Is The Nintendo Switch OLED Worth Upgrading From The Original Model Real Differences

The Nintendo Switch has redefined portable gaming since its 2017 debut, blending console power with handheld flexibility. In 2021, Nintendo released the Switch OLED model—a refined version promising better visuals and improved hardware. For owners of the original Switch, the question isn’t just about new features; it’s whether those upgrades justify the cost of replacing a working device. This article breaks down the tangible differences between the original and OLED models, evaluates real-world impact, and helps you determine if an upgrade is truly worthwhile.

Display Quality: A Noticeable Leap

The most significant upgrade in the OLED model is, unsurprisingly, the screen. The original Switch uses an LCD panel measuring 6.2 inches with a resolution of 720p. While functional, it often appears washed out under bright light and lacks deep contrast.

In contrast, the Switch OLED features a 7-inch organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. This change brings several advantages:

• Richer colors and deeper blacks: OLED pixels emit their own light, allowing true black levels and higher contrast ratios. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Fire Emblem: Three Houses benefit from more vivid skies and shadow detail.
• Better viewing angles: Colors remain consistent even when viewed from the side, which is useful during multiplayer sessions or couch co-op setups.
• Improved outdoor visibility: Though not sunlight-readable in extreme conditions, the OLED screen performs noticeably better in ambient light than its predecessor.

Tip: If you primarily play in handheld mode—on commutes, during travel, or in bed—the OLED screen alone may justify the upgrade for visual comfort and immersion.

Audio and Build Improvements

Beyond the screen, the OLED model introduces subtle but meaningful enhancements to sound and physical design.

Speaker Quality: The built-in speakers on the original Switch were serviceable but thin, especially at higher volumes. The OLED version features redesigned stereo speakers with enhanced bass response and clearer mids. While still not audiophile-grade, dialogue and music are more balanced and less tinny, making handheld sessions more enjoyable without headphones.

Dock Design: The OLED includes a revised dock with a wired LAN port built directly into the unit. This eliminates the need for a separate adapter when using a wired internet connection—important for competitive online play in titles like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Splatoon 3. The original dock requires a USB-to-Ethernet adapter, which can be lost or forgotten during setup.

Hinge and Stand: The kickstand on the original Switch was narrow and fragile, prone to breaking or failing on uneven surfaces. The OLED model replaces this with a wide, adjustable kickstand that spans the entire back edge. It supports multiple angles and remains stable on tables, laps, or airplane trays. This single feature dramatically improves tabletop mode reliability.

“The OLED model feels like the Switch should have launched as. The screen and stand fix two of the biggest pain points from day one.” — Jason Lee, Senior Editor at GameTech Weekly

Storage and Performance Comparison

One area where the OLED clearly surpasses the original is internal storage. The base model now comes with 64GB of usable space, doubling the original’s 32GB. Given that modern games like Elden Ring or Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II can exceed 20GB each, this extra capacity reduces reliance on microSD cards—though they’re still recommended for serious collectors.

It’s important to note: there is no improvement in processing power. Both models use the same NVIDIA Tegra X1 chip and deliver identical performance in docked and handheld modes. Frame rates, load times, and graphical fidelity remain unchanged across devices. Games do not run faster or look sharper on the OLED unless you're using the handheld screen itself.

Additionally, battery life has seen a minor boost. The OLED model offers approximately 5–9 hours depending on usage, compared to the original’s 2.5–6.5 hours (early batches) or 4.5–9 hours (revised 2019+ models). However, this improvement applies only to post-2019 original units. If your current Switch already has the longer-life battery (marked by a serial number starting with “XK”), the difference is negligible.

Hardware Differences at a Glance

Feature	Original Switch	Switch OLED
Screen Size & Type	6.2\" LCD	7\" OLED
Internal Storage	32GB	64GB
Battery Life	2.5–6.5 hrs (early), up to 9 hrs (late)	5–9 hrs
Speakers	Basic stereo	Enhanced stereo
Kickstand	Narrow, single-angle	Wide, multi-angle
Dock Features	No LAN port (requires adapter)	Built-in LAN port
Processing Power	Tegra X1	Tegra X1 (identical)

Real-World Usage: Who Benefits Most?

An upgrade decision depends heavily on how you use your Switch. Consider the following scenario:

Mini Case Study: Traveling Parent Upgrades to OLED

Sarah, a frequent traveler and parent of two young children, relied on her original Switch for long flights and road trips. She loved the portability but struggled with the dim screen on sunny planes and constantly replaced broken microSD cards due to limited storage. After upgrading to the OLED model, she noticed immediate improvements: the kids could see gameplay clearly even near windows, the wider kickstand stayed stable on tray tables, and she downloaded three full games without needing additional storage. The better speakers also meant fewer headphone tangles during shared viewing.

For users like Sarah—who prioritize handheld and tabletop modes—the OLED delivers meaningful quality-of-life upgrades. But for those who mostly play docked on a TV, the benefits shrink significantly. The OLED screen is irrelevant when mirroring to a 55-inch display, and performance parity means no gains in speed or graphics.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

Use this checklist to evaluate your personal needs:

• ✅ Do you play primarily in handheld mode?
• ✅ Is screen clarity important for your eyes or environment?
• ✅ Have you run out of storage despite using an SD card?
• ✅ Do you frequently use tabletop mode and need a reliable stand?
• ✅ Are you frustrated by the lack of a built-in Ethernet port?
• ✅ Is your current Switch showing signs of wear (failing battery, cracked screen)?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the OLED likely offers tangible value. If not, the upgrade may feel cosmetic rather than transformative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my original accessories with the OLED model?

Yes. All Joy-Con controllers, grips, 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 refinements around the screen bezel.

Does the OLED model support HDR?

No. Despite the superior screen technology, the OLED Switch does not support High Dynamic Range (HDR) in docked mode. This limitation stems from the un upgraded internal hardware, not the display capability. Even when connected to an HDR-capable TV, the system outputs standard dynamic range (SDR) video.

Is the OLED screen more fragile than LCD?

OLED panels can be more susceptible to burn-in over time with static images, though Nintendo implements protective measures like pixel shifting and auto-brightness controls. In normal use, durability is comparable. Physical protection via a case or screen protector is recommended regardless of model.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making the Switch Smoothly

If you’ve decided to upgrade, follow these steps to transfer your data and maintain continuity:

1. Ensure both systems are updated: Connect both your old and new Switch to Wi-Fi and install the latest system software.
2. Back up your save data: Go to System Settings > Data Management > Transfer Your Save Data. Choose “Send to Another Console” and follow prompts.
3. Sign in to your Nintendo Account: On the new OLED, log in with the same account to sync purchases, friends list, and subscriptions like Nintendo Switch Online.
4. Re-download your games: Access your game library and reinstall titles. Use your existing microSD card if it’s large enough, or migrate data via system transfer.
5. Test all components: Pair your Joy-Con, test audio through speakers and headphones, and verify internet connectivity—especially if using wired LAN.
6. Recycle or resell your old unit: Wipe the original system via System Settings > System > Formatting Options > Initialize Console. Then sell or donate it responsibly.

Tip: Keep your old Switch until the transfer is complete and everything works on the new one. Unexpected issues can arise during migration.

Conclusion: Value Beyond Specs

The Nintendo Switch OLED isn’t a generational leap—it doesn’t offer faster load times, 4K output, or ray tracing. But it addresses real user frustrations that accumulated over years of use. The screen is objectively better. The stand is finally functional. The added storage and integrated LAN port reflect lessons learned from the original design.

For casual players who mostly use their Switch docked, the upgrade may not be essential. But for those who cherish handheld immersion, travel frequently, or rely on tabletop mode, the OLED transforms daily usability. It’s not just a prettier screen; it’s a more confident, capable version of a beloved device.

🚀 Ready to enhance your gaming experience? If you're still using the original Switch and find yourself straining to see the screen or struggling with flimsy stands, now might be the perfect time to make the move. Share your thoughts or upgrade story in the comments below—your insight could help another gamer decide.