Nintendo Switches
Image: Nintendo

In June 2025, Nintendo launched Switch 2. With near-full backwards compatibility with Switch 1 games, plus support for 4K output and up to 120fps, it's Nintendo's premier console at the time of writing.

However, Switch 1 is still on sale in its various guises. The original Switch launched in March 2017, with the Switch Lite coming in 2019, and the Switch OLED Model joining the lineup in October 2021, all of which represent great value if you haven't got a Switch yet.

But is the Switch 2 better in all areas? What's the difference between Nintendo Switch consoles? In this guide, we offer several use cases and our advice to help you decide whether you should buy a new Switch 2 or investigate a cheaper Switch 1.

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We'll cover the advantages of each model, why Switch 2 and OLED are more expensive, and if Switch 2 is worth it.

What is the best Nintendo Switch? - Switch 1 & 2 buyer's guide

So, then, four Switches. Switch 2 is the latest and greatest - and the most expensive.

With Switch 1, each variant has slightly different technical specifications or features. Perhaps you're looking for the most powerful console, or maybe you just want something to play on the go.

Overview: What's the difference?

  • The original, standard Nintendo Switch is a handheld hybrid console which is also playable on your television with two detachable controllers
  • Switch OLED is very similar, with a bigger, better screen and more internal storage
  • Switch Lite is a smaller, handheld-only version with controllers that don't detach from the device
  • And Switch 2 is the next-generation model; so, more power, bigger screen, 4K support, and its own games, plus backwards compatibility

Next, we'll look at the basic features and offer advice as to which Switch you right for you.

Nintendo Switch versions - model comparisons

We've got a breakdown and comparisons for all four Switch models below, courtesy of the official Nintendo website. This includes what games are playable on each console, screen sizes, battery life, and internal memory.

Details Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Lite Nintendo Switch OLED
Play modes TV
Tabletop
Handheld		 TV
Tabletop
Handheld		 Handheld TV
Tabletop
Handheld
Playable games All Nintendo Switch 2 games, 99.9% of Switch 1 games All Nintendo Switch games Switch games that support Handheld mode All Nintendo Switch games
Dimensions Height: 116mm
Width: 272mm
Thickness: 13.9mm		 Height: 102mm
Width: 239mm
Thickness: 13.9mm		 Height: 91.1mm
Width: 208mm
Thickness: 13.9mm		 Height: 102mm
Width: 242mm
Thickness: 13.9mm
Weight Approx. 534g / 1.18 lbs
(incl. Joy-Con 2)		 398g / .88lbs (incl. Joy-Con) 275g / .61lbs 420g / .93lbs (incl. Joy-Con)
Screen type/size 7.9-inch LCD screen

6.2 inch LCD touchscreen

 5.5 inch LCD touchscreen 7.0 inch OLED touchscreen
Internal storage 256GB 32GB 64GB 32GB
Battery life Approx. 2 - 6.5 hours Approx. 4.5-9 hours
(approx. 5.5 hours tested with Breath of the Wild)		 Approx 3-7 hours
(approx 4 hours tested with Breath of the Wild)		 Approx. 4.5-9 hours
(approx. 5.5 hours tested with Breath of the Wild)
Resolution (handheld) 1080p 720p 720p
 720p
Resolution (docked)
 Up to 4K (2160p) 1080p
 N/A
 1080p

So, feature-wise, the essential improvements Switch 2 offers over the previous models are:

  • Significantly more powerful with a bigger 1080p screen and a built-in mic
  • A dock with 4K output
  • Magnetic Joy-Con with mouse functionality
  • 'Enhanced audio', so 'bigger, better' sound in handheld mode
  • 256GB of internal storage (compared to 64GB with OLED, 32GB on the standard Switch)
Switch 2 and accessories
Image: Zion Grassl / Nintendo Life

Our Switch 2 hub guide includes a specs and feature breakdown. Our Switch 1 guide also covers the absolute 101 basics for the older system, and we've got plenty of specific guides on the tech and differences below, too:

How much? - Switch Pricing Overview

Price-wise, the Switch 2 is the most expensive, carrying the premium price tag. In descending order:

  • Switch 2: £395.99 / $449.99.
  • Switch OLED:£309.99 / $399.99
  • Switch (standard): £259.99 / $339.99
  • Switch Lite: £199.99 / $229.99.

Nintendo Switch versions - Pros & Cons

Here we'll briefly run down the benefits and drawbacks of each Nintendo Switch model, starting with the newest.

Nintendo Switch 2

Switch 2
Image: Damien McFerran / Nintendo Life

Is the Nintendo Switch 2 worth it? If only the best will do, Switch 2 is the premium model — the best Switch you can buy — and the one you want. While its in-built screen isn't quite as impressive as the old OLED model, the benefits outweigh that one negative.

Nintendo Switch OLED

Switch OLED BOTW2

Is it still worth getting an OLED Switch? It's still the premium Switch 1 model and remains a fantastic console if you're not ready to upgrade yet.

Graphically, beyond the improved screen, Switch OLED's visual fidelity is the same as the standard Switch and the Lite, so if you're putting the Switch OLED through a television, you won't see any difference whatsoever.

Nintendo Switch Lite

Nintendo Switch Lite
Image: Nintendo

Let's take a look at Switch Lite's good points and disadvantages:

Is the Nintendo Switch Lite still worth buying? If you want the smallest possible Switch and you're happy to play exclusively in portable mode (and not to be able to play Nintendo's latest software), the Lite is a great little console. A good option for gamers with smaller hands, too.

Nintendo Switch (original)

Nintendo Switch
Image: Damien McFerran / Nintendo Life

Is it worth buying an original Switch 1 anymore? If you're looking for a Switch on a budget and you want to be able to play on your TV, the regular Switch is still a good option with a huge library of games. It's the original, and though it may no longer be the best, it's a fine old console.

So, which Switch should I buy?

If money is no object, we'd recommend Switch 2 as the very best option.

While going back to a standard LCD screen is tough once you've experienced the improved contrast of an OLED, it still looks beautiful. The OLED Model is still quite pricey, too, so we'd recommend Switch 2 if you can stretch your budget.

(That said, Switch OLED is still a great machine with a huge library. If the latest, greatest, fastest tech isn't a priority, you won't be disappointed with it.)

If portability is paramount, you play games primarily alone, and you don't mind sacrificing being able to play on a TV, the Switch Lite is a fine little console, too — not to mention the most affordable option. Just remember that it won't play Switch 2 games, though.

Switch 2
Image: Damien McFerran / Nintendo Life

Which Switch? - Use Cases

If you're a Nintendo fan, it's highly likely that you already own a Switch 1, which begs the question: Is the Switch 2 worth the extra money? Is it really that much better? Should I upgrade?

You can read our in-depth hardware review for the Nintendo Switch 2 (as well as the Switch OLED model), and that's the one we'd recommend to most people in 2025.

However, below we've listed several use cases and offer our advice accordingly based on personal experience. Hopefully, you'll find some answers below that will help you make an informed decision.

"I own a launch Switch — should I buy a Switch 2?"

Long answer: If you bought a launch model, the chances are it's looking a bit dog-eared these days. As a hybrid console, your Switch will have likely endured bumps and drops over the years when you've taken it out and about — it happens to the best of us.

If you've thus far resisted the temptation to get an OLED or the handheld-only Switch Lite, we'd probably recommend you upgrade to Switch 2. Going from a tired old launch Switch 1 to a brand-spanking-new Switch 2 is a generational upgrade.

Short answer: Yes, we definitely would.

"I don't own a Switch — should I buy a Switch 2?"

Long answer: If you've managed to resist the temptations of Nintendo's handheld hybrid console until now, we envy the delights that await you! With a huge and growing library of brilliant games, and the convenience of being both a home and handheld console, it's one of the best products that Nintendo has ever produced.

There's a reason it's been so successful since 2017, so we'd thoroughly recommend getting involved. The price difference between the OLED Model and backwards-compatible Switch 2 is small enough to make it worth splashing extra on the newer, more powerful console, in our opinion.

Short answer: There's never been a better time to buy a Switch, or a better Switch to buy. If you're at all interested, we'd say go for the Switch 2. Of course, we would. (You're on a site called Nintendo Life, remember?)

Switch 2
Image: Nintendo

"I own a Switch Lite — should I upgrade?"

Long answer: This depends on how you feel about your Switch Lite. While the Lite's screen isn't as vivid as the OLED variant, its smaller dimensions (5.5 inches versus 7 inches) mean that pixel density is increased and the image naturally looks a little 'sharper' — remember, the resolution of both screens is identical: 1280 x 720.

Switch 2 ups the screen size to nearly 8 inches, but compensates with a resolution bump to 1920 x 1080. You'll definitely notice the difference compared to a Lite.

Personally, as much as the Switch Lite is a smart little device, we love having the option to dock the Switch to a TV; it's the console's central gimmick and part of the reason for its success. The bigger, brighter screens look cracking in handheld mode, so if you're after the best (if not the most portable) handheld experience, you should check out the new console.

However, if you're happy with the smaller size, screen, and power of your Switch Lite, and you're not interested in playing on TV or playing Nintendo's latest games, stick with what you've got.

Short answer: Depends. If you play handheld exclusively and like the smaller dimensions of the Lite, stick with it. If you're interested in the bigger screen, extra power, bells, and whistles offered by Switch 2, it's worth investigating.

"I recently bought a Switch 1 — should I get a Switch 2?"

Long answer: If you've bought a new Switch 1 recently, we'd recommend keeping it unless money is no object. You'll likely be very happy with the old model, and there'll inevitably be a new Switch 2 variant in the coming years, so we'd sit tight.

Short answer: Probably not. The standard Switch is still a great system, so stick with it if you've just bought one (and if the more powerful version isn't making you sick with envy).

"I only play in docked mode on my TV - should I buy a Switch 2?"

Long answer: Do you have a 4K TV? If so, you'll notice a dramatic improvement in the visuals going from Switch 1 to Switch 2 thanks to the S2 dock's 4K support. We'd definitely recommend upgrading.

As far as going from a standard Switch to an OLED, as we detailed further up the page, it offers no improvements whatsoever over standard Switch 1 when it comes to docked play. If that lovely OLED screen is going to spend its life nestled in that (admittedly lovely-looking) dock, there's zero point in upgrading - especially not now the Switch 2 exists.

Short answer: Switch 2? Yes, absolutely, especially if you own a 4K TV. But if you're considering going from regular Switch 1 to OLED, absolutely not.

Switch 2
Image: Nintendo

"I only play in handheld mode - should I get a Switch 2?"

Long answer: In general, if you spend (or are likely to spend) a significant amount of your time playing your Switch in handheld or tabletop mode, the 7.9-inch screen of the Switch 2 is definitely worth considering over the Switch Lite.

For us, the increased size over the Lite variant is a positive due to our large(r) hands, but the screen is the real reason we'd take the newer model over any other, even if its primary function is portability. It was the same for the OLED Model (which still looks lovely, by the way).

Short answer: We would, but if smaller is better in your books (or in your hands or bags), you might want to check out the smaller, cheaper, handheld-only Switch Lite. You will be giving up Switch 2 games, though!

"My kids want a Switch - should I get them a Switch 2?"

Long answer: Ah, the age-old conundrum. Consoles are expensive and you don't want to get something only for them to lose interest and want the other thing when they see it on TV, or when some helpful kid in the playground has the new shiny one.

The answer here depends on the age of your child(ren) and if they'll be playing alone or supervised.

Based on personal experience, we'd say that a Switch 2 is just too large for a small child (say, 4-7) to comfortably handle on their own. A Switch Lite might be a better option as their own personal console.

If it's going to be a family console and you'll be personally monitoring and playing alongside them, though, the detachable Joy-Con are great for smaller hands. In that case, we'd go for a Switch 2. This will also avoid disappointment when you have to tell them that Donkey Kong Bananza won't work on a Lite.

Short answer: For small children, the dimensions of the smaller (and cheaper!) Switch Lite would be more appropriate. If it's a console for the whole family, though, we'd go for a Switch 2.

For more parent-specific info, check out our Switch buyer's guide covering our recommendations for the most appropriate console for your kids:

"I'm an older gamer — should I buy a Switch 2?"

Long answer: For the more seasoned player, it's even more important to take care of yourself while gaming, whether that means using a more comfortable grip in handheld mode, or playing on the biggest screen available to avoid squinting at tiny text. The larger screen on the Switch 2 (and the OLED, too) could be a great help for anyone whose eyesight isn't what it was.

Short answer: If you play in handheld mode and struggle to read text, the increased size and image quality of the Switch 2 will almost certainly improve your playing experience.

"Money is no object — should I buy the Switch 2?"

Long answer:...

Short answer: Why are you even reading this guide if money's no problem? Yes, of course you should buy the latest and greatest version of the Switch! Off to the Switch 2 purchase page with you.

Switch 2
Image: Nintendo

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth buying a Switch 1 in 2025?

It's true that the console is getting on in years — the original version launched in 2017 and its successor arrived in June. And backwards compatibility with the Switch 2 makes picking up the old console less of a necessity than ever.

However, as we've said, Switch 1 has a staggeringly great library of games, so you're unlikely to be disappointed with the variety and quality of games on offer, even at this later stage in its lifecycle.

And if you're a collector who likes mint-in-box hardware, it's worth keeping an eye out for discounted stock before Switch 1s become scarce.

Is Switch 2 as good as PS5?

In terms of raw technical specifications, no.

However, Nintendo makes some of the very best video games in the world — and has done so for decades — and Switch 2 (or original Switch) is the only console you'll find them on. Add to that the convenience and portability of Switch, and it's a very attractive proposition even if it can't compete with the raw power of the PlayStation 5 or Xbox.

Also, try playing a PS5 on the bus and see what trouble that causes.

How long does a Nintendo Switch last?

It's a legitimate question, but one that's very hard to answer, as with most consumer electronics. Nintendo is a respected manufacturer of console hardware and has a decent track record when it comes to longevity — Joy-Con drift aside. At Nintendo Life, we have several original Switch consoles and they're still going strong.

That doesn't mean we've never encountered problems, of course, but in general you should expect to get many years of use out of the console if you take decent care of it. Check out our hardware problems trobleshooting guide below for details on common Switch faults.

Do Switch batteries go bad?

We can't answer this definitively, but we here on Team NL have personally never had battery issues with any of the many Switches we've owned over the years.

That's not to say they will never occur, but we've never personally encountered Switch battery problems in the thousands of hours we've collectively been using, charging, and recharging our Switches.