Nintendo Switch Buying Guide: Which Model Should You Choose?

Switch Lite, standard, or OLED? With several versions of Nintendo's star console on the market, it can be tough to know which one to pick. Each model caters to specific needs, and this guide is here to break down each option to help you find the perfect console for your gamer profile and budget.

We'll review the essential criteria, then present our top picks to help you see things more clearly.

How to Choose Your Nintendo Switch Console?

To make the right choice, the first step is to pinpoint your gaming habits. The Switch comparison goes far beyond just the price: it's primarily a matter of your use case.

1. Define Your Primary Use: Handheld, TV, or Hybrid?

The genius of the Switch lineup is its versatility. The ideal model for you will depend entirely on your gamer profile:

• The On-the-Go Gamer: Do you mostly play on your commute, on holiday, or away from a TV? The Nintendo Switch Lite was designed for you. It's the ultimate Nintendo portable console.
• The Versatile Gamer: Do you love the idea of starting a game on your living room TV and finishing it under the covers? The standard Nintendo Switch model is your best bet. Its hybrid concept is its killer feature.
• The Discerning Gamer: For players who want the absolute best experience in handheld mode, the Nintendo Switch (OLED model) is the clear choice. Its larger screen and superior image quality offer unparalleled gaming comfort.

2. Compare the Screen, Storage, and Features

The technical specifications are, of course, a decisive factor:

• The Screen: The Switch Lite features a 5.5-inch LCD panel. The standard model steps up to 6.2 inches, also with an LCD. The Nintendo Switch (OLED model) is a game-changer with its 7-inch screen, which enhances games with more vibrant colours and infinite contrast.
• Storage: The Lite and standard models come with just 32 GB of internal storage, while the OLED version doubles that with 64 GB. Rest assured, in all cases, this space is easily expandable with a simple microSD card.
• Connectivity: A heads-up for online gaming fans: only the OLED model's dock includes an Ethernet (LAN) port. This is a major advantage for a more stable and faster connection in TV mode.

3. Evaluate Your Budget and Available Bundles

The Nintendo Switch price naturally varies by model. The Switch Lite is the most accessible entry point, followed by the standard model, and then the more premium OLED version. Also, keep an eye out for Nintendo Switch bundle deals. These offers, which often include a major title, are a great way to save money right from the start.

Recommended Nintendo Switch Consoles

To help you make your decision, here are the three flagship models of the Nintendo Switch family, reviewed in detail.

Nintendo Switch Lite Console - Blue

View Product: Nintendo Switch Lite Console - Blue

Why we love it: The blue Nintendo Switch Lite is the road warrior of the lineup. Purely portable, more compact, lighter, and with integrated controls, it's tailor-made for on-the-go gamers.

Highlights:

• 100% Portable Design: Compact and lightweight, it slips into any bag.
• Increased Durability: With its non-detachable controllers, it's more robust to withstand the rigours of travel.
• 5.5-inch Touchscreen: A sharp and bright display for gaming anywhere.
• Vast Library: Compatible with the vast majority of Switch games that support handheld mode.

Who is it for? It's the ideal choice for highly mobile gamers, children (under adult supervision, of course), or as a second console for a household so everyone can have their own.

Nintendo Switch Standard Console with Joy-Con - Neon Red/Blue

View Product: Nintendo Switch Standard Console - Neon Red/Blue

Why we love it: This is the original, the one that revolutionised gaming with its hybrid concept. Its strength? Switching from TV to handheld mode in the blink of an eye and enabling impromptu multiplayer sessions thanks to its detachable Joy-Con controllers.

Highlights:

• The Queen of Versatility: TV, tabletop, or handheld mode—it adapts to your every whim.
• Detachable Joy-Con: Perfect for a spontaneous two-player session and for games that use motion controls.
• Dock Included: To connect it to your TV and charge it with ease.
• 6.2-inch Screen: A comfortable size for playing solo or with others in tabletop mode.

Who is it for? The Neon Switch is the ultimate family console. It's perfect for gamers who want to experience everything Nintendo has to offer: alone on the sofa, with friends in front of the TV, or out and about.

Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) with White Joy-Con and Dock

View Product: Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) - White

Why we love it: The white Switch OLED is the premium version of the concept. The focus is on an elevated handheld experience. Its magnificent, larger OLED screen is a total game-changer in portable mode.

Highlights:

• Stunning 7-inch OLED Screen: Colours that pop, infinite contrast, and breathtaking visual immersion.
• Doubled Storage (64 GB): Enough space to install more games downloaded from the eShop.
• Wide, Adjustable Stand: Much more stable and practical for multiplayer in tabletop mode.
• Ethernet Port on the Dock: Guarantees a stable wired connection for your most intense online matches.

Who is it for? This model is for discerning handheld gamers who want the best possible image quality away from their TV. It's also the logical choice for those who want the latest improvements (storage, Ethernet port) without waiting for a future generation.

Looking for Other Options or Nintendo Switch Bundles?

Weren't convinced by the models in our selection? Are you looking for a specific colour or a Nintendo Switch bundle with a game included? Other options await you.

Explore our full catalogue of consoles and accessories to find the perfect deal.

Explore the Entire Switch Console Category

Frequently Asked Questions About the Nintendo Switch

What's the difference between the standard Nintendo Switch and the OLED model?

The main differences are:

1. The Screen: A stunning 7-inch OLED screen for the OLED model, versus a 6.2-inch LCD screen for the standard model.
2. Storage: Double the space with 64 GB on the OLED model, compared to 32 GB on the standard.
3. The Dock: Only the OLED model's dock includes an Ethernet (LAN) port for a more stable wired connection.
4. The Kickstand: A wide, adjustable stand on the OLED model that is far more practical than the standard model's flimsy kickstand.
5. Audio: The OLED model features enhanced speakers, offering better sound quality in handheld and tabletop modes.

Can you play all games on the Nintendo Switch Lite?

No, but almost! The Switch Lite is compatible with all games in the Nintendo Switch library that support handheld mode, which is the overwhelming majority of titles. However, be aware that a few rare games like 1-2-Switch or certain mini-games in Super Mario Party require detachable Joy-Con and will not be playable without purchasing an extra pair of controllers.

How can you increase the console's storage space?

It's very simple! All Switch models (Lite, standard, and OLED) have a memory card slot. Just insert a microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC card to expand the storage capacity. This is essential if you plan on buying a lot of games digitally from the Nintendo eShop.