience, OLED or not.