The Switch OLED Model is more advanced than the original Switch system and it offers access to a vast library of exciting games. What Nintendo is known for are its wildly popular, family-friendly games featuring some of the most recognized game characters in the world. Thus, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model is best for kids, teens, families, and more casual adult gamers, not just because of the game library, but because this system offers multiple game play modes. This means you get several ways to experience single or multi-player games.
To make the Nintendo Switch OLED Model an even more attractive investment, a few bundle options are now available that include the system itself, a downloadable copy of a bestselling game (such as Super Mario Bros. Wonder), plus a three-month Nintendo Switch Online Individual Membership all for $349.99. By choosing a bundle, you basically get one game (up to an $80 value) and an extended free trial of Nintendo Switch Online membership for free.
In the more than 30 years I’ve been writing about and reviewing video games, the Nintendo game systems have evolved a lot. And in June 2025, Nintendo released its most advanced game console ever: the Nintendo Switch 2. This new system offers some awesome gaming experiences, but it carries a rather hefty price tag starting at $449.00.
However, if you still want to play all of the best games from the most popular Nintendo game franchises, like Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, Pokemon, Metroid, Animal Crossing, and so many more, your next best option is to get your hands on the less expensive Nintendo Switch OLED Model. Keep reading to discover if the Nintendo Switch OLED Model is perfect for you and your family’s gaming entertainment.
Nintendo Switch OLED Model
Specifications
Price: $349.99.
Display Size: 7-inches.
Display Type: OLED (Touchscreen).
Display Resolution: 720p (1,280 x 720 pixels).
Game Play Modes: TV, Tabletop, Handheld.
Internal Storage: 64GB (Expandable using microSD memory card).
Average Battery Life: 4.5 to 9 hours.
Joy-Con Controllers: One Pair Included.
Dimensions: 4 inches tall by 9.5 inches wide by 0.55 inches thick.
Weight: 0.93 pounds (with controllers attached).
CPU/GPU: NVIDIA Custom Tegra.
Video Output: 1080p (60Hz refresh rate) via HDMI (TV mode).
Port: USB Type-C.
Built-In Speakers: Stereo.
Headphone Jack: 3.5mm.
Pros
- Offers three distinct game play modes.
- Experience multiple ways to play online games.
- There’s a vast game library available.
- It’s a lower cost alternative to the newer Nintendo Switch 2.
Cons
- Average individual game cost is between $60 and $80.
- Hardware is better than the original Switch, but not as powerful as the Switch 2.
- A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required to fully experience many games.
Should You Buy the Nintendo Switch OLED Model?
The Nintendo Switch OLED Model is a powerful gaming system that can be used in handheld mode as a portable gaming device (thanks to its built-in rechargeable battery, control buttons, and display). When used in tabletop mode, one or more players can compete in multi-player games, without connecting the Switch to a TV.
However, when you use the Switch OLED Model with the included dock, you can connect it to your big-screen television using the supplied HDMI cable. It’s this versatility, combined with the vast library of available games and accessories, that make this gaming console a great option for gamers of all ages.
White the Nintendo Switch OLED Model comes with everything needed – except for games – additional Joy-Con controllers for multiplayer games ($79) are sold separately, as is the optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. I found this controller often offers more precise control, along with a more familiar and comfortable experience when playing many popular games.
And speaking of games, no other video game system offers such a vast selection of kid-friendly and family-friendly games, along with an impressive collection of more difficult and intense (sometimes violent) games for older players.
When it comes to family gaming, two of my top picks are Super Mario Party Jamboree ($59.99) and Super Mario Kart Deluxe 8 ($59.99). These are among the many games that can be played by up to eight players (or more) simultaneously via the optional Nintendo Switch Online service. Serious gamers will likely want to invest in the more advanced Nintendo Switch 2, but for younger gamers, the Switch OLED Model is more than adequate to experience a plethora of really fun, often exclusive, and challenging gaming experiences.
Get to Know The Nintendo Switch OLED Model Hardware
The Nintendo Switch OLED Model is about the same size and weight as the original Nintendo Switch ($299.99). However, the OLED edition offers a higher-resolution and larger touchscreen OLED display (compared to the older system’s 6.2-inch LCD touchscreen), faster overall performance, and an enhanced internal speaker system.
The Switch OLED Model’s dock also has a built-in LAN port for establishing a direct internet connection. And you get 64GB of internal storage for downloaded games and game-related data. Additional storage can be added using an optional microSD memory card. The hardware upgrades added to the Nintendo Switch OLED Model make a significant difference in terms of graphics and sound quality, as well as overall game performance when playing most games.
Thanks to the upgraded hardware, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model is the middle option in Nintendo’s current Switch system lineup, which now includes the Nintendo Switch Lite (which offers handheld mode only), the original Nintendo Switch, the OLED Model, and now the most advanced Nintendo Switch 2 (which is hands down the most powerful Nintendo gaming system ever released).
Experience Three Distinct Game Play Modes
The Nintendo Switch OLED Model offers three distinct game play modes. The handheld mode offers complete portability, so games can be played virtually anywhere while the system runs using its internal rechargeable battery. In this mode, the included Joy-Con Controllers connect to either side of the system. Handheld mode is ideal for one player games, although it’s possible to compete against other gamers who are connected to the Nintendo Switch Online Service. Multiple Switch systems can also link wirelessly for a multiplayer gaming experience when playing compatible games.
Using the kickstand that’s built into the back of the Nintendo Switch OLED Model, the console can be positioned on a flat surface and provide an adjustable viewing angle. In this mode, depending on how many wireless Joy-Con Controllers or Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers are available (and which game is being played), multiple players can compete simultaneously using a single Switch system. In this mode, the Switch can be plugged into an external power source or rely on battery power.
By slipping the Switch OLED Model into the supplied dock, and then using the supplied HDMI cable, it’s easy to connect the gaming system to any big-screen TV and enjoy 1080p resolution. In this mode, multiple wireless Joy-Con Controllers or Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers can be used for multiplayer games, and the system is powered by plugging it into an electrical outlet.
It’s All About the Game Library
No matter how powerful a video game console is in terms of its hardware, it’s the game library available for it that determines its overall value and how enjoyable it isto play. The Nintendo Switch offers a vast and diverse gaming library featuring first-party games (published directly by Nintendo) that star some of the most popular video game characters and game franchises in history. These games tend to appeal to players of all ages. They feature minimal violence (if any), colorful graphics, upbeat sound, an often whimsical storyline, and many hours of challenges.
Meanwhile, many of the third-party games (those developed by companies other than Nintendo) offer more traditional gaming experiences – from fast-paced shooters and role-playing games, to combat fighting games, and all sorts of sports simulations.
To make things easy for parents, the Nintendo Switch games rely heavily on the independent Entertainment Software Ratings Board to provide movie-like ratings for each game release. You’ll discover that Nintendo offers the widest selection of high-quality ‘E’ rated games which are suitable for all audiences. There are also plenty of ‘E10+’ (everyone ages 10 and up), ‘T’ (teen-friendly), and ‘M’ (mature) rated games available, although Nintendo does not allow for ‘AO’ (adults only) games to be released for the Switch systems.
It’s this diverse and ever-expanding selection of games, including those that are part of popular franchises, that set the Nintendo Switch systems apart from the Microsoft Xbox and Sony PlayStation systems. And to provide even more gaming experiences, Nintendo operates the optional Nintendo Switch Online subscription service.
Membership to this service unlocks the online multiplayer capabilities of many popular games, plus offers unlimited access to hundreds of classic Nintendo titles from older Nintendo gaming systems. While a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online isn’t expensive (starting at $19.99 per year for an individual account), it is a requirement to get the most out of many popular Switch games.
How the Nintendo Switch OLED Model Compares to the Switch 2
The new Nintendo Switch 2 is compatible with most Nintendo Switch games, but to take advantage of the enhanced graphics capabilities of the new system, you’ll need to pay an upgrade fee for your existing Switch games. Plus, most Nintendo Switch 2 games will come with a higher price tag. Compared to the Switch OLED Model, the Switch 2 offers an enhanced touchscreen display with a faster refresh rate (120fps, which is double what the Switch OLED Model offers). And when the new system is connected to a television set, it supports 4K resolution (with a 120Hz refresh rate).
The size of the built-in touchscreen is also larger on the Switch 2 (7.9-inches, compared to 7-inches), as is the amount of internal storage (256GB versus 64GB). The overall system’s design is also a bit sleeker, but larger in size. Plus, it comes with a set of upgraded Joy-Con 2 controllers. As a result of these hardware upgrades, all existing Nintendo Switch games that a gamer pays to upgrade, as well as the new Switch 2-specific game titles, all look sharper, far more detailed, and offer better overall performance.
While younger or casual adult gamers probably won’t be bothered by the inferior performance of the Nintendo Switch OLED Model, this is definitely an older system that still offers a library of really fun and challenging games. That said, one enhancement to the Switch 2 (not offered by the older Switch models) is the addition of the optional Nintendo Switch 2 Camera ($49.99). Among other things, the camera allows players to see and hear each other when competing from different locations via the Nintendo Switch Online service.
Nintendo Switch OLED Model
My Final Thoughts: Is the Nintendo Switch OLED Model Worth It?
In a word, yes, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model is still very much worth every penny, especially when you buy the system as part of a bundle and receive a free game. For those who want to experience the absolute best of what Nintendo has to offer, buying the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games, and upgradable Nintendo Switch games is the way to go. But for everyone else, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model can provide plenty of exciting and challenging game play experiences. I’ve had the Nintendo Switch, followed by the Nintendo Switch OLED Model since these systems were first introduced and I’ve enjoyed hundreds of hours playing my favorite games both at home and on the go.
While I’ve also played the latest games on the Microsoft Xbox and Sony Playstation systems, I recommend these consoles to older and more advanced gamers who prefer hard-core shooting, realistic sports simulations, complex RPGs, and advanced action/adventure games.
When choosing Nintendo Switch OLED Model games for kids and teens, or for family game play, a parent should pay careful attention to a game’s rating, read the description of the game, and even watch demo game footage to see what each game offers before making a purchase. Even some games that offer an “E” rating, are non-violent, and feature some Nintendo’s most beloved characters are not always suitable for children under the age of 10. In some cases, the gameplay may prove to be too difficult or frustrating. With this in mind, it’s easy to discover many top-quality and incredibly popular games that’ll appeal to whomever will be playing the Nintendo Switch OLED Model system, which is why I continue to strongly recommend it.
