Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch OLED: Should You Upgrade?

Switch 2 vs Switch OLED: display

When it comes to the display, there are a few differences between the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Nintendo Switch OLED to be aware of. The first one is right there in the name. Unlike the Nintendo Switch OLED Model, Nintendo’s sequel does not in fact include an OLED screen at all and instead reverts back to an updated version of the original Nintendo Switch’s screen that Nintendo is now calling ‘vivid LCD’.

Though probably not the most ideal, this LCD panel type on Switch 2 does include built-in HDR support for far better light and dark colour tones on the display. Then there’s the size of the screen itself. While the 2017 Nintendo Switch model boasted a modest screen size of just 6.2 inches, Nintendo eventually upped this ante by gracing the Nintendo Switch OLED with a 7-inch screen.

For context, the Nintendo Switch 2 goes bigger again with a screen that is 7.9 inches. This will be a big jump for those who plan on upgrading from a standard Nintendo Switch, yet even those who have currently made the Switch OLED model their preferred option should notice a nice difference too. Games will appear larger than ever when played on the go.

Finally, the last big improvement with regards to the Nintendo Switch 2 display relates to the increased resolution. Whereas the original Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED could only output at 720p when played in handheld, the Nintendo Switch 2 goes big and offers Full HD output at 1080p.

Switch 2 vs Switch OLED: controllers

The Joy-Con controllers make their return with the Nintendo Switch 2 – only now with an added method of control (more on that later). For the most part, however, they work the same as the original Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED, in that they can be clicked on and clicked off depending on whether you want to play in handheld mode (with the Joy-Con attached to the screen) or in docked mode (with the Joy-Con attached to a dedicated grip).

The difference with Switch 2 comes in how you attach them. Whereas the previous Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED consoles had you slide them up and off, the Nintendo Switch 2 uses magnetisation to have them simply pop off either side after pressing down a latch at the back. It looks to make for a more seamless experience.

Then, as well as the ability to use the Joy-Con in a grip for a traditional gamepad experience, the ability to play with one Joy-Con in each hand – with added gyroscopic aiming controls in games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – returns.

Switch 2 vs Switch OLED: design

Design is arguably the one area where things are the most ‘business as usual’ with the Nintendo Switch 2. Aside from the much larger screen and slightly longer length of the handheld console itself, it keeps things relatively simple and straightforward by innovating upon what already worked with both the original Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED.

Interestingly, there will be only one colourway available to purchase at launch, being a soft-touch matte black design that might seem a little boring initially, but is a lot more understated when compared to the garish bright red and bright blue Joy-Con that launched with the Nintendo Switch in 2017.

On the Switch 2 itself, the only real major change in terms of design is the return of the dreaded half-inch bezel border, which the existing Switch OLED model previously got rid of.

Switch 2 vs Switch OLED: specs

Switch 2 vs Switch OLED: games

After previously announcing that ‘most’ original Nintendo Switch games would be compatible with Nintendo Switch 2, we now have a better idea of which games exactly will receive graphical, performance, and even content improvements.

Chief amongst this lineup, of course, are both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, which benefit from HDR support on the big screen but can now achieve a smooth 60fps at 1080p when played on Nintendo Switch 2 in handheld mode.

Other Nintendo Switch 2 games include Super Mario Party Jamboree, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land (at least on the first-party side).

Switch 2 vs Switch OLED: price and bundle deals

Compared to the original $299.99 / £279.99 standalone launch price of the very first Nintendo Switch, and the $349.99 / £310 it’s been revealed that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be available to purchase and pre-order in two separate bundles, both costing more.

The standalone Nintendo Switch 2 bundle, with just the console itself, retails for £395.99. By comparison, the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle is £429.99. Given that the physical version of Mario Kart World is $79.99 / £74.99, this one should absolutely be the Nintendo Switch 2 bundle people should go for if they plan on picking up Mario’s latest karting adventure.

Switch 2 vs Switch OLED: is it worth upgrading?

Whether or not the Nintendo Switch 2 is worth the £395.99 upgrade fee on day one is obviously subjective. However, given the nature of Nintendo hardware to hold its RRP for the indefinite future and the sheer number of improvements this sequel console brings by way of horsepower, controller functionality, and a subtle but stylish redesign, the Nintendo Switch 2 definitely falls into the category of being more of the same, but better.

For most people the arrival of a new Mario Kart will be enough to tip them over the edge, and even though the Nintendo Switch OLED edition has a better screen, it’s a minor issue given that the Nintendo Switch 2’s vivid LCD screen does a decent enough job. So far, from what we can tell, the Nintendo Switch 2 is on track to be another solid success story for the house of Mario.

Conclusion

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a significant upgrade over the original Switch and Switch OLED, offering improved hardware, new features, and a more refined design. While it may not be a necessity for everyone, those who plan on using their