Is The Switch Oled Worth Upgrading From The Original Model For Home Play Only

For many Nintendo Switch owners, the decision to upgrade to the Switch OLED model isn’t about portability—it’s about whether the improvements justify a change when the console primarily lives docked on a TV. The original Switch has served millions well since 2017, but with the OLED model released in 2021, Nintendo introduced several upgrades: a larger screen, improved audio, better kickstand, increased internal storage, and an upgraded LAN port. But if you're not using the handheld mode, do any of these matter?

The answer depends on your priorities: picture quality, audio fidelity, connectivity, and future-proofing. While both models output identical video resolution and performance when docked—720p in handheld and up to 1080p on TV—the OLED brings subtle but meaningful enhancements that can elevate the at-home experience, even if indirectly.

Display Differences: Does Screen Size Matter When Docked?

At first glance, the most striking upgrade on the OLED model is its 7-inch OLED screen, replacing the original’s 6.2-inch LCD. For users who play in handheld or tabletop modes, this is a significant visual improvement: deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors. However, when docked to a TV, the internal screen is irrelevant. So why does it matter?

It matters because of how the system functions during setup, loading screens, and transitions. Even if you’re playing on a large TV, you still interact with the Switch’s interface on the device itself when adjusting settings, managing user profiles, or navigating the Home menu. The OLED screen makes these interactions sharper and more enjoyable. It's also useful during local co-op sessions where one player uses the TV and another plays off-screen on the console.

Additionally, some games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons or Fire Emblem: Three Houses benefit from frequent menu navigation. A clearer, crisper screen improves readability and overall usability—even if gameplay happens on a bigger display.

Tip: Use the OLED screen as a secondary display during multiplayer or menu-heavy games, even when docked.

Audio Quality: A Noticeable Upgrade for Home Use

The Switch OLED features significantly improved onboard speakers. According to multiple audio tests conducted by tech reviewers, the new speakers deliver richer bass, clearer mids, and reduced distortion at higher volumes. While most home players use external audio systems—TV speakers, soundbars, or surround setups—the built-in speakers still come into play during quick checks, system sounds, or when the TV is off.

Imagine receiving a friend request or hearing a game notification while the console is charging. With the OLED model, those small moments are more pleasant. If you occasionally play in undocked tabletop mode—say, setting up a quick round of Overcooked! All You Can Eat with family—the enhanced audio adds immersion without needing headphones or external speakers.

“Even for primarily docked users, the OLED’s speaker upgrade enhances the peripheral experience of owning the system.” — David Kim, Audio Engineer & Console Reviewer

Internal Storage and Connectivity Improvements

One of the most practical upgrades in the OLED model is the increase in internal storage—from 32GB on the original Switch to 64GB. Given that modern AAA Switch titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom or Bayonetta 3 can exceed 15–20GB each, doubling the base storage reduces reliance on microSD cards for casual users.

If you frequently download digital games and don’t want to manage constant file transfers, the extra space offers breathing room. This is especially helpful if you own multiple profiles or keep save data from long-running RPGs.

Beyond storage, the OLED model includes a wired LAN port on the dock—a feature absent from the original base model. While the original Switch required a USB-to-Ethernet adapter for stable wired internet, the OLED dock allows direct Ethernet connection, which improves online stability for games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Splatoon 3, or Monster Hunter Rise. Lower latency and consistent bandwidth mean fewer dropped matches and faster downloads.

Feature	Original Switch	Switch OLED
Screen	6.2\" LCD	7\" OLED
Internal Storage	32GB	64GB
Dock LAN Port	No (requires adapter)	Yes (built-in)
Speakers	Average clarity, limited volume	Enhanced range, less distortion
Kickstand	Narrow, fragile	Wide, adjustable, durable
Docked Performance	Identical	Identical

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Home Setup

Sarah owns an original Switch she bought in 2018. She uses it exclusively connected to her living room TV and rarely takes it on the go. After reading about the OLED model, she hesitated—why upgrade if the games look the same on her 55-inch 4K TV?

She eventually traded in her old unit for an OLED after experiencing persistent Wi-Fi lag during online Mario Kart races. Her router was strong, but wireless interference from other devices caused occasional stutters. With the OLED’s dock supporting direct Ethernet, her connection stabilized instantly. Downloads also sped up, especially for large updates.

Additionally, she found herself using tabletop mode more than expected—during board game nights with friends, they’d pass the console around for quick mini-games. The wider kickstand and better screen made sharing easier. Though she didn’t plan to use handheld mode much, the improved build quality and interface responsiveness made daily interactions smoother.

For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t about graphical gains on her TV—it was about reliability, convenience, and subtle quality-of-life improvements that added up over time.

Step-by-Step: Should You Upgrade? A Decision Framework

Deciding whether to upgrade isn’t just about specs—it’s about how you use your console. Follow this step-by-step guide to evaluate your needs:

1. Assess your internet setup. Do you rely on Wi-Fi that’s prone to interference? If yes, the OLED’s built-in LAN port could solve connectivity issues.
2. Evaluate your storage usage. Check how much free space you have. If you’re below 10GB and avoid microSD cards, the doubled internal storage may be valuable.
3. Consider hybrid use. Even if you say you only play docked, ask how often you’ve used tabletop mode or taken the console to another room. Occasional flexibility counts.
4. Review your current hardware condition. Is your original Switch aging? Cracked dock, failing Joy-Cons, or screen wear? Upgrading now avoids future repair costs.
5. Compare resale/trade-in value. Many retailers offer $100–$140 for a working original Switch. That can offset the $349 OLED price significantly.

Tip: Trade in your original Switch through official retailers or reputable marketplaces to maximize return value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Switch OLED output better graphics on TV?

No. Both the original and OLED models output up to 1080p when docked, with identical frame rates and visual fidelity. The GPU and processor are unchanged, so there is no performance difference in TV mode.

Can I use my original dock with the OLED model?

No. The OLED model comes with its own dock that includes the built-in Ethernet port. The original dock lacks this feature and is not interchangeable with the OLED’s enhanced functionality.

Is the OLED screen useful if I never play handheld?

Indirectly, yes. While gameplay on TV doesn’t use the screen, system navigation, notifications, and brief interactions do. A sharper, more responsive display improves the overall user experience, even for primarily docked users.

Checklist: Before You Upgrade

• ✅ Confirm your current Switch is functioning well
• ✅ Measure your available internal storage
• ✅ Test your current Wi-Fi stability during online play
• ✅ Research trade-in options for your original model
• ✅ Decide if the wider kickstand and better speakers add value for your use case
• ✅ Ensure you’re comfortable with the $349 price point (or post-trade-in cost)

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

If you’re a strictly docked player who values raw gameplay performance alone, the Switch OLED offers no technical advantage over the original model. Games run identically, visuals are unchanged, and controller input remains the same.

However, the upgrade brings tangible quality-of-life improvements: better build quality, double the storage, superior audio, and—critically—a dock with wired Ethernet support. These features contribute to a more reliable, enjoyable, and future-ready gaming experience, even in a home setup.

For users who experience spotty Wi-Fi, juggle large game libraries, or appreciate refined hardware, the OLED model is a worthwhile evolution. It’s not a revolutionary leap, but a thoughtful refinement—one that pays dividends in daily usability and long-term satisfaction.

The original Switch remains a capable machine, and there’s no urgent need to replace it if it works well. But if you’re due for a refresh, trading up to the OLED model delivers measurable benefits beyond the screen—especially when those benefits touch every part of your interaction with the system.

💬 Have you upgraded to the Switch OLED for home use? Share your experience and whether the changes made a difference in your setup!