Is The New Switch Oled Model Worth Upgrading From The Original Handheld

For millions of Nintendo Switch owners, the handheld console has become a staple of daily entertainment—whether for quick gaming sessions on the couch, during commutes, or on vacation. Since its 2017 launch, the original Switch design has remained largely unchanged. That changed in October 2021 with the release of the Nintendo Switch OLED model. With a sleeker look, improved screen, and enhanced audio, the upgrade promises a better portable experience. But is it enough to justify replacing your perfectly functional original model?

The answer depends on how you use your Switch, what features matter most to you, and whether minor improvements can translate into meaningful gains in everyday play. Let’s break down the key differences and examine whether the OLED model delivers enough value to warrant an upgrade.

Display Quality: The Most Noticeable Upgrade

The most significant change in the OLED model is, unsurprisingly, the screen. The original Switch uses a 6.2-inch LCD panel, while the OLED version upgrades to a 7-inch organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. This shift brings several tangible benefits:

• Better contrast and deeper blacks: OLED technology allows individual pixels to turn off completely, resulting in true black levels and superior contrast ratios. Games like Celeste or Fire Emblem: Three Houses benefit from richer visuals and more immersive atmosphere.
• Improved color accuracy: Colors appear more vibrant without looking oversaturated. This is especially noticeable in open-world titles such as Zelda: Breath of the Wild, where environmental details stand out more clearly.
• Larger screen size: The extra 0.8 inches may not sound like much, but it fills more of your field of view when playing handheld, reducing eye strain during longer sessions.

“OLED displays fundamentally change how games are perceived in handheld mode—the depth and clarity make a difference even in stylized art styles.” — David Lin, Console Hardware Analyst at GameTech Weekly

However, it’s important to note that resolution remains unchanged at 720p. While the image quality improves due to contrast and color, pixel density does not increase. Users expecting a sharper picture may be underwhelmed unless they’re particularly sensitive to display quality.

Tip: If you primarily play docked, the OLED screen offers no advantage. The upgrade only enhances the handheld and tabletop modes.

Audio and Build Improvements

Beyond the screen, the OLED model includes subtle but meaningful refinements to the hardware. One of the most appreciated changes is the upgraded speakers. Nintendo claims “enhanced audio,” and testing confirms that sound is louder, clearer, and less tinny than on the original model. Dialogue in games like Luigi’s Mansion 3 or ambient sounds in Animal Crossing: New Horizons gain more presence.

The build quality also sees a modest improvement. The kickstand on the original Switch was notoriously flimsy—prone to breaking and limited in angle. The OLED model replaces it with a wide, adjustable kickstand that supports the entire back edge of the device. It holds steady on uneven surfaces and allows for multiple viewing angles, making tabletop mode significantly more usable.

The overall chassis feels slightly sturdier, though the materials remain mostly plastic. The OLED model is marginally heavier (about 10 grams more), but this adds to the perception of durability rather than detracting from portability.

Internal Upgrades: Storage and Battery Life

Under the hood, the OLED model comes with double the internal storage: 64GB compared to the original’s 32GB. For users who download many games—especially large titles like Elden Ring or Assassin’s Creed Odyssey—this extra space reduces reliance on microSD cards. While 64GB still isn’t generous by modern standards, it provides breathing room for a few major titles and several indies.

Battery life has also been slightly extended. Both the later revisions of the original Switch and the OLED model feature the same power-efficient NVIDIA Tegra processor, resulting in approximately 5.5 to 9 hours of gameplay depending on the title. In practice, the OLED model averages about 30 minutes more per charge under similar conditions. This gain is likely due to optimizations in power delivery rather than a larger battery.

Feature	Original Switch (Post-2019)	Switch OLED Model
Screen Size	6.2 inches (LCD)	7.0 inches (OLED)
Resolution	1280×720	1280×720
Storage	32GB	64GB
Battery Life	4.5–9 hours	5.5–9 hours
Speakers	Basic stereo	Enhanced stereo
Kickstand	Narrow, single-angle	Wide, multi-angle
Dock Features	Wired LAN via USB	Integrated wired LAN port

Note the inclusion of a built-in Ethernet port in the OLED dock—a convenience for users who stream games via services like GeForce Now or want stable online multiplayer without Wi-Fi interference. This eliminates the need for a separate USB-to-Ethernet adapter, a common accessory for serious players.

Real-World Usage: A Mini Case Study

Consider Sarah, a college student who bought her original Switch in 2018. She uses it mainly during bus rides, study breaks, and weekend gatherings with friends. Over time, she found herself frustrated by the small screen, weak speakers, and constant need to prop up the console with books because the kickstand couldn’t stay upright.

In early 2023, she traded in her original model for the OLED version. Her experience shifted dramatically. The larger screen made reading dialogue in RPGs easier without squinting. The improved speakers allowed her to enjoy music-heavy games like Hades without headphones. And the new kickstand meant she could set it up quickly during lunch breaks or dorm-room game nights.

While none of these changes were revolutionary, their cumulative effect made her Switch feel more polished and reliable. For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t about raw power—it was about comfort, usability, and long-term satisfaction.

When the Upgrade Makes Sense (And When It Doesn’t)

Deciding whether to upgrade requires aligning the OLED model’s strengths with your personal usage patterns. Here’s a checklist to help evaluate your situation:

Checklist: Should You Upgrade to the Switch OLED?

1. Do you play mostly in handheld or tabletop mode? → OLED screen and kickstand add real value.
2. Are you frequently running out of storage? → 64GB helps, but consider an SD card first.
3. Do you struggle with weak audio in portable mode? → Improved speakers make a difference.
4. Do you mostly play docked to a TV? → No visual or audio benefit from OLED.
5. Is your current Switch damaged or aging poorly? → A replacement now makes sense.
6. Are you budget-conscious? → The $349 price tag may be hard to justify if your Switch works fine.

If you answered “yes” to the first three questions, the OLED model likely enhances your experience meaningfully. If your primary use case is docked gaming, however, the upgrade offers minimal returns. The GPU, CPU, and overall performance are identical between models. Games run at the same frame rates, load times are similar, and there’s no support for higher resolutions or advanced graphical features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my original accessories with the OLED model?

Yes. All Joy-Con controllers, grip attachments, charging docks, and carrying cases designed for the original Switch are fully compatible with the OLED model. The form factor is nearly identical, with only slight differences in weight and rear design.

Does the OLED screen suffer from burn-in?

Potential burn-in is a concern with any OLED display, especially with static UI elements. However, Nintendo has implemented pixel-shifting and auto-brightness features to mitigate risk. In typical use—rotating games, using sleep mode, avoiding static menus for hours—burn-in is unlikely over the console’s lifespan. Still, it’s wise to avoid leaving paused screens unattended for days.

Is the OLED model future-proof?

Not entirely. While it represents the best handheld iteration of the Switch family, rumors of a next-generation Switch (often referred to as “Switch 2”) have persisted since 2023. If you’re waiting for a major leap in performance or 4K support, holding off might be prudent. But if you want the best current portable experience, the OLED model is the definitive choice.

Conclusion: A Refined Experience, Not a Revolution

The Nintendo Switch OLED model isn’t a generational leap. It doesn’t offer faster load times, ray tracing, or 4K gaming. What it does deliver is refinement—better visuals, improved audio, smarter ergonomics, and thoughtful touches that enhance day-to-day usability. For players who value handheld immersion, the upgrade justifies its cost through comfort and longevity.

On the other hand, if your original Switch is functioning well and you rarely play away from the TV, the practical benefits are slim. In that case, investing in additional games, a Pro Controller, or a high-capacity microSD card will likely bring more joy than a hardware refresh.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on how you play. For mobile-first gamers, travelers, students, or families relying on tabletop mode, the OLED model elevates the experience in quiet but lasting ways. It’s not essential—but for many, it’s satisfyingly worthwhile.

💬 Have you upgraded to the Switch OLED? Share your experience and whether the changes made a difference in your gaming routine.