That said, is it a must-buy?

Wow, That OLED Screen

The new Switch’s OLED screen looks amazing.

TheOLED technologymakes for darker darks and more vibrant colors when compared to a traditional LED display.

The new Switch OLED console in tabletop mode with detached white joy-con controllers and MarioKart 8 on screen.

Lifewire/Rob LeFebvre

The result is immediately obvious when compared to the original Switch: the new OLED version just looks better.

If youre upgrading from a previous Switch model, the joy is palpable but subtle.

Once youre involved in a gaming session, the size of the bezels matters even less.

Three Switch consoles, Switch Lite, original Switch, new OLED switch off and on a table.

Even when powered off, you can see the difference with the new OLED screen.Lifewire/Rob LeFebvre

Upgrades Aplenty

Thats not to say the new OLED Switch doesnt improve upon its predecessor.

They both connect to your television with HDMI and can output up to 1080p.

The Switch OLEDs kickstand is a massive improvement over the original.

The rear panel of the new Switch OLED’s dock, with power, HDMI and LAN cables connected.

Power, HDMI, LAN cable in the new dock.Lifewire/Rob LeFebvre

If you play multiplayer games with friends on the go, the new kickstand makes the upgrade incredibly useful.

Even if you dont, having a wider range of viewing angles is most welcome.

Design Matters

My children are way past the age where they share a family Nintendo Switch.

The top edge with power and volume buttons on new and original Switch consoles, stacked on top of each other.

New OLED Switch on the bottom, original on top.Lifewire/Rob LeFebvre

When we bought our first one in 2017, we bought the model with the gray Joy-Con controllers.

Now, though, my kids are gone to college with their own Switches.

Does that really matter?

Top down view of white Switch OLED console in white dock

It just looks classier.Lifewire/Rob LeFebvre

No, but it feels like a classier experience, which has its own subtle pull on my preferences.

But, again, should you buy a new Switch OLED?

And they wouldnt be wrong.

New Switch OLED console held in hand with Fire Emblem: Three Houses cutscene on screen.

Lifewire/Rob LeFebvre

It is a better model, but is itenoughbetter?

Current Switch owners have a more difficult decision.

Once you get past the additional benefits of the more current hardware, its a toss-up.

Youve probably already ordered or received yours, anyway.

Owning a Switch is a delightful gateway to all sorts of gaming experiences for all sorts of people.

Whichever model you choose, youre going to have a blast.