Nintendo Switch OLED Vs. Original: Which Is Best?
Hey guys! Let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Nintendo Switch OLED and the original Nintendo Switch. If you're on the fence about upgrading or just curious about the differences, you've come to the right place. We'll cover everything from screen quality and design to performance and battery life, helping you make an informed decision. So, grab your Joy-Cons and let's get started!
Display Differences: OLED vs. LCD
The most significant difference between the Nintendo Switch OLED and the original model is, of course, the display. The OLED model boasts a vibrant OLED screen, while the original uses a standard LCD. Let's break down what that means for your gaming experience.
OLED Advantage
The OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) screen on the newer Switch offers several advantages. First off, colors are much more vibrant and punchy. Think of it like upgrading from a standard TV to a high-end one – everything just pops more. This is because OLED panels can produce true blacks by completely turning off individual pixels. This leads to incredible contrast, making games look more immersive and visually appealing. Imagine exploring the dark depths of Hyrule in Breath of the Wild or racing through the colorful tracks of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – the OLED screen elevates these experiences significantly.
Another key benefit is the improved viewing angles. With the OLED screen, you can view the display from almost any angle without color distortion or loss of brightness. This is particularly great for multiplayer gaming on the go, where players might be viewing the screen from different positions. The OLED screen makes those impromptu gaming sessions with friends even better.
LCD on the Original Switch
The original Nintendo Switch uses an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), which is still a decent screen, but it doesn't quite match the visual fidelity of OLED. LCD screens use a backlight to illuminate the pixels, which means that true blacks are harder to achieve. Instead of deep blacks, you often get a grayish hue. Colors are also less vibrant compared to OLED, and the contrast isn't as striking. However, the LCD screen is perfectly serviceable and still provides an enjoyable gaming experience, especially if you've never experienced OLED.
One advantage of LCD screens is that they can be more energy-efficient in some scenarios, particularly when displaying bright images. However, the overall power consumption difference between the OLED and LCD models isn't substantial enough to be a major deciding factor for most people.
Real-World Impact
In practical terms, the difference in screen technology translates to a more immersive and visually pleasing experience on the OLED model. Games look richer, more detailed, and more engaging. If you're someone who appreciates visual fidelity, the OLED screen is a significant upgrade. For example, playing a game like Metroid Dread on the OLED screen is a treat, as the dark and atmospheric environments truly shine. But if you're primarily focused on gameplay and don't mind slightly less vibrant visuals, the original Switch's LCD screen will still get the job done.
Design and Build Quality
Beyond the screen, there are several design and build quality differences between the Nintendo Switch OLED and the original model. These changes, while subtle, add up to a more refined and premium experience.
Size and Weight
The OLED model is slightly larger than the original Switch, primarily due to the larger screen size (7 inches compared to 6.2 inches). However, the difference is minimal, and both consoles are still highly portable. The OLED model also weighs slightly more, but again, the difference is negligible – you likely won't notice it during regular gameplay. The dimensions of the OLED model are approximately 4 inches high, 9.5 inches long, and 0.55 inches deep, while the original Switch is about 4 inches high, 9.4 inches long, and 0.55 inches deep. As you can see, the size difference is almost unnoticeable.
Improved Kickstand
One of the most welcome design improvements is the wider, more sturdy kickstand on the OLED model. The original Switch had a flimsy kickstand that was prone to snapping off or collapsing, making tabletop mode a bit precarious. The OLED model features a full-width kickstand that provides much better support and stability. This is a game-changer for anyone who frequently uses tabletop mode for multiplayer gaming or watching videos. The improved kickstand makes the OLED model feel much more premium and well-designed.
Enhanced Audio
The Nintendo Switch OLED also features enhanced audio compared to the original model. The speakers have been redesigned to deliver clearer and more immersive sound. While the difference isn't night and day, the improved audio adds to the overall gaming experience, especially when playing without headphones. The enhanced audio is particularly noticeable in games with rich soundscapes, like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Animal Crossing: New Horizons. You'll appreciate the added depth and clarity, making your gaming sessions even more enjoyable.
Internal Storage
The OLED model comes with 64GB of internal storage, double the 32GB found in the original Switch. This is a significant upgrade, especially if you download a lot of games from the Nintendo eShop. While you can still expand the storage with a microSD card on both models, having more built-in storage is always a plus. It means you can store more games, screenshots, and videos directly on the console without needing to rely on external storage. This is particularly useful for those who like to have a variety of games readily available without constantly swapping out microSD cards.
Performance and Battery Life
When it comes to performance and battery life, the differences between the Nintendo Switch OLED and the original model are minimal. Both consoles use the same NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor, so you can expect similar frame rates and loading times in games. However, there are some slight variations in battery life due to the OLED screen's power efficiency.
Performance Parity
Both the OLED and original Switch offer virtually identical performance. Games run just as smoothly on both consoles, with no noticeable differences in frame rates or graphical fidelity. This means that you won't be missing out on any performance improvements by sticking with the original Switch. Games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Splatoon 2 play just as well on both models. The shared processor ensures a consistent gaming experience across both platforms.
Battery Life
The OLED model's battery life is slightly better than the original Switch in some scenarios. The OLED screen is more power-efficient when displaying darker images, which can lead to longer playtime in games with predominantly dark environments. However, the difference isn't huge – you can expect around 30 minutes to an hour of extra playtime on the OLED model under optimal conditions. Nintendo estimates the battery life for the OLED model to be between 4.5 to 9 hours, while the original Switch is rated for 2.5 to 6.5 hours. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary depending on the game you're playing and your screen brightness settings. Games that are graphically intensive or require a lot of processing power will drain the battery faster on both models.
Docking and TV Mode
Both the Nintendo Switch OLED and the original model can be docked and played on a TV. However, the OLED model comes with an upgraded dock that includes a built-in LAN port. This is a welcome addition for gamers who prefer a wired internet connection for more stable online play. The original Switch dock does not have a LAN port, so you would need to use a USB-to-Ethernet adapter for a wired connection.
Upgraded Dock
The OLED model's dock features a sleek design and includes two USB ports, an HDMI port, and the aforementioned LAN port. The LAN port is particularly useful for online multiplayer games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Splatoon 2, where a stable internet connection is crucial. The upgraded dock also has a slightly more streamlined design compared to the original dock. While the functionality is largely the same, the addition of the LAN port is a significant improvement for serious online gamers.
TV Mode Performance
When docked and played on a TV, both the OLED and original Switch output at the same resolution and frame rates. You won't see any graphical or performance differences between the two models when playing on a TV. This means that if you primarily play your Switch on a TV, the OLED model's screen improvements won't be as noticeable. The main advantage of the OLED model in TV mode is the upgraded dock with the LAN port, which can improve your online gaming experience.
Price and Value
The Nintendo Switch OLED typically retails at a higher price point than the original Nintendo Switch. The extra cost gets you the superior OLED screen, improved kickstand, enhanced audio, double the internal storage, and the upgraded dock with a LAN port. Whether or not these upgrades are worth the extra money depends on your individual preferences and priorities.
Is the OLED Worth It?
For gamers who value visual fidelity and frequently play in handheld or tabletop mode, the OLED model is definitely worth considering. The vibrant OLED screen, sturdy kickstand, and enhanced audio make for a more immersive and enjoyable gaming experience. The extra storage is also a nice bonus, especially if you download a lot of games. However, if you primarily play your Switch on a TV or are on a tight budget, the original Switch is still a great option. It offers the same core gaming experience at a lower price point.
Considering the Original Switch
The original Nintendo Switch remains a fantastic console, especially for those new to the Switch ecosystem. It provides access to the same great library of games and offers a similar overall experience. If you're not particularly concerned about having the absolute best visual quality or the upgraded features of the OLED model, the original Switch is an excellent value. Plus, you can often find it at discounted prices, making it an even more attractive option.
Conclusion: Which Switch is Right for You?
So, which Nintendo Switch is right for you? It really boils down to your personal preferences and how you plan to use the console. If you're a handheld gaming enthusiast who appreciates vibrant visuals and premium features, the Nintendo Switch OLED is the way to go. The improved screen, kickstand, and audio make for a significantly enhanced gaming experience. On the other hand, if you're primarily a TV gamer or are looking for the most affordable option, the original Nintendo Switch is still a fantastic choice. It offers the same great games and core functionality at a lower price. Ultimately, both consoles provide access to the wonderful world of Nintendo gaming, so you can't go wrong with either one. Happy gaming, folks!