Nintendo has always been dedicated to bringing excellent gaming platforms, emphasizing user experience and fun for the whole family. And their latest, the Nintendo Switch, is no different.
Today’s gaming world has evolved past the “gaming wars” of the 90s and early 2000s. And this isn’t due to a cease-fire; it’s just that Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo have come out on top with their consoles. Sorry Sega, you gave it your best. And while Sony and Microsoft are vying to create the best and most graphically intensive experience you can enjoy on a TV, Nintendo has gone down a different path—the path of low-res graphics with an emphasis on pure fun and great gameplay.
And the numbers don’t lie. The Nintendo Switch has sold over 122 million units, easily outpacing the competition. Multiple Nintendo Switch models are out there, and choosing the right one might seem overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with gaming. So if you’re wondering what is the newest Nintendo Switch, here’s a quick comparison that will hopefully allow you to make the right choice for your particular needs.
Nintendo Switch
This is the basic model that Nintendo offers, providing the best of both worlds. You can enjoy it on a TV from the comfort of your couch or take it anywhere for a portable gaming session. It features a 6.2-inch LCD screen, detachable Joy-Cons, and a dock that connects it to a power source and your TV. The tablet has metal rails on the sides to attach the Joy-Cons easily or take them out whenever needed.
The Switch has a power button on top. Pressing it for three seconds or more will pull up the Power Menu, allowing you to shut it down or put it in sleep mode. It also features a 3.5 mm jack for headphones and a proprietary game card slot. The bottom part has a USB-C port that attaches to the dock. You can also use a regular USB-C charger if you’re away from your dock. The back panel of the console has two excellent speakers and a kickstand. Even though the kickstand feels flimsy, it still works great for multiplayer gaming on the go.
Regarding controllers, the Joy-Cons can be used individually as a controller or paired together. The base package comes with a plastic shell that can be used together with two Joy-Cons. Attach them to it, and you have a full-sized controller. This can be extremely helpful for people who find a single Joy-Con too small.
Nintendo Switch Lite
And then we have the portable version of the Switch, the Switch Lite. Even though all models can be used on the go, the Switch Lite is dedicated to portable gaming. It comes at a much smaller size than other models, with no option to attach it to a dock to use it with a TV. Due to the smaller size, this is an ideal console for children or people with smaller hands. The reduced weight also helps with prolonged gaming sessions. We all know that using any portable gaming console will numb your fingers after a while, so the lighter, the better.
The one big downside of the Switch Lite is that it lacks detachable Joy-Cons, which means certain games will be unplayable. Any game requiring motion controls (and many of them do) will not work unless you purchase additional Joy-Cons. And even then, you will be forced to play those games on the console’s regular screen, which isn’t ideal. Games like Nintendo Switch Sports would be a hassle to play on the Lite since you have to be standing while also moving around.
When you get down to it, the Switch Lite is the ideal option for people who are always on the go. The base package comes with a charger. We’d also suggest getting a screen protector since you tend to leave it on various surfaces. The screen is pretty sturdy, but using touch controls will also have an impact over time. As a bonus, the Lite has a smaller price point than the other models.
Nintendo Switch OLED
And last but not least, we have the premium variant of the Nintendo Switch, the OLED. As the name implies, the main change the OLED brings to the table is the screen itself. Replacing the old LCD screen with an OLED one offers better contrast, brightness, and color depth. So if your main focus is portable gaming at the best quality possible, the OLED might be an ideal purchase.
Regarding hardware, the OLED is mainly identical to the standard Switch variant. The dock has an ethernet port, meaning you won’t have to rely on Wi-fi. This can be useful when downloading games, but since most Switch games don’t take up a lot of storage space, it’s a small improvement. The kickstand is a lot better this time around since it spans the full length of the tablet and has more adjustable angles.
Overall, the OLED is an excellent premium option for people who don’t care about the price difference. One negative we must mention is the tendency of OLED screens to get burn-in. Burn-in is a flaw that all OLED screens have. Leaving a static image for prolonged periods of time on an OLED screen will imprint that image. This is easily solvable by turning the console off when not using it or activating the auto-sleep function.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a quick rundown of all Nintendo Switch models that are currently available. Which one is best depends on what you want from a gaming console. If taking it with you everywhere is essential, we also recommend purchasing a Nintendo Switch carrying case for keeping your handheld safe while travelling. The Switch is an excellent console with a massive library of games and more coming out every month. The Switch is the best option if you don’t care about shiny graphics and playing in 4K resolutions.
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