Best Nintendo Switch console in 2024: Original, Lite, OLED?

What is the best Nintendo Switch? That’s a complicated question, but we’re here to help narrow down your choice. There are three models of Nintendo Switch to choose from – the classic, Lite, and OLED. Each has different things going for it and can fill different purposes depending on where and how you like to play your games. All three options run the same games, though, so you’re only really deciding on which price, size, or screen you want.

Whichever Switch you ultimately decide to pick up, Nintendo is still going strong with an ever-expanding library of new Switch games, and all three are among the best portable gaming consoles with some really fun Nintendo Switch accessories available.

The best Nintendo Switch models in 2024

How to choose the best Nintendo Switch

For many players, the standard Nintendo Switch is likely going to be the preferred choice, but the Switch OLED and Lite each have certain benefits that could sway your decision.

Here are some things to consider when you’re ready to pick up a new Switch:

• Play modes
  • The Nintendo Switch Lite only supports a handheld gaming mode. The Original and OLED offer Tabletop and TV modes, so you can play without having to hold them and plug them into a TV. They both come with a Nintendo Switch dock and HDMI cable.
• Size
  • If you enjoy handheld gameplay, the dimensions of the Switch might be important. As the Switch Lite is the smallest, it’s best for young players and those with small hands. While all three models are 0.55 inches deep, both the OLED and original Switch are longer and higher. They’re best suited to docked gameplay or larger hands.
• Price
  • Do you have a tight budget? If so, the Switch Lite is the cheapest, followed by the Original and then the OLED.
• Battery
  • If you’re playing on the go, battery life is an important factor to consider. The Nintendo Switch Lite has a lower life of 3-7 hours, while both the Original and OLED give you around 4.5 – 9 hours. Of course, how much juice you actually get will vary between games.
• Design
  • Looking for a specific colorway or want to show off your personality with a bold, bright Nintendo Switch? The Switch Lite has loads of colors to use, but the OLED model is also available in a very sleek white version too. Alternatively, you can acquire different Joycons to customize the standard Nintendo Switch.

Read our how we test page to find out more about how we put these lists together. If you still have any questions, check out the FAQs below:

Which is the best version of the Nintendo Switch?

We love each iteration of the Switch, but when it comes to all-round versatility, the standard Nintendo Switch still remains an excellent best-of-both-worlds option. You can play it on the TV as well as handheld, making it more appealing if you’re having friends over or playing it on the big screen alone.

If you plan on using handheld mode more often and money is no object, we reckon you should get the OLED. On the other hand, if you’re looking to save some money and don’t mind being limited to handheld only, the Lite is the best choice for you.

Is the Nintendo Switch or OLED better?

Going purely by specs, the OLED is better, but only by a margin. The two consoles are pretty much the same, but the OLED has a much better and bigger screen – hence the price bump. The screen doesn’t make any difference for those who play exclusively on the TV, but if you’re a handheld player, you’ll see a huge step up in picture quality on the OLED.

Is Nintendo Switch worth it in 2024?

In our opinion yes, the Nintendo Switch is still worth it in 2024. Even if a Nintendo Switch 2 is on the horizon, the Switch has a huge library of games to play – a lot of which are exclusive to Nintendo.

Soon you’ll be sitting down to enjoy all the best Switch games. If you’re shopping for a young person, read our guide on the best Switch games for kids, which will give you some idea of what they might like to play.