Nintendo Switch 2 vs. OLED: Which is Better?

If you're a price-conscious gamer weighing whether the Nintendo Switch 2 is worth the investment—especially if you've never owned an original Switch—the decision can be tough. Ever since we found out [ttpp] and got a clear picture of its specs, the big question has been how it stacks up against its predecessors, especially the latest iteration of the original line: the Nintendo Switch OLED.

For those considering sticking with the original Switch family—particularly the top-tier model, the Switch OLED—versus upgrading to the new console or waiting for stock stabilization, here’s a detailed comparison between the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Switch OLED.

Nintendo Switch 2 vs. Nintendo Switch OLED: Price

As the most recent and best-performing version of the original Switch models, the OLED naturally carries the highest price tag among them. If budget is your main concern, the Switch OLED currently sits at $349, which is $100 less than the Nintendo Switch 2’s $449 MSRP. However, being on the market for several years now, the OLED model often drops to as low as $279 during major sales events. Additionally, bundles like the [Super Mario Wonder OLED bundle] are available at the base price of $349, offering added value for gamers already planning to buy the game.

Nintendo Switch – OLED Model w/ Neon Red & Neon Blue Joy-Con

$349.99 | Save 6% | $329.99 at Amazon

Regardless of which model you’re leaning toward, timing your purchase is crucial. The 90-day tariff pause ends in July, and with Xbox already raising prices across its lineup—including the Series X going from $499 to $599—it's possible that Nintendo hardware could see similar increases too. Nintendo has even raised prices on accessories like the new Joy-Con and Pro Controller by $5 due to “changes in market conditions,” according to the company. While the OLED still holds a cost advantage today, that gap may not last forever.

Winner: Nintendo Switch OLED

Nintendo Switch 2 Console

[See it at GameStop!]

Nintendo Switch 2 vs. Nintendo Switch OLED: Specs and Performance

With official specs confirmed in mid-May, we now have a solid basis for comparing the Nintendo Switch 2 with the Switch OLED.

The Switch 2 features an Nvidia T239 SoC built using Ampere GPU architecture (the same used in the RTX 30-series GPUs), with 1,536 CUDA cores and a performance rating of 3.07 TFLOPs in docked mode. While this falls short of powerful handhelds like the [Asus ROG Ally X], which delivers up to 8.6 TFLOPs, it's a massive leap over the original Switch’s performance. Although the architecture isn't top-tier, strong optimization should ensure smooth gameplay across titles designed for the system.

In contrast, the Switch OLED uses the older Nvidia Tegra X1 SoC with Maxwell-based GPU architecture, featuring just 256 CUDA cores. This puts it far behind the Switch 2 in raw power and even lags behind graphics cards from nearly a decade ago, such as the GTX 750 and GTX 980.

The Switch 2 also brings a significant RAM boost to 12GB total (with 9GB available for games), running at speeds up to 102GB/s in docked mode and 68GB/s in handheld mode. The Switch OLED only offers 4GB of RAM (3.2GB for games) and much slower bandwidth—25.6GB/s docked and 21.3GB/s handheld.

One area where the OLED model wins is screen quality. Its OLED panel provides deeper blacks and more vivid colors compared to the Switch 2’s LCD display. However, the Switch 2 compensates with a larger 7.9-inch 1080p screen versus the OLED’s smaller 7-inch 720p panel.

Additional hardware upgrades in the Switch 2 include 256GB of internal storage (compared to OLED’s 64GB) and dual USB Type-C ports instead of one.

While the OLED has the edge in visual fidelity thanks to its display technology, the Switch 2 clearly outpaces it in overall performance and future-proofing.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo Switch 2 vs. Nintendo Switch OLED: Software and Features

Both consoles share core design elements, including hybrid play modes (handheld, tabletop, and docked), detachable controllers, and kickstands for portability. But the Switch 2 introduces meaningful enhancements.

Its redesigned kickstand is now a U-shaped bar, offering better stability than the flat panel on the OLED model. The new Magnetic Joy-Con controllers magnetically attach to the console, improving ease of use and durability compared to the sliding mechanism of the original.

Backward compatibility ensures that most Nintendo Switch games will work on the Switch 2, and some titles will receive enhanced features specifically for the new hardware—at an additional cost in certain cases.

New gameplay mechanics are also coming to the platform. For example, Joy-Con controllers can function as motion mice for aiming in games like [Metroid Prime 4: Beyond], a feature required in titles like [Drag X Drive]. Meanwhile, the all-new GameChat feature allows players to engage in voice calls, video chats, and screen sharing directly from the console via a built-in microphone and optional camera peripheral. Free until March 31, 2026, GameChat will require a Nintendo Switch Online membership afterward.

Overall, the Switch 2 adds compelling new features while retaining everything that made the original Switch successful.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Final Verdict: The Winner Is… the Nintendo Switch 2

While the Nintendo Switch OLED offers a more affordable entry point and superior display tech, the Nintendo Switch 2 represents a major step forward in terms of performance, features, and long-term viability.

Considering the upcoming slate of exclusive titles like [Mario Kart World], [Donkey Kong Bananza], and [Kirby Air Riders], investing in a four-year-old console like the OLED may leave you missing out on key experiences. And given that the OLED isn’t significantly cheaper than the Switch 2, spending a bit more now ensures you get a future-ready device capable of handling both current and next-gen content.

Unless you're set on the Switch Lite for its lower price point ($199), there’s little reason not to go for the Nintendo Switch 2 if you're investing around the $350–$450 range.

Bottom Line: The Nintendo Switch 2 is the better choice for most gamers looking to make a lasting investment.