Nintendo Switch Oled Vs Original Model Is The Screen Upgrade Enough To Justify Cost

When Nintendo released the Switch OLED model in 2021, it wasn’t a full redesign but a refined evolution of the original hybrid console. The most noticeable change? A vibrant 7-inch OLED screen that immediately stands out against the original’s 6.2-inch LCD. But for many gamers weighing whether to upgrade or buy new, the question remains: is that screen improvement alone worth the $50 premium over the base model?

The answer isn’t as simple as “yes” or “no.” While the OLED display is undeniably superior, several other incremental upgrades accompany it — some subtle, others genuinely useful. To determine whether the OLED model justifies its cost, it's essential to examine not just the screen, but how every change impacts daily use, portability, durability, and long-term enjoyment.

Display Quality: A Clear Step Up

The centerpiece of the OLED model is, of course, its display. The jump from an LCD to an OLED panel brings tangible improvements in contrast, color depth, and black levels. OLED technology allows individual pixels to turn off completely, resulting in true blacks rather than the grayish hues seen on the original model. This makes games with dark environments — such as Hollow Knight, Resident Evil titles, or Fire Emblem: Three Houses — look significantly more immersive.

Colors are richer and more accurate, and brightness levels are slightly improved, which helps visibility in well-lit rooms or under indirect sunlight. For handheld play, the larger 7-inch screen also provides a more cinematic experience, especially during cutscenes or expansive open-world exploration.

Tip: If you primarily play in handheld mode, the OLED screen delivers a noticeably better visual experience—especially in dimly lit environments where contrast matters most.

However, it’s worth noting that the resolution remains unchanged at 720p in handheld mode. The OLED doesn’t offer higher resolution; it enhances the same pixel data with better panel technology. So while visuals are sharper in appearance due to improved clarity and reduced glare, you’re not getting more detail—just better rendering of what’s already there.

Beyond the Screen: What Else Changed?

The screen grabs headlines, but Nintendo included several other meaningful upgrades in the OLED model that collectively improve usability:

• Larger internal storage: 64GB compared to 32GB on the original (still modest, but double the space).
• Improved speakers: Audio output is louder and clearer, with enhanced midrange and bass response.
• New kickstand: Wide, adjustable, and far more stable than the flimsy original.
• Wired LAN port on dock: Enables stable wired internet connections when using TV mode (a feature missing from the original dock unless using a USB adapter).
• Slightly revised design: Smoother back casing, reduced bezel around the screen, and improved hinge mechanism.

These changes may seem minor individually, but together they address longstanding pain points. The old kickstand was notoriously fragile and limited in positioning; the new one supports tabletop mode reliably on uneven surfaces. The audio upgrade, while not replacing headphones for serious gaming, makes casual play without earbuds more enjoyable. And the inclusion of a LAN port in the dock simplifies online multiplayer stability — particularly helpful for competitive games like Smash Bros. Ultimate or Animal Crossing during peak hours.

“While the OLED screen is the headline feature, the cumulative effect of these small refinements makes the newer model feel like a more complete product.” — David Chen, Console Analyst at GameTech Review

Comparison Table: Key Specs Side by Side

Feature	Original Switch	Switch OLED
Screen Size & Type	6.2\" LCD	7\" OLED
Resolution (Handheld)	720p	720p
Internal Storage	32GB	64GB
Speakers	Basic stereo, often criticized as weak	Enhanced audio clarity and volume
Kickstand	Small, single-position, fragile	Wide, multi-angle, durable
Dock Features	HDMI only	HDMI + LAN port
Battery Life	2.5–6.5 hours	4.5–9 hours
Price (MSRP)	$299	$349

Note that battery life has also improved thanks to a more efficient Tegra processor variant, allowing longer gameplay sessions on modern titles like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This is especially valuable for travelers or those without easy access to charging.

Real-World Usage: Who Benefits Most?

To assess whether the upgrade is worth it, consider your typical usage pattern. Not all players will benefit equally from the OLED model’s enhancements.

Case Study: Sarah, the Commuter Gamer

Sarah uses her Switch daily during her train commute. She plays visually rich RPGs and platformers in handheld mode and values screen quality and battery life. After upgrading to the OLED model, she noticed immediate differences: darker scenes in Metroid Dread were easier to navigate, colors in Octopath Traveler popped more vividly, and the wider kickstand allowed her to prop the device securely on her tray table. The extra storage also meant fewer deletions when downloading updates.

For Sarah, the $50 premium paid off quickly in comfort and convenience. The screen alone justified the cost, but the supporting upgrades compounded the benefit.

Contrast: Mike, the Couch Multiplayer Enthusiast

Mike primarily uses his Switch in docked mode connected to a 4K TV. He plays party games with friends and rarely uses handheld mode. When he did try the OLED model, he found no difference in TV performance — both models output up to 1080p. The internal storage and LAN port were nice, but not game-changers. For Mike, the upgrade offered minimal value relative to cost.

This illustrates a key insight: if your primary playstyle is docked mode on a large screen, the OLED model offers almost no visual advantage. The benefits are almost entirely confined to portable and tabletop modes.

Step-by-Step: Should You Upgrade?

Follow this decision framework to determine if the OLED model makes sense for you:

1. Evaluate your primary play mode: Do you play mostly handheld? If yes, OLED is strongly recommended. Mostly docked? The upgrade offers little benefit.
2. Assess screen sensitivity: Are you someone who notices color accuracy, contrast, and glare? If so, OLED’s advantages will be apparent. If you’re indifferent to display tech, the difference may go unnoticed.
3. Consider storage needs: Do you frequently delete games to make room? The doubled storage can reduce hassle, especially with large titles like Elden Ring or Starfield.
4. Test before buying (if possible): Visit a retail store to compare both models side by side. The difference is more striking in person than in photos or videos.
5. Weigh long-term ownership: If you plan to keep your console for 4+ years, the improved durability (kickstand, build quality) and future-proofing (better audio, LAN support) add value.

Tip: Wait for sales or bundled deals. The OLED model occasionally drops to $329 during holidays, narrowing the price gap meaningfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the OLED model have better performance than the original?

No. Both models run games at the same frame rates and resolutions. There is no GPU or CPU upgrade. Performance in docked or handheld mode is identical across comparable titles.

Can I use OLED features with my old dock?

No. The OLED model includes a revised dock with the LAN port. If you use the original dock, you lose the ability to connect via Ethernet. However, the OLED console works with older docks — just without the LAN functionality.

Is the screen more scratch-resistant?

Nintendo hasn’t advertised improved screen protection, and user reports suggest the OLED screen is similarly vulnerable to scratches. Many owners recommend using a tempered glass screen protector, especially given the larger surface area.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The Nintendo Switch OLED is not a revolutionary leap, but a thoughtful refinement. The screen upgrade alone is significant — arguably the best handheld gaming display on the market — but it shines brightest for those who prioritize mobile play.

If you’re buying your first Switch and plan to use it portably even part-time, the OLED model is the clear choice. The combination of a superior screen, better speakers, reliable kickstand, and expanded storage creates a more polished, enjoyable experience. At $349, it’s priced fairly for the improvements it delivers.

However, if you already own the original model and play exclusively on a TV, upgrading isn’t justified. The visual benefits don’t translate to docked mode, and none of the other changes are transformative enough to warrant the cost. In that case, saving $50 — or investing it in games or accessories — makes more sense.

Ultimately, the OLED model isn’t about raw power or new capabilities. It’s about elevating the everyday moments: the clarity of a sunset in Animal Crossing, the tension of shadows in Luigi’s Mansion 3, or the convenience of a stable stand during a long Xenoblade Chronicles session. For players who value those details, the upgrade isn’t just justified — it enhances the joy of playing.

🚀 Ready to decide? Assess your play habits, test the screens if you can, and choose the model that aligns with how — and where — you love to game. Whether original or OLED, the best Switch is the one that stays in your hands.