It’s common for Nintendo to develop hardware iterations, particularly with its handheld devices. This rings true with its Nintendo Switch line of systems. So far, we’ve seen the original Nintendo Switch, the HAC-001(-01) model with a better battery life, the Nintendo Switch Lite, and now, the Nintendo Switch OLED. These models all have different features and benefits, possibly making it tough to choose which one is best for you.
The Nintendo Switch OLED isn’t out quite yet, but has been available to pre-order across various retailers. Whether you’re an existing Nintendo Switch owner or you’re someone looking to buy one for the first time, you’ll want to be aware of all the options. And that’s where we come in.
Here, we’ll break down the difference between the Nintendo Switch, the Switch Lite, and the Switch OLED to help you make an informed purchase.
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Specs
| Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch Lite | Nintendo Switch OLED | |
| Size | Approximately 4 inches high, 9.4 inches long, and .55 inches deep (with Joy-Con attached) | Approximately 3.6 inches high, 8.2 inches long, and .55 inches deep | 4 inches high, 9.5 inches long, and .55 inches deep (with Joy-Con attached) |
| Weight | .66 pounds (.88 pounds with Joy-Con controllers attached) | Approximately .61 pounds | Approximately .71 pounds (.93 pounds with Joy-Con controllers attached) |
| Screen | Multi-touch capacitive touch screen / 6.2-inch LCD Screen / 1280 x 720 | Capacitive touch screen / 5.5-inch LCD / 1280×720 resolution | Multi-touch capacitive touch screen / 7.0-inch OLED screen / 1280×720 |
| CPU/GPU | NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor | NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor | NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor |
| Storage | 32 GB of internal storage (microSD card expandable) | 32 GB of internal storage (microSD card expandable) | 64 GB (microSD card expandable) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) | Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) | Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac compliant) |
| Video output | Up to 1080p via HDMI in TV mode and up to 720p via built-in screen in tabletop mode and handheld mode | N/A | Up to 1080p via HDMI in TV mode / Up to 720p via built-in screen in Tabletop mode and Handheld modes |
| Audio output | Compatible with 5.1ch Linear PCM output with output via HDMI | N/A | Compatible with 5.1ch Linear PCM output / Output via HDMI connector in TV mode |
| Speakers | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo |
| Buttons | Power button / Volume button | Left Stick, Right Stick, A, B, X, Y, L, R, ZL, ZR, +, – Buttons, Control Pad, Power Button, Volume Button, HOME Button, Capture Button | Power button / Volume button |
| USB connector | USB Type-C | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| Headphone/mic jack | 3.5mm 4-pole stereo (CTIA standard) | 3.5mm 4-pole stereo (CTIA standard) | 3.5mm 4-pole stereo (CTIA standard) |
| Game card slot | Nintendo Switch game cards | Nintendo Switch game cards | Nintendo Switch game cards |
| microSD card slot | Compatible with microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC memory cards | Compatible with microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC memory cards | Compatible with microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC memory cards |
| Sensor | Accelerometer, gyroscope, and brightness sensor | Accelerometer / gyroscope | Accelerometer, gyroscope, and brightness sensor |
| Operating environment | 41-95 degrees / 20%-80% humidity | 41-95 degrees F / 20%-80% humidity | 41-95 degrees / 20%-80% humidity |
| Internal battery | Lithium-ion battery/4310mAh | Lithium-ion battery / battery capacity 3570mAh | Lithium-ion battery / 4310mAh |
| Battery life | Approximately 4.5 to 9 hours | Approximately 3 to 7 hours | Approximately 4.5 to 9 hours |
| Charging time | Approximately 3 hours | Approximately 3 hours | Approximately 3 hours |
| DT review | 4/5 stars | 4/5 stars | N/A |
| Availability | Available now | Available now | October 8, 2021 |
Design and features
All three systems vary in design and support a multitude of features across the board. Starting with the regular Nintendo Switch, it can be used in handheld, tabletop, or TV mode, hence its name. Out of the box, it comes with a dock that can be connected to a TV, allowing you to “switch” it from a handheld device to a home console. The system also comes with two Joy-Con controllers — one for each side of the system — and can be attached to a Joy-Con Grip to function similarly to a standard controller.
You can use the kickstand on the back of the system to set it on a flat surface and play in tabletop mode — perfect for those traveling with company. The system supports multiple players and is a lot of fun when used in tabletop mode.
The Nintendo Switch OLED works the same but has a slightly bigger 7-inch screen compared to the 6.2-inch display on the standard model. The OLED model also comes with a built-in Ethernet port, which isn’t present on the standard model (though all models can connect to the internet via Wi-Fi). And the kickstand goes all along the backside of the device, which is a major step up from the thin, flimsy kickstand on the original system.
And of course, the OLED screen on the newest model will give you a much crisper picture, with darker blacks and more contrast. It’s also supposed to use less power than an LCD screen, which is always a good thing. It’s also worth mentioning the Switch OLED comes with a white Joy-Con set and dock — a color that has yet to be released before. Finally, the OLED comes with 64GB of onboard memory, as opposed to the 32GB on the original.
As for the Nintendo Switch Lite, it lacks many of the features listed above. Most importantly, it does not come with a dock and only supports handheld mode, throwing the “switch” functionality out the window. Though, many players prefer a dedicated handheld device, so this isn’t as bad as it might seem. The Switch Lite doesn’t support a detachable Joy-Con and comes as one solid piece, instead. It features a smaller, lighter form factor than its older brothers and is designed with portability in mind. The Switch Lite comes in a variety of colors including gray, turquoise, and yellow.
Despite this, you can actually hook different controllers up to it wirelessly, though using them is tougher since the device doesn’t come with a kickstand. It also has a shorter battery life than the other models, which is a shame since portability is the main focus. Just like the original, the Switch Lite also comes with 32GB of onboard memory, but can be upgraded with microSD cards. Another drawback is the Switch Lite’s inability to support HD rumble, which won’t necessarily cause you too many problems — though this does mean you can’t play a small selection of games on it.
Controllers
One of the great things about the Switch family of systems is the versatility in its controller options. With the standard Switch and the OLED model, you’ll be able to interact with the device using the Joy-Con controllers out of the box. Remember, these can be attached to the Switch itself to function in handheld mode, but can also work in tabletop mode or when playing on the TV. You can even flip them horizontally to function as a single controller in games that support this scheme — meaning the device comes with two functioning controllers right off the bat.
Outside of that, you can get a Pro Controller, which functions more like a traditional gamepad you might be used to. It’s got some weight to it and is on par with an Xbox controller, which is ideal when playing on the TV. Though, the Pro Controller can also be connected to the Switch and Switch OLED in tabletop mode, as well. We recommend this controller for games that require accuracy, such as Splatoon 2 or any first-person shooter.
There are also wired options that typically connect via USB, which can be plugged into the dock. These are often third-party gamepads that vary in quality, so we often advise sticking with the Nintendo manufactured options if