Switch Oled Vs Original Switch Is The Screen Upgrade Worth It

The Nintendo Switch has evolved since its 2017 debut, with the OLED model arriving in 2021 as a refined version of the original hybrid console. At first glance, the most obvious change is the screen — a vibrant 7-inch OLED panel replacing the original’s 6.2-inch LCD. But beyond the bigger, bolder display, how much does this upgrade actually improve the experience? For current owners debating an upgrade or newcomers choosing their first system, the answer isn’t just about pixels. It’s about how those improvements translate into daily use, portability, immersion, and long-term value.

Display Quality: The Heart of the Upgrade

The defining feature of the Switch OLED is, unsurprisingly, its OLED screen. This shift from LCD to OLED technology brings immediate visual benefits: deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, more vivid colors, and better viewing angles. In practice, this means games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild feel more atmospheric at dusk, with shadowed forests appearing genuinely dark rather than grayish. Colors pop without looking oversaturated, and sunlight glares less thanks to improved anti-reflective coating.

In direct side-by-side testing, the difference is unmistakable. The original Switch’s LCD screen can look washed out in bright environments and struggles with backlight bleed, especially noticeable during dark scenes. The OLED model eliminates these issues with self-emissive pixels that turn off completely when displaying black, enhancing realism and reducing eye strain over long sessions.

Tip: Play games with dynamic lighting—like Hollow Knight or Celeste—on both models in a dimly lit room to fully appreciate the OLED’s contrast advantage.

However, resolution remains unchanged at 720p in handheld mode for both systems. While the OLED screen is larger, pixel density is slightly lower due to the increased size. This doesn’t result in visible pixelation for most users, but those with sharp eyesight may notice finer details aren't crisper—just brighter and richer.

Beyond the Screen: Other Key Improvements

While the display grabs attention, the OLED model introduces several subtle but meaningful upgrades that enhance usability:

• Larger, adjustable kickstand: A full-width, multi-angle stand makes tabletop mode far more stable and flexible, eliminating the flimsy hinge of the original.
• Improved speakers: Audio output is louder and clearer, with better separation and bass response—ideal for immersive platformers or rhythm games.
• More internal storage: 64GB compared to the original’s 32GB gives extra breathing room for digital purchases, though both support microSD expansion.
• Slightly longer battery life: Up to 9 hours versus 5.5–7 depending on usage, thanks to power-efficient components (not the screen itself).
• Enhanced LAN port: Built-in Ethernet via the dock improves online stability for competitive titles like Smash Bros. or Fortnite.

These changes may seem minor individually, but together they create a noticeably smoother, more reliable experience. The new kickstand alone prevents constant readjustment during multiplayer sessions, while the speaker upgrade makes playing without headphones more enjoyable.

“OLED isn’t just a prettier screen—it’s a holistic refinement. Nintendo addressed nearly every pain point users reported over four years.” — Marcus Reed, Senior Editor at GameTech Review

Side-by-Side Comparison: What Really Changed?

Feature	Original Switch (2017)	Switch OLED (2021)
Screen Size & Type	6.2\" LCD	7\" OLED
Resolution (Handheld)	720p	720p
Contrast / Black Levels	Moderate; backlight bleed common	Excellent; true blacks, no bleed
Battery Life	2.5–6.5 hrs (gaming), ~3 hrs charge	4–9 hrs, ~3.5 hrs charge
Internal Storage	32GB	64GB
Kickstand	Narrow, single-angle, fragile	Wide, multi-angle, durable
Speakers	Adequate, tinny at high volume	Louder, fuller, better clarity
Dock Features	No LAN port	Built-in Gigabit Ethernet
Weight (Handheld)	297g	320g

Note that while the OLED model is slightly heavier, the difference is negligible in practice. Most users report no discomfort after extended play, and the added heft contributes to a more premium feel.

Real-World Use: Does the Upgrade Matter Daily?

To understand whether the OLED upgrade is worth it, consider how you actually use your Switch. Here’s a realistic scenario:

Mini Case Study: Jamie, Casual Player and Parent

Jamie owns the original Switch and uses it primarily in handheld mode during commutes and occasional family game nights. She plays indie titles and co-op adventures with her kids. After two years, she noticed the screen was difficult to see outdoors, the kickstand broke twice, and downloading Animal Crossing: New Horizons filled half her storage.

When she upgraded to the OLED model, the changes transformed her routine. The screen is readable near windows and backseat drives. The new kickstand survives being handled by small hands. With double the storage and faster downloads (thanks to updated internals), setup time dropped significantly. Even simple things—like hearing voice lines more clearly during story scenes—added up to a more enjoyable experience.

For players like Jamie, the OLED isn’t a luxury. It’s a practical improvement that removes friction from everyday gaming.

Who Should Upgrade—and Who Can Wait?

The decision hinges on current ownership, usage patterns, and expectations.

If You Own the Original Switch:

• Upgrade if: You play frequently in handheld mode, struggle with screen visibility, need more storage, or want better tabletop stability.
• Wait if: You mostly play docked (where TV output is identical), rarely leave the house with it, or are satisfied with current performance.

If You’re Buying Your First Switch:

• The OLED model is the clear choice unless budget is tight. At only $50 more than the original launch price ($349 vs $299), it offers future-proofing and better longevity.
• The older model remains available at a discount but lacks modern refinements and may be phased out soon.

Tip: If buying used, verify the model number (HAC-001-01) to confirm it's the revised battery-life version of the original Switch before comparing against OLED.

Is the Screen Upgrade Worth It? A Balanced Verdict

Yes—but with nuance.

The screen upgrade is absolutely worth it for anyone who values visual fidelity, comfort, and durability in portable play. If you’ve ever squinted at your Switch in daylight, cursed a collapsing kickstand, or deleted a game to make space for a new one, the OLED addresses those frustrations directly.

However, if your Switch lives primarily docked to a TV, the benefits shrink considerably. The OLED screen only matters in handheld and tabletop modes. When connected to a television, both models output identically at up to 1080p. In that case, upgrading delivers minimal return on investment.

Additionally, core performance—CPU, GPU, load times, frame rates—is identical across both models. Neither supports advanced features like HDR or variable refresh rate. So while games look better on the OLED screen, they don’t run better.

Checklist: Should You Get the Switch OLED?

1. ✅ Do you play mostly in handheld mode?
2. ✅ Is screen clarity important to you (e.g., reading text in RPGs)?
3. ✅ Have you run out of storage on your current system?
4. ✅ Do you host local multiplayer sessions using tabletop mode?
5. ✅ Are you buying a new console and have budget flexibility?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the OLED model is a worthwhile step up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you tell the difference between OLED and LCD in bright rooms?

Yes, but not for the reason you might think. While OLED screens can appear brighter due to higher contrast, they aren’t inherently more luminous. However, the anti-reflective coating on the OLED model reduces glare significantly, making it easier to see in sunlight or near windows compared to the original’s glossy finish.

Does the OLED drain battery faster because of the larger screen?

No. Despite the larger display, the OLED model lasts longer—up to 9 hours in low-intensity games like Stardew Valley. This is because OLED pixels consume less power when showing dark content, and Nintendo used more efficient components throughout the system. Bright, colorful games still reduce battery life, but overall efficiency improved.

Are games optimized differently for the OLED screen?

No. Developers do not create separate versions for OLED. The enhancement is purely hardware-based—the same image is rendered but displayed with superior color and contrast. Think of it like watching HD content on a better TV: same source, better presentation.

Final Thoughts: Value Beyond Specs

Technology upgrades are often measured in numbers—size, speed, capacity. But the real value of the Switch OLED lies in quality of life. It’s the confidence that your screen won’t wash out on a plane. It’s the relief when the kickstand holds firm during a heated round of Overcooked. It’s having space for another DLC pack without juggling deletions.

For new buyers, the OLED model is the definitive version of the Switch. It represents the culmination of seven years of user feedback and iterative design. For existing owners, the upgrade makes sense only if portable play is central to your habits. If you’re still using the original and love your library, there’s no shame in holding on. But if you find yourself wishing for a clearer picture or sturdier build, the OLED delivers in ways that matter every single day.

🚀 Ready to decide? Assess how you play, not just what you own. Whether you stick with your current Switch or upgrade to OLED, the best console is the one that fits seamlessly into your life. Share your experience—what made *you* switch (or stay)?