Switch OLED vs. Screen Size: Which Switch Is Best?
Choosing the right Nintendo Switch can be tricky, especially with different models available. The decision often boils down to key features that impact your gaming experience. Today, we’re diving into a crucial comparison: the Nintendo Switch OLED Model versus the standard Switch, focusing on display and overall size.
The Nintendo Switch OLED boasts a vibrant, enhanced display, promising richer colors and deeper blacks, making your games look stunning. However, the standard Switch’s screen size might be a significant factor for some players. We’ll explore the pros and cons to help you make the best choice.
This comparison will unpack the differences in screen technology, overall dimensions, and how they affect your gameplay. Whether you prioritize visual fidelity or portability, understanding these distinctions is key. Let’s see how the Switch OLED stacks up against the Switch’s screen size to determine which console reigns supreme for your gaming needs.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Switch OLED | Switch Screen Size |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 7-inch OLED | Varies – standard, lite |
| Screen Technology | OLED | LCD |
| Resolution | 1280 x 720 | 1280 x 720 |
| Internal Storage | 64GB | 32GB (Standard), N/A (Lite) |
| Docking Station | Enhanced Dock | Standard Dock |
| Ethernet Port | Yes | No |
| Audio | Enhanced Speakers | Standard Speakers |
| Kickstand | Wider, Adjustable | Small, Basic |
| Joy-Con Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Online Play | Yes | Yes |
| Game Library | Nintendo Switch Games | Nintendo Switch Games |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Screen Technology
- Switch OLED: Features a 7-inch OLED screen, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. The OLED technology provides a more immersive viewing experience, but can be susceptible to burn-in over time if static elements are displayed for extended periods.
- Switch Screen Size: Refers to the original Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite’s LCD screen, which is generally smaller. While offering a good image, it lacks the color depth and contrast of OLED, and may appear less impressive in direct comparison.
- Winner: switch oled
Screen Size (Diagonal)
- Switch OLED: Boasts a 7-inch OLED screen, providing a larger display area for enhanced visibility and gameplay immersion.
- Switch Screen Size: Typically has a 6.2-inch LCD screen (original Switch) or 5.5-inch (Switch Lite), offering a smaller viewing area.
- Winner: switch oled
Resolution
- Switch OLED: Has the same 720p resolution on the handheld screen.
- Switch Screen Size: Offers the same 720p resolution on the handheld screen.
- Winner: Tie
Brightness
- Switch OLED: OLED screens can achieve high brightness levels and offer excellent contrast, making them suitable for various lighting conditions.
- Switch Screen Size: Can be bright, but the LCD technology may struggle in bright sunlight, and the contrast is not as strong as OLED.
- Winner: switch oled
Color Accuracy and Gamut
- Switch OLED: OLED screens excel in color accuracy and offer a wider color gamut, resulting in more vibrant and realistic visuals.
- Switch Screen Size: LCD screens provide decent color, but may not be as accurate or expansive as OLED in representing colors.
- Winner: switch oled
Bezel Design
- Switch OLED: Features a more modern design with slimmer bezels around the screen, maximizing the viewing area within a similar overall device size.
- Switch Screen Size: Has thicker bezels compared to the OLED model, which may detract slightly from the visual experience.
- Winner: switch oled
Price
- Switch OLED: Typically more expensive.
- Switch Screen Size: Generally more affordable.
- Winner: switch screen size
Overall Visual Experience
- Switch OLED: Provides a significantly improved visual experience with richer colors, deeper blacks, higher contrast, and a larger screen.
- Switch Screen Size: Offers a good visual experience, but falls short of the OLED model’s display quality.
- Winner: switch oled
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Screen Quality | Switch OLED |
| Handheld Experience | Switch OLED |
| Docking Features | Switch OLED |
| Value | Switch Screen Size |
| Portability (Switch Lite) | Switch Screen Size |
What They Have in Common:
- Gaming Library: Both consoles can play the same extensive library of Nintendo Switch games, providing access to a wide variety of titles.
- Joy-Con Controllers: Both systems are compatible with the detachable Joy-Con controllers, allowing for versatile gameplay options, including tabletop and handheld modes.
- Online Services: Both consoles support Nintendo’s online service, enabling players to enjoy online multiplayer gaming, cloud saves, and access to a library of classic games.
- Docking Capabilities: Both consoles can be docked to a TV to play games on a larger screen, though the OLED model has an enhanced dock.
- Handheld Mode: Both consoles can be played in handheld mode, allowing for gaming on the go, providing portability and convenience.
Switch Oled Vs Switch Screen Size Buying Guide
Switch OLED: Enhanced Visuals and Immersion
The Switch OLED model boasts a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen, offering significantly improved visuals compared to the original Switch. Colors are richer, blacks are deeper, and the contrast ratio is far superior. This leads to a more immersive gaming experience, especially in games with dark environments or vibrant color palettes. The OLED screen truly shines in handheld mode, making games look more visually appealing. Furthermore, the wider viewing angles ensure the picture quality remains consistent even when viewed from different positions.
The enhanced screen is complemented by a wider kickstand and improved audio, creating a more premium feel. While the resolution remains the same at 720p in handheld mode and 1080p when docked, the OLED technology makes a noticeable difference. The Switch OLED also includes 64GB of internal storage, double that of the original model, allowing for more game downloads. Consider if you value superior visual fidelity above all else for your handheld gaming.
Switch Screen Size: Portability and Budget Considerations
The original Switch, with its smaller screen size, prioritizes portability and affordability. The 6.2-inch LCD screen is still perfectly functional and delivers a good gaming experience, though it lacks the visual pop of the OLED model. The smaller screen size can make the device more comfortable to hold for extended play sessions, especially for younger gamers or those with smaller hands. The original Switch is generally less expensive, making it a more accessible option for budget-conscious buyers.
The size difference also makes the original Switch potentially more easily pocketable. While the difference in screen size is not massive, it can be a factor if you prioritize extreme portability. The original Switch also offers a longer battery life in some newer revisions, which could be a factor for long gaming sessions. Consider if cost and portability are your primary concerns, the original Switch might be the better choice.
Screen Technology: OLED vs. LCD
The core difference between the two Switch models lies in their screen technology. The OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) screen in the newer model offers self-emissive pixels, meaning each pixel produces its own light. This results in perfect blacks, high contrast ratios, and vibrant colors. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens, like the one in the original Switch, require a backlight to illuminate the pixels. This limits the contrast ratio and can result in less vibrant colors, especially in dark scenes.
OLED screens also tend to have faster response times, reducing motion blur. However, OLEDs can be susceptible to burn-in if static elements are displayed on the screen for extended periods. LCDs do not have this issue. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference for visual quality and your gaming habits. Consider what screen technology best suits your gaming needs and preferences.
Handheld vs. Docked Experience
The handheld experience is where the screen differences truly shine. The OLED screen delivers a more immersive and visually stunning experience while playing in handheld mode. The richer colors and deeper blacks enhance the details of the game and create a more engaging experience. However, when docked and connected to a TV, both Switch models output at the same 1080p resolution, negating the advantage of the OLED screen.
The original Switch remains a perfectly capable device when used in handheld mode. The improved viewing angles of the OLED model also help with multiplayer play in handheld mode. Consider how important the handheld experience is to you. If you primarily play docked, the OLED screen may not be worth the extra cost. If you play handheld often, the OLED screen will make a big difference.
Storage and Other Features
The Switch OLED model comes with 64GB of internal storage, double the 32GB found in the original Switch. This extra storage is a welcome addition, especially if you prefer to download digital games. Both models support microSD cards for expanding storage. The Switch OLED also includes a wider adjustable kickstand, providing a more stable base for tabletop gaming. The audio has also been improved.
The original Switch has a slightly longer battery life in some revisions, but the difference is not substantial. Both models support the same Joy-Con controllers and offer the same online services. Consider how important internal storage is to you, as this can impact your game library. Check out the kickstand upgrade on OLED, and consider the improved audio quality, for a more immersive experience.
Price and Value Proposition
The Switch OLED model typically costs more than the original Switch. This price difference reflects the upgraded screen, storage, and other enhancements. The value proposition depends on your priorities. If you value superior visuals and a premium feel, the OLED model is worth the extra cost. However, if you are on a budget or prioritize affordability, the original Switch remains an excellent gaming console.
Consider how often you will use the handheld mode, and how much you value the visual enhancements of the OLED screen. Also, compare the prices between the two models in your area to see which one fits your budget. The original Switch offers an excellent value. Weigh these factors to determine which console offers the best value for your gaming needs and budget.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Switch OLED If…
- You prioritize a vibrant and enhanced visual experience with deeper blacks and richer colors.
- You want an improved kickstand for better tabletop gaming.
- You frequently play in handheld mode and desire the best possible screen quality.
- You want the convenience of a built-in Ethernet port in the dock.
Buy Switch Screen Size If…
- You’re on a budget and looking for a more affordable option.
- You primarily play docked and the screen quality is less of a priority.
- You prefer a lighter and more portable console (Switch Lite).
- You don’t need the enhanced features of the OLED model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Switch OLED and the original Switch?
The primary difference is the screen. The Switch OLED features a 7-inch OLED screen with improved color, contrast, and black levels, leading to a more vibrant and immersive handheld gaming experience. The original Switch has a 6.2-inch LCD screen.
Does the Switch OLED have better performance than the original Switch?
No, both consoles have the same processing power and performance capabilities. The OLED model’s improvements are purely visual, and do not affect the frame rates or game loading times. The differences are confined to the screen, audio, and storage.
Is the Switch OLED worth the extra money?
That depends on your priorities. If you frequently play in handheld mode and value superior visuals, the OLED screen is a significant upgrade. If you are on a budget, or primarily play docked, the original Switch is still a great option and offers excellent value.
Does the Switch OLED have a better battery life?
The Switch OLED’s battery life is similar to the later revisions of the original Switch. In some cases, the original Switch might even have a slightly longer battery life. However, real-world performance varies depending on the game and screen brightness.
Can I use my existing Joy-Con controllers with the Switch OLED?
Yes, the Switch OLED is fully compatible with all existing Joy-Con controllers and other accessories designed for the original Switch. You can swap controllers between the two consoles without any compatibility issues.
Does the Switch OLED have a higher resolution?
No, both the Switch OLED and the original Switch output at 1080p when docked to a TV and 720p in handheld mode. The OLED model’s visual improvements come from its screen technology, not a higher resolution.
What are the other differences besides the screen?
The Switch OLED has a wider adjustable kickstand, improved audio, and 64GB of internal storage (compared to the original Switch’s 32GB). The OLED model also has a slightly redesigned dock with a built-in Ethernet port. The overall build quality and feel is improved.
Final Verdict
The Switch OLED offers a significant visual upgrade with its vibrant display and improved features, providing a more immersive handheld experience. However, the original Switch remains a strong contender, especially for those prioritizing affordability or who primarily play docked. The choice depends on individual priorities and budget. The OLED is the better handheld experience.
Winner: Switch OLED