What is the best Nintendo Switch? This is a complicated question, but we’re here to facilitate narrow down your choices. There are three Nintendo Switch models to choose from – classic, Lite and OLED. Each of them has different uses and can serve different purposes depending on where and how you like to play your games. However, all three options support the same games, so you really only decide on the price, size, and screen you want.
Regardless of which Switch you ultimately choose, Nintendo is still going mighty thanks to an ever-growing library of recent Switch games, and all three are among the best handheld gaming consoles with some really nippy Nintendo Switch accessories available.
Why you can trust our advice ✔ At Pocket Tactics, our experts spend their days testing games, phones, technology and services. We always share forthright opinions to facilitate you buy the best. Find out how we test.
The best Nintendo Switch models in 2024
The best Nintendo Switch for most
Nintendo Switch Specs:
| Memory capacity |
32 GB |
| Touch screen |
6.2-inch LCD display |
| Total number of ports |
3 USB ports, 1 HDMI port, 1 AC adapter port |
| Docking station playback possible? |
Yes |
| Detachable Joy-Cons |
Two |
Reasons for purchase
- Reasonable prices
- You can play on your mobile device or dock
Reasons to avoid
- No LAN port
- Memory capacity on the smaller side
The original Nintendo Switch allows you to play both on your TV and on the go. It’s huge, but that’s where Switch carrying cases come in, and it’s still straightforward to carry around.
The Nintendo Switch has 32GB of internal storage compared to 64GB on the Switch OLED. If you’re planning on downloading all the best recent games on Switch, you may find that space fills up quite quickly. However, a microSD card will soon solve this problem.
Thanks to the included Joy-Cons, you and your friend can play on the same screen. While this is a very viable option, the larger and clearer Switch OLED screen may be preferable to you if this will be a major part of your Switch experience.
Many gamers fall into the category of exclusively playing on Switch via TV or exclusively in handheld mode. The standard model does both of these things well, isn’t overly pricey, and doesn’t cause any major problems – which is why we overall recommend it as the best Nintendo Switch.
Read our Nintendo Switch review here for the full breakdown.
The cheapest Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch Lite Specifications:
| Memory capacity |
32 GB |
| Touch screen |
5.5 inches |
| Total number of ports |
No docking station, so no ports |
| Docking station playback possible? |
NO |
| Detachable Joy-Cons |
Thread |
Reasons for purchase
- The cheapest Nintendo Switch you can get
- Small and convenient for hand play
Reasons to avoid
- Cannot play on TV
- No detachable Joy-Con controllers
This smaller model has been specifically designed as an affordable option for gaming on the go, making it ideal for children and those working on a tighter budget. If you’re someone who doesn’t anticipate playing Switch on a TV, you have little to lose by opting for Switch Lite.
While it’s not compatible with Switch docks (so you can’t play it on a huge screen), its smaller size makes it perfect for handheld gaming because, unlike other models, it actually fits in your pocket. Although some gamers don’t care at all, the Switch Lite simply looks much nicer than the standard and OLED models. It comes in many brilliant, lively colors. It will look great in a gamer’s bedroom and is overall just a good looking gaming rig.
However, if you’re a massive fan of multiplayer games, it’s best to stick with the original Switch or OLED, as the Lite doesn’t have detachable Joy-Cons. You can still exploit additional controllers with it to play with others, but keep this in mind if you often play games with friends and family.
For more information, check out our Nintendo Switch Lite review here.
The best Nintendo Switch screen
Nintendo Switch OLED Specifications:
| Memory capacity |
64GB |
| Touch screen |
7-inch OLED |
| Total number of ports |
2 USB ports, 1 Lan port, 1 HDMI port, 1 AC adapter port |
| Docking station playback possible? |
Yes |
| Detachable Joy-Cons |
2 |
Reasons for purchase
- The largest OLED screen of all Switch models
- The best memory capacity
- Improved docking station with added LAN
Reasons to avoid
- Not much benefit for those playing on the dock
- The most pricey option
Based on specs alone, the Nintendo Switch OLED is the best version of the Switch. However, we didn’t think we could give it the top spot because it comes with a much higher price tag for improvements that won’t appeal to all users. If you only plan on playing this game at home on your TV, you’ll hardly benefit from the upgrades at all, and you’ll be better off using the standard version.
If you prefer to play in handheld mode, the best way to do it is to exploit the Switch OLED. Your games look better than ever on the 7-inch screen, and there’s even an option in the game settings to adjust the console’s screen colors to make them as colorful as possible. If it ever seems too saturated, you can just set it to normal – you can adjust the color settings on a case-by-case basis.
OLED has 64 GB of memory – twice as much as the standard model – although you can buy a micro SD card for the Switch and escalate its capacity. Another advantage of the OLED display is the LAN port, which allows you to exploit a wired internet connection for smoother online gaming.
Changes also occurred in the dock structure. It’s a little more roomy than the earlier model, so it’s a little easier to connect cables. We have a full Nintendo Switch OLED review for you to consider here.
How to choose the best Nintendo Switch
For many gamers, the standard Nintendo Switch console will likely be the preferred choice, but both the Switch OLED and Lite have some advantages that may influence your decision.
Here are some things to consider when you’re ready to buy a recent Switch:
- Playback modes
- Nintendo Switch Lite only supports handheld gaming mode. The Original and OLED models offer tabletop and TV modes, so you can play without having to hold them and connect them to your TV. Both come with a Nintendo Switch dock and an HDMI cable.
- Size
- If you enjoy mobile gaming, the Switch’s dimensions may be significant. Since the Switch Lite is the smallest, it is best suited for juvenile gamers and people with diminutive hands. While all three models are 0.55 inches deep, both the OLED and the original Switch are longer and taller. They are best suited for docked gameplay or for larger hands.
- Price
- Are you on a tight budget? If so, the Switch Lite is the cheapest, followed by the Original and then OLED.
- Battery
- If you’re gaming on the go, battery life is an significant factor to consider. The Nintendo Switch Lite has a shorter runtime of 3-7 hours, while both the original and OLED versions provide around 4.5-9 hours. Of course, the amount of juice you actually get will vary from game to game.
- Design
- Are you looking for a specific color scheme or want to show off your personality with a bold, brilliant Nintendo Switch? The Switch Lite has plenty of colors to exploit, but the OLED model is also available in a very sleek white version. Alternatively, you can buy different Joycons to customize the standard Nintendo Switch.
Read our “How We Test” page to learn more about how we put these lists together. If you still have any questions, please refer to the following frequently asked questions:
Which Nintendo Switch version is the best?
We love every iteration of the Switch, but when it comes to versatility, the standard Nintendo Switch still remains an excellent option that combines the best of both worlds. It can be played on both your TV and mobile device, making it more attractive if you’re inviting friends over or playing alone on a massive screen.
If you plan to exploit manual mode more often and money is no object, we think you should buy OLED. On the other hand, if you want to save some money and don’t mind being circumscribed to mobile devices, Lite will be the best choice for you.
Is Nintendo Switch or OLED better?
Considering specs alone, OLED is better, but only slightly. Both consoles are almost the same, but OLED has a much better and larger screen – hence the price escalate. For those who exclusively game on TV, the screen doesn’t make any difference, but if you’re a portable player, you’ll see a huge improvement in picture quality on the OLED display.
Is it worth buying Nintendo Switch in 2024?
In our opinion yes, the Nintendo Switch will still be worth it in 2024. Even with Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, the Switch has a huge library of games to play – many of them exclusive to Nintendo.
You’ll soon be sitting down and enjoying the best Switch games. If you’re shopping for a juvenile person, read our guide to the best Switch games for kids, which will give you an idea of what they might want to play.
