The Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular video game systems of all time, making choosing the right model an important decision if you’re buying it as a gift or for yourself.
There are 3 Nintendo Switch models, with the best being the premium Nintendo Switch OLED model that can be played in both handheld and television modes. If you’re on a budget but want access to both modes of play, the standard Nintendo Switch model will work fine. Lastly, the Nintendo Switch Lite is great for handheld-only play and is the least expensive of the bunch.
You can’t go wrong no matter which Nintendo Switch model you choose because all three are great video game consoles with a library of over 6,000 games and counting.
Today, I’ll be going into more detail to help you decided which Nintendo Switch is best for you by explaining what Nintendo Switch, OLED, and Lite consoles are, the pros and cons of each, and more.
If you’re interested in checking out the most popular Nintendo Switch games, you can find them by clicking here.
What is a Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch is a handheld, home console hybrid video game system released on March 3rd, 2017.
It’s a popular mobile device that can be played in handheld mode or connected to a television to play games on a larger screen. The system allows owners to play anywhere, anytime in their preferred manner.
There are three Nintendo Switch models as of date: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch (OLED).
The original Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, the handheld-only Nintendo Switch Lite released on September 20th 2019, and the premium Nintendo Switch (OLED) with a larger, vibrant screen launched on October 8th, 2021.
They all have access to the same expansive Nintendo Switch library, and all three models can connect and interact with one another for multiplayer sessions.
Of course, each have strengths and weaknesses dependent on your preferences and lifestyle.
What is a Nintendo Switch Lite? And how is it different from the Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a handheld-only version of the Nintendo Switch. You cannot connect the Nintendo Switch Lite to a television set like you can with the original Nintendo Switch.
However, most Nintendo Switch game cards work with both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite.
Specifically, Nintendo Switch Lite only plays games that support Handheld mode (which is nearly all 6,0000 titles besides select ones).
The Nintendo Switch Lite also has a slightly smaller screen and has a smaller form with controllers permanently attached to its sides like previous Nintendo handhelds. In comparison, the original Nintendo Switch comes with a set of detachable controllers called Joy-Cons.
The Nintendo Switch Lite is also less expensive than the original Nintendo Switch and lighter in weight.
What is a Nintendo Switch (OLED)? And how is it different from the Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch (OLED) is a premium version of the standard Nintendo Switch model that comes with a larger, more vibrant 7-inch OLED screen.
The OLED model also has double the internal storage of the previous unit (64 versus 32 GB), a more stable stand for tabletop play, enhanced audio speakers, and a television dock with a wired internet port for more stable connections.
The OLED Nintendo Switch model plays all 6,000 Nintendo Switch games, supports Handheld or Television modes, and comes with one pair of detachable Joy-Con controllers. It also seamlessly interacts and connects to other Nintendo Switch models for multiplayer sessions.
Of course, Nintendo Switch (OLED) has a higher price point than the other Nintendo Switch models and is slightly longer and heavier as a result of its larger screen.
What Nintendo Switch console is better?
As a whole, Nintendo Switch (OLED) is the best Nintendo Switch and provides the most features for its price point. It’s larger and better screen, solid battery life, and increased internal storage makes it the de-facto first choice for all new Nintendo Switch buyers.
If you only plan on playing in handheld mode or if you’re on a budget, however, the Nintendo Switch Lite is the perfect model to go with.
Now let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each Nintendo Switch Unit.
1) Standard Nintendo Switch Pros and Cons
The original Nintendo Switch supports all Switch games and can be played in Handheld or Television modes. The unit is solid with a 6.2 LCD screen and 32 GB of storage
But it’s large size and weight makes it less portable than other mobile devices and it has a higher price than the Lite model.
| NINTENDO SWITCH PROS |
| Plays all Switch games |
| Supports TV, Tabletop, Handheld modes |
| Includes controller |
| NINTENDO SWITCH CONS |
| Large and less portable |
| Heavier than Lite |
| More expensive than Lite |
2) Nintendo Switch Lite Pros and Cons
The Nintendo Switch Lite is the most portable and the least expensive Switch model. The Lite is small and compact which makes it great for travel; it also comes in a variety of cool colors such as yellow and teal.
But it can only be played handheld with games that support Handheld Mode.
| NINTENDO SWITCH LITE PROS |
| Smaller and lighter |
| Portable by design with attached controllers |
| Least expensive Switch Model |
| NINTENDO SWITCH LITE CONS |
| Smaller screen |
| Cannot connect to TV |
| Only plays game that support Handheld mode |
3) Nintendo Switch (OLED) Pros And Cons
The Nintendo Switch (OLED) supports all Switch games and can be played in Handheld or Television modes. The unit has a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen with 64 GB of storage and a wired internet connection for TV play.
But it’s the most expensive, heaviest, and least portable Switch out of the bunch.
| NINTENDO SWITCH OLED PROS |
| Plays all Switch games |
| Supports TV, Tabletop, Handheld modes |
| Includes controller |
| NINTENDO SWITCH OLED CONS |
| Largest and heaviest Switch model |
| Least portable Switch model |
| Most expensive Switch model |
As you can see, all three Nintendo Switch systems are great consoles and each one has the same amount of pros and cons.
Realistically, the better console is entirely dependent on your lifestyle and how you will be gaming.
Now, its time to find out which Nintendo Switch is best for you.
What Nintendo Switch Console Is Right For You? And What Nintendo Switch Should You Buy?
I think you have a strong idea about which Nintendo Switch console is right for you and which Nintendo Switch console you should buy at this point.
A) Why You Should Purchase A Nintendo Switch (OLED)
The Nintendo Switch (OLED) is recommended if you are planning to play on both the television and in handheld mode, play multiplayer games with friends and family often (much easier to do when connected to a television), if you prefer detachable controllers, want a larger handheld screen, and don’t mind the device’s larger size.
You can also purchase an original Nintendo Switch if you are on a budget, but know that Nintendo Switch (OLED) includes mores storage, a larger and better screen, and is definitely worth its price.
B) Why You Should Purchase A Nintendo Switch Lite
The Nintendo Switch Lite is recommended if you will NEVER want to play games on a big screen, if you prefer handheld gaming only, if you want a lighter and more compact system, and if you don’t mind missing out on a few games that are not compatible with the Lite.
Simply put, the original Nintendo Switch and OLED models are great for TV plus handheld play while the Nintendo Switch Lite is a portable system perfect for handheld-only gaming.
If you are still having trouble figuring out which Nintendo Switch system is for you, check out the following questions and answers section that covers different scenarios you may encounter.
Which Nintendo Switch is right for you? Scenario Question and Answers!
Quickly read and answer these Nintendo Switch questions to see which model is right for you. For the sake of simplicity, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch (OLED) will be clumped together and written simply as “Nintendo Switch”.
As a whole, you can’t go wrong with any Nintendo Switch system if you enjoy a large library of games.
Will you be playing on the television?
- Nintendo Switch
Will you be throwing parties, game nights, or social functions that requires everyone to see the game screen?
- Nintendo Switch
Will you be living with roommates, friends, or families that enjoy gaming too?
- Nintendo Switch
Do you prefer having a wired internet connection (accessory sold separately)?
- Nintendo Switch
Will you be playing multiplayer games such as Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros., Mario Party, and Just Dance?
- Nintendo Switch
Are you on a budget?
- Nintendo Switch Lite
Do you only play in portable mode?
- Nintendo Switch Lite
Will you be primarily playing single player without the need of a TV?
- Nintendo Switch Lite
Do you want a smaller and lighter device?
- Nintendo Switch Lite
Will you be traveling a lot?
- All Nintendo Switch consoles but the Nintendo Switch Lite is more travel-friendly
Do you want to play the latest Nintendo Games?
- Any Nintendo Switch console
Do you want to play games online?
- Any Nintendo Switch console
Do you buy or want to use Nintendo Switch physical game cards?
- Any Nintendo Switch console
Are you planning on playing games such as Fortnite, Minecraft, Paladins, Overwatch, Rocket League, Splatoon 2, Mario Maker?
- Any Nintendo Switch console
Should you buy a Nintendo Switch in 2021, 2022, and beyond?
Now is the best time to buy a Nintendo Switch due to its vast library of over 6,000 games and continuous releases from popular series such as The Legend Of Zelda and Pokemon.
The Nintendo Switch is only in the middle of its lifespan after 5 years and will continue to get new releases for years to come.
New owners also reap the benefits of having a massive library of games to play with many games selling at a reduced price.
Most importantly, the Nintendo Switch is the only place to find blockbuster exclusives that debut on Nintendo Switch or can’t be played anywhere else.
| NINTENDO SWITCH EXCLUSIVE SERIES |
|---|
| Animal Crossing |
| Mario Kart |
| Mario Party |
| Super Mario Bros. |
| Super Smash Bros. |
| Pikmin |
| The Legend of Zelda |
| Fitness Boxing |
| Pokémo |
| Splatoon |
| Super Mario Bros. |
| Fire Emblem |
| Luigi’s Mansion |
| Donkey King |
| Kirby |
The Nintendo Switch family of consoles can also play some of the most popular games and series in history, from Mega Man and Just Dance to Fortnite and Among Us.
Nearly every game you can dream of can be found on the Nintendo Switch.
| POPULAR GAMES/SERIES ON NINTENDO SWITCH |
|---|
| Final Fantasy |
| Fortnite |
| Mega Man |
| Just Dance |
| Among Us |
| Apex Legends |
| Mortal Kombat |
| Resident Evil |
| Monster Hunter |
| Street Fighter |
| Tetris |
| Stardew Valley |
| PAC-MAN |
| Borderlands |
| Minecraft |
What are you waiting for? Pick the Nintendo Switch that is right for you and start playing today!
Read More Great Articles
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(Screenshots taken by me. Images sourced from product pages, websites, or social media and are credited appropriately. Logos, images, etc. belong to their respective owners. All information current at time of publication.)
SOURCE: Nintendo
