The Nintendo Switch launched in March 2017. Since then, a new model has been released called the Nintendo Switch OLED. This newer device boasts a better screen, providing an enhanced gaming experience. If you don't have an OLED, you may be wondering if it's worth the hefty price tag.

Here, we are going to answer all of your questions. We will be going over what makes the OLED different, as well as highlight reviews and the price. In the end, you will be able to decide for yourself whether you think that the Nintendo Switch OLED is worth it or not.

Updated on February 8, 2023, by Kyle Chamaillard: We've updated this article to ensure all information is up-to-date to help you decide whether the Switch OLED is worth your money.

Review

OLED stands for organic light-emitting diode, which may not mean anything to you. Essentially, this means that games appear 'crisper' on your screen. The Nintendo Switch OLED has a larger screen, upgrading from the Switch's 6.2-inch LCD display to a full 7-inch OLED display. With an OLED display, games appear more vibrant, with bright colors becoming even brighter.

You can check out some of the biggest changes between the two Switch models here.

Additionally, the OLED model has a better kickstand that spans across the entire back of the Switch. The original Switch's kickstand was rather tiny, making it hard to hold up the Switch in many different situations.

Back in 2021, Features Editor Cian Maher reviewed the Nintendo Switch OLED, praising the improvement in lighting and visuals.

The OLED is better and brighter (quite literally) than any of Nintendo’s former Switch models. The battery lasts longer, the console and dock are more elegant, and the new screen is a game-changer for handheld play.

Alongside the excellent screen and upgraded kickstand, the Nintendo Switch OLED also includes a built-in LAN port for a wired internet connection. If you plan on playing games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon, or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate online against other people, a wired connection will make your matches much more stable and less likely to freeze up midway through.

The final perk of the Nintendo Switch OLED is that it comes with double the internal memory, allowing you to have more games downloaded on the console at once. While the original Switch only includes 32 GB of internal storage, the OLED comes with 64 GB instead.

Overall, the OLED model is a huge leap in terms of appearance, with Cian stating that "once you go OLED, you won't be able to go back".

Time Expenditure

As a console for playing video games, the time expenditure for the Nintendo Switch OLED is infinite. As long as there are games to play, you can use your OLED model. Depending on which types of games you're playing and the brightness settings, you can expect your OLED to run for about five to nine hours with a fully charged battery.

Although screen burn-in was a problem in the past with OLED displays, this is no longer an issue we need to worry about. You can play your Nintendo Switch OLED for incredibly long periods of time with no consequences.

Cost

The Nintendo Switch OLED will cost you $349.99 USD. This is $50 USD more than the basic Nintendo Switch, which sells for $299.99 USD. If you choose to buy a Nintendo Switch OLED secondhand, then the price may be a bit lower, but this is the standard price for a new OLED model.

Nintendo has released multiple variations of the Nintendo Switch OLED, usually themed around a new title that launches alongside the unit. If you don't mind spending a bit more, you can buy one of many special edition OLEDs for usually $10 more at $359.99 USD. Keep in mind that the game the console is inspired by is rarely packed in with the unit.

What Players Are Saying

OLED Me Tell Ya, It's Good - Quinton O'Connor

There's no sugarcoating it. The Nintendo Switch is showing its age. Not because it's been around for going on seven years, but because its hardware capabilities can't keep up with the rest of the industry, and developers are popping out worse-performing, often-drab titles as a compromise. Nintendo's core teams can still put out some visual triumphs like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Bros. Wonder, largely by riding the waves of a spectacular art style. But at this point, they're the exceptions to the rule.

The preceding might not sound like a lead-in to a strong recommendation in favor of the Nintendo Switch OLED, but here we are. The thing is, not only will everything look nicer no matter its base quality - courtesy of that truly terrific OLED screen - but you're getting the best visual experience possible on those prettier heavy hitters. Seeing the sunrise in Tears of the Kingdom on this screen is like seeing it for the first time. Super Mario Bros. Wonder's trippy stage effects pop. The glitz and glamor of the Star Road courses in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are brought to the next level. Even Pokemon Scarlet & Violet... never mind. It's a great piece of hardware, not a miracle worker.

Speaking as someone who tends to prefer gaming on my TV, my Switch OLED has done something that my original model never could. It's got me playing portably, instead. There is a reason Valve's Steam Deck OLED is turning so many heads. Folks know how vibrant and crisp this type of screen tends to be. Thus, in a fitting case of irony the likes of which only a company like Nintendo can pull off, a vastly more robust piece of technology is evolving to incorporate something pioneered by the Big N's otherwise-weaker tech.

A Great Choice For Your First Switch - Jacqueline Zalace

The Nintendo Switch OLED improves many aspects of the original model. If you don't have a Nintendo Switch, then it's definitely worth it for a small jump in price. Unfortunately, these differences aren't as noticeable if you play mainly while docked. Although the screen is improved, the quality of your television is all that matters while docked. Overall, this is a great choice if you don't already own a Switch and plan to play handheld a majority of the time.

Yes, If You Don't Mind The Price Hike - Amanda Hurych

If you already have a Switch, you're just getting another one with a visual upgrade and a better kickstand. But if you don't have a Switch and you're looking to buy your first one, the OLED is a nice starting point since you're getting a slightly better version for around $50 extra.

Worth It If It's Your First Switch - Jacob Whaling

There's no doubt the OLED Switch looks great. The slightly larger screen and vibrant colors make playing in handheld mode even better, but if you already have a Switch, it may be hard to justify the upgrade. If it's your first time buying a Switch, it's definitely worth considering the OLED model, but only if you plan on playing in handheld mode. If you are planning on mainly using it docked, the regular model is probably the better choice.

A Shining Screen Of Resplendent Joy - Hilton Webster

That sounds dramatic, but the OLED Switch really is a serious upgrade. It’s an improvement over the base model in every way. Bigger screen and thinner bezels, an improved dock and kickstand, a slightly improved battery, and the biggest and most obvious, the gorgeous OLED display.

It’s a revision that is almost entirely aimed at those who will be playing the Switch handheld. Sure, the dock comes with an Ethernet port now, but you’re here for the screen. It’s a night-and-day difference. You’ll regret having ever played it on an LCD screen.

Is it worth the upgrade if you already have a Switch? Sure, if you’re big on playing handheld. If you don’t have a Switch yet though, don’t be afraid to drop a little extra on the OLED. There’s no denying it’s worth it.

If You’re Going For A Special Edition Or Your First Switch - Rebecca Phillips

When the OLED Switch first came out, I wasn’t bothered about it at all. A bigger screen and better visuals are all good, but I was happy with my original Switch. Then, my partner got the Tears of the Kingdom OLED Switch and… I am jealous. The larger screen makes more of a difference than you might think, and the colours on the OLED screen are much brighter in real life than you can see in videos or images of the Switch. The design for the Tears of the Kingdom special edition is just gorgeous, too. I still probably wouldn’t go for the plain white one, but if a special edition takes your fancy, or if it’s going to be your first Switch, I say go for it.