Should you buy a Nintendo Switch OLED in 2025?

Although Nintendo has finally revealed the Switch 2, questions remain about a release date and price. Potential Switch customers are budgeting their money and strategizing when to buy the flashy new console—or if 2025 is the time to buy the older OLED instead.

There are still gamers out there who have never bought a Switch and may want to hold out for the Switch 2 due to its confirmed backward compatibility. And then some just want a replacement or upgrade now, in which case an OLED seems in order.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is getting its own Direct showcase on April 2, leading many to speculate that the console will release sometime in the Fall. With a Switch 2 release likely happening later this year, is a Switch OLED still a smart purchase? Well, it really depends on what you’re after. If you don’t mind missing out on the next generation of game titles and the graphical upgrade brought about by a Switch 2, an OLED is a fine choice, especially if you’re already contemplating a regular Switch.

Why you should consider a Switch OLED in 2025

If you’re considering whether to buy a regular Switch versus an OLED, the $50 difference really gives the enhanced OLED an edge. Switch OLED retails for $349, while the Switch still goes for $299. Although the Switch never had a price cut during its lifecycle, it may get cut when the Switch 2 releases—though it’s unlikely based on Nintendo’s track record.

The OLED display features a quicker refresh rate than the Switch’s LED display, plus the deeper contrasts between colors and shades make our favorite Nintendo games really pop. While the image display is noticeably more vibrant with a quicker refresh rate, it’s still running at 720p in handheld mode and 1080P while docked like the regular Switch.

The added storage is a substantive addition for the OLED. With the OLED Switch, you’re getting exactly twice as much internal storage (64GB) as the regular version (32GB). There are some additional benefits, such as a display screen larger by 0.8 inches, but other than those key points, both consoles perform the same.

Why you shouldn’t buy a Switch OLED in 2025

If you have some cash to spare and haven’t experienced any of the Switch’s library yet, the Switch 2’s backward compatibility may make buying an OLED redundant. With the entire Switch library at your fingertips and an entirely new generation of games that won’t be available on the older console, the Switch 2 will be a smart purchase indeed.

It’s speculated that the Switch 2 will retail for around $399 at launch. Speculation is based on some Micromania store leaks and the OLED’s price of $349. With a mere $50 price increase, the Switch 2 is the smarter decision to make considering the improved hardware capabilities, new functions, and fresh library of games like a new Mario Kart.

Additionally, the Switch’s underpowered performance at just 720k resolution warrants a substantive upgrade, and not the OLED, which just boasts improved contrasts and storage.

If you’re particularly budget-minded, a Switch Lite may be a smart choice as well. While the Lite likely won’t play the latest Switch 2 titles, it’ll still contain the vast Switch library, albeit at a lower $199 price point. While the Lite doesn’t dock to a television screen like the Switch and OLED, its 5.5 LCD screen provides a great handheld experience nonetheless.