Why Switch OLED could still be the best option for most over Switch 2 [Video]

Fernando Silva | Apr 9 2025 - 6:08 am PT

Showdown/OLED vs. Switch 2

Now that the Switch 2 unveiling hype has died down and we are entering the pre-order stage, I began to wonder to myself if the Switch 2 is worth it over my Switch OLED. It’s easy to assume the Switch 2 is the obvious choice – but for many players, especially casual gamers or families, the Switch OLED might actually be the better value. Here’s why:

Nintendo Switch OLED vs. Switch 2

If you’re on the fence, we’ve got you covered. In our latest video, I break down everything from screen quality and battery life to performance and long-term value. Watch it below.

Deciding between the Switch OLED and the new Switch 2 is actually a much tougher decision than most think. While getting new hardware and an exclusive game or two sounds great, is it truly worth the $150 upcharge for the console and the $80 games? So here’s the thing – depending on how you play, the Switch OLED might actually give you a better experience and save you some serious cash.

Switch 2 vs OLED – Key differences

Below are some of the key differences I wanted to highlight so you can see what you are paying for between the two.

Display

OLED: 7″ OLED, 720p, 60Hz
Switch 2: 7.9″ LCD, 1080p, 120Hz

Storage

OLED: 64GB + supports standard microSD cards
Switch 2: 256GB but requires pricier microSD Express cards for expansion
Note: Switch 2 games are larger in size, so even though there is more storage on Switch 2, the number of games it can hold might be the same.

Battery life

OLED: 5–9 hours
Switch 2: 2–6 hours

Performance

OLED: 4GB RAM, Nvidia X1 chip
Switch 2: 12GB RAM, custom Nvidia chip with AI features

Exclusive features

Switch 2: Game Chat, 4K upscaling, future exclusive titles (starting with Mario Kart World)

So, based on the above points, is the Switch 2 worth the $150 jump? For some, yes. But for most people, especially casual gamers, families, or anyone upgrading from an original Switch, the Switch OLED might still be the smarter pick in 2025. You can even get a refurbished Switch OLED for $250!