Is The Nintendo Switch Oled Worth The Upgrade If I Mostly Play Docked

For many Nintendo Switch owners, the decision to upgrade hinges on practicality rather than novelty. The Nintendo Switch OLED model, released in 2021, introduced several improvements over its predecessor—the original \"LCD\" Switch and even the later Switch V2. But if your primary use case is playing docked—connected to a TV via the dock—does the upgrade still make sense?

The answer isn't a simple yes or no. It depends on how much you value subtle but meaningful quality-of-life enhancements, future-proofing your hardware, and whether those changes align with your actual usage patterns. While the OLED screen may seem irrelevant when docked, other upgrades quietly improve the overall experience—even for home-based players.

Understanding the Key Differences

The OLED model retains the same core internals as the original Switch: the NVIDIA Tegra X1 chip, 32GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD), and support for 1080p output when docked. However, Nintendo made several notable changes:

• OLED Display: A 7-inch organic light-emitting diode screen with deeper blacks and better contrast.
• Improved Audio: Enhanced speakers with richer sound output.
• Larger Internal Storage: Increased from 32GB to 64GB.
• New Dock Design: Features a built-in Ethernet port for stable wired internet connections.
• Sturdier Kickstand: Wider, adjustable, and more reliable for tabletop mode.
• Slightly Heavier Build: Due to structural changes and the new screen.

Since you're primarily playing docked, some of these features—like the OLED screen and kickstand—are less relevant. But others, such as the improved audio and the Ethernet-enabled dock, can still impact your experience.

Tip: Even if you don’t use handheld mode often, the enhanced speakers on the OLED model provide clearer dialogue and immersive sound during local multiplayer sessions.

Performance When Docked: What Actually Changes?

One common misconception is that the OLED model offers better performance or higher graphical fidelity when docked. It does not. Games render identically across all Switch models when connected to a TV. Whether you’re playing Super Mario Odyssey, Zelda: Breath of the Wild, or Bayonetta 3, the frame rate, resolution, and texture quality remain unchanged.

However, there are indirect benefits to consider:

Ethernet Support in the Dock

This is arguably the most impactful upgrade for docked players. The original Switch dock lacks an Ethernet port, forcing users to rely on Wi-Fi or purchase a separate USB-to-Ethernet adapter. The OLED dock includes a full-sized Ethernet jack, enabling a direct, stable internet connection without additional accessories.

For online multiplayer games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, or Fortnite, a wired connection significantly reduces lag, packet loss, and disconnections. In competitive settings, this can be the difference between victory and frustration.

“Stable connectivity is just as important as graphics when it comes to online gaming satisfaction.” — David Kim, Network Engineer & Gaming Enthusiast

Increased Internal Storage

The jump from 32GB to 64GB of internal storage might not sound dramatic, but it’s meaningful. Modern AAA Switch titles often require 15–20GB each. With only 32GB, users typically need a microSD card immediately after setup. On the OLED model, you can install two or three large games before needing external storage.

If you frequently switch between titles or download updates overnight, the extra space reduces dependency on microSD management—a small but welcome convenience.

Audio Quality: A Hidden Upgrade

Nintendo quietly upgraded the internal speakers on the OLED model. While they’re still not audiophile-grade, reviews consistently note improved clarity, bass response, and volume compared to earlier models.

Even when docked, this matters in certain scenarios:

• When using the console in tabletop mode briefly (e.g., showing a game to friends).
• During quick pickups where connecting to the TV isn’t convenient.
• For families with young children who might use the device independently.

If you occasionally undock the system or share gameplay locally, the better audio enhances immersion without requiring headphones or external speakers.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Home Setup

Sarah owns a standard Switch and uses it exclusively with her 55-inch living room TV. She plays single-player adventures like Pikmin 4 and hosts weekly Overcooked! All You Can Eat nights with friends. After researching the OLED model, she upgraded—not for the screen, but for the Ethernet port and extra storage.

She previously used a USB-C Ethernet adapter, which was finicky and blocked her charging cable. With the new dock, she runs a clean Ethernet line behind her entertainment center, eliminating Wi-Fi interference from neighboring apartments. Her multiplayer sessions are now consistently smooth, and she no longer worries about running out of space when downloading DLC.

“I thought the OLED was just for handheld players,” she said. “But the little things—like not fumbling with adapters and having room for more games—made my setup feel more polished.”

Comparison Table: OLED vs Original Switch (Docked Use)

Feature	OLED Model	Original/V2 Switch	Relevance for Docked Use
Display Type	7\" OLED	6.2\" LCD	Low – only visible in handheld/tabletop
Docked Resolution	1080p	1080p	None – identical output
Ethernet Port	Yes (built into dock)	No (requires adapter)	High – improves online stability
Internal Storage	64GB	32GB	Moderate – delays need for microSD
Speaker Quality	Improved clarity and volume	Average, tinny at high volumes	Moderate – helpful for hybrid use
Kickstand	Wide, adjustable, durable	Narrow, flimsy, single angle	Low – unless used in tabletop
Battery Life	4.5–9 hours (OLED panel optimized)	2.5–6.5 hours (early); 4.5–9 (V2)	Irrelevant when docked

When the Upgrade Makes Sense (Checklist)

You should consider upgrading to the OLED model if:

• ✅ You want a cleaner, wire-managed setup with built-in Ethernet.
• ✅ You frequently play online multiplayer games where connection stability matters.
• ✅ You dislike managing microSD cards and want more onboard storage.
• ✅ You occasionally use the console in tabletop or handheld mode.
• ✅ You plan to keep your Switch long-term and want the most up-to-date hardware.

On the other hand, if you:

• ❌ Already use a reliable Wi-Fi network or have a working USB Ethernet adapter,
• ❌ Rarely play online,
• ❌ Have ample microSD storage,
• ❌ Never use the console undocked,

—then the upgrade offers minimal benefit. In that case, your money may be better spent on games or accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the OLED model run games better when docked?

No. The OLED model uses the same processor and GPU as the original Switch. Game performance, including resolution (up to 1080p), frame rate, and loading times, is identical when docked.

Can I use my old dock with the OLED console?

Technically, yes—but you’ll lose the Ethernet functionality. The OLED console works with older docks, but doing so negates one of the key advantages of the new model. For full benefits, use the new dock.

Is the OLED screen visible when docked?

No. When the console is inserted into any dock, the TV becomes the primary display. The screen turns off automatically. The OLED panel only matters when using the system in handheld or tabletop mode.

Future-Proofing Your Console

While current games perform the same across models, forward compatibility is worth considering. As game worlds grow larger and update sizes balloon, having 64GB of internal storage provides breathing room. Additionally, Nintendo may eventually release a more powerful Switch successor (often referred to as “Switch 2”). If that happens, the OLED model could become the last iteration of the original Switch architecture—making it a natural endpoint for collectors and long-term users.

Furthermore, resale value tends to favor the latest available model. If you ever decide to trade in or sell your console, the OLED version generally commands a higher price than older variants, even among primarily docked users.

Tip: Always back up your save data to the cloud (via Nintendo Switch Online) before selling or trading in your console.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

If you play almost exclusively docked, the Nintendo Switch OLED isn’t a revolutionary upgrade—but it’s a thoughtful one. The absence of performance gains or visual improvements on your TV might make it seem underwhelming at first glance. Yet, the cumulative effect of small refinements—especially the integrated Ethernet port and doubled storage—adds up to a noticeably smoother, more reliable experience.

Think of it like upgrading your workspace: swapping a cluttered desk with dangling adapters for a clean, organized setup with everything in its place. The core function hasn’t changed, but the daily friction has decreased.

For players who value stability, simplicity, and long-term usability, the OLED model is absolutely worth the upgrade—even without touching the screen. But if you're perfectly content with your current setup and don’t mind minor inconveniences, holding onto your existing Switch is equally valid.

Take Action Today

Review your current gaming habits. Do you struggle with Wi-Fi dropouts during online matches? Are you constantly deleting games to free up space? Does your dock setup involve a tangle of adapters? If so, the OLED model solves real problems—even for docked players.

Upgrade not because it's new, but because it makes your experience better. And if you're already satisfied, invest in great games instead. After all, the best part of the Switch has always been what you play—not just how you play it.

💬 Have you upgraded to the OLED model while playing mostly docked? Share your experience in the comments and help others decide whether the small changes add up to a big difference.