Additionally, Switch OLED comes with larger internal memory storage (64GB versus 32GB), a slightly different dock with an in-built ethernet port (for the fastest possible wired internet connection while the console is docked), improved speakers, and a larger and sturdier kickstand.
What's the battery life of the Nintendo Switch OLED Model?
While the screen is bigger, OLED screens are more power efficient than the screens in the other Switch models. Battery life is therefore comparable to the standard Switch — see above for details.
Nintendo Switch Lite
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a portable-only entry in Nintendo's console lineup – a smaller, cheaper, handheld-only version of the Switch. Unlike the standard console, the controllers on either side of the touchscreen are permanently attached, making it a tougher, more durable console that might be better for younger kids with butterfingers.
It is possible to link standard Joy-Con controllers wirelessly to the Switch Lite (indeed, it's necessary for a small number of games ), but they'll need to be purchased separately.
One other benefit of the Switch Lite is the selection of colours it's available in. You can currently choose from Turquoise, Yellow, Grey, and Coral. There have also been some game-specific variants.
What's the battery life of the Nintendo Switch Lite?
The Switch Lite has a battery life of around 3 to 7 hours, depending on the game. For example, a full charge will get you around 4 hours of playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild versus approximately 5.5 hours on the standard Switch.
Nintendo Switch (the standard model) After launching back in 2017, the standard Switch was the first and connects to your TV via a special dock. It has since been succeeded by the Nintendo Switch 2.
The design of the Switch enables your kids to play on your TV like a regular games console or take the game with them when they leave the house and continue playing on the go.
This means you can take full console games like Super Mario Odyssey , The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild , Mario Kart 8 Deluxe , and Animal Crossing: New Horizons with you in the back of the car, on the bus, or anywhere else you take your children.
The Nintendo Switch doesn't require a TV to function and you can happily play in portable mode forever if you choose. However, if you have absolutely no intention of using it on the TV, you might want to consider the portable-only Switch Lite, a smaller, cheaper Switch which isn't able to output to a television. Scroll up for more information on the Switch Lite.
What's included in the standard Nintendo Switch box?
When you open a Switch box, you'll find the following:
The base Nintendo Switch console (essentially a small touchscreen tablet with railings on either end)
A pair of detachable Joy-Con controllers of the colour indicated on the box
A plastic grip accessory for the Joy-Con which can be used to create a more standard game pad
A cradle-style dock that connects to your TV
An HDMI cable for connecting the dock to the TV
A power supply which can be plugged into the dock or the console itself
What's the battery life of the Nintendo Switch?
A minor internal hardware revision increased maximum battery life for this model to 4.5 - 9 hours, depending on the game running. While playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild , for example, you should get approximately 5.5 hours of playtime between charges (versus around 3 hours for the older version).
Old inventory should be long gone by now, but our guide to the differences between the old version and the improved Switch will help if you're unsure which is which. For reference, the links included in this article are for the new version only .
What games should I get with my Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch has a vast library of family-friendly games on offer, including the Super Mario
Micro SD (Express) Cards
While many of the games on Nintendo Switch are available on physical cartridges, the Switch eShop offers the opportunity to avoid losing those tiny cartridges down the back of the sofa or in the footwell of the car by buying the games digitally instead (some smaller games are only available on the Nintendo eShop, too).
HOWEVER , Switch 2 uses a different type of Micro SD card: Micro SD Express Cards. Regular Micro SD Cards cannot be used to store games on Switch 2 , so make sure you get the right type of card for your Switch.
All versions of the Switch come with at least 32GB of internal storage, with the OLED Model having 64GB, and Switch 2 having 256GB.
Bear in mind that the console's operating system uses a certain amount of space, with the remainder accessible to the user. The internal storage is fine for storing your save data and a few games, but if you run out of space, it's easy to expand that storage.
Nintendo Switch Common Questions
What are Joy-Cons?
Joy-Con(s) are the detachable controllers that slide onto the sides of the main Switch console. They operate wirelessly and also feature motion controls and rumble functionality for compatible games. The standard console comes with two, although none are included with Switch Lite which has its own integrated controls.
Joy-Con controllers can be used in a variety of ways depending on the game: split up, held sideways or combined to become 'one' game pad. For many games, it's possible to play in two-player mode using only the two Joy-Con that come with the Switch, meaning it's the perfect system for kids who want to play games together on the go without the need for cumbersome extra accessories.
What is the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller?
If you're planning on playing the Switch yourself once you've tucked the kids in bed, you might want to consider getting a Pro Controller. The Pro Controller is more like a traditional game pad and it can't be split in two, although it offers the same motion control and rumble functionality found in the smaller Joy-Con.
The Pro Controller is not required for any game, and you can happily use two Joy-Con in the supplied grip to achieve the same control - the Pro Controller simply offers a more ergonomic, comfortable alternative for people with larger hands.
Can the Switch play games online?
Yes it can. Free-to-play games such as Fortnite Nintendo Switch Online subscription .
The price of this service varies depending on how you choose to pay:
12 Months
3 Months
1 Month
Annual Family Membership
£17.99 / $19.99
£6.99 / $7.99
£3.49 / $3.99
£31.49 / $34.99
There's also a family membership option for up to eight Switches for £31.49 / $34.99 per year. That's less than £5 / $5 per user if eight people are signed up.
Subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online also has other benefits. A subscription includes Cloud Saves for supported games, which means your child's in-game progress will be saved to the cloud (subject to a functioning WiFi connection) and can be accessed again if the worst happens and their Switch console somehow gets lost or dropped in the river.
You also get access to a growing catalogue of classic retro games from past Nintendo systems .
What is Nintendo Labo?
Nintendo Labo a wearable Robot kit which registers your movements in-game, or use the system to experience some simple Virtual Reality games . It's ingenious, although beware that with younger children you will be called upon to do the lion's share of the building, which can take several hours.
Due to the required features and design of the Nintendo Labo kits, they are only compatible with the standard Switch model and will not work correctly with Switch Lite. Switch OLED is also slightly bigger than the standard model, so compatibility is not guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nintendo Switch come with games?
After shelling out for the system itself, you may be wondering: Does Switch come with any free games?
Well, while Nintendo regularly sells console bundles which come with the advertised game, Switch doesn't come with playable games included as standard .
HOWEVER, Switch eShop hosts plenty of free-to-play titles (nearly all of them containing in-game stores with microtransactions — something to bear in mind), many of them excellent.
If you want to play online, you'll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, which also grants access for hundreds of retro titles. Check out the articles below for the full lineup.
