Nintendo Switch OLED Vs Original Is The Screen Upgrade Worth The Jump

When Nintendo released the Switch OLED model in 2021, it wasn’t a full generational leap like the shift from Wii to Wii U. Instead, it was a refined evolution of the original hybrid console that launched in 2017. The most obvious change? That vibrant, crisp 7-inch OLED screen. But beyond the flashier display, how much has actually improved — and more importantly, is upgrading from the original Switch truly worth it?

For longtime owners who’ve logged hundreds of hours into Animal Crossing: New Horizons, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, or Super Mario Odyssey, this decision isn’t just about specs. It’s about whether the enhancements meaningfully improve gameplay, portability, and long-term satisfaction. Let’s break down every key difference and determine if the OLED model justifies its higher price tag.

Display Quality: The Heart of the Upgrade

The defining feature of the OLED model is, unsurprisingly, its screen. Replacing the original’s 6.2-inch LCD panel with a 7-inch organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display brings immediate visual improvements. Colors appear richer, blacks are deeper, and contrast ratios are significantly better. In games with atmospheric lighting — such as Hollow Knight: Silksong or Celeste — the OLED screen makes shadows feel more immersive and bright scenes more vivid.

This isn't just subjective preference; OLED technology inherently allows for per-pixel lighting control. Unlike LCDs that rely on a backlight, each pixel in an OLED emits its own light. When a pixel needs to be black, it turns off completely, resulting in true black rather than dark gray. This leads to greater depth in visuals, especially noticeable during night-time levels or space-themed games like No Man’s Sky.

Tip: If you frequently play in low-light environments — like on a dimly lit train or in bed at night — the OLED screen reduces eye strain and enhances immersion due to superior contrast.

However, brightness can be a trade-off. While OLED excels indoors, some users report the screen appears slightly dimmer under direct sunlight compared to the original model. That said, both versions struggle in bright outdoor conditions, so this isn’t a dealbreaker for most portable gamers.

Audio and Speaker Improvements

A less-publicized but meaningful upgrade lies in the audio department. The OLED model features redesigned stereo speakers with wider sound dispersion and clearer mid-to-high frequencies. Dialogue in RPGs like Octopath Traveler II sounds crisper, and environmental effects — rain, wind, city ambiance — are more spatially distinct.

In a side-by-side test playing Metroid Dread, the OLED’s audio delivers a tighter sense of directionality. Footsteps behind Samus echo with more precision, enhancing tension during stealth sequences. For players who often game without headphones, this improvement adds subtle but valuable depth to the experience.

“Small audio upgrades can have an outsized impact on immersion, especially in narrative-driven titles.” — Marcus Tran, Audio Design Consultant at PixelSound Labs

Storage and Docking Enhancements

One practical advantage of the OLED model is increased internal storage: 64GB compared to the original’s 32GB. With modern AAA indie and first-party titles regularly exceeding 15GB (and some, like Red Dead Redemption 2, surpassing 20GB), this extra space matters. It delays the need to purchase a microSD card immediately — though eventually, one will still be necessary for serious collectors.

The new dock is another underrated improvement. It includes a wired LAN port, allowing for stable online multiplayer in games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Monster Hunter Rise without relying on spotty Wi-Fi. This is particularly useful for streamers or competitive players who require low latency. The original dock lacks Ethernet support entirely, forcing users to either buy a USB-to-Ethernet adapter or tether through a laptop.

Build Quality and Design Refinements

Nintendo didn’t just update internals — they improved ergonomics. The OLED model has a sturdier kickstand with a wider range of motion. Unlike the flimsy plastic hinge on the original, which could only prop open at one angle and often snapped, the new adjustable stand works reliably on uneven surfaces like airplane trays or couch armrests.

The body itself feels slightly more premium. The matte finish resists fingerprints better than the glossy back of the original, and the overall weight distribution feels balanced even when undocked. While the Joy-Con rails remain unchanged, their alignment feels tighter, reducing wobble during handheld use.

Battery life remains identical between models released after 2019 (labeled with a \"V2\" on the box). Both offer approximately 4.5 to 9 hours depending on the game, thanks to power-efficient chip revisions. So no gains here — but also no losses.

Detailed Comparison Table

Feature	Original Switch (2017)	Switch OLED (2021)
Screen Size & Type	6.2-inch LCD	7-inch OLED
Resolution (Handheld)	720p	720p
Internal Storage	32GB	64GB
Battery Life	Up to 9 hrs (post-2019 V2)	Up to 9 hrs
Speakers	Stereo, basic clarity	Enhanced stereo, wider range
Kickstand	Rigid, single-angle	Adjustable, multi-angle
Dock Features	No LAN port	Wired Ethernet included
Price at Launch	$299	$349

Real-World Example: The Commuter Gamer’s Experience

Take Sarah, a software developer who commutes two hours daily via subway. She bought her original Switch in 2018 and loved playing Stardew Valley and Fire Emblem: Three Houses during rides. Over time, she noticed the screen looked washed out in the dim tunnel lighting, and the speakers made dialogue hard to hear over train noise.

In late 2022, she upgraded to the OLED model. Immediately, she noticed the richer colors made farming scenes in Stardew Valley more engaging. The improved speakers allowed her to keep volume lower while still hearing character banter clearly. And the new kickstand stayed upright even when the train jolted — something the old model never managed.

While she didn’t need the extra storage immediately, having 64GB gave her breathing room before investing in a microSD card. For Sarah, the upgrade enhanced her daily ritual enough to justify the $50 price difference.

When the Upgrade Makes Sense

Not every user will benefit equally from switching to the OLED model. Consider these scenarios where the upgrade delivers clear value:

• You play primarily in handheld mode — The screen and speaker improvements shine brightest when gaming on the go.
• You own many large games — Double the internal storage reduces reliance on external cards in the short term.
• You stream or play online competitively — The dock’s Ethernet port ensures stable connections without adapters.
• You use your Switch outside the home frequently — The robust kickstand supports flexible viewing angles on irregular surfaces.

Conversely, if you mostly play docked to a TV, the differences become nearly imperceptible. Both models output up to 1080p when connected to a display, and game performance is identical. In this case, the original Switch continues to deliver excellent value, especially if purchased secondhand.

Actionable Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

Before making the leap, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do I play more than 60% of my games in handheld or tabletop mode? → If yes, OLED offers tangible benefits.
2. Am I running out of storage on my current device? → OLED’s 64GB helps, but a microSD card may be cheaper.
3. Do I need a reliable internet connection when docked? → Ethernet on the OLED dock eliminates Wi-Fi instability.
4. Have I experienced issues with the original kickstand? → The OLED stand is vastly superior.
5. Is my current Switch functioning well? → If yes, weigh cost versus marginal gains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my original accessories with the OLED model?

Yes. All Joy-Con controllers, charging docks, carrying cases, and peripherals are fully compatible with the OLED model. No adapter or firmware update is needed.

Does the OLED screen last longer than the original?

OLED panels can suffer from burn-in over extended periods of static imagery (e.g., HUD elements in games). However, Nintendo implemented pixel-shifting and auto-brightness features to mitigate this risk. For typical usage patterns, lifespan should be comparable to the original LCD.

Is the OLED model heavier?

It’s marginally heavier — 420g vs. 398g for the original — but the difference is negligible in hand. The weight distribution feels more centered, which improves comfort during long sessions.

Final Verdict: Is the Jump Worth It?

The Nintendo Switch OLED isn’t a revolutionary overhaul, but it’s a thoughtful refinement of an already successful design. If you’re still using the original 2017 model and play predominantly in handheld mode, the upgrade brings meaningful improvements: a superior screen, better audio, a usable kickstand, and a future-proof dock with Ethernet.

That said, this isn’t a must-buy for everyone. Existing owners enjoying a post-2019 V2 Switch with good battery life and sufficient storage may find the benefits too incremental to justify the cost. On the other hand, newcomers or those replacing a damaged unit should absolutely opt for the OLED model — it’s now the definitive version of the console.

The screen upgrade alone won’t change how games play, but it does change how they *feel*. There’s a qualitative difference in immersion when colors pop, blacks are deep, and sound fills the room more naturally. These aren’t just technical specs — they shape the emotional resonance of your gaming experience.

🚀 Ready to enhance your portable play? Whether you're upgrading or buying your first Switch, the OLED model sets a new standard for hybrid gaming. Share your thoughts — are you team OLED or sticking with the original?