With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, buying a Switch is more confusing than ever. There are so many options to choose from. You get the affordable Switch Lite, the original Switch, and even the premium Switch OLED. And to add to the confusion, not all Nintendo Switches are made equal since they don’t have the same features or capabilities. With so many Nintendo gaming handhelds available, it’s hard to find the one that best suits your budget or requirements. So, without any further ado, here’s our detailed Nintendo Switch buying guide to help you find the best Nintendo Switch handheld for your needs.
Table of Contents
Nintendo Switch 2: Best Overall Handheld Console
- Screen: 7.9-inch LCD with 1920×1080 resolution, HDR10 support, and up to 120Hz refresh rate.
- Resolution: 1920×1080 (handheld/tabletop), up to 3840×2160 (4K) at 60fps (docked).
- Processor: Custom processor made by NVIDIA.
- RAM: 12 GB LPDDR5X
- Storage: 256 GB UFS, expandable via microSD Express cards up to 2TB
- Battery Life: Approx. 2 – 6.5 hours.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, wired LAN via dock.
- Standout features: GameChat for voice and video communication, mouse functionality in Joy-Con 2.
- Price: $449.99 (Console only), $499.99 (with Mario Kart World bundle).
- Release Date: June 5, 2025.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is the next evolution and the much-awaited successor to the company’s 2nd best-selling handheld. The Joycons 2 now attach magnetically and also double as a mouse. This opens up new ways to play Switch games. It also works on lap and other surfaces so you can use it anywhere. You can now play games at 120 FPS and 4K 60 FPS when docked. You get a sharper and bigger display on the Switch 2 at 1080p, measuring 7.9 inches. Furthermore, there’s also HDR 10 support and VRR, apart from a smoother 120Hz refresh rate.
Other improvements include dual USB-C ports and larger 256GB of storage with microSD Express cards. There’s also a new C button to fire up GameChat, the new social hub to play games with others. With this feature, you can play games with up to 12 other players with voice/video chat while sharing the screen. To access the service, you do need a Nintendo Online subscription that you need to buy separately. Accessories for the Switch 2 include the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, Switch 2 Pro controller, and GameCube Pro controller.
There are plenty of games at launch, including Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, apart from upcoming ones like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077. Overall, it’s the best Nintendo Switch you can buy right now.
Pros:
- Nintendo’s latest console
- 7.9-inch display with 120Hz refresh
- Magnetically detachable controllers
- Can play games at 4K 60 FPS in docked mode
- Controllers can also be used as a mouse
- It is backward-compatible with original Switch games
- 256GB of internal storage
- Dedicated C button to access Gamechat
Cons:
- Expensive compared to previous Switch games
- It has a similar battery life as the original Switch
- Not compatible with Switch microSD cards
- LCD screen instead of an OLED one
Nintendo Switch 1: Best Console on Discounts
- Screen: 6.2-inch LCD touchscreen with 1280 x 720 resolution.
- Resolution: 1280 x 720 (handheld), up to 1920 x 1080 (docked).
- Processor: NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor.
- RAM: 4 GB LPDDR4.
- Storage: 32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD cards up to 2TB.
- Battery Life: Approximately 4.5 – 9 hours (depending on the game).
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 4.1.
- Standout features: Versatile hybrid design with detachable Joy-Con controllers.
- Price: $349
- Release Date: March 3, 2017.
The original Nintendo Switch is still great value for money especially if you can get it on a deal. While you won’t get some of the Switch 2 exclusives, there is a possibility that newer games will launch on the original Switch as well. Given the large user base, it’s unlikely that Nintendo could ignore the console.
You can also use it in docked mode for connecting it to your TV, although the output is limited to 1080p. There’s microSD card support and the ability to detach Joycons, but you can’t magnetically connect it. While the specs might be outdated, if you are buying a Switch for the first time and want to experience Switch’s extensive library, it’s a great option, especially if you want to get started on your Nintendo journey and try games like Animal Crossing or Breath of the Wild.
Pros :
- Cheaper than before due to the launch of Switch 2
- It has the same battery life as the Nintendo Switch 2
- Can be used in docked as well as handheld mode
- Detachable Joy Cons allow support for more games
- Supports all the games out there
Cons
- Original Switch hardware is too old at this point
- Smaller screen than Switch OLED and Switch 2
- Joycons are susceptible to stick drift
- Kickstand has limited adjustability
- Less battery than OLED variant
Nintendo Switch Lite: Best Handheld on a Budget
- Screen: 5.5-inch LCD touchscreen with 1280 x 720 resolution.
- Resolution: 1280 x 720 (handheld only).
- Processor: NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor.
- RAM: 4 GB LPDDR4.
- Storage: 32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD cards up to 2TB.
- Battery Life: Approximately 3 – 7 hours (depending on the game).
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 4.1, NFC.
- Standout features: Compact and lightweight design, integrated controls, dedicated D-pad, handheld-only.
- Price: $189
- Release Date: September 20, 2019.
If you want a Nintendo Switch experience on a tight budget, the Nintendo Switch 2 Lite is the best for you. It has a smaller 5.5-inch LCD panel, which can easily slide into most backpacks. Although it has the same 720p resolution as the original Switch, the lower price does justify it. In terms of processing power, you get the same Tegra X1 as the original Switch with 4GB of RAM. The Switch Lite has 32GB of storage and a microSD card slot for expansion.
The only downside is that Switch Lite is handheld only, and unlike the other Switch, you cannot hook it up to your TV in docked mode. Also, since the Joycons cannot be detached, you can’t play certain games. These include ones that require Joy Cons for motion controls and have certain multiplayer modes. Another catch is that the Switch Lite has a smaller battery than the Switch 2 or Switch OLED. Last but not least, the Joy Cons don’t support HD Rumble or IR Motion cameras. The lightweight build and compact size make it a perfect companion for gaming on the go. Also, if you have a kid, there are plenty of color choices to choose from, so you won’t be bored.
Pros:
- Cheapest Nintendo Switch currently available
- Available in multiple colors
- Same processing power and Switch 1 and Switch OLED
- Same storage configuration
- It can play most Nintendo Switch games
- SD Card slot for expansions
Cons:
- Cannot be used in docked mode to play games on TV
- You cannot detach the Joycons, restricting playability in certain games
- Smallest battery among all Nintendo Switch consoles
- The screen is the smallest among all Switch consoles.-
Also Read:
- Nintendo Switch 2 Is Here: 13 Things You Need to Know
- Fortnite on Nintendo Switch 2: Portable Battle Royale Upgrade Coming This June
Nintendo Switch OLED: Best Handheld for Display Experience
- Screen: 7.0-inch OLED touchscreen with 1280 x 720 resolution.
- Resolution: 1280 x 720 (handheld), up to 1920 x 1080 (docked).
- Processor: NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor.
- RAM: 4 GB LPDDR4.
- Storage: 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD cards up to 2TB
- Battery Life: Approximately 4.5 – 9 hours (depending on the game).
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 4.1.
- Standout features: Vibrant OLED screen, improved adjustable kickstand, enhanced audio, wired LAN port on dock.
- Price: $349.99.
- Release Date: October 8, 2021.
If you want the best possible Switch experience with a premium display, the Switch OLED is for you. It has a screen size that sits between the original Switch and the Switch 2. But you do need to pay a premium over the Nintendo Switch and the Switch Lite but it’s certainly worth it. While the 720p panel isn’t the sharpest, the deep blacks and contrast that OLED offers make up for it. It’s worth noting that display replacement can be costly if you end up breaking it. So, it’s not the best Nintendo Switch if you wish to hand it over to your kids.
However, if you want a Steam Deck OLED alternative that can play Mario Kart, then Switch OLED is worth that extra premium. The design has also been improved with a new kickstand for flexibility and durability. The speakers are louder than before, and there’s a LAN port at the back for wired internet.
Pros:
- Brighter and bigger screen than Switch 1
- OLED offers deep blacks and amazing contrast
- Improved kickstand and speakers
- Detachable Joycons, just like the original Switch
- More storage compared to Switch 1
- It has the longest battery life on a Switch
- Only model with an Ethernet port
Cons:
- Expensive compared to Switch 1 and Switch Lite
- Same processing power as the Switch 1
- Still stuck at 720p resolution
- OLED panel is susceptible to burn-in issues
Which Nintendo Switch Is Best for Me?
If you have the budget and are looking for a new Switch, then I highly recommend buying the Switch 2. The faster performance, bigger display, and new joycons indeed justify the price increase. Also, being the latest handheld, you get software support for longer periods, and it is backward-compatible with Switch 1.
However, if you have a tighter budget or want to grab a Nintendo Switch on a deal, then the original Switch is still worth a purchase. Similarly, the Nintendo Switch Lite can be a great choice for your kids as it is the cheapest handheld and is available in multiple colors. Last but not least, if you prioritize a good display over everything else, the Switch OLED is the one to buy.
Nintendo Switch Table Comparison
| Feature | Nintendo Switch 2 | Nintendo Switch (Original) | Nintendo Switch OLED | Nintendo Switch Lite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $449.99 (Console), $499.99 (Bundle) | $299.99 | $349.99 | $199.99 |
| Release Date | June 5, 2025 | March 3, 2017 | October 8, 2021 | September 20, 2019 |
| Screen Size | 7.9 inches | 6.2 inches | 7.0 inches | 5.5 inches |
| Screen Type | LCD | LCD | OLED | LCD |
| Resolution (Handheld) | 1920 x 1080 | 1280 x 720 | 1280 x 720 | 1280 x 720 |
| Resolution (Docked) | Up to 3840 x 2160 (4K) | Up to 1920 x 1080 | Up to 1920 x 1080 | Not Supported |
| Internal Storage | 256 GB (UFS) | 32 GB eMMC | 64 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC |
| Expandable Storage | microSD Express (up to 2 TB) | microSD (up to 2 TB) | microSD (up to 2 TB) | microSD (up to 2 TB) |
| Battery Life (Estimate) | 2 – 6.5 hours | 4.5 – 9 hours | 4.5 – 9 hours | 3 – 7 hours |
| Docking Capabilities | Included, up to 4K/120fps, wired LAN | Included, up to 1080p | Included, up to 1080p, wired LAN | Not Supported |
| Detachable Controllers | Joy-Con 2, Magnetic, Mouse Functionality | Joy-Con | Joy-Con | Integrated |
| Weight | 0.88 lbs (console), 1.18 lbs (with Joy-Con 2) | 0.66 lbs (console), 0.88 lbs (with Joy-Con) | 0.71 lbs (console), 0.93 lbs (with Joy-Con) | 0.61 lbs |
| Key Features/Differences | High Performance, 4K, GameChat, Wi-Fi 6 | Versatile Hybrid, Affordable TV Play | Superior Handheld Screen, Increased Storage | Dedicated Handheld, Most Portable, Most Affordable |
