The introduction of gaming consoles has significantly redefined the gaming industry. Video gaming, particularly console gaming, has grown at a rapid rate over the past decades. The journey of gaming consoles from a product that could barely display simple graphics to an advanced 8K resolution compatible product is nothing but mesmerizing. Nintendo is what we are discussing here; the history of Nintendo begins with the famous North American Video Game Crash of 1983. In 1983, Nintendo released its Family Computer, called Famicom in Japan, which later became one of the most popular game consoles in the country.
Standard Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED are all modern-day variants of Nintendo’s hybrid gaming console. These three products offer different features and gaming experiences that some other gaming consoles can only dream of. In this article, we break down the features of these three products and discuss which one is suitable for you and which one you should buy.
1. Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch is a hybrid video game console that can be used as both a home console connected to a TV and a portable handheld device. The product was launched in 2017, and it has access to an amazing catalogue of games. The standard Switch has a lot of features, including Joy-Con controls, advanced multiplayer options, Nintendo eShop, Nintendo Switch Online, etc.
It has a 6-inch LCD, 720p, 60 Hz display, and a storage capacity of 32 GB. The expected average battery life of the product is 4.5 to 9 hours. It is available in three colour options: grey, red, and blue. The Standard Switch is available at the price of $300, and if you are a Mario Superfan or a Pokémon player, this product will be ideal for you.
Here is what you will find in the box of a Nintendo Switch,
- Tablet
- TV dock
- HDMI cable
- USB-C charger
- Controllers (Joy-Cons)
- Joy-Con grip
- Straps
2. Nintendo Switch Lite
The Nintendo Switch Lite is an exclusive handheld gaming device, a smaller and more affordable version of the Nintendo Switch. This product is built specifically for handheld play and the players who prefer to play games on the go. Its main attraction is its compactness and lightweight; these qualities make it easier to hold in the hands and give the best handheld gaming experience. Despite many advantages, Switch Lite is not designed for docking, and it doesn’t have detachable Joy-Cons.
Nintendo Switch Lite has a 5.5-inch LCD with 1280×720 resolution, and it has a storage capacity of 32 GB, which can be expanded using a microSD. The battery used in Switch Lite is Lithium-ion (3570mAh), and the expected battery life will depend on the game you choose and play. Gamers can use both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features in this device, and it is compatible with all Nintendo Switch games that support handheld mode.
Here is what you will find in the box of a Nintendo Switch Lite,
- Nintendo Switch Console
- Switch Dock
- Joy-Con Controllers
- Joy-Con Wrist straps
- Joy-Con Grip
- AC Adapter
- HDMI Cable
3. Nintendo Switch OLED
The Nintendo Switch OLED is an upgraded version of the Nintendo Switch console. The main attraction of this product is the larger and more vibrant 7-inch OLED screen, along with the upgraded display, improved speakers, and a more stable kickstand that attracts gamers. Since the Switch OLED features more upgraded options, it can be quite expensive, probably more than the standard Switch and Switch Lite.
The Switch OLED comes with a 7-inch OLED screen with 1280×720 resolution, and it will support 1080p when docked. The internal storage is 64 GB, and it can be expanded with microSD cards. The device features 4GB of RAM, a USB-C port, a 3.5 mm audio jack, a microSD card slot, an HDMI, and a LAN port. The approximate weight of the product is 0.71 lbs, and the expected battery life is between 4.5 to 9 hours, and this level can vary according to the game you play.
Here is what you will find in the box of a Nintendo Switch OLED
- Nintendo Switch Console – OLED Model
- Nintendo Switch Dock – OLED Model – White
- Joy-Con (L) White
- Joy-Con (R) White
- Joy-Con Wrist Straps
- Joy-Con Grip
- High-speed HDMI Cable
- Nintendo Switch AC Adapter
A Comparison Between Standard Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED
Here is a comparison between the three products. This table will give a clear idea of all of them, and you can decide which would suit your gaming needs and style.
| Features | Nintendo Switch OLED | Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch Lite |
| Price | $350 | $300 | $200 |
| Screen | 7-inch OLED, 720p, 60 Hz | 6-inch LCD, 720p, 60 Hz | 5.5-inch LCD, 720p, 60 Hz |
| Dimensions | 9.4 x 4.0 x 0.6 inches | 9.4 x 4.0 x 0.6 inches | 8.2 x 3.6 x 0.6 inches |
| Weight | 14.9 ounces | 14.1 ounces | 9.8 ounces |
| Battery Life | 4.5 to 9 hours | 4.5 to 9 hours | 3 to 7 hours |
| Storage | 64 GB | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| TV Docking | Yes | Yes | No |
| Detachable Joy-Cons | Yes | Yes | No |
| Available Color Options | Black and White / Red and Blue | Gray / Red and Blue | Gray / Turquoise / Yellow/ Pink / Purple |
This is a comparison between the three best products from Nintendo, and you can see for yourself the difference. Nintendo Switch OLED has a slight advantage over the rest, and since it has some extra upgrades, it is more expensive than the others, reportedly costing $50 more than Nintendo Switch and $150 more than Nintendo Switch Lite.
What Should You Buy?
Which one is the best product among these three? The correct answer is that there is no correct answer. Selecting a video game console is always up to the gaming style and intention of the gamers. Gamers should have a clear understanding of their gaming purpose and needs; otherwise, purchasing any product will not be suitable for them. So remember, your convenience and gaming style are key and what matters the most.
If you prioritize a low budget and high portability, then the Switch Lite is a suitable option. Switch Lite cannot dock and play on a TV. The comfort it brings in single-player gaming is exceptional and out of this world. Its lightweight and compactness make it one of the best gaming consoles for handheld gaming. If you are a handheld gamer, don’t think twice and go for it.
Standard Switch offers a decent gaming experience for both handheld and docked play. If you are new to the arena of gaming consoles, it will be the best option, but if you are an advanced gamer, upgrading to the Nintendo Switch OLED is recommended. If you own a standard Switch and are happy with the gaming experience it gives, upgrading to the OLED model is not recommended. If you want a vibrant screen and improved speakers, opting for the OLED model is best.
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Is There a Price Reduction, and Should You Wait for It?
As per the latest information, there is no guaranteed price reduction for the Nintendo Switch series. The price reduction of the standard Switch, OLED, and LTE is unlikely, even with the release of the Switch 2. We concluded it as an unlikely scenario because Nintendo has historically not done this with its previous console versions. Waiting for a price reduction is an option, but you can never know how long you may have to wait.
You might wonder why a price drop is a distinct possibility when it comes to the original Switch series. Here are some factors that back this theory. The Switch series has strong sales in the market, so there is no pressure for Nintendo to immediately lower the price. Nintendo’s history is another factor. The company hasn’t generally lowered the prices of its gaming consoles in the past, and it maintained this trend even with the release of newer models.
Waiting for a price reduction is up to you. You might get it one day, and you never get it at all. At the moment, if you want to buy the Switch Standard, Lite, and OLED models of the Nintendo Switch series, you need to spend $300, $200, $350, respectively.
