Is The Nintendo Switch Oled Worth Upgrading From The Original Model For Gamers

The Nintendo Switch has redefined portable gaming since its 2017 launch. Over the years, it’s evolved—most notably with the release of the Nintendo Switch OLED model in 2021. For owners of the original Switch, the question isn’t whether the console is still relevant, but whether the upgrade to the OLED model delivers meaningful improvements. The answer depends on how you play, where you play, and what you value in a handheld experience.

This article breaks down every key difference between the original Switch and the OLED model—not just specs, but real-world usability. Whether you're a casual player, a parent managing family game time, or a dedicated fan who plays daily, this guide will help you decide if the upgrade is truly worth it.

Better Screen, Better Experience: The OLED Advantage

The most significant upgrade in the OLED model is, unsurprisingly, the screen. The original Switch features an LCD panel measuring 6.2 inches. The OLED version increases that to 7 inches and replaces the backlight technology entirely. Instead of using standard LED-lit LCDs, it employs organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), which deliver deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors.

In practice, this means games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Metroid Dread, or Fire Emblem: Three Houses look sharper and more immersive when played in handheld mode. Text is easier to read during dialogue-heavy scenes, shadows appear more natural, and bright skies pop without washing out nearby details. These visual enhancements are subtle but cumulative—after switching back to the original model, many users report the older screen feeling dull and lifeless by comparison.

Tip: If you primarily play your Switch on a TV via dock, the OLED screen won't impact your experience much. But if you spend more than half your time in handheld or tabletop mode, the display upgrade alone may justify the cost.

Design and Build Improvements Beyond the Screen

Beyond the display, the OLED model introduces several thoughtful hardware refinements. While outwardly similar in shape and weight, the new design enhances durability and functionality.

• Larger kickstand: The original Switch had a narrow, flimsy kickstand prone to breaking or slipping. The OLED model features a wide, adjustable kickstand that spans the entire width of the device, offering stable support on uneven surfaces.
• Improved audio: The onboard speakers have been upgraded, delivering richer sound with better clarity and volume. This makes impromptu multiplayer sessions or quick gaming breaks more enjoyable without headphones.
• Increased internal storage: The base storage jumps from 32GB to 64GB, giving you more room for digital downloads before needing a microSD card.
• New dock with LAN port: The updated dock includes a wired Ethernet connection, enabling stable online play for competitive titles like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Animal Crossing: New Horizons, especially useful in homes with spotty Wi-Fi.

These changes don’t revolutionize gameplay, but they address long-standing pain points. The sturdier kickstand, in particular, transforms tabletop mode from a precarious setup into a reliable option for shared gaming.

Performance: Is There a Noticeable Difference?

A common misconception is that the OLED model offers improved processing power or longer battery life compared to the revised original (the 2019 \"V2\" model). In reality, both consoles share the same NVIDIA Tegra X1-based chipset and offer nearly identical performance metrics.

Battery life on the OLED model ranges from 4.5 to 9 hours depending on the game—identical to the refreshed original Switch released after 2019. Games like ACNH can stretch close to nine hours, while graphically intense titles such as Bayonetta 2 or The Witcher 3 drain the battery faster.

There is no frame rate boost, no resolution increase in handheld mode, and no support for advanced features like HDR on TV output. The core gaming experience remains unchanged. If you're hoping for smoother gameplay or shorter load times, the OLED won’t deliver those gains.

“Upgrading to the OLED model is about refinement, not reinvention. It’s the same powerful system wrapped in a more polished, user-friendly package.” — Jordan Lee, Console Analyst at GameTech Weekly

Comparison Table: Original vs. OLED Switch Models

Feature	Original Switch (2017)	Switch OLED (2021)
Screen Size & Type	6.2\" LCD	7\" OLED
Internal Storage	32 GB	64 GB
Kickstand	Narrow, fragile	Full-width, adjustable
Audio Quality	Basic stereo	Enhanced speakers
Dock Features	No Ethernet	LAN port included
Battery Life	2.5–6.5 hrs (early), 4.5–9 hrs (V2)	4.5–9 hrs
Price (MSRP at Launch)	$299	$349

Note: The original Switch received a minor battery revision in mid-2019. Unless otherwise specified, comparisons here refer to the post-2019 version, which already improved battery life over the earliest models.

Who Should Upgrade? A Practical Checklist

Not every Switch owner needs the OLED model. Before making the leap, consider your usage patterns. Use this checklist to evaluate whether the upgrade aligns with your lifestyle.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade to the Switch OLED?

• ✅ Do you play mostly in handheld mode?
• ✅ Do you find the original screen too dim or washed out?
• ✅ Have you struggled with the original kickstand failing during use?
• ✅ Are you frequently downloading large games and running out of storage?
• ✅ Do you want a more durable, refined build for travel or daily carry?
• ✅ Can you take advantage of the LAN port for stable online play?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the OLED model is likely a worthwhile investment.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Family Gaming Setup

Sarah, a mother of two in Portland, bought her first Switch in 2018 primarily for family co-op games like Overcooked! 2 and Snipperclips. She used it mostly in tabletop mode during weekend mornings. Over time, she grew frustrated with the small kickstand collapsing whenever her kids reached across the table. She also noticed her son squinting during longer play sessions, complaining the screen was hard to see.

In 2022, she traded in her old Switch through a retailer program and upgraded to the OLED model. The difference was immediate. The wider kickstand stayed upright even on wobbly coffee tables, and her children reported the colors felt “brighter and easier to follow.” She appreciated the extra storage when downloading Minecraft and Super Mario Party without juggling SD cards. Though she rarely uses the dock’s Ethernet port, the peace of mind knowing it’s there matters when hosting virtual game nights with relatives.

For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t about raw power—it was about comfort, reliability, and reducing friction in everyday use. The OLED model made gaming less of a chore and more of a seamless part of family life.

When the Upgrade Doesn’t Make Sense

The OLED model isn’t universally better. There are clear scenarios where sticking with the original—or opting for a used one—is smarter.

• You mainly play docked: If your Switch lives connected to your TV, the superior OLED screen offers no benefit. The visual output is handled by your television, not the console’s display.
• You’re budget-conscious: At $349 MSRP, the OLED model costs $50 more than the original launch price. Used original Switches often sell for under $200, making them ideal for second units or younger players.
• You already own accessories: Joy-Con controllers, cases, charging docks, and screen protectors are fully compatible across models. However, the OLED’s slightly larger size means some third-party cases may not fit perfectly.
• You prioritize portability: The OLED model is marginally heavier (approx. 420g vs. 398g) and thicker around the screen bezel. For travelers packing tight spaces, every gram counts.

If your current Switch works well and meets your needs, upgrading solely because a newer model exists isn’t financially prudent. Planned obsolescence doesn’t apply here—the original hardware remains fully supported by Nintendo with no signs of phase-out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old accessories with the Switch OLED?

Yes. All Joy-Con controllers, grips, docks (except LAN functionality), charging cables, and game cartridges are fully compatible. However, some snug-fitting cases designed for the original model may not accommodate the OLED’s slightly larger dimensions.

Does the OLED model support HDR when docked?

No. Neither the original nor the OLED Switch supports High Dynamic Range (HDR) output. Games appear in standard dynamic range regardless of your TV’s capabilities.

Is the battery really better?

The battery life is equivalent to the revised original model (post-2019), not the very first version. You’ll get up to 9 hours for less demanding games, but intensive titles still hover around 4.5–5 hours. No improvement has been made in charging speed or efficiency.

Final Verdict: Who Gets the Most Value?

The Nintendo Switch OLED is not a mandatory upgrade—but for certain players, it’s a significant quality-of-life improvement. Gamers who rely on handheld or tabletop modes will appreciate the richer display, stronger kickstand, and enhanced audio. Families, commuters, and frequent travelers benefit most from the added durability and convenience.

On the other hand, if your Switch is permanently docked to a TV, or if you’re satisfied with your current setup, the practical gains are minimal. The core gaming experience hasn’t changed; only the presentation and ergonomics have been refined.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal play habits. The OLED model is the best version of the Switch for portable play, offering a more enjoyable, polished experience. But it doesn’t replace the original—it complements it. Think of it not as a successor, but as a premium edition tailored for those who value comfort and clarity in their mobile gaming.

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