From the outset, the Nintendo Switch OLED boasts an improved look and feel over the Nintendo Switch Lite, not to mention the increased size. But despite their obvious differences, in terms of performance, the two consoles are quite similar in terms of performance.
If you’re looking to implement one of Nintendo’s consoles into your setup, there’s a lot to consider beyond looks. When Nintendo Switch OLED Display boasts the same composability of the standard Nintendo Switch control panel, the Nintendo Switch Lite is an exclusive handheld that’s perfect for gamers on the go but doesn’t offer the same versatility.
Also, price is an important factor to consider when comparing pairs. OLED is the newest Nintendo Switch model, so its price reflects that, while the Nintendo Switch Lite is a bit cheaper. To make buying decisions a little easier, we’ve compiled a guide to everything you need to know before you buy.
Nintendo Switch OLED vs Nintendo Switch Lite: price and release date
Nintendo Switch OLED is priced at $349.99 / £309 / AU$539 and launches on October 8, 2021. Technically, this is the fourth version of the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Switch console, as Nintendo refreshed the original model in 2019 with improved battery life and a more efficient CPU, along with the release of the Nintendo Switch Lite.
Speaking of Switch Lite, Nintendo’s handheld-only model costs $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$329.95 and was released in 2019. This makes the Switch OLED model $150 more expensive than the Switch Lite, which is a significant savings for some.
Nintendo Switch OLED vs Nintendo Switch Lite: design and features
Nintendo Switch OLED looks almost identical to the original Switch console, detachable Joy-Con Controller, the button layout is the same, and the same Neon Blue and Red tones are available – although it also has a Luxury White option. The biggest difference is the panel’s powerful OLED display, which measures 7 inches compared to the original’s 6.2 inches, with thinner bezels for a more modern look.
The Nintendo Switch OLED stand has also been overhauled. It’s wider, more flexible, and allows you to position the panel at more angles in tabletop mode. The OLED Switch is also equipped with better speakers, along with 64GB of internal storage – double that of the original. All this while barely expanding the panel’s size and weight.
Those who choose the Nintendo Switch OLED will have access to a dock that looks better than the original, has rounded edges, and a built-in ethernet port to provide a more solid connection when playing online. Here’s what’s inside the Nintendo Switch OLED:
- Size: 9.5 x 0.55 x 4 inches (wxdxh)
- Weight: Approx. 0.71 lbs / 0.93 lbs with included Joy-Con controller
- Screen: Multi-touch capacitive touch screen / 7 inch OLED screen
- Resolution: 1280 x 720 (720p)
- CPU/GPU: Nvidia Custom Tegra . Processor
- Warehouse: 64GB (expandable with a microSDHC or microSDXC card up to 2TB)
- Wireless: Wi-Fi (compatible with 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac)
- Video output: Up to 1080p via HDMI in TV mode, 720p in handheld mode
- Audio output: 5.1 Linear PCM
- Loudspeakers: Stereo sound
- USB connected devices: USB Type-C for charging
- 3.5mm . headphone jack
- Battery life: about 4.5-9 hours
- Charging time: about 3 hours
Nintendo Switch Lite is another recommendation. It bypasses the combined Joy Con detached nature of the OLED Switch to become a handheld-only device, which gives it the enviable benefit of being the only Switch with a dedicated D-Pad. use. However, you cannot display the game on your TV, nor can you turn on the Joy-Cons.
Its mobile focus means it’s smaller in size, with a 5.5-inch display that’s 1.5 inches shorter than the Switch OLED. There’s also a wider choice of case colors than the new Switch, including Gray, Turquoise, Yellow, Coral, and Blue.
From a technical perspective, the Switch Lite matches the Nintendo Switch OLED. However, it doesn’t have impressive battery life – 3 to 7 hours on average compared to 4.5 to 9 hours.
Here’s what’s inside the Nintendo Switch Lite:
- Size: 8.2 x 0.55 x 3.6 inches (wxdxh)
- Weight: Approximately 0.61 lbs
- Screen: Multi-touch capacitive touch screen / 5.5 inch LCD screen
- Resolution: 1280 x 720 (720p)
- CPU/GPU: Nvidia Custom Tegra . Processor
- Warehouse: 32GB (expandable with microSDHC or microSDXC cards up to 2TB)
- Wireless: Wi-Fi (compatible with 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac)
- Speakers: Stereo
- USB connected devices: USB Type-C for charging
- 3.5mm . headphone jack
- Battery life: about 3-7 hours
- Charging time: about 3 hours
Nintendo Switch OLED vs Nintendo Switch Lite: games
The good news is that Switch OLED and Switch Lite can play them all Best Nintendo Switch game available. Nintendo has noted that experience with Toy-Con accessories from Nintendo Labs series may differ due to Switch OLED’s larger screen, but that seems to be the only issue.
However, it’s important to note that the Nintendo Switch Lite won’t let you experience the game on the big screen as it’s purely a handheld-only device. You also can’t remove the Joy-Con to enjoy the multiplayer fun or use the motion controls, and its LCD screen won’t look as good as the new OLED screen. However, the Switch Lite is significantly cheaper and still a great way to play the latest Switch games.
Another area where the Nintendo Switch OLED has a clear advantage over the Nintendo Switch Lite when it comes to games is that it has 64GB of internal storage instead of 32GB. That means you’ll have more room to play if you want to download your games digitally from Nintendo Switch Electronic Store.
With that said, you can expand the memory of both Switch consoles thanks to micro SD card slot, support compatible cards up to 2TB. They tend to be cheap, especially during events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Fridayso it’s a negligible difference.
Nintendo Switch OLED vs Nintendo Switch Lite: Verdict
Nintendo’s updated Switch OLED model is sure to appeal to newcomers who want the best Switch experience available. But the Nintendo Switch Lite is still an attractive proposition due to its cheaper price tag and more portable form factor.
While you can’t go wrong with either model, the OLED Switch offers more versatility as you can play on the go or on the TV when docked. However, it will be no different from the original Switch when playing on the big screen, as Nintendo has chosen not to use the 4K output. Where it shines, however, is in handheld mode, thanks to the vibrant and larger OLED display.
The choice between the two consoles will tend to depend on how you want to use your Switch. If you can’t picture yourself playing in any other way than handheld and want a more compact form factor, then the Nintendo Switch Lite could be the right choice. If you want to enjoy everything the Switch has to offer, including TV mode, handheld mode, and tabletop mode, we recommend the more expensive Nintendo Switch OLED.
