The Nintendo Switch OLED is the flagship handheld console, boasting a larger seven inch display with features that promise the next evolution of gaming. Not only is it a handheld console, but also supports new features for docking mode, offering the perfect multiplayer experience with the original Wii functionality in mind.
In the following article, we'll dive into the details of the new Nintendo Switch OLED, how it compares to the Nintendo Switch, and why you might choose it over a PS5 or Xbox Series S/X console.
The Nintendo Switch OLED - What We Love
Gamers considering an upgrade to a PS5 or Xbox Series S tend to overlook the Nintendo Switch OLED. Most think it's a handheld console that doesn't provide any additional features other than the ability to play from anywhere.
We were under the same impression at first, but using the Nintendo Switch OLED opened our eyes to just how capable it is. It might not replace your PS5 or Xbox, but it's worth mentioning that the Nintendo does things those consoles can't. Let's dive in!
1. It's a Handheld Console - the Obvious Difference
Just to get it out of the way, yes the Nintendo Switch OLED has an obvious advantage over the other console since you can play it from anywhere. You might be thinking that the PlayStation Portable also makes mobile gaming possible, but it doesn't really since you still need to be close to your PS5.
The Nintendo Switch OLED, on the other hand, makes it possible to truly enjoy remote gaming at it's best. The massive 4310 mAh battery supports gaming of up to 9 hours, making it easy to last all day, unless you're the type of gamer who players all day, non-stop. Then again, you can play on your TV with the console in the dock, charging constantly.
Console | Handheld Console? | Fully Mobile Gaming? | Play on TV? |
Switch OLED | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Playstation 5 | PlayStation Portable | ❌ | ✅ |
Xbox Series S/X | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
2. Play on TV, Handheld or Tabletop Mode
You might already know that the controllers or joy cons on the Nintendo Switch OLED can be removed, but it's not just to replace them with other colours. These controllers support various game modes that you can use in different play modes on the console.
Attached to the Switch OLED - Keeping the controllers attached to the console is the best way to play in handheld mode. While the console is a bit heavier than the others, the larger screen makes it worth holding on. The buttons are comfortable and don't place any strain on your wrists - it's not that heavy (315g).
Tabletop Mode - Easily slide off the two controllers, flick out the stand at the back of the screen, and place it on any tabletop, counter, or on a rock if you're the type to play in the middle of a hike. With the controllers detached, each hand has its own controllers, or you can pass one to your friends to play two player games with the buttons or with the motion of the controller, more on that later.
Docking Mode - Don't feel like holding the screen? Remove the controllers, place it in the dock, and enjoy the HD (1080p) view of all your favourite games. These controllers are also motion sensitive, which means you can interact with the games with movement, adding a whole new element to challenging friends and family in games such as Nintendo Switch Sports.
While the three gaming modes and the fact that you always have two controllers with you is a huge advantage, the PS5 and Xbox consoles provide more functionality and better graphics. We also found it very strange that the Nintendo Switch OLED doesn't support Netflix, Disney+, or Showmax. You can install Youtube for free, but that's about it in South Africa.
3. Play Motion Gaming like the Original Wii
The original Nintendo Wii console became world-famous for it's unique interactive motion gaming abilities that provided entertainment for the whole family. The Nintendo Switch OLED continues the brilliant gaming innovation with the detachable controllers.
Remove the controllers to have two motion controllers, allowing you to play in local multiplayer modes or online against your friends and family. Popular games such as Switch Sports are available, featuring an array of sports such as Tennis, Football, Golf, and much more.
The controller tracks your motion, adding a new element to the experience and making it a challenge for all players. It's similar to the Move controllers from PlayStation 3 and 4, but here you don't require a camera to track your motion. Instead, it's built into the controller, making it easy to play motion games in tabletop and docking mode.
There are currently over 30 motion games available, many of which are the originals from the Wii consoles. We downloaded a few games and truly enjoyed the Switch Sports games and challenges. Your movements and accuracy determine how well you do in games, and it's not just about being the fastest or aiming right. Twisting your hand, tilting it up or own, and moving in the best possible path all contribute towards your accuracy.
Nintendo Switch OLED Storage - Seems Small, but is Enough
The PS5 and Xbox Series X come standard with a 1 TB hard drive, giving you enough space to install your favourite games and other apps such as Netflix, Spotify, and many others. Learning that the Nintendo Switch only has 64 GB might come as a concern, but it's actually more than enough.
The games are much smaller on the Nintendo Switch consoles, allowing you to still install multiple games at the same time. If you run out of space, easily install a micro SD card in the back. The Nintendo Switch OLED supports up to 2 TB in additional storage, which means like overkill when you see the size of games.
Let's compare some of the cross platform game sizes to see just how much smaller they are on the Switch OLED.
Game | PS5 Size | Xbox Size | Switch OLED Size |
MLB The Slow 23 | 72 GB | 44.19 GB | 20.5 GB |
Monster Hunter | 26.7 GB | 27 GB | 19.8 GB |
Stranded Deep | 2.9 GB | 1.6 GB | 0.77 GB |
Fortnite | 72 GB | 31 GB | 21.4 GB |
Nintendo Switch vs. Switch OLED - What's the Difference?
You might be tempted to upgrade your Nintendo Switch to the newer OLED model, which is a great choice, but is it really worth the extra money? The OLED console doesn't unlock any additional games, but provides important improvements over the Switch. Let's have a look at the main differences:
Switch | Switch OLED | |
Display | 6.2 Inch | 7 Inch OLED |
Storage | 32 GB | 64 GB |
Design | No Tabletop Mode | Built-in Kickstand |
Dock | No Lan Port | Lan plug for wired Internet |
Processor | Nvidia Terga X1 | Nvidia Terga X1 |
Ram | 4 GB | 4 GB |
Resolution | 720p / 1080p (TV) | 720p / 1080p (TV) |
Motion Game Support | Yes | Yes |
As the table above shows, there's no major difference between the Switch and the Switch OLED. While the newer console comes with a lan plug, bigger and brighter display, and a brilliant kickstand for tabletop mode, it's not really worth the upgrade unless one or more of the new features is a must.
Our Conclusion - Is the Nintendo Better than PS5 or Xbox Series?
While it's easy to compare the PS5 and Xbox consoles, the Nintendo Switch OLED is in a category of it's own. The console might share some games with the other mainstream consoles, but most are meant to provide a unique experience in multiplayer modes or challenging your abilities.
We would have liked to see a bigger variety of motion games, especially for Golf games such as PGA 2k21, which is available on the Nintendo Switch OLED, but doesn't work with Motion. Getting up and moving with the game is a huge advantage that neither the Xbox or PS5 can offer unless you purchase the PS5 VR2 headset.
We really like the Nintendo Switch, but can clearly see the console is not meant to replace PS5 or Xbox. Instead, it caters to a unique market of players seeking a gaming experience more geared towards arcade-style games that you can play with friends from anywhere.
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