Is The Newest Nintendo Switch Model Worth Upgrading For Casual Gamers

For millions of players around the world, the Nintendo Switch remains one of the most versatile gaming consoles ever made. Its hybrid design—functioning as both a home console and a portable device—has redefined how people play games. Since its original release in 2017, Nintendo has released several updated versions of the hardware, including the OLED model in 2021 and minor revisions with improved battery life in 2019. With no major new console on the immediate horizon, many casual gamers are now asking: Is it worth upgrading to the latest Switch model?

The answer isn’t always straightforward. For hardcore fans who game daily or care about screen quality and audio fidelity, the upgrade may be obvious. But for those who only pick up the controller during weekends, holidays, or long commutes, the decision hinges on value, usage patterns, and real-world improvements over older models.

Understanding the Current Switch Lineup

As of 2024, there are three primary versions of the Nintendo Switch available:

• Original Nintendo Switch (2017) – The first model, recognizable by its gray dock and shorter battery life.
• Nintendo Switch (Revised Model, 2019) – Features improved battery life (up to 9 hours) and slightly better internal efficiency.
• Nintendo Switch OLED Model (2021) – Includes a larger 7-inch OLED screen, enhanced speakers, a wider kickstand, and 64GB of internal storage.

There is no “Nintendo Switch 2” yet, so when people refer to the \"newest\" model, they typically mean the OLED version. This article focuses on whether that specific upgrade brings enough meaningful benefits for casual users.

Key Differences Between Models

Feature	Original (2017)	Revised (2019)	OLED Model (2021)
Battery Life	2.5–6.5 hours	4.5–9 hours	4.5–9 hours
Screen Size & Type	6.2\", LCD	6.2\", LCD	7\", OLED
Internal Storage	32GB	32GB	64GB
Speakers	Basic stereo	Improved clarity	Louder, richer sound
Kickstand	Small, fragile	Same as original	Full-width, adjustable
Dock	No Ethernet port	No Ethernet port	Ethernet port included
Price (MSRP at launch)	$299	$299	$349

The OLED model clearly improves on the previous designs in several areas. However, none of these upgrades affect raw performance—games run identically across all models. The CPU, GPU, and RAM remain unchanged. So while the experience may feel more polished, it's not faster or more powerful under the hood.

Tip: If you primarily play docked mode on a TV, the screen and speaker upgrades of the OLED model offer minimal benefit.

When the Upgrade Makes Sense for Casual Gamers

Casual gaming habits vary widely. Some users might play Animal Crossing once a month; others enjoy co-op Mario Kart sessions with family every weekend. To determine if the OLED model is worth it, consider your actual usage.

The following scenarios suggest an upgrade could enhance your experience:

• You frequently play in handheld mode. The OLED screen offers deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better visibility in sunlight—ideal for travel or outdoor use.
• You find the original kickstand unreliable. The full-width hinge on the OLED model supports tabletop play much more securely, especially on uneven surfaces.
• You run out of storage often. Doubling internal storage from 32GB to 64GB helps, especially if you download games instead of using cartridges.
• You value audio quality. The upgraded speakers make a noticeable difference in immersion during short play sessions.

If any of these apply, the newer model can provide tangible quality-of-life improvements—even if used infrequently.

A Real-Life Example: Sarah’s Weekend Gaming Habit

Sarah, a 34-year-old teacher, bought her original Switch in 2018. She uses it mostly on weekends to unwind with Stardew Valley and occasionally plays Luigi’s Mansion with her niece. Her old unit still works fine, but she recently considered upgrading after noticing screen glare during afternoon park visits.

She purchased the OLED model primarily for the better screen and stronger kickstand. Now, she finds herself playing more often outdoors because the image is clearer and the system stays upright on picnic tables. Though she only games 3–5 hours per week, the improved comfort has subtly increased her engagement.

This illustrates a key point: even light users can benefit from ergonomic and display enhancements that reduce friction and encourage play.

“Many casual users underestimate how much small improvements—like a sturdier stand or brighter screen—can influence their willingness to pick up the device.” — Marcus Lin, UX Designer at Game Interaction Lab

When the Upgrade Isn’t Necessary

Conversely, if your gaming routine looks like any of the following, sticking with your current model may be the smarter financial decision:

• You almost exclusively play docked to a TV.
• Your current battery lasts through your typical session.
• You rarely download digital games (relying on physical copies).
• You’re satisfied with the current screen and audio output.

In these cases, the core functionality hasn’t changed. The same games work the same way. There’s no exclusive content or online advantage tied to the newer hardware. Spending $350 on a new console just for marginal gains may not align with casual usage patterns.

Additionally, resale markets remain strong. Many users trade in working older models for $100–$180, depending on condition. If you do upgrade, recouping part of your cost softens the blow—but only if your old unit is functional and complete.

Cost-Benefit Analysis for Occasional Players

Let’s assume you play about 4 hours per week—roughly 200 hours per year. Over three years, that’s 600 hours of gameplay. If the OLED model costs $50 more than a used revised model, that breaks down to roughly $0.08 per hour of entertainment for the premium.

Compare that to other leisure activities:

• A movie ticket: ~$15 for 2 hours → $7.50/hour
• Streaming subscription: $15/month → ~$1.25/hour (at 12 hrs/month)
• New Switch OLED: $350 → ~$0.58/hour over 600 hours

Even at full price, the cost-per-use is extremely low. But this only matters if the upgrade actually improves your enjoyment. For some, the jump from LCD to OLED makes gameplay more visually satisfying. For others, it’s negligible.

Tip: Try playing a friend’s OLED model before buying. Spend 20 minutes with it in handheld mode—you’ll quickly sense whether the screen and speakers feel like an upgrade worth paying for.

What You Should Consider Before Upgrading

Before making the leap, evaluate your priorities and constraints. Here’s a checklist to guide your decision:

Upgrade Readiness Checklist

1. ✅ Do I play in handheld or tabletop mode at least occasionally?
2. ✅ Am I frustrated by my current screen quality or brightness?
3. ✅ Have I run out of storage space recently?
4. ✅ Is my current kickstand broken or unstable?
5. ✅ Do I plan to keep using the Switch for at least 2–3 more years?
6. ✅ Can I afford the $50–$100 price difference without strain?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the OLED model likely offers enough practical benefits to justify the cost. If fewer, consider saving your money or exploring secondhand options.

Alternative Option: Buy Refurbished or Used

Nintendo offers official refurbished units through its online store, often priced $40–$60 below retail. These come with a fresh battery, cleaned casing, and full warranty. For budget-conscious casual gamers, this can be the sweet spot—getting near-new condition without the premium price.

Third-party marketplaces like eBay or Swappa also list well-maintained OLED models within reach of $280–$320, especially during sales events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the OLED model have better performance than older Switches?

No. All Switch models, including the OLED, use the same processor and graphics chip. Frame rates, load times, and resolution (when docked) are identical. The improvements are limited to screen quality, audio, storage, and build features like the kickstand.

Can I transfer my games and save data to a new Switch?

Yes. Nintendo allows full system transfers via local wireless connection. Digital purchases tied to your Nintendo Account can be re-downloaded on any device. Save files can be moved directly between consoles, though some third-party apps (like Pokémon HOME) require manual syncing.

Will there be a new Switch model soon?

As of mid-2024, Nintendo has not announced a successor console. Industry analysts expect a next-generation system no earlier than 2025. If you need a functional hybrid console now, the OLED model remains the best available option.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

For casual gamers, the decision to upgrade to the newest Nintendo Switch model ultimately depends on how and where you play—not how often.

If your experience is mostly TV-based, and your current Switch functions well, the upgrade offers little return on investment. But if you value portability, visual clarity, and convenience features like the wide kickstand and extra storage, the OLED model delivers meaningful enhancements—even with limited use.

The emotional component also matters. A fresher, more reliable device can reignite interest in forgotten games or encourage more frequent play. Sometimes, the best tech upgrades aren’t about power—they’re about pleasure.

That said, don’t feel pressured to upgrade simply because a newer version exists. The original and revised Switch models continue to deliver excellent value. Thousands of users enjoy them daily without issue.

🚀 Ready to make a decision? Assess your play style, test the OLED if possible, and choose based on real needs—not hype. Whether you upgrade or stay put, the most important thing is enjoying the games you love.