The Actual Differences Between the OLED and the LCD Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch has made many changes through the years, such as improving its battery life in 2019, so the new OLED Switch isn’t exactly an unheard-of change. The original Nintendo Switch has an LCD display, which isn’t bad, either. The Switch you choose to purchase largely depends on what you want out of the console.
What Makes the New Switch Different From the Old Switch?
As you’ll see, most of the differences between the LCD Switch and OLED Switch are cosmetic, but you may encounter a few functional differences that could influence your decision to upgrade.
1. Screen Size
The new Nintendo Switch has a much larger screen compared to the old Switch. The OLED screen is bigger and brighter, giving the console a sleeker appearance while also displaying games gorgeously. While the original screen was only around 6.2 inches, the OLED screen is 7 inches long. It isn’t a huge difference, but when you’re playing on the handheld version, you may need every inch of the screen you can get.
2. The Kickstand
Gamers who own the OG Switch might understand the pain of using the flimsy, thin kickstand. The OLED Switch has rectified this problem by expanding the kickstand to cover the entire base, making it sturdier. You can prop the new Switch up without fear of it toppling over too easily.
3. The Dock
The shapes of the docks themselves are different. While the old Switch has a more angular and rigid form, the OLED Nintendo Switch boasts rounded edges. The newer version is smoother than the old, lending it a more pleasing aesthetic.
The new OLED Switch features an Ethernet port. It’s the first of Nintendo’s consoles to feature one, which could revolutionize gaming for those who live in areas with an unsteady Wi-Fi connection. Though Ethernet cables vary in length, they all can provide you with a more stable connection, allowing you to play online with friends without issue.
4. More Storage Space
The original Switch only has around 32GB of storage. The OLED Switch doubles this amount, and with 64GB to use, you have plenty of space for all your favorite games. You can also use this opportunity to download more digital copies of games rather than buying their physical variations. Physical copies take up space and aren’t exactly friendly to the handheld idea of the Switch — which means that you may forget your favorite games while out and about.
5. Overall Size
The OLED Switch is larger than the original Switch, so some of the accessories you acquired before the upgrade may not fit correctly. Particularly if you have a case for your original Switch that you’re overly attached to, making the upgrade may not be worth it. Screen protectors also have to be different sizes, as the OLED version has a bigger screen.
How to Choose Which Nintendo Switch Is Best for You
The OLED Switch is a definite upgrade from the original Nintendo Switch, but it might not be the best fit for everyone. While it does feature many improvements, aside from a few design choices, it’s essentially the same Nintendo Switch you know and love.
If battery life is a concern for you, you may be relieved to find out that both the 2019 version of the Nintendo Switch and the OLED Switch have the same battery life. However, if your Switch is from the original release, you may consider upgrading to the OLED version for a better experience and less charging time.
Sometimes, with LCD screens, pixels can burn out and leave blackness and holes where images should be. Consider upgrading your Switch to the OLED version if you’ve had your current console since it was released or if it is not the 2019 version with minimal improvements.
The OLED version is an upgrade from a regular Switch, but if you’re holding out for something amazing and revolutionary, it isn’t this updated version. The OLED Switch does have a better picture and performs much better in handheld and tabletop mode than the original version with the LCD screen and flimsy kickstand, but if your current Switch is working just fine, consider waiting until the next major upgrade.
Improvement With Every Version of the Nintendo Switch
The Switch is still one of the most popular consoles. In its first two years of production, it sold over 32 million consoles. Opt for the OLED version if you don’t already have a Nintendo Switch. However, if you can’t find anything wrong with your current device, consider waiting to upgrade to the OLED Switch until you need to. Ultimately, whether you choose to upgrade depends on your preference and whether the improved features of the OLED version would benefit you.