Price-conscious gamers have been weighing the value of investing in the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2—especially those who never owned an original Switch. Now that the [ttpp]Switch 2’s exact specs[/ttpp] have been revealed, the big question is how it stacks up against its predecessor, particularly the most advanced model in the current lineup: the Nintendo Switch OLED.
If you're deciding between the original Switch OLED and the new Switch 2, here's a detailed comparison to help you make an informed choice—especially if you're looking to avoid overpaying or waiting for uncertain stock availability.
Nintendo Switch 2 vs. Nintendo Switch OLED: Price
As the latest and most advanced version of the original Switch line, the OLED model carries a premium price. At $349, it’s $100 cheaper than the Nintendo Switch 2, which retails for $449. However, since the Switch OLED has been on the market for several years, it often drops to as low as $279 during major sales events. Bundles also offer excellent value—like the [ttpp]Super Mario Wonder OLED bundle[/ttpp], available at the standard $349 price but including a popular game, effectively saving you money upfront.
Nintendo Switch – OLED Model w/ Neon Red & Neon Blue Joy-Con
0$349.99 save 6%$329.99 at Amazon
That said, timing matters. The 90-day tariff pause ends in July, and there’s no guarantee prices won’t rise afterward. [ttpp]Xbox has already raised prices[/ttpp] across its hardware lineup—the Xbox Series X now costs $599, up from $499. Nintendo has also increased the price of Switch 2 accessories like the new Joy-Con and Pro Controllers by $5, citing [ttpp]“due to changes in market conditions” according to Nintendo[/ttpp]. It's likely that all Switch models could see similar increases. Still, based purely on upfront cost, the Switch OLED wins on affordability.
Winner: Nintendo Switch OLED
Nintendo Switch 2 Console
Nintendo Switch 2 vs. Nintendo Switch OLED: Specs and Performance
The Nintendo Switch 2’s official specifications were confirmed in mid-May, allowing for a direct comparison with the Switch OLED. The new console features an Nvidia T239 SoC with an Ampere-architecture GPU—same architecture used in Nvidia’s RTX 30-series graphics cards. With 1,536 CUDA cores, it outperforms the original Switch significantly, though it falls short of even the entry-level RTX 3050 Mobile. In docked mode, it delivers 3.07 TFLOPs of performance—less than handheld PCs like the [ttpp]Asus ROG Ally X[/ttpp] (which reaches up to 8.6 TFLOPs), but console optimization ensures smooth gameplay across Switch 2 titles.
In contrast, the Switch OLED uses the older Nvidia Tegra X1 SoC with Maxwell-architecture GPU—technology dating back to 2014 GPUs like the GTX 750 and 980. Its 256 CUDA cores make it far less powerful than the Switch 2.
RAM is another major leap: the Switch 2 comes with 12GB total (3GB reserved for system operations, 9GB for games), running at 102GB/s in docked mode and 68GB/s handheld. The Switch OLED only has 4GB of RAM (0.8GB for the OS, 3.2GB for games) and a much slower bandwidth of 25.6GB/s docked and 21.3GB/s handheld.
While the Switch 2 doesn’t feature an OLED screen at launch, its 7.9-inch LCD panel with 1080p resolution is a clear upgrade in size and clarity over the Switch OLED’s 7-inch 720p display. Additional hardware improvements include 256GB of internal storage (up from 64GB) and dual USB-C ports (versus one on the OLED model).
Despite the OLED’s superior color contrast and deeper blacks, the Switch 2 dominates in raw performance and modern hardware.
Winner: Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 vs. Nintendo Switch OLED: Software and Features
Both consoles support the same flexible play styles—handheld, tabletop, and docked—thanks to detachable Joy-Con and built-in kickstands. But the Switch 2 enhances these features significantly.
The new U-shaped kickstand is sturdier and more versatile than the flat plastic version on the OLED model. The Joy-Con now attach magnetically, making them easier to snap on and remove compared to the sliding mechanism of previous models.
Backward compatibility ensures most Nintendo Switch games will run on the Switch 2, and some titles will receive [ttpp]spec bumps and add-ons for Switch 2[/ttpp]—though often behind a paywall.
New gameplay features are also arriving with the Switch 2. The Joy-Con can function as motion-based mice, allowing precise aiming in games like [ttpp]Metroid Prime 4: Beyond[/ttpp]. As explained by [ttpp]Nintendo producer Kouichi Kawamoto[/ttpp], players can glide the Joy-Con across surfaces—even their hand or pants—to control the cursor. This isn’t just optional: titles like [ttpp]Drag X Drive[/ttpp] require it.
The Switch 2 also introduces GameChat, a built-in communication suite accessible via the new “C” button. It supports voice calls, video chats, and screen sharing directly on the console—no smartphone app needed. A microphone is integrated into the system, while a camera peripheral is sold separately. Note: GameChat will be free until March 31, 2026, after which a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required.
With magnetic controllers, mouse support, and integrated social features, the Switch 2 clearly advances beyond the OLED model.
Winner: Nintendo Switch 2
The Winner Is… the Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 represents a major leap in performance, storage, display quality, and software features. While the Switch OLED wins on price and offers a beautiful OLED screen, it’s a four-year-old system with limited future support. Investing in it now means missing out on upcoming exclusives like [ttpp]Mario Kart World[/ttpp], [ttpp]Donkey Kong Bananza[/ttpp], and [ttpp]Kirby Air Riders[/ttpp].
Even with the $100 price difference, the value proposition of the Switch 2 is strong. If you're spending close to $350 on a Switch OLED, spending a bit more for a future-proof console that plays both legacy and next-gen titles makes far more sense. For gamers serious about longevity and performance, the choice is clear.
Winner: Nintendo Switch 2
