Nintendo Switch Oled Vs Regular Switch Is The Screen Upgrade Worth The Extra Cash

When Nintendo released the Switch OLED model in 2021, it wasn’t a full redesign—no significant boost in processing power or battery life—but it did promise one major improvement: a better screen. For many gamers, especially those who play primarily in handheld mode, this upgrade raised an important question. Is the improved display and minor enhancements enough to justify paying more for the OLED version over the original Switch?

The answer depends on how you use your console, what kind of games you play, and how much you value visual quality and comfort during long sessions. To help you decide, we’ll break down the key differences between the two models, evaluate real-world performance, and determine whether the premium price tag delivers meaningful value.

Display Quality: The Heart of the Upgrade

The most obvious difference between the standard Nintendo Switch and the OLED model is the screen. The original Switch features a 6.2-inch LCD panel with a 720p resolution. While functional, the colors are often described as dull, and blacks appear grayish due to the limitations of the LCD technology and lack of contrast.

In contrast, the Switch OLED comes with a 7-inch Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) display. This change brings several tangible benefits:

• Better color accuracy and vibrancy: Colors pop more naturally, making games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity feel more immersive.
• Deeper blacks and higher contrast: Because OLED pixels emit their own light and can turn off completely, true black levels are achieved, enhancing depth and detail in darker scenes.
• Larger screen size: Though only half an inch bigger, the increased real estate makes a noticeable difference when holding the device, especially during extended gameplay.
• Improved anti-glare coating: The OLED model includes a matte finish that reduces reflections, making outdoor or bright-room play more comfortable.

Tip: If you frequently play in direct sunlight or near windows, the OLED’s anti-glare screen will significantly improve visibility compared to the glossy original.

For fans of visually rich titles such as Octopath Traveler II or Fire Emblem: Engage, the OLED screen transforms the experience. Textures appear sharper, lighting effects are more pronounced, and overall immersion increases. However, if you mostly dock your Switch and play on a TV, the screen upgrade matters far less—since both models output identical video quality when connected via HDMI.

Audio and Build Improvements

Beyond the screen, the OLED model introduces subtle but welcome upgrades in build and audio. The kickstand has been redesigned from a flimsy, single-position plastic tab to a wide, adjustable hinge that supports multiple angles. This makes tabletop mode far more stable and usable on uneven surfaces like coffee tables or airplane trays.

The speakers have also been upgraded. While still not audiophile-grade, the sound output is noticeably fuller and louder. Dialogue in RPGs is clearer, environmental effects like rain or wind are more distinct, and music tracks carry greater emotional weight. These improvements enhance the overall sensory experience, particularly in handheld mode where external speakers or headphones aren’t always used.

Another under-the-hood upgrade is internal storage. The OLED model doubles the onboard storage from 32GB to 64GB. While this still isn’t enough for large modern titles—Zelda: Breath of the Wild alone takes up nearly 14GB—it provides more breathing room before needing a microSD card. This is especially helpful for casual users who may not be aware of expandable storage options at purchase time.

Performance and Battery Life: No Real Difference

Despite the name “OLED,” this model is not a new generation of hardware. It uses the same NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor and GPU as the revised 2019 version of the original Switch (often called the “V2” model). That means no gains in frame rate, load times, or graphical fidelity within games.

Battery life is also nearly identical. Both the OLED and the updated original Switch offer approximately 4.5 to 9 hours of gameplay depending on the title—from intensive games like Super Mario Odyssey (~4.5–5.5 hours) to less demanding ones like Stardew Valley (~9 hours). There is no measurable advantage in endurance despite the larger screen.

This consistency ensures backward compatibility and uniform game optimization across all current Switch models. But it also means that if you're hoping for smoother performance or faster rendering, the OLED won’t deliver.

Detailed Comparison Table

Feature	Nintendo Switch (Original V2)	Nintendo Switch OLED
Screen Size & Type	6.2-inch LCD	7.0-inch OLED
Resolution	720p (max)	720p (max)
Contrast & Color	Average; washed-out blacks	High contrast; vibrant colors; true blacks
Kickstand	Small, fixed-angle	Wide, adjustable, durable
Internal Storage	32GB	64GB
Speakers	Basic stereo	Enhanced clarity and volume
Battery Life	4.5–9 hours	4.5–9 hours
Docking Performance	1080p output	1080p output
Price (MSRP)	$299	$349

Real-World Example: Commuter Gamer Upgrade

Consider Sarah, a 28-year-old urban professional who commutes daily via subway and plays handheld during her 45-minute rides. She owned the original Switch since 2019 and enjoyed games like Metroid Dread and Pikmin 4. After seeing screenshots online, she upgraded to the OLED model last year.

Her feedback? “The screen was instantly noticeable. Dark corridors in *Metroid* actually felt dark instead of gray, and I didn’t have to squint as much on sunny mornings. The wider kickstand lets me prop it on my tray table without worrying about it falling. I haven’t seen any battery difference, but the overall experience feels more polished.”

For someone like Sarah, who relies heavily on portable play, the OLED upgrades directly impact daily enjoyment. The investment paid off in comfort, clarity, and convenience—even without performance gains.

“While the OLED doesn’t make games run better, it makes them look and feel better in handheld mode. That distinction matters for players on the go.” — James Reed, Senior Editor at GameFocus Weekly

Is the $50 Premium Worth It?

The Switch OLED costs $349, while the original (updated) model remains available at $299—a $50 gap. Whether that’s justified hinges on three factors:

1. Your primary play style: If you mostly play docked on a TV, the screen upgrade offers minimal benefit. The visual output is identical. In this case, saving $50 makes sense.
2. Visual sensitivity: Some users are more attuned to screen quality. If vibrant colors, deep blacks, and reduced glare matter to you—or if you’ve found the original screen tiring during long sessions—the OLED delivers tangible comfort improvements.
3. Use of tabletop mode: The new kickstand is arguably as valuable as the screen. If you host local multiplayer games, travel often, or enjoy shared viewing experiences, the sturdier, flexible stand enhances usability significantly.

Tip: If buying used or secondhand, verify which model you’re getting. The OLED has a slightly different back panel texture and a brighter home button LED.

Step-by-Step Decision Guide

Follow this simple flow to determine which model suits you best:

1. Ask: Do I play mostly in handheld or tabletop mode?
   • If yes → OLED likely offers noticeable benefits.
   • If no → Original model may suffice.
2. Ask: Do I care about screen vibrancy and contrast?
   • If yes → OLED’s richer visuals will enhance immersion.
   • If no → Stick with the original.
3. Ask: Am I frustrated by the old kickstand?
   • If yes → OLED’s adjustable stand solves this pain point.
   • If rarely use tabletop → Less relevant.
4. Ask: Am I budget-conscious?
   • If every dollar counts → Save $50 with the original.
   • If willing to pay for polish → OLED adds refinement.
5. Final decision: Choose based on usage, not hype. The OLED is an evolution, not a revolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the OLED model run games at higher resolution in handheld mode?

No. Despite the superior panel, the maximum resolution remains 720p in handheld mode, just like the original Switch. The improvement lies in color, contrast, and clarity—not pixel count.

Does the OLED model support faster charging?

It includes a slightly improved power management system and ships with a 15W USB-C adapter (vs. 13W previously), allowing marginally faster charging. However, third-party chargers above 15W work equally well with both models.

Will future games be optimized differently for the OLED?

Not in terms of graphics or performance. Since the internal hardware is identical, developers treat both models the same. Any visual advantage comes purely from the screen’s physical properties.

Conclusion: Who Should Upgrade?

The Nintendo Switch OLED isn’t a necessity, but it is a refinement. For players who value aesthetics, comfort, and a more enjoyable handheld experience, the $50 premium brings real, everyday improvements. The screen is simply better—more vivid, more readable, and more pleasing to the eye. Combined with the vastly superior kickstand and doubled storage, it represents the most user-friendly version of the Switch yet.

However, if your console lives mostly docked, or if you’re purchasing your first Switch on a tight budget, the original model remains a capable and cost-effective choice. You won’t miss out on any games or features.

In the end, the OLED upgrade isn’t about power—it’s about pleasure. It’s about making each moment you spend with your Switch just a little bit nicer. And for many gamers, that subtle elevation in quality is worth every extra dollar.

🚀 Ready to choose your ideal Switch? Evaluate your play habits honestly, consider the long-term value, and pick the model that aligns with how—and where—you love to game.