With the arrival of the OLED this year, what would win in a fight between Nintendo Switch OLED vs Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch Lite? Wait, no. That’s not it. What we actually need to establish is which console you should pick up for the Black Friday Nintendo Switch deals this November.
Because many of us will be hoping to put one of these consoles under the Christmas tree this Holiday season, getting to the bottom of the Nintendo Switch OLED vs Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch Lite kerfuffle before Black Friday isn’t a bad idea. Let’s break it down, shall we?
Nintendo Switch OLED vs Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch Lite
1. Nintendo Switch
The best Nintendo Switch for most people
Specifications
Price: $299 / £259Uses: TV or handheld modeResolution: 1080p (TV) / 720p (handheld)Controllers: Detachable
Reasons to buy
+Can be used on TV and in handheld mode+Great for big-screen multiplayer+Middle-of-the-road price
Reasons to avoid
-Screen isn’t as nice as the OLED
The ‘standard’ Nintendo Switch will be the best fit for the majority of people. Besides being somewhere in the middle in terms of price, it’s enjoys the best of all worlds – it can be connected to the TV for big-screen action or taken on the go in handheld mode.
Because playing on your TV is perfect for multiplayer sessions, this version of the console is the best all-rounder for families this Holiday season. It’s also the most versatile. Namely, the Lite seen below can only be used in handheld mode.
2. Nintendo Switch Lite
The best Nintendo Switch for kids or those on a budget
Specifications
Price: $199 / £199Uses: Handheld mode onlyResolution: 720pControllers: Built-in
Reasons to buy
+More affordable+Sturdier design
Reasons to avoid
-Handheld mode only-Not great for local multiplayer
This cheaper, smaller version of the Switch is ideal if you just want to dabble in Nintendo’s game library without breaking the bank, or if you’re looking for a console that’ll suit your kids. Sturdier than its counterparts and featuring built-in controllers, this console is perfect for taking with you when out and about.
However, note that it can’t connect to the TV and can only be used in handheld mode. This means it’s not great for local multiplayer sessions; crowding around its little display for split-screen action isn’t much fun.
3. Nintendo Switch OLED
The best Nintendo Switch for handheld play
Specifications
Price: $349 / £309Uses: TV or handheld modeResolution: 1080p (TV) / 720p (handheld)Controllers: Detachable
Reasons to buy
+Gorgeous screen+Excellent in handheld mode+Small quality-of-life changes
Reasons to avoid
-Not a huge upgrade
Hoping to clock some hours playing in handheld mode? The new Switch OLED will be your jam. While it isn’t the 4K Nintendo Switch Pro we were originally hoping for (and it doesn’t offer much of a reason to upgrade from older models, as discussed in our Nintendo Switch OLED review), it does have a new and improved screen that features a gorgeous OLED display for brighter, more vibrant color. The console itself also has an improved kickstand, so it’s ideal if you want to play in tabletop mode as well.
Happily, it’ll connect to your TV too. This allows you to get in on some split-screen multiplayer gaming, adding to the OLED’s versatility. Speaking of which, small quality-of-life improvements such as an Ethernet port on the dock (ideal for those looking to play online multiplayer more reliably) have been added.
Today’s best Nintendo Switch deals
Want to see what’s on offer right now? Once you’ve made your decision, you can browse the latest deals and discounts on every kind of Nintendo Switch (including the best Nintendo Switch bundles that are currently available) below. More are sure to appear in the Black Friday gaming deals, so keep an eye out as we approach the end of November.
As for other consoles, don’t forget to drop in on our guide to the upcoming Black Friday PS5 deals and Black Friday Xbox Series X deals.
Want to get ahead of your Christmas shopping and track down some gifts? Be sure to check out these Black Friday board game deals and Black Friday Lego deals.