Is The New Nintendo Switch OLED Worth It If You Already Own The Original Model

The Nintendo Switch has redefined handheld gaming since its 2017 debut, blending console power with portable flexibility. In 2021, Nintendo released an upgraded version: the Nintendo Switch OLED model. With a better screen, improved audio, and a sturdier kickstand, it promises a refined experience. But for owners of the original Switch, the question remains: is upgrading truly worthwhile? The answer depends on how you use your device, what you value in gameplay, and whether the incremental improvements align with your habits.

This article breaks down every key upgrade, compares real-world performance, and evaluates whether the OLED model justifies its price for existing Switch owners. We’ll examine screen quality, build enhancements, battery life, storage, and long-term usability—helping you make an informed decision without marketing bias.

Key Upgrades in the Switch OLED Model

The Switch OLED isn’t a full redesign but a targeted refinement of the original’s weaknesses. It retains the same internal hardware—same processor, same resolution in handheld mode, same game compatibility—but improves several user-facing elements.

• OLED Screen: Replaces the original LCD with a vibrant 7-inch OLED display. Colors are deeper, blacks are true black, and contrast is significantly better, especially in dim lighting.
• Improved Kickstand: A wide, adjustable kickstand replaces the flimsy plastic hinge on the original. It supports multiple angles and holds steady on uneven surfaces.
• Better Audio: Enhanced speakers deliver richer sound with clearer mids and highs, making handheld play more immersive.
• Increased Internal Storage: 64GB compared to the original’s 32GB, giving more room for digital games before requiring a microSD card.
• New Dock Design: Includes a wired LAN port for stable online play, eliminating the need for a separate adapter when using Ethernet.
• Slightly Longer Battery Life: While still using the same Tegra X1+ chip, the OLED model averages 5.5 to 9 hours, matching the revised 2019 “long battery life” original model.

Tip: If you frequently play in handheld mode or travel with your Switch, the OLED screen and stronger kickstand offer tangible daily benefits.

Screen Quality: A Game-Changer for Handheld Play?

The most significant difference lies in the display. OLED technology delivers superior image quality due to self-emissive pixels that turn off completely for true blacks. This results in higher perceived contrast, more vivid colors, and better viewing angles.

In practical terms, games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Metroid Dread, and Hades benefit from richer atmospheres and improved readability in dark scenes. Text is crisper, and UI elements stand out more clearly. For players who primarily use their Switch in handheld mode—commuters, travelers, parents playing during downtime—the visual upgrade is immediately noticeable.

However, when docked to a TV, both models output identical video quality (up to 1080p). There is no graphical enhancement in docked mode. So if you mostly play on a big screen, the OLED’s display offers no advantage during those sessions.

“Display quality directly impacts immersion. A better screen doesn’t change gameplay mechanics, but it does change how engaged you feel.” — Marcus Tran, Gaming Hardware Analyst at TechPlay Insights

Build and Usability Improvements

Nintendo addressed two common pain points with the original design: durability and functionality.

Sturdy, Multi-Angle Kickstand

The original Switch’s narrow, single-position kickstand was notoriously unstable. It cracked easily and offered minimal adjustability. The OLED model features a wide, hinge-style kickstand that spans nearly the entire back edge. It opens smoothly and locks into multiple positions, making tabletop play far more reliable—especially on trains, desks, or airplane trays.

Larger Storage Capacity

With 64GB of internal storage (double the original), the OLED model gives users more breathing room. Modern AAA Switch titles like Elden Ring or Starfield can require 15–20GB each. While serious gamers will still need a microSD card, the extra space reduces early friction for digital-only players.

Integrated Ethernet in the Dock

The new dock includes a built-in LAN port, a small but meaningful upgrade. Previously, wired internet required a USB-to-Ethernet adapter, which occupied a precious USB port and added clutter. Now, competitive players relying on stable connections for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or online co-op modes can plug in directly.

Tip: If you regularly play online multiplayer games, the integrated Ethernet port eliminates lag spikes and connection drops—especially in households with congested Wi-Fi.

Performance Comparison: Original vs. OLED Model

Despite the upgrades, performance remains identical between models when playing the same games. Both use the same NVIDIA Tegra X1+ chipset, meaning:

• No increase in frame rate
• No boost in graphical fidelity when docked
• No faster load times
• No support for higher resolutions or ray tracing

The OLED model does not run games better—it runs them the same way. Any perception of smoother gameplay is likely due to the improved screen clarity and audio, not actual performance gains.

That said, the OLED system runs slightly cooler and quieter under sustained load, thanks to minor thermal refinements. However, this difference is negligible during normal use.

Feature	Original Switch (2017)	Switch OLED (2021)
Screen Type	6.2\" LCD	7\" OLED
Internal Storage	32GB	64GB
Battery Life	2.5–6.5 hrs (early); 4.5–9 hrs (revised)	4.5–9 hrs
Kickstand	Narrow, single-angle, fragile	Wide, multi-angle, durable
Dock Ethernet	Requires adapter	Built-in port
Speakers	Average clarity	Enhanced range and volume
Weight (Handheld)	297g	320g

Note: The OLED model is slightly heavier due to the larger screen and reinforced chassis. Some users report mild hand fatigue during extended sessions, though most adapt quickly.

Real-World Use Case: Should You Upgrade?

Consider Sarah, a 34-year-old software developer and parent of a toddler. She owns the original Switch and plays about 8–10 hours per week, mostly in handheld mode during her commute and late-night downtime. Her current device works fine, but she’s frustrated by the weak kickstand and often forgets to bring her Ethernet adapter when visiting family.

After testing a friend’s OLED model, she noticed immediate improvements: the screen felt more engaging in low light, the kickstand stayed put on her coffee table, and she could finally connect directly to her parents’ wired network. For her usage pattern, the OLED upgrades solved specific, recurring frustrations.

Conversely, take Mark, a college student who docks his Switch to a 55-inch TV and rarely uses handheld mode. He plays mostly single-player RPGs and local co-op games. For him, the OLED’s screen and kickstand offer little benefit. Since he already uses a USB hub with Ethernet, the new dock doesn’t add value. In his case, upgrading would be hard to justify.

Your decision should follow similar logic: evaluate how you actually use your device, not how you *might* use it.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Is the Price Justified?

The Switch OLED retails at $349.99, while the original model was $299.99. That’s a $50 premium for non-performance upgrades. To assess value, consider:

• How much do you value a better screen?
• Do you play in tabletop or handheld mode regularly?
• Are you tired of managing external accessories?
• Are you planning to keep your Switch for another 3–5 years?

If you’re deeply invested in the Switch ecosystem and expect to use it heavily in portable formats, the OLED model enhances daily comfort and longevity. But if your usage is occasional or TV-centric, the original remains fully capable.

Additionally, resale value plays a role. Original Switch units in good condition typically sell for $120–$180 used. After accounting for trade-in value, the effective cost of upgrading may be closer to $170–$230—a more reasonable investment for frequent handheld players.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade to the Switch OLED?

Answer these questions honestly to determine if the upgrade makes sense for you:

1. Do you play in handheld mode more than 50% of the time? ✅ / ❌
2. Have you ever been frustrated by the original kickstand breaking or slipping? ✅ / ❌
3. Do you own multiple large digital games and often run out of storage? ✅ / ❌
4. Do you play competitive online games where a wired connection matters? ✅ / ❌
5. Do you notice screen glare or poor contrast in your current device? ✅ / ❌
6. Are you planning to buy a new Switch soon due to wear and tear? ✅ / ❌

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the OLED model likely offers meaningful improvements. If fewer, your original Switch still serves you well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my games and save data to the OLED model?

Yes. Using Nintendo’s System Transfer tool, you can move all your digital games, save files, and account data from your original Switch to the OLED model. The process takes about 30–60 minutes and requires both systems to be nearby and connected to Wi-Fi.

Does the OLED model support all original Switch accessories?

Yes. All Joy-Con controllers, charging docks, carrying cases, and third-party accessories are fully compatible. The OLED’s wider body fits in most existing cases, though some snug designs may require replacement.

Will there be a Switch successor soon? Should I wait?

Rumors suggest a next-gen Switch (often called “Switch 2”) could launch in 2025. If you’re hoping for major performance leaps, waiting may be wise. However, if you want a more reliable, enjoyable experience now—and plan to keep your device for years—the OLED remains the best available option until then.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The Nintendo Switch OLED is not a revolutionary leap, but a thoughtful evolution. It fixes genuine flaws in the original design and elevates the handheld experience with a superior screen, better audio, and smarter ergonomics.

For owners who:

• Play primarily in handheld or tabletop mode
• Value visual quality and immersion
• Want a more durable, functional device
• Prefer digital downloads over physical media
• Need reliable wired networking

—the upgrade is absolutely worth it. The $50 premium buys tangible, lasting improvements that enhance daily enjoyment.

But for those who:

• Mainly play docked to a TV
• Use the Switch infrequently
• Already have solutions for storage and connectivity
• Are anticipating a next-generation console

—keeping the original model is perfectly reasonable. It remains a powerful, versatile machine with full access to the same library and features.

“The OLED model isn’t about raw power—it’s about polish. It’s for people who love their Switch enough to want a more refined version of it.” — Lena Park, Senior Editor at GameFront Magazine

Take Action Based on Your Usage

Don’t upgrade because it’s new. Upgrade because it solves real problems in your gaming routine. Assess how you play, what frustrates you, and how long you intend to keep your device. If the OLED’s strengths align with your needs, it’s a smart investment. If not, your original Switch still has plenty of life left.

💬 What’s your experience? Are you sticking with the original Switch or upgraded to OLED? Share your thoughts and help others decide what’s best for their setup.