With three amazing portable consoles on Nintendo’s lineup, it can be hard to determine which Switch console is best for you. This is where we come in, as we’re going to disassemble each console so that you know the strengths and weaknesses of each option.
We checked all three Switch consoles, including the original Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite, and tested the look, feel, and performance.
We’ll also be updating this list with more entries if Nintendo decides to launch more iterations, including the legendary Switch Pro and Switch 2 consoles.
So without further ado, here’s our ranking of the best Nintendo Switch consoles. And if you don’t mind spreading your console’s wings to new horizons, check out our best Gaming Console and our best gaming laptops page, for all computer lovers.
How we test
Every game console we review undergoes a series of uniform checks designed to evaluate key things including build quality and performance.
We’ll be playing a lot of games on hardware, comparing performance with competing consoles (and predecessors) to see if it’s worth the investment.
We will also evaluate the software as well as the composition of the games when deciding on the final result.
Nintendo Switch
The best value switch console
Pros
- Play whenever and wherever you want
- Bright and colorful screen
- Versatile Joy-Con controllers
- Some really amazing games
Cons
- Expensive accessories
- Expensive games
The console that started it all, the first Nintendo Switch console launched more than five years ago, but it’s still one of the best gaming consoles. Its versatile design allows owners to use it as both a portable and home console when connected to a TV via the included docking station.
The original Switch doesn’t have any standout features compared to the new OLED Switch, with an identical game catalog and a similar design, albeit slightly smaller and lighter. But the original Switch is typically £ 50 / $ 50 cheaper than its OLED counterpart, which probably makes it the best option – especially if you’re using it as a home console more than a portable one, as the OLED screen won’t matter in that use case.
It’s unfortunate that the GPU hasn’t been updated since launch, meaning the console relies heavily on the cloud to play modern third-party games and shows that the console is starting to show its age. But no other Switch offers better performance at the moment, so you’ll need to go for something like Steam Deck instead if that’s a major issue.
But there are still plenty of great games to play on the Switch with the recent release of Pokémon Legends: Arceus and the upcoming Breath of the Wild 2. This is the best Switch for most players.
Nintendo OLED Switch
The best screen on a Switch
Pros
- The OLED screen offers a huge upgrade
- Larger screen but still very portable
- The stand is much stronger now
- Increased memory capacity
Cons
- No performance update
- No major updates for docked mode
Nintendo Switch OLED is the latest iteration of the console, the highlight of which is the new OLED panel. The colors on the latest Switch look more vivid and natural, improving the visual quality of any game without any compromise on performance.
The new OLED Switch also has a more solid table stand, improved speakers, and a slightly larger screen for the absolute best handheld gaming experience.
The downside to this more expensive console is that it’s not more powerful than the original, meaning the only benefit you get when streaming to your TV is the new Ethernet port on the dock for wired internet connections.
However, anyone looking for a more expressive and colorful gaming experience shouldn’t be dismissed out of the OLED Switch, as it’s just as rugged and fun as its little brother, while still having the exact same game catalog.
Nintendo Switch Lite
The cheapest Switch
Pros
- The design is solid, attractive and easy to use
- It already boasts a fantastic game library
- Increased battery life compared to the base model
Cons
- The nature of the console means that some games are no longer supported
- Local multiplayer is much more difficult to achieve without docking
Finally, we come to the cheapest option for anyone looking to play on the go. The best features of the Nintendo Switch Lite are its portability as well as its low price.
The library of Switch games available for Lite is practically the same as Switch and Switch OLED, which means you can still experience Zelda’s newest adventure and race against problems in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The only exceptions are games that require motion control as the controllers are attached to the side of the screen and cannot be used like Wii remotes.
You also can’t dock your Switch Lite and display its display on your TV, meaning you can only experience your adventures on a small screen, and playing multiplayer games like Super Smash Bros Ultimate will be more difficult with your friends on the same peace.
But if you only want to use the Nintendo Switch as a portable device and don’t mind its cute size, it’s still a fantastic option considering its affordable price.
Frequently asked questions
The Nintendo Switch OLED is the most expensive switch on offer, due to its OLED panel and improved design.
Both the original Switch and Switch OLED are great for multiplayer games. The Switch Lite can’t be docked, however, which means multiplayer games can’t be played on a big screen like your TV.
All Nintendo Switch consoles share the same layout, so they all provide the same graphics quality. However, the OLED Switch comes with the most impressive panel, and our review notes that the games look clearer and the colors are brighter than the other two Switch models.
