Nintendo offers both the Switch and the Switch OLED. MeinMMO editor Benedikt Schlotmann bought the Switch OLED and would no longer recommend purchasing the regular Switch after several hours of gaming fun.
Nintendo introduced the Switch OLED as an “upgrade” for the popular handheld console. However, many users expressed disappointment with the OLED version. After all, better and faster hardware was expected, not just a new display. Depending on the offer, Nintendo charges 50 – 70 euros more for the Switch OLED than for the standard version with an LCD screen.
I had the same considerations and pondered whether the price increase was really worth it. After all, it is “just” a new display. However, I have since spent several hours with the Switch OLED. Since then, I would hardly recommend the regular Switch to anyone.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Nintendo Switch (OLED-Modell) Weiss* | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
Is the OLED version really an “upgrade”? Definitely!
Here’s why the OLED display is so good: You can really notice the difference when you lay the consoles side by side. My girlfriend bought her Switch a few years ago, and it has the LCD display. When I place my Switch OLED next to it, the difference is very clear:
- The display is slightly larger, or the bezels are slightly slimmer.
- The colors and contrasts are much richer and more vivid.
- With the slightly larger display, small text appeared a bit blurry to me at first glance. But that could just be my imagination.
- Backlighting is significantly better, as each pixel in the OLED display lights up individually.
Especially the richer colors are noticeable. Everything looks more washed out and lifeless on the regular Switch. This is especially visible in very colorful games. I am not alone in this view, as many testers praised the Switch OLED for its display.
Pay attention to certain colors in the first image. For example, the blue on Bulbasaur or the purple flower above it. Especially with colors like blue, red, or green, you notice the advantage of OLED. The larger display is also noticeable.
In the second image, you can see it as well. Pay attention to the upper right triangle or the red pants. Or the richer yellow on Pikachu in the upper right half. The colors of the regular Switch appear somewhat paler and less saturated in comparison.
And if you don’t believe pictures and words, then check out the video by “Open Surprise” on YouTube: Here you can see the OLED version on the left and the regular version on the right. The differences are clearly visible.
OLED is great for me – If you only play on the TV, save the money
Is the regular Switch no longer recommended? Since I use the console exclusively in handheld mode, the regular Switch is no longer recommended for me. The OLED display is a huge improvement for me, and I hope Nintendo retains the OLED display in a possible Switch Pro.
But here comes the big and important “but”: If you use your console exclusively at the docking station, then the OLED variant is not worth it. Because you don’t benefit from the great display if you play on the TV. And the docking station with LAN port, which is included for the first time with the OLED, can be purchased separately for around 60 euros. You don’t need to buy the expensive version of the Switch for that.
You can also read about the similarities and differences between Switch OLED vs Switch in the following article:
More tips and tricks around the Switch: If you already have a Switch or have bought one like me? Then take a look at our extensive special. Here we present the best tips and settings for the Nintendo Switch:
8 Tips and settings for the Nintendo Switch that you must know
