Nintendo is known for developing hardware revisions, especially for its handheld devices. This is particularly true with its Nintendo Switch series of consoles.
The Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and the Nintendo Switch OLED are all available in the market. These models all have unique features and pros and cons, making it difficult to decide which is best for you. The original Switch has remained (nearly) the same since its launch, while the OLED version upgrades on multiple fronts at a higher price. However, if you’re looking for a solely handheld gaming experience, the Switch Lite is the better option.
Nintendo Switch vs Switch Lite vs Switch OLED: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Nintendo Switch | Switch Lite | Switch OLED | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 9.4 x 4.0 x 0.6 inches | 8.2 x 3.6 x 0.6 inches | 9.5 x 4.0 x 0.6 inches |
| Weight: | 0.66 pounds (0.88 pounds with the Joy-Con controllers) | Around 0.61 pounds | 0.71 pounds (0.93 pounds with the Joy-Con controllers) |
| Screen: | 6.2-inch LCD screen with multi-touch capacitive touch screen and 1280 x 720 resolution | 5.5-inch LCD with capacitive touch screen and 1280×720 resolution | 7.0-inch OLED panel with multi-touch capacitive touch / 1280×720 pixels |
| Battery Life: | . 4.5-9 hours(With 2019 and later models) | 3-7 hours | 4.5-9 hours |
| Audio output: | Compatible with HDMI output and 5.1ch Linear PCM output. | N/A | In TV mode, it’s compatible with 5.1ch Linear PCM output and HDMI output. |
| Storage: | 32 GB | 32 GB | 64 GB |
| Color Options: | Gray, Red, and Blue | Yellow/ Pink/ Purple and Gray/ Turquoise | Red and Blue / Black and White |
Nintendo Switch vs Switch Lite vs Switch OLED: Five Must-Know Facts
- The Nintendo Switch is a Nintendo video game console, and the Nintendo Switch Lite is a handheld-focused iteration of the system. The Switch OLED is an updated, higher-end version of the original system with an OLED screen.
- The Nintendo Switch was released internationally on March 3, 2017, the Nintendo Switch Lite on September 20, 2019, and the Switch OLED was released on October 8, 2021.
- The Nintendo Switch has sold almost 104 million units globally as of December 2021, making it Nintendo’s best-selling home console and the fifth-best-selling game console.
- The Nintendo Switch is powered by Horizon, a unique operating system based on the microkernel architecture.
- The three Switch versions have many similarities; regardless of which one you buy, you’ll be able to play similar games, navigate the same interface, and have the same handheld experience.
History of Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a Nintendo video game console released internationally on March 3, 2017, in most countries. The console is a tablet that can be used as a home console or portable device, making it a hybrid console.
On October 20, 2016, Nintendo revealed the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo’s Switch, codenamed NX in development, was born out of its response to multiple quarters of financial losses in 2014, which were ascribed to weak sales of its previous platform, the Wii U, and competition in the market from mobile games. As a result, Satoru Iwata, Nintendo’s then-president, pushed the company to mobile gaming and cutting-edge hardware.
The Nintendo Switch compares with the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4 as an eighth-generation console. Within a year of release, it had sold over 14 million units globally, outselling the Wii U’s total lifetime sales. In addition, in both Japan and the United States, the Nintendo Switch had become the fastest-selling home or hybrid console by the beginning of 2018.
Nintendo Switch Drawbacks
Although the Nintendo Switch is a fantastic hybrid console, it does have certain drawbacks. The price is first and foremost; despite its advanced age, the Switch’s price has barely changed. Another drawback is its size; the original Switch in handheld form is one of the largest handheld consoles made and can be too big for specific users, especially children.
Switch Lite: Cheaper, Smaller, and More Durable
If you’re buying for a child or adolescent, the Switch Lite is undoubtedly the best option. The Switch Lite is somewhat easier to pack and play on long vehicle rides. The Switch Lite costs $100 less than the Switch, which can be used to buy two significant releases or multiple indie titles through Switch’s online store. The Switch Lite’s single-unit build with no removable parts makes the machine feel considerably more durable and solid than the Switch.
Switch OLED: Best Overall Switch
The Switch OLED is almost certainly the Best Overall option if you’re in the market for a new Switch. It comes with upgraded acoustics, a dock with a LAN port, and double the storage of the standard Switch. Furthermore, the Switch OLED uses an OLED panel, a technology that is more energy-efficient and has superior brightness and contrast than LCD. The display on the Switch OLED is also larger, at 7 inches. Finally, the Switch OLED has the best battery life among the three systems.
Nintendo Switch vs Switch Lite vs Switch OLED: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?
Apart from its price, the Nintendo Switch OLED provides the most polished and quality Switch experience, suitable for newbies to Nintendo’s latest gaming console family.
The regular Nintendo Switch is also good for $50 less. If you already own one and it’s in good working order, there’s no need to upgrade to the Switch OLED. But if not, then paying the extra $50 for the OLED variant is a no-brainer.
The Nintendo Switch Lite is ideal for a low-cost, handheld-only experience. It’s great for folks who wish to play games while traveling or commuting via public transportation. In the end, the best Switch for you will be determined by your personal preferences.