Nintendo Switch Oled Vs Original Is The Screen Upgrade Worth The Switch

When Nintendo released the Switch OLED model in 2021, it wasn’t a full redesign—no new processing power or graphical leap—but it did promise a significantly better handheld experience. The centerpiece? A vibrant 7-inch OLED screen, replacing the original’s 6.2-inch LCD. For fans who play primarily in handheld or tabletop mode, that sounds like a major upgrade. But is it enough to justify upgrading from the original Switch, especially if you already own one?

The answer depends on how you use your console. While both models run the same games and support the same accessories, the differences in display quality, audio, storage, and build can impact daily enjoyment. This breakdown dives deep into every meaningful distinction between the original Nintendo Switch and the OLED model, helping you decide whether the screen upgrade truly makes the jump worthwhile.

Display Quality: The Core Upgrade

The most obvious change in the OLED model is the screen. The original Switch uses an LCD panel with a 720p resolution and a smaller 6.2-inch display. In contrast, the OLED version bumps the screen size to 7 inches and retains the same 720p resolution. While resolution hasn’t increased, the shift to OLED technology brings noticeable improvements in image quality.

OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) screens produce their own light at the pixel level, allowing for true blacks, higher contrast ratios, and more vibrant colors. In practical terms, this means:

• Deeper blacks and less light bleed around bright objects
• More saturated and natural color reproduction
• Better viewing angles without color shifting
• Improved visibility in low-light environments

In games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Super Mario Odyssey, where atmosphere and visual detail matter, the OLED screen renders skies with richer gradients, shadows with more depth, and foliage with greater clarity. Even in darker scenes—such as cave levels in Hollow Knight—details are easier to see thanks to improved contrast.

Tip: If you frequently play in dimly lit rooms or enjoy cinematic games with moody lighting, the OLED’s superior contrast will enhance immersion far beyond what the original Switch offers.

Battery Life and Performance

One common misconception is that the OLED model runs games better or has stronger hardware. It does not. Both consoles use the same NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor and deliver identical performance in gameplay, frame rates, and load times. However, Nintendo did make a subtle but important improvement: battery life.

The OLED model features a revised internal battery that extends playtime compared to the original Switch’s early versions. Here's how they compare across typical usage:

Model	Battery Capacity	Average Playtime (Handheld)	Release Year
Original Switch (2017)	3,570 mAh	2.5 – 4.5 hours	2017
Original Switch (Updated 2019)	4,310 mAh	4.5 – 9 hours	2019
Switch OLED	4,310 mAh	4.5 – 9 hours	2021

Note that the original Switch received a silent battery upgrade in 2019, bringing its capacity in line with the OLED model. So if you own a newer revision of the original (identified by a serial number starting with “HE”), your battery life is essentially the same. Only users with early 2017 models will notice a meaningful difference.

Performance remains identical across both systems. Games like Elden Ring or Monster Hunter Rise will run at the same frame rate and resolution whether played on the original or OLED. Any perceived smoothness boost comes from the sharper visuals of the OLED screen, not enhanced processing.

Design and Build Improvements

Beyond the screen, the OLED model introduces several quality-of-life upgrades that improve everyday usability.

Enhanced Kickstand

The original Switch had a flimsy, narrow kickstand prone to wobbling and breaking. The OLED model replaces it with a wide, adjustable kickstand that spans the full width of the back panel. This makes tabletop mode far more stable, even on uneven surfaces. You can now adjust the angle freely, making multiplayer sessions with friends noticeably more comfortable.

Superior Audio

The speakers in the OLED model have been redesigned for clearer, louder output. While still not comparable to external headphones or a soundbar, the upgraded audio delivers better midrange and bass response. Dialogue in RPGs like Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is crisper, and environmental effects in games like Metroid Dread feel more immersive when played without headphones.

Increased Internal Storage

The OLED model comes with 64GB of internal storage, doubling the original’s 32GB. Given that many modern Switch games exceed 10GB (and some, like Red Dead Redemption 2, take up over 20GB), this extra space reduces reliance on microSD cards—though using one is still recommended.

New Dock Features

The OLED console includes a revised dock with a wired LAN port, allowing for a stable internet connection during TV mode without needing a USB adapter. This is especially useful for online multiplayer games like Smash Bros. Ultimate or Fortnite, where latency matters. The original dock lacks this feature, forcing players to rely on Wi-Fi unless they purchase a separate Ethernet adapter.

“While the OLED doesn’t offer raw power gains, its refinements—especially the screen and kickstand—make it the best handheld-first Switch experience Nintendo has ever released.” — David Nguyen, Console Analyst at GameTech Weekly

Real-World Usage: A Day in the Life

To understand the real impact of these upgrades, consider a typical user scenario.

Case Study: Maya, a college student and avid gamer

Maya owns the original 2017 Switch and plays mostly in handheld mode during commutes and breaks between classes. She recently considered upgrading after noticing her screen looked dull compared to friends’ OLED models. She also struggled with the weak kickstand during group game nights and often ran out of storage when downloading indie titles.

After switching to the OLED model, she immediately noticed:

• The screen was easier to view outdoors under shaded areas, thanks to improved contrast.
• The new kickstand stayed firm on her dorm desk, even when bumped.
• She delayed buying a microSD card because the extra 32GB gave her breathing room.
• Audio during podcast-style games like AI: The Somnium Files felt fuller and less tinny.

For Maya, the upgrade wasn’t about performance—it was about comfort, convenience, and visual fidelity during long handheld sessions. The OLED model made gaming feel more polished and enjoyable, even though the games themselves hadn’t changed.

Is the Screen Upgrade Worth It?

The central question remains: Is the OLED screen upgrade worth switching from the original?

If you’re a **casual player** who mostly docks your Switch to a TV, the answer is likely no. When connected to a large screen, both models perform identically. The OLED’s handheld advantages don’t translate to TV mode, and you won’t benefit from the improved speakers or screen.

However, if you’re a **handheld-first player**, the OLED model offers tangible benefits:

• The screen enhances visual immersion and reduces eye strain.
• The kickstand makes shared play more reliable.
• Better speakers improve audio without headphones.
• Extra storage delays the need for a microSD card.

Even for those who already own the original Switch, the OLED model represents the most refined version of the handheld concept Nintendo has built. It fixes known pain points and elevates the core portable experience.

Tip: If you're buying your first Switch, go straight for the OLED model. The price difference is modest (~$50 more), and you’ll future-proof your handheld experience.

Step-by-Step: Should You Upgrade?

Follow this decision-making flow to determine if the OLED is right for you:

1. Assess your primary play mode: Do you play mostly in handheld or tabletop mode? If yes, continue. If no, the upgrade may not be worth it.
2. Check your current Switch’s battery: Look at the serial number. If it starts with “HE,” it’s the updated 2019 model with longer battery life. No gain there.
3. Evaluate your screen satisfaction: Do you find the original screen too dim, washed out, or small? If so, OLED will impress you.
4. Consider your storage needs: Are you constantly deleting games to free up space? The OLED’s 64GB helps.
5. Think about multiplayer use: Do you host local game nights? The improved kickstand and audio make a real difference.
6. Decide based on value: If you play 10+ hours weekly in handheld mode, the OLED’s comfort and clarity justify the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my original Switch accessories with the OLED model?

Yes. All Joy-Con controllers, docks (except for the LAN-enabled OLED dock used in reverse), cases, and charging accessories are fully compatible with the OLED model.

Does the OLED model have better battery life than all original Switches?

No. Only early 2017 models have shorter battery life. The OLED model matches the updated 2019 original Switch in battery duration (4.5–9 hours).

Is the OLED screen brighter than the original?

Not necessarily brighter in peak luminance, but it appears more vivid due to deeper blacks and higher contrast. In dark environments, it feels sharper and more dynamic.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The Nintendo Switch OLED isn’t a revolutionary leap, but it is a thoughtful evolution. It takes the foundation of the original Switch and refines it with smarter design choices that directly improve the handheld experience.

For **new buyers**, the OLED model is the clear choice. At a $50 premium, you get a better screen, sturdier kickstand, improved audio, double the storage, and a dock with Ethernet—all valuable enhancements that add up over time.

For **existing owners**, the upgrade makes sense only if you prioritize handheld play and are frustrated by the original’s limitations. If you mostly play docked, or own the updated 2019 model, the benefits are marginal.

The screen upgrade alone won’t change how games play, but it changes how they feel. And for many players, that emotional lift—crisper visuals, richer colors, fewer distractions—is worth the switch.

💬 Have you upgraded to the Switch OLED? What difference did you notice? Share your experience in the comments and help others decide whether the screen upgrade is worth it for their gaming lifestyle.