Who would win in a fight between Nintendo Switch OLED vs Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch Lite? Wait, no. That's not it. What we actually need to establish is which console you should pick up for the Black Friday Nintendo Switch deals this November.
The three consoles that line Ninty's shelves are more alike than different - they all use the same internal components (though the OLED adds some extra storage) to run the same games with the same control scheme. However, there are enough differences to make each one suited to a particular playstyle and their prices scale nicely across three different budgets.
Because many of us will be hoping to put one of these consoles under the Christmas tree this Holiday season, getting to the bottom of the Nintendo Switch OLED vs Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch Lite kerfuffle before Black Friday isn't a bad idea. Let's break it down, shall we?
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Nintendo Switch Lite | Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch OLED |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 / £199.99 | $299.99 / £259.99 | $349.99 / £309.99 |
| Display | 5.5-inch LCD HD display | 6.2-inch LCD HD display | 7-inch OLED HD display |
| Battery | 3,570 mAh | 4,210 mAh | 4,210 mAh |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB | 64GB |
| Compatibility | All Switch games (that can be played in handheld mode) | All Switch games | All Switch games |
| Dimensions | 91.1 (H) x 208mm (W) x 28.4mm (D) | 102mm (H) x 239mm (W) x 28.4mm (D) | 102mm (H) x 242mm (W) x 28.4mm (D) |
| Dockable? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Kids | Docked play | Handheld play |
Which Nintendo Switch should you buy?
The 'standard' Nintendo Switch will be the best fit for the majority of people. Besides being somewhere in the middle in terms of price, it's enjoys the best of all worlds - it can be connected to the TV for big-screen action or taken on the go in handheld mode. We would, however, recommend it most to those who will primarily be playing in docked mode. It's the cheapest way to play Switch games on the big screen, and it offers the exact same power as the OLED model. That means you don't need to pay for a fancy handheld screen you won't use - even if you do occasionally play on the road.
Because playing on your TV is perfect for multiplayer sessions, this version of the console is the best all-rounder for families this Holiday season.
This cheaper, smaller version of the Switch is ideal if you just want to dabble in Nintendo's game library without breaking the bank, or if you're looking for a console that'll suit your kids. Sturdier than its counterparts and featuring built-in controllers, this console is perfect for taking with you when out and about.
However, note that it can't connect to the TV and can only be used in handheld mode. This means it's not great for local multiplayer sessions; crowding around its little display for split-screen action isn't much fun.
Hoping to clock some hours playing in handheld mode? The new Switch OLED will be your jam. While it isn't the 4K Nintendo Switch Pro we were originally hoping for (and it doesn't offer much of a reason to upgrade from older models, as discussed in our Nintendo Switch OLED review), it does have a new and improved screen that features a gorgeous OLED display for brighter, more vibrant color. The console itself also has an improved kickstand, so it's ideal if you want to play in tabletop mode as well.
Happily, it'll connect to your TV too. This allows you to get in on some split-screen multiplayer gaming, adding to the OLED's versatility. Speaking of which, small quality-of-life improvements such as an Ethernet port on the dock (ideal for those looking to play online multiplayer more reliably) have been added.
Which Nintendo Switch should you buy?
When trying to figure out which version of the Switch you should get, it's helpful to establish exactly what you want from it. Are you hoping for a multiplayer-friendly machine you can play with family and friends on the big screen? Will you be playing it solo? Or is it going to be for your kids? Your answer should help point you in the right direction. We've broken it down for you below.
I want to play games with family and friends:
If you fall into this category, buy the 'standard' Nintendo Switch. It costs $299 in the USA or £259 in the UK and can do a bit of everything. To be precise, it can be played on the TV if you want multiplayer fun or big-screen gameplay, and it can be used on the go in handheld mode. If in doubt, get this one. It's the most flexible of the three and is arguably the best value for money.
I want a console for my kids:
Shopping for a child? Don't hesitate to get the Nintendo Switch Lite. That version of the console is sturdier, cheaper, and has its controls built in to sidestep any controllers being lost. It can still play all the same games as well, albeit not on the TV (the Lite can only be used in handheld mode, which means it isn't much good for multiplayer - unless each child has a console, that is).
I want quality handheld play wherever I am: Whether you don't get TV remote rights too often, or you just want to hunker down with some classic handheld Nintendo, the Switch OLED is the best choice for those keeping the system's battery warm.
I want a cheap console for my commute:
Anyone wanting a console to brighten up their commute should opt for the Nintendo Switch Lite. While it's normally a good idea to get the standard Switch because it can be used on the TV as well as in handheld mode (the Lite is handheld only), that's less of an issue if you're mainly playing on the train or bus.
I want the best of everything:
Stepping into the Switch ecosystem for the first time? So long as you don't mind spending a little more, the Nintendo Switch OLED ticks all the boxes. Besides a larger, more vibrant, screen in handheld mode, it has all the same functionality as the standard Switch as well as an improved kickstand and audio
Want to see what's on offer right now? Once you've made your decision, you can browse the latest deals and discounts on every kind of Nintendo Switch (including the best Nintendo Switch bundles that are currently available) below. More are sure to appear in the Black Friday gaming deals, so keep an eye out as we approach the end of November.
As for other consoles, don't forget to drop in on our guide to the upcoming Black Friday PS5 deals and Black Friday Xbox Series X deals.
