Nintendo offers three different portable devices all with different skills, so it can be hard to decide which is the best Switch for you. We’ve spent lots of time with each console and we’re going to break down all the key differences and features of each option.
Alongside the vanilla model Nintendo originally launched in 2017, there is also the Switch Lite – a smaller, more portable option – and then there is the Switch OLED which comes with a nicer OLED screen. We’ve dissected each option in far more detail below, making it easy to pick the one best for your needs.
This list may get longer in the future, as we will be sure to review any later Nintendo Switch models that arrive. Currently, the fabled Switch Pro / Switch 2 console could be a possibility, but far from a given at this stage.
Once your console is sorted, you can check out our list of the best Nintendo Switch games and keep an eye out for reviews of upcoming titles, like Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom when it’s released.
Here is our definitive ranking for the best Nintendo Switch consoles, all have been reviewed by one of our product experts. We have other best lists that may be of interest, like our best Game Console page, as well as our best Gaming Laptop list, for any PC gamers out there.
Best Nintendo Switch Console At A Glance:
- Best screen: Nintendo Switch OLED – check price
- Best value: Nintendo Switch – check price
- Best for kids: Nintendo Switch Lite – check price
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.
- Gaming whenever, wherever you want
- Bright and colourful screen
- Versatile Joy-Con controllers
- Some truly incredible games
- Overpriced accessories
- Expensive games
- OLED screen offers a huge upgrade
- Bigger screen, but still very portable
- Stand is a lot sturdier now
- Increased storage capacity
- No performance upgrade
- No substantial upgrades for docked mode
- Design is robust, attractive and easy to use
- Already boasts a fantastic library of games
- Increased battery life compared to the base model
- Nature of console means certain games are no longer supported
- Local multiplayer is far harder to achieve without docking
Nintendo Switch OLED
The best screen on a Switch
Pros
- OLED screen offers a huge upgrade
- Bigger screen, but still very portable
- Stand is a lot sturdier now
- Increased storage capacity
Cons
- No performance upgrade
- No substantial upgrades for docked mode
The Nintendo Switch OLED is the latest iteration of the console, with the main attraction being the new OLED panel. 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 of Metroid Dread notes 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.
The downside of this more expensive console is that it isn’t any more powerful than the original, meaning that the only benefit you’re getting when outputting to a TV is a new Ethernet port on the dock for wired internet connections.
However, anyone who’s looking for a crisper and more colourful experience while they game shouldn’t dismiss the Switch OLED outright, as it’s just as durable and entertaining as its younger brother, while also sharing the exact same game catalogue.
Reviewer: Ryan Jones
Full Review: Nintendo Switch OLED Review
Nintendo Switch
The best value Switch console
Pros
- Gaming whenever, wherever you want
- Bright and colourful screen
- Versatile Joy-Con controllers
- Some truly incredible games
Cons
- Overpriced accessories
- Expensive games
The console that started it all, the first Nintendo Switch launched 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 the Steam Deck instead 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 Ryles
Full Review: Nintendo Switch review
Nintendo Switch Lite
The best Switch for kids
Pros
- Design is robust, attractive and easy to use
- Already boasts a fantastic library of games
- Increased battery life compared to the base model
Cons
- Nature of console means certain games are no longer supported
- Local multiplayer is far harder to achieve without docking
Finally, we come to the cheapest option for anyone wanting to game on the go. The Nintendo 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 in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The only exceptions are games that require motion control, such as Nintendo 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 like Super Smash Bros Ultimate with 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: Jade King
Full Review: Nintendo Switch Lite Review
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We’ve reviewed
See all reviewsFAQs
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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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.
Professional 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.
Editorial independence
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.
Professional 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.
