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Best Nintendo Switch Console 2024: Which one should you buy?
In This Article
Looking to pick up your very first Nintendo Switch or trade in your current model for a different one? Here’s all your need to know.
Even though its days of being the new console on the block have long since passed, the Nintendo Switch has amassed a seriously impressive array of games in the time since it first debuted, way back in 2017.
Recent hits likeThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, as well as bonafide classics likeAnimal Crossing: New Horizons, are still well worth diving into, and if you’re simply interesting in knowing which titles should be added to your library then check out our rundown of thebest Nintendo Switch games.
Until the long-awaitedSwitch 2becomes a reality, there are currently three Nintendo Switch consoles to choose from: the originalNintendo Switch, theNintendo Switch Liteand the most recent (and most expensive) option, theNintendo Switch OLED.
All of these models have unique features that make them better suited to different budgets and use cases, so if you’re not sure over which one is best for you then fear not – we’ve tested them all.
If you’re looking for something non-Nintendo in the gaming space then make sure to check out our guide for thebest games consolesandbest gaming laptops.
Best Nintendo Switch Console At A Glance:
How we test
Every game console we review goes through a series of uniform checks designed to gauge key things including build quality and performance.We’ll play multiple games on the hardware while comparing the performance to rival consoles (and predecessors) to see whether it’s worth the investment.We’ll also evaluate the software, as well as the line-up of games when deciding on a final score.
Nintendo Switch OLED
Pros
Cons
TheNintendo Switch OLEDis the latest iteration of the console, with the main attraction being the newOLEDpanel. The screen’s colours on the latest Switch look more vivid and natural, enhancing the visual quality of every single game without any compromises to the performance. Our review ofMetroid Dreadnotes how amazing this game looks with the OLED panel, with colours looking brighter and bolder and Samus’ suit seemingly popping out of the display.
The new Switch OLED also has a sturdier stand for propping up on a table, improved speakers and a slightly larger screen, ensuring it offers the absolute best experience for portable gaming.
It is the most expensive console of the bunch however, and unfortunately there aren’t any performance upgrades over the original Nintendo Switch, with the exception of built-in Ethernet port on the dock to give you a more stable connection when playing online.
Even with those minor gripes, the Switch OLED is still the go-to pick for many of the Trusted Reviews team as it shows off Switch games in their best possible light. Once you’ve seen Hyrule or the Mushroom Kingdom on an OLED screen, there’s just no going back.
Reviewer:Ryan JonesFull Review:Nintendo Switch OLED Review
Nintendo Switch
Pros
Cons
The console that started it all, the firstNintendo Switchlaunched back in 2017, but it’s still one of the best gaming consoles out there. Its versatile design allows owners to use it as both a portable and a home console when connected to a TV via the bundled dock.
The original Switch doesn’t have any standout features over the new Switch OLED, with an identical game catalogue and a similar design, albeit slightly smaller and lighter. But the original Switch is generally £50/$50 cheaper than its OLED counterpart, arguably making it the best value option – especially if you end up using it as a home console more than a portable device since the OLED screen won’t make a difference in this use case.
It’s unfortunate that the GPU hasn’t been updated since launch, which means the console relies heavily on the cloud to play modern third-party games and shows the console is starting to show its age. But no other Switch offers a better performance right now, so you’d have to opt for something like theSteam Deckinstead if that’s a major issue.
But thanks to the massive gaming library and some highly anticipated upcoming titles, like Tears of the Kingdom, the Switch will remain a good option for years to come. With a middle-of-the-road price compared to its other variations and such intuitive controls thanks to the Joy-Con controllers, this is the best Switch for the majority of gamers.
Reviewer:Gemma RylesFull Review:Nintendo Switch review
Nintendo Switch Lite
Pros
Cons
Finally, we come to the cheapest option for anyone wanting to game on the go. TheNintendo Switch Lite‘s best qualities are its portability and low price when compared to its Switch siblings.
The library of Switch games available for the Lite is virtually the same as the Switch and Switch OLED, meaning that you can still experience the latest Zelda adventure and race your troubles away inMario Kart 8 Deluxe. The only exceptions are games that require motion control, such asNintendo Switch Sports, as the controllers are fused to the side of the screen and so can’t be used like Wii remotes.
You also can’t dock the Switch Lite and output its display to your TV, meaning you can only experience your adventures on the small screen, and it will be harder to play multiplayer games likeSuper Smash Bros Ultimatewith friends in the same room.
But if you’re mostly looking to use your console as a portable device, and don’t mind the adorably dinky size, the Switch Lite is a fantastic option since it boasts an affordable price and supports most of the same games.
Reviewer:Gemma RylesFull Review:Nintendo Switch Lite Review
We also considered…
Original and Slim models tested.
Our review of the Xbox Series X two years after release
Still a great budget gaming console, now with a 1TB option.
Our thoughts on the Steam Deck a year after launch
We take another look at the PS4 to see whether it’s worth a buy seven years after launch
A no-brainer box for gamers
We’ve reviewed
FAQs
The Nintendo Switch OLED is the most expensive Switch on offer, due to its OLED panel and improved design.
Both the original Switch and the Switch OLED are great for multiplayer games. However, the Switch Lite cannot be docked, meaning that multiplayer games can’t be played on a big screen, like a TV.
All of the Nintendo Switch consoles share the same chip, and so all produce the same graphics quality. However, the Switch OLED comes with the most impressive panel, with our review noting that games look crisper and colours look brighter than the other two Switch models when used as a portable.
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Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Why trust our journalism?
Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
