What are the differences between a Nintendo Switch and an OLED Switch?
Do you want to buy a Nintendo Switch system, but are you spoiled for choice?
Here’s a quick overview of the difference between the original Nintendo Switch and the OLED Switch.
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Display and design
The main selling point of the Nintendo Switch OLED is obvious: the OLED screen.
OLED panels are used in some of today’s highest quality TVs and have much higher contrast than LCD screens, meaning the picture is more vibrant.
These are better dark games with many black tones because OLEDs can pick up that ‘real’ black better.
In addition, the OLED screen on the Switch is about an inch larger than the original LCD screen.
Performance and graphics
When it comes to performance, there is no difference between the two.
The OLED screen is better, but still has the same resolution: 720p in handheld mode and 1080p in TV mode.
The only internal improvements are that the Switch OLED has built-in storage and speakers.
Games
Both Switch versions run the exact same games – there are no titles that are exclusive to one model.
Most Switch games come in physical cartridges, although some titles are digital-only.
Storage
Storage is where the couple starts to show their differences.
The regular Switch comes with 32 GB of internal memory.
While the OLED has doubled that, with 64 GB.
You’ll need to carefully consider your own gaming habits to decide if you really need that extra storage space.
But it makes sense if you share the device with children, parents or housemates.
But remember: there are other ways to get more storage on a regular Switch console.
Battery life
Although OLED screens typically consume more power than LCD screens, Nintendo says both versions of Switch have the same battery life.
According to Nintendo, a standard Switch or Switch OLED should last between four and nine hours on a single charge.
Remark: Battery life obviously decreases over the life of the Switch (as with any electronic device) and may be lower for some high processing speed games.
Bonus material
The Switch OLED’s dock has a built-in LAN port that allows users to connect the console directly to their Wi-Fi router with an Ethernet cable.
This can be important for households with a chronically poor internet connection.
Although the original switch’s dock also supports Ethernet connections, users will need to purchase a separate adapter for it.
Price
The original Nintendo Switch costs £259.99 / $299.99, while the Nintendo Switch OLED costs £309.99 / $349.99.