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What are the differences between a Nintendo Switch and an OLED Switch?

If you're worried about storage - there are other ways to boost that on the standard Nintendo Switch
a white nintendo switch sits on a wooden table

LOOKING to buy a Nintendo Switch console but have found yourself spoilt for choice?

Well, here's a brief breakdown of the difference between the original Nintendo Switch and the OLED Switch.

The Nintendo Switch OLED's main selling point is obvious: the OLED screen
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The Nintendo Switch OLED's main selling point is obvious: the OLED screenCredit: Getty - Contributor
Although OLED screens typically use more power than LCD screens, Nintendo says both versions of Switch have the same battery life
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Although OLED screens typically use more power than LCD screens, Nintendo says both versions of Switch have the same battery lifeCredit: Nintendo

Display and design

The Nintendo Switch OLED's main selling point is obvious: the OLED screen.

OLED panels are used in some of today's highest quality TVs, and have much higher contrast than LCD screens - which means the picture is more vivid.

These are better darker games with lots of black tones because OLEDs are better at picking up that 'true' black. 

Beyond that, the OLED screen on the Switch is roughly an inch larger than the original LCD screen.

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Performance and graphics

When it comes to performance, there isn't any difference between the pair.

The OLED screen is better, but it still has the same resolution: 720p in handheld mode and 1080p in TV mode. 

The only internal improvements are that the Switch OLED has built-in storage and speakers. 

Games

Both Switch versions run the exact same games — there aren't any titles that are exclusive to one model. 

Most Switch games come in physicals cartridges, although some titles are digital-only.

Storage

Storage is where the pair begin to show their differences.

The regular Switch comes with 32 GB of internal storage.

While the OLED has doubled that, at 64 GB. 

You'll need to carefully consider your own gaming habits to decide whether you really need that extra storage.

But it makes sense if you're sharing the device with children, parents or housemates.

Although remember: there are other ways to get more storage on a regular Switch console.

Battery life

Although OLED screens typically use more power than LCD screens, Nintendo says both versions of Switch have the same battery life.

A standard Switch or Switch OLED should last anywhere between four to nine hours on a single charge, according to Nintendo.

Note: Battery life naturally decreases over the Switch's lifespan - as it does with any electronic device - and may be lower for some high-processing games.

Bonus features

The Switch OLED's dock has a built-in LAN port that lets users connect the console directly to their Wi-Fi router with an Ethernet cable.

This can be important for households with chronically poor internet connection.

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While the original Switch's dock supports Ethernet connections too, users must buy a separate adapter for it.

Price

The original Nintendo Switch costs £259.99/$299.99, while the Nintendo Switch OLED costs £309.99/$349.99. 

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