Nintendo Switch 2 is not an OLED model — it's a separate console entirely

Nintendo has not released a Switch 2 yet. As of now, the current Nintendo Switch models are the original Switch, the Switch Lite, and the Switch OLED. The Switch OLED came out in October 2021 and is the most advanced version of the original Switch design. If you are shopping for a Nintendo console right now, you are choosing between these three existing models, not between a Switch 2 and an OLED version.

Nintendo has confirmed that a new console is in development, but no official release date or specifications have been announced. When Nintendo does release a new console, it will be marketed as the Switch 2 or whatever official name they choose — and at that time, it will be a completely different product line from the current OLED model.

Key Takeaways

  • The Nintendo Switch OLED is the current premium model of the original Switch design, released in 2021.
  • A Nintendo Switch 2 has not been released yet, so you cannot buy one or compare it to the OLED model today.
  • If you are buying a Nintendo console now, your choices are the original Switch, the Switch Lite, or the Switch OLED.
  • The Switch OLED has a larger, brighter screen and better speakers than the original Switch, but plays the same games.

What the Switch OLED actually is

The Switch OLED is an upgraded version of the original Nintendo Switch. It has the same basic design — a tablet with detachable controllers on the sides — and plays every game the original Switch plays. The main differences are the screen, the speakers, and the storage.

The OLED screen is 7 inches instead of 6.2 inches, and it uses OLED technology, which means each pixel produces its own light. This makes colors brighter and blacks darker compared to the original Switch's LCD screen. The speakers are louder and clearer. The console also comes with 64 GB of built-in storage instead of 32 GB, though you can add a microSD card to any Switch model for more space.

The Switch OLED costs $349. The original Switch costs $299 (though it is harder to find in stores now). The Switch Lite, a smaller handheld-only model with no detachable controllers, costs $199.

Why people confuse the Switch OLED with a Switch 2

Nintendo released the Switch OLED as a mid-cycle upgrade, not a new generation. This confused some shoppers because it was a significant improvement over the original model, and it came out years after the Switch first launched. People sometimes assumed it was the next console generation.

Additionally, Nintendo has a history of releasing multiple versions of the same console — the original Game Boy, the Game Boy Pocket, and the Game Boy Color were all part of the same product line. The Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED follow the same pattern. When a truly new console arrives, Nintendo will call it by a new name and it will play different games or require different hardware.

What we know about a future Switch 2

Nintendo has publicly stated that a new console is in development, but they have not announced a release date, price, or technical specifications. Rumors circulate online about what the Switch 2 might include — better graphics, faster processing, a larger screen — but none of these are confirmed by Nintendo.

When Nintendo does announce the Switch 2 officially, they will hold a presentation and release detailed specifications. You will see it announced on Nintendo's official website and in major gaming news outlets. Until that announcement happens, any information about Switch 2 specs or release dates is speculation, not fact.

Should you buy a Switch OLED now or wait

If you want to play Nintendo Switch games today, the Switch OLED is the best version of the current console. It has the best screen and speakers, and you can play thousands of games on it right now. If you wait for a Switch 2 that has not been announced, you could wait months or years without playing anything.

The Switch OLED will not become incompatible with new games when a Switch 2 arrives. Just as the original Switch still plays new games today, the OLED will continue to work. However, future games may be designed for the Switch 2 first, and the OLED versions might have lower graphics or performance.

If you are on a tight budget, the Switch Lite is a solid choice for handheld play and costs $150 less. If you want the best screen and sound for the current Switch, the OLED is worth the extra cost. If you are willing to wait and want the newest technology, you can wait for an official Switch 2 announcement — but that announcement has not happened yet.

How to tell which Switch model you have

If you already own a Switch and want to know which version it is, look at the screen size and the back of the console. The Switch OLED has a noticeably larger screen (7 inches) and a white back panel. The original Switch has a 6.2-inch screen and a black back panel. The Switch Lite is smaller overall, has a 5.5-inch screen, and is designed to be held in your hands — it does not have detachable controllers or connect to a TV dock.

You can also check the model number on the bottom of the console. The Switch OLED model number starts with HEG. The original Switch model number starts with HAC. The Switch Lite model number starts with HDH. If you are unsure, Nintendo's support website has a page showing photos of each model side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my Switch OLED games work on a Switch 2?

Nintendo has not confirmed this yet. Historically, Nintendo consoles do not play games from the previous generation — a Wii does not play GameCube games, and a Switch does not play Wii U games. It is likely that a Switch 2 will not play Switch games, but Nintendo will announce this officially when they reveal the Switch 2.

Is the Switch OLED worth buying if a Switch 2 might come out soon?

If you want to play Switch games now, yes. The OLED is the best current option and will continue to work and receive new games for years. If you can wait without playing anything, you can wait for an official Switch 2 announcement. Nintendo has not given any timeline, so "soon" is uncertain.

Can I trade in my Switch OLED for a Switch 2 later?

Yes, retailers like GameStop and Best Buy accept trade-ins for older consoles. You will not get full price back, but you can put the credit toward a new console. The exact trade-in value depends on the condition of your OLED and the retailer's current offers.

What if I buy a Switch OLED and then a Switch 2 comes out a month later?

You will still have a working console that plays thousands of games. You will not have wasted money — the OLED will not break or stop working because a new console exists. If you want the newest hardware, you can sell or trade in the OLED and buy the Switch 2, but you will lose some money in the process.

Is the Switch OLED the same as a Switch Pro?

No. Nintendo never released a "Switch Pro." The Switch OLED is the premium model. Some people use "Pro" informally to mean the best version, but officially it is called the Switch OLED. Do not confuse rumors about a "Switch Pro" with the actual Switch OLED that you can buy today.