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

For many gamers, the original Nintendo Switch was a game-changer—a hybrid console that delivered full-fledged gaming on the go and at home. Since its 2017 launch, it has built a loyal user base with a rich library of exclusive titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. In 2021, Nintendo released the Switch OLED model, offering visual and functional upgrades. But if you already own the original Switch, is the new model truly worth the investment?

This isn’t just about specs—it’s about value, lifestyle, and how you play. The answer depends on your usage patterns, display preferences, and whether the improvements align with your daily gaming habits. Let’s examine the changes in detail and help you decide whether an upgrade makes sense.

Key Upgrades in the Nintendo Switch OLED Model

The OLED model introduces several meaningful enhancements over the original hardware. While the core performance—CPU, GPU, and game compatibility—remains identical, the quality-of-life improvements are tangible.

• OLED Screen: The most noticeable change is the 7-inch OLED display, replacing the original’s 6.2-inch LCD. OLED technology delivers deeper blacks, richer colors, and better contrast, making games more immersive, especially in handheld mode.
• Improved Audio: The speakers have been redesigned for clearer, louder sound. Dialogue and ambient effects are more distinct, enhancing the overall experience during commutes or quiet sessions.
• Larger Internal Storage: 64GB compared to the original’s 32GB. This doubles the space for digital downloads, reducing reliance on microSD cards—though heavy downloaders will still need one.
• New Kickstand: A wide, adjustable kickstand replaces the flimsy plastic hinge. It’s far more stable, allowing flexible tabletop gameplay on uneven surfaces.
• Enhanced Dock: The new dock includes a wired LAN port, enabling stable online play without USB adapters. This is particularly useful for competitive titles like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Splatoon 3.
• Sleek Design: Thicker bezels frame the screen, but the overall build feels sturdier. The back has a matte finish that resists fingerprints better than the glossy original.

Tip: If you frequently play in handheld mode, the OLED screen’s vibrancy and clarity make long sessions more enjoyable—especially outdoors or in dim lighting.

Performance and Game Compatibility: No Difference

One critical point often misunderstood: the OLED model does not offer better performance. Frame rates, load times, and graphical fidelity are identical across both systems when playing the same games. The Tegra X1+ chip remains unchanged, so don’t expect smoother gameplay or higher resolutions.

All games—including those optimized for the later \"Switch V2\" revision (like improved battery life in some units)—run the same on both models. Backward compatibility is seamless: your save data, amiibo, and accessories transfer without issue.

Where performance matters most is in docked mode. On a TV, the difference between the two models is nearly imperceptible. The OLED screen only enhances the handheld experience. If you primarily play on a large screen, the upgrade offers minimal visual benefit.

“The OLED screen is a significant leap in handheld clarity, but it doesn't change how games run. It's about comfort and immersion, not power.” — James Chen, Console Analyst at TechPlay Insights

Comparative Overview: Original vs. OLED Model

Feature	Original Switch	Switch OLED Model
Screen Size & Type	6.2\" LCD	7\" OLED
Internal Storage	32GB	64GB
Battery Life	2.5–6.5 hours	4.5–9 hours
Speakers	Basic stereo	Enhanced audio output
Kickstand	Narrow, single-position	Wide, adjustable
Dock Features	No LAN port	Includes wired Ethernet
Price (MSRP)	$299 (discontinued, but available used)	$349
Ideal For	TV-focused players, budget buyers	Handheld enthusiasts, frequent travelers

Who Should Upgrade? A Practical Checklist

Before spending $349 on a new console, ask yourself: will these improvements actually enhance my daily use? Use this checklist to evaluate your needs.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade to the Switch OLED?

• ✅ Do you play mostly in handheld or tabletop mode?
• ✅ Do you find the original screen too dim or washed out?
• ✅ Have you run out of storage or rely heavily on digital games?
• ✅ Do you travel often and value a reliable kickstand and longer battery?
• ✅ Are you frustrated by the lack of a LAN port for stable online play?
• ❌ Do you almost exclusively play docked on a TV?
• ❌ Are you satisfied with your current Switch’s performance and screen?
• ❌ Is your budget tight or could funds be better spent on games or accessories?

If you checked mostly “yes” on the first five, the OLED model brings real advantages. If the last three resonate more, holding onto your original Switch is the smarter move.

A Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah, a college student and avid gamer, bought her original Switch in 2018. She loved playing Hades and Stardew Valley during breaks between classes. Over time, she found the screen hard to see in sunlight, the kickstand kept failing on her desk, and she was constantly managing storage.

When she received a gift card for her birthday, she considered a new console. After testing the OLED model at a local store, she noticed immediate improvements: the screen was vibrant even near windows, the kickstand stayed put during lunchtime gameplay, and the extra storage meant she could keep more games installed.

She upgraded—and hasn’t looked back. For her, the OLED model wasn’t just a luxury; it solved actual pain points. Her gaming experience became more seamless, portable, and enjoyable.

In contrast, her roommate Mark, who plays almost exclusively on his living room TV, saw no benefit. He uses a Pro Controller, rarely touches the screen, and relies on Wi-Fi. To him, the OLED offered no meaningful advantage.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Is the Price Justified?

The OLED model costs $50 more than the original did at launch. That premium buys you a better screen, double storage, improved audio, and a more durable design. But is it worth it?

Consider this: if you spend 70% or more of your time in handheld mode, the OLED screen significantly enhances visual comfort and immersion. Games with dark environments—like Metroid Dread or Fire Emblem: Three Houses—benefit from true blacks and sharper contrast. The larger screen also reduces eye strain during extended sessions.

Storage is another practical gain. With AAA titles like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom requiring 18GB+, 32GB fills up fast. The OLED’s 64GB gives breathing room, though serious digital collectors will still want a 128GB or 256GB microSD card.

The LAN port is a niche but valuable feature. If you play online multiplayer competitively, wired connections reduce lag and disconnects. Previously, this required a separate USB-to-Ethernet adapter—an extra cost and clutter. Now, it’s built in.

However, if your original Switch is working well and you’re not experiencing limitations, paying full price for incremental upgrades may not make financial sense. Used original models can be found for $150–$200, making the $150+ price gap hard to justify unless the OLED’s features directly solve your frustrations.

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 information from your old Switch to the OLED. Physical cartridges work on both models without issue.

Does the OLED model have better battery life?

Yes, but only slightly. Both the later revisions of the original Switch and the OLED model offer 4.5 to 9 hours of battery, depending on the game. Early original models had shorter life (2.5–6.5 hours), so if you have an older unit, the upgrade improves longevity.

Will future games look better on the OLED model?

No. Game visuals are determined by software and the shared hardware. While the OLED screen displays colors more vividly, developers do not create separate versions for the OLED model. Any visual improvement comes from the display, not the game itself.

Final Verdict: When the Upgrade Makes Sense

The Nintendo Switch OLED model is not a revolutionary leap, but a thoughtful refinement. It takes the strengths of the original and polishes them into a more comfortable, reliable, and visually satisfying device—especially for mobile play.

If your gaming happens primarily on the couch through a TV, the upgrade offers little return. The same games look nearly identical, and the added features like the LAN port or kickstand won’t impact your experience much.

But if you’re a commuter, a student, or someone who values flexibility and handheld quality, the OLED model elevates the experience. The screen alone transforms how games feel in your hands. Combined with better audio, storage, and build quality, it becomes a more enjoyable companion for daily use.

Ultimately, this isn’t about which console is “better” in absolute terms. It’s about alignment with your lifestyle. The original Switch remains a capable machine. The OLED is its more refined sibling—worthwhile for those whose habits match its strengths.

💬 Have you upgraded to the Switch OLED? What changed for you? Share your experience in the comments and help others decide whether the jump is worth it.