Since the original version is still available to purchase even after the launch of the new Nintendo Switch OLED, you may wonder which device is more suitable for your needs. Let’s compare the devices and which of the two you would want to put your savings on.
For starters, let’s take a look at the many important differences between the first edition of the device and the all new OLED version.
Screen Size:
Firstly, both devices support playing via an external monitor using the docking device available for both devices, but what about playing without connecting the device to the base?
The first edition of the Nintendo Switch comes with a 6.2 inch screen, which is convenient enough to play in portable mode. However, the Nintendo Switch OLED version features a larger 7-inch screen, providing a larger display area for you to enjoy your games. If you mainly play portably you are definitely going to appreciate the extra 0.8 inches.
Screen Panel:
There is also a difference between the types of display panels that both devices use. The new OLED version gives a clear allusion to the different levels of colors such as, black levels, deep colors, and an enhanced, vivid, and high contrast experience compared to the first edition of the device. However, the Nintendo Switch OLED screens may lack alternate brightness control, so if you prefer a brighter display, an LCD screen, like the one in the first edition will probably suit you best. This is because LCD screens are backlit, making them brighter and ideal for use in different types of lighting. This means that you won’t have any issues with visibility in regards to glare whether it is dark or sunny.
Storage Space:
If you buy a lot of video games, you will need to pay an extra amount for storage space. While you can expand the memory in both the standard switch and the Nintendo Switch OLED , they both have decent internal storage space. The standard switch comes with 32GB, while the Nintendo Switch OLED version features an internal storage space of 64GB. While that is still somewhat insufficient, it is about twice as large as the standard switch, so you can think a bit before deciding to invest in a microSD card.
CPU – Graphics:
Considering that the Nintendo Switch OLED was released a full four years after the release of the original switch, it was expected that there was going to be a boost in terms of the CPU and the GPU inside the new device. Contrary to what was expected, both devices come with the same modified NVIDIA chip, which means that the new Nintendo Switch OLED does not work better than the original switch released four years ago.
Display Quality:
Although they both have different screens, the standard switch and the Nintendo Switch OLED version output the same video quality while using the TV dock. Unfortunately, both versions have a display resolution of 720p in portable mode which is acceptable, although it is far from amazing. Due to the size of both screens, it is not necessary to have a higher resolution, but it would be nice to see improvements in the new Nintendo Switch OLED . Similarly, the resolution in TV mode for both versions is limited to 1080p. Of all the things that the Nintendo Switch fans expected, they thought that the new version would be able to display content in 4K resolution but it unfortunately does not.
Sound Quality:
Both versions also share the same specifications when it comes to audio. Aside from Nintendo’s ad that states that the Nintendo Switch OLED boasts “enhanced sound”, there is no clear difference between the two versions. So, if you’re hoping to connect the Nintendo Switch OLED version to your Bluetooth headphones, don’t expect a massive improvement. Furthermore, you will still need to use a wired headset when you are not using external speakers. Unfortunately, we’ll have to put up with tiring headphone cables until we get a Bluetooth audio-enabled switch.
Battery Life:
A typical Nintendo Switch battery life is between 4.5 to 9 hours in portable mode. When your device is attached to the base, the charge level doesn’t really matter, but good battery life is crucial if you switch between handheld mode and tabletop mode. Surprisingly, the Nintendo Switch OLED was not originally intended to improve battery life and because the new adapter has an Nintendo Switch OLED screen rather than a backlit LCD screen, it has to work harder to display the bright white color. On the other hand, it is not necessary to work as hard to display deeper black shades. However, if you play games with a lot of bright white shades, you may find that it drains your batter life faster.
Predicate:
Nintendo created quite a buzz around the new kickstand in the Nintendo Switch OLED . As it has a wide adjustable base, it is perfect for a table setting. Plus, the new kickstand runs the full width of the OLED version, so you don’t have to worry about dropping your device during an intense gaming session. A normal switch has a known soft kickstand on one side of the back of the console which gives you a feeling that your switch could fall at any moment.
Controllers:
One of the improvements everyone was hoping for in the OLED version was the controllers. In terms of looks, the OLED model shares the same Joy-Con units as the regular switch. So what does it mean in terms of the control panel? Will the new consoles suffer the same bad fate? It hard to say, as no one outside Nintendo has tested the new model yet at the current time. However, a YouTube user has discovered a surprisingly simple fix for the slipping issues of the controller.
Finally, here is our verdict.
Which device is better: the LCD version or the OLED version?
When comparing both devices, it is safe to say that the OLED version is the winner in this comparison as the best gaming platform. It has an upgraded screen, supposedly better sound, and more internal storage. However, if these features are not important to you, the LCD version or a Nintendo Switch Lite may be the wiser choice and buy purchasing one of these, you’ll save your money.
