Nintendo Switch: which model to choose between the original, OLED and Lite? Buying Guide

Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch was released in the now distant 2017, conquering critics and audiences thanks to its hybrid console nature. Its success was not in fact the hardware present under the body, but its being a good compromise between a portable and home console. Moreover, following a truly excellent launch with numerous exclusive exclusives, the Japanese company has been able to ride the wave even in the years to come with a periodically updated stock of titles. In 2019 Nintendo also wanted to expand its hardware offer, introducing the new Switch Lite model designed exclusively for mobile gaming. This year, however, the Nintendo Switch OLED arrives, a revised model with a better display and some other features optimized compared to the "original" version.

So if you are considering buying a new Nintendo Switch, you might be blown away from the three consoles proposed by the Japanese company. For this reason we have decided to create this buying guide, in order to help you understand which model of Nintendo Switch to choose for your needs and your wallet.

Who should buy the Nintendo Switch OLED?

The three Nintendo Switch models currently available While the community of more hardcore gamers was anxiously awaiting the arrival of an enhanced version, the Japanese company surprised everyone by announcing the Nintendo Switch OLED model planned for the end of this one. year. Following the important event held during E3 2021, Nintendo has revealed the evolution of its hybrid console in the middle of a hot afternoon in early July, surprising critics and audiences for its particular technical characteristics.

Actually, the novelties present in this revisited model are very few, and as the name suggests, the main change compared to the original Nintendo Switch is the OLED screen. In addition to the display, the rear pedestal has also been perfected, the audio speaker system and the memory has been expanded to 64 GB, while an Ethernet port has been added in the dock for connecting to the internet via cable. The package assembled by Nintendo is therefore very conservative, with no surprises or other goodies under the body, so the question arose spontaneously: who should evaluate the purchase of Nintendo Switch OLED when it arrives on the market at the end of the year?

Nintendo Switch OLED in the new white color If you have not yet entered the fantastic world of Nintendo Switch, the OLED model could be the perfect opportunity for you. With a cost slightly higher than the list price of the base model, you will take home a revised version of the console with small welcome additions. Nintendo Switch OLED will be perfect both for use in its dock connected to the TV and on the move with a more compact shape and a screen with a better visual rendering. With the launch of this revised model, Nintendo has confirmed that it will support the console for several years in the future, before a completely new and enhanced version. All the games of the original Nintendo Switch will be fully compatible with the new OLED version, even if they will not enjoy any performance or graphics improvements. original model, both for the higher contrast and color rendering and for a better overall autonomy given an optimized energy efficiency. So if you want the most from Nintendo Switch and you can invest about 60 € more than the original model (which you can buy on Amazon for about 310 €), we absolutely recommend the purchase of this OLED console to be able to enjoy the fantastic range of titles offered. from Nintendo. However, you shouldn't completely rule out the Switch Lite model, especially if you are only interested in portability gaming and don't have a large budget to buy a Nintendo Switch.

Who should buy Nintendo Switch Lite?

Nintendo Switch Lite held in hand Announced in 2019, Nintendo Switch Lite represents a still very valid purchase solution. The hardware under the shell remained identical to the original version with the NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor. The screen has been reduced slightly from 6.2 inches to 5.5 with a 1280x720 resolution. Being an exclusively portable device, Nintendo has also improved its autonomy, guaranteeing about half an hour of more play. All this has been enclosed in a body of only 275 grams with reduced dimensions for a better experience of use on the move.

Nintendo Switch Lite in portability Nintendo Switch Lite was therefore born with two main objectives to try to conquer gamers interested in this line of consoles. First of all, Nintendo Switch Lite guarantees access to the same stock of titles with a decidedly lower console price. In addition, it offers greater optimization of its portable nature, thanks to a reduced weight and size. In short, if you intend to buy the Nintendo console to use it exclusively on the move, the Lite model is undoubtedly perfect for you. With about 189 € (this is the link to the purchase on Amazon) you will take home a console at the parties with the other models in terms of hardware, giving up the possibility of connecting it to your TV via the appropriate dock.

Who should buy Nintendo Switch?

The first version of Nintendo Switch Finally we have the original Nintendo Switch model, released in the now distant 2017. As highlighted above, this console does not have any particular features important to envy to the other models of the Switch line.

The advantage of buying this version is mainly to save 70-80 € compared to the OLED model. Having all three models the same processor, all video games will work regardless of the model chosen, both those already released and the next titles arriving in the years to come. If you are going to buy a Nintendo Switch mainly for your children or for children in general, you could still opt for the original model given its lower cost. In fact, younger people would not appreciate an OLED screen that much, so saving on the total price could be a wise choice to be able to invest the money maybe in some video game.

The packaging of the original Nintendo Switch model If you want to use the Nintendo Switch exclusively on your TV or monitor via the dock (included in the box), opting for the OLED model does not make much sense. The screen would in fact remain unused, so you would not be able to enjoy its advantages in use in the living room. Likewise, the absence of the Ethernet port on the back can easily be compensated for by purchasing a very inexpensive third-party adapter. By purchasing an original Nintendo Switch for home use you will not be deprived of any advantage of the OLED model and you can invest the money saved in video games or accessories for your new console.

It is worth updating your current model ?

Nintendo Switch Purchase Chart Many Nintendo Switch owners will have wondered if it was actually worth updating their model with the new one on the way. The innovations present in the Switch OLED are objectively few, so going to buy a console very similar to the one you already have may not be necessary. However, there are some cases in which it is better to at least consider the purchase of Nintendo Switch OLED, even if you already own the original model.

In particular, if you use the console mainly on the move, the experience offered by OLED screen could greatly improve the performance of video games. The display with this technology, while maintaining the same 720p resolution, undoubtedly offers better contrast, greater visibility outdoors and superior color fidelity to the LCD screen. Furthermore, the efficiency of the OLED panels would guarantee you an extended autonomy to be able to use the console without having to bring a power supply for charging.

Nintendo Switch OLED in portability Similarly, if you own a Nintendo Switch Lite and play mainly on the go, but would like to try the gaming experience on the TV, then you could consider purchasing the new OLED model. Having the Nintendo Switch Lite in fact assumes that you like to play on the go, and as mentioned in the previous paragraph, this version with an OLED screen could further improve your gaming experience when you are not sitting in front of the TV. The OLED model would also allow you to enjoy multiplayer sessions in the company of friends or family, by connecting to the TV via the dock. Or simply sit comfortably on the sofa, grab the Pro Controller and take advantage of a larger screen to immerse yourself in your favorite titles.

A glimpse into the future

Alleged "Pro" version of Nintendo Switch Following the official presentation of the Nintendo Switch OLED, many users were disappointed by the few innovations present in this revised model. The internal hardware of the console, in particular the CPU, has remained exactly the same as the original version released in 2017. Even at the time Nintendo Switch certainly did not boast of a high power, being a hybrid console that had to work adequately even on the move while it was powered by a battery. Over the years, the technology of these components has evolved a lot and today you could opt for a much more powerful solution, without necessarily having to increase the price of the console.

Nintendo, however, wanted to keep the same technical specifications, so that video games can run identically across the Switch line. While this is undoubtedly an advantage for developers and guarantees support for all consoles for the next few years, on the other hand the most demanding user cannot pay more for better performance. In fact, in 2021 an OLED screen was expected with a resolution of at least 1080p and an output higher than the Full HD resolution currently present.

Concept of Nintendo Switch Pro Probably due to the difficult situation experienced in the semiconductor industry for the unavailability of components and materials, Nintendo has decided to keep the same hardware also in the Switch OLED. However, this does not exclude the arrival in the future of a revised model with better hardware specifications. In fact, we expect to see in the next few years a more performing version with a dock capable of offering 4K output (perhaps using NVIDIA's DLSS) and a slimmer and thinner console with a power similar to the new Steam Deck. We do not know for sure if Nintendo will want to bring this elusive "Pro" model to the market or will directly await the launch of "Switch 2". However, if you are not interested in these technical aspects and want to enjoy the splendid titles available on this console, please proceed with the purchase of the current models following the advice given in the previous paragraphs.

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