Switch OLED vs Switch Lite | The Better Handheld 

Personally, I would put that oled screen on whatever will be the next switch lite, it's just more relevant there.

I actually really wanted this comparison as I have the switch lite. I’m really hoping they make a switch lite with a OLED screen slightly bigger screen like on the OLED model would be better too

I _would've_ preferred the Lite all around as someone who grew up with the Game Boy through 3DS and became accustomed to small ergonomic portable devices. My problem with the Lite is that the games weren't designed to be viewed on a screen that small. A lot of the UI and general visuals appear super-tiny. Every prior Nintendo handheld ironically didn't have this problem because they had lower resolutions and therefore larger, easier-to-see pixels. However, high-res screens don't have to be hard to see, as phones prove. I hope Nintendo and developers in general improve in this regard come the next console.

I really hope they make a Lite OLED. I absolutely love my Lite. It's the perfect size for me and I prefer the buttons on it (especially ZR and ZL).

still gonna stick to my lite, it’s just easier to carry and it’s quite nice in the hand

A switch lite with a nice oled with narrow bezels would have been a far more compelling option for me, can't say I'm massively interested in the oled, I'm throwing that pile of money at steam, surely they won't disappoint 🤞

I ended up getting the oled instead of the lite.The fact I can play it on dock or use it protable makes it so statisfying. Longer battery, bigger screen, more hard drive space. I love it. Probably my favorite nintendo console.

I had the Switch Lite (I LOVED this light blue color) and switched back to the regular because I really wanted to be able to play on TV again. But really, if the Switch Lite offered this functionality, I definitely would've kept it (even if it were $50 more expensive) because the unibody build is just so much nicer to use. And because it was smaller, I felt some sort of nostalgia since it was almost like the old Gameboy Advance which I loved.

Having used a Switch Lite for about a year when my Switch died, I can say that it is pretty great when played liked lying down on a couch/bed, when travelling or when even commuting to work. It is small, light, all in "one piece", has a proper Dpad, shoulder buttons are petty good and it has a decent battery life. However, it is just a shame that it cannot be docked at all, the screen is a bit tiny for some games (especially the ones with tiny text size) and its got some "yellowish" colors. It was great and all but I couldn't do without the possibility to play docked when I wanted/needed to so I've sold it and bought a new regular Switch. Sure, it came with a cost, both in terms of money and comfort (bigger, heavier) but it was definitely better. With the OLED model coming (pre-ordered it), it isn't a fair fight anymore: much better/bigger screen, better colors, better sound, possibility to play docked or tabletop (this finally becomes a viable option), the OLED wins hands down. I'll only miss the Lite for the (few) times I travel as it is then the best option (smaller, lighter, easier to carry around).

Been waiting for this. I have a switch Lite and have preordered the OLED as I'm a sucker for OLED screens. I love the body of the light as i play in hand held mode and that will be missed. The dream is to have a Lite with the bigger OLED screen

Great Vid; the Joycone “jiggle” and D-pad highlights are really good contrast points. When you’re trying to immerse yourself into a handheld those little things can be very noticeable.

Love the HDR production of the video, looks amazing and more impactful compared to other videos and creators. Keep the awesome work and content coming, much appreciated!

When I changed my joycons over to the Mario red I haven't felt/noticed the jiggle since

This dude is seriously the one guy on RU-vid who is informative and unbiased.

I have both the Lite and original Switch and I prefer the Lite by a large margin. All of the reasons you mentioned in the video are the same reasons I love mine. It just feels like a natural progression of a GBA to me…and reminds me of the Vita V2 which I also loved.

As a Lite owner, thank you for this comparison. From someone who doesn't own a base model, this is a legit upgrade for me and I'm soooooo excited.

My turquoise Switch Lite has served me well over the past two years that I’ve had it when I got it after selling my launch Switch and some games for a family situation, but one thing I have been missing is the ability to play it on my tv. I have the white Switch OLED preordered and I’m giving my Switch Lite and a game to one of my friends who hasn’t owned any Switch yet. I believe the Switch OLED will work really well for me in the long term, and I look forward to playing it soon.

I get my switch OLeD on Friday and can’t wait. I don’t have any other switch. Thanks so much for all the great videos.

I'm a 43 years old man who owns a PS5 with plenty of games but still wanted to play some Nintendo exclusives. I don't want another console and the Switch OLED is too big to carry around. It looks like a mid-sized tabled and that's already too much. The Switch Lite is perfect in size and weight; especially for someone like me who already owns a main system the PS5. But if the Switch is your main system perhaps the OLED is better.

Let’s not forget about the vibration feature of the Joy-Cons - it’s not necessary at all but such a nice touch and adds a bit of enjoyment to the experience.

Only true ones remember when it said, "$150 difference" 😩

A nice take on this issue that only Kevin would point out. I've had V1 Switch and never docked it so I sold it for the Lite. The points he mentioned are nothing new but still a good reminder with pros and cons for both systems. The Lite is definitely more comfortable and lighter to play especially when lying down where the phat Switch gets tiring. I also prefer the proper d-pad and buttons on the Lite compared to the clicky, no travel buttons on the original Switch. Obviously the major pros on the V# Switch is the dock ability that I sometimes miss and the tabletop play. I also miss the hd rumble and it has to be said even the V1 had a better screen than the Lite so it's suddenly got even more so with OLED. It's always swings and roundabouts with Nintendo revisions though with Switch it's not always so clear cut compared to say the 3ds range when the last new 3ds ones were the best hands down, especially the small new 3ds. Saying all that I'm a bit on the fence about whether to get the OLED, Nintendo are so infuriating 🤔

This was so far the best comparison video I saw here on youtube. Thanks for all of your insights!

Thanks for making the video! This was the exact question I wanted answered

Instant like when I saw your shirt man. I love Animal Crossing. I have my 62 year old mom playing with me now! What a wonderful game! Keep up the fantastic content too! As a director I really appreciate your stuff and Bob from Wulff Den's. Your lighting, and cinematography is fantastic.

I had Switch Lite and have bought OLED yesterday. I have to say, I’m blown away. The screen is so much better. The bigger size lets me notice details in games I missed on the small Lite screen, the colors are much more vivid. The sound is considerably better. Joycons feel more high quality and rumble feature makes games more fun. So while the Lite is smaller and lighter, the far better screen makes OLED a better choice.

Very good comparison! I have a Lite that I absolutely adored and love playing on it, especially Pokemon SnS, Animal crossing and Octopath Traveler. Those games are perfect for the lite. However after yesterday Direct showing Xenoblade 3, I'm really tempted to play that game on a big screen. I've finished Xenoblade 1 and 2, and while they are amazing games and plays well on the Lite, the immersive and beautiful open world looks so... jagged and blurry on the Lite. The huge world feels so small and cramped because of the screen size.

This is the exact comparison I needed, thank you!

This was definitely the video I was looking forward too. I have a lite and I will be using my switch portably around 80% and 20% docked. I really miss the better battery life and HD Rumble, which wasn't considered at all in this video

Great video, thank you. I find the regular Switch just too bulky and heavy for travel. I really hope they release an OLED Switch Lite at some point. That's my dream machine too.

I really wanted this comparison too. Well presented. Subscribed.

Thx, this was the comparison I was looking for

I just saw the oled in person for the first time at target today, and I have to admit it looks really great, especially when I compared it to the screen of the V2. It was way more clear, colorful, and vibrant, and obviously the screen was bigger, so that made it look a lot better.

I own both of these consoles and have to say that I prefere the Switch Lite as a portable system. The overall feel (buttons, unibody) and the lighter weight makes it more fun to play in bed or on the go. Also I'm not as scared to break it like I am when carrying the Oled model. I love the Oled model tho and always choose to play on that when I'm at home, because of the docking and joy-con feature, which makes playing with others much more fun.

That's the comparison I was looking for!

Wife had the day one switch and I had V2. Both upgraded to the oled and it was a great choice. All our games just pop so much more beautifully

I bought the lite because of price and it looked better for handheld and I'm happy with my decision never really cared that the regular switch can cast to the tv through the dock but hopefully if the OLED does well we get a OLED lite

Thank you so much for acknowledging the wiggle on the joycon rails 🙏🏼 I absolutely hated that and it’s the reason I got a switch lite. I was hoping the OLED would be more soild like the lite.

I have a regular switch and a switch lite. So my opinion: I think their next move if they're smart would be to come out with a switch lite with an OLED screen, better battery, better sound and more memory. Also, more options with colors. To an extent it can be considered two different audiences. I got my kids each a lite because it's cheaper with less moving parts.

Excellent video! I just found your channel as I am a new switch owner as of 2 months. I started with the switch lite so far I love it! I can only hope an oled lite happens.

I very, very rarely played my switch in handheld….always in tv mode. Then I just lucked out and obtained an OLED (was in target a couple of weeks ago, and they just happened; to have one left!). For whatever reason, I’m now finding myself playing in handheld 50% of the time. The new screen is just that good.

Don't forget joycon drift! It's easier to replace a drifting joycon, than to replace the complete Switch Lite.

Best video I've seen on this topic. Well done, thx

Great video. Excellent review. Really informative. Just in time for Christmas. Thanks

Yup! Expand that screen, make it OLED and how about a similar kickstand!? This would definitely be an ideal Switch Lite!

Love the mention of the D-Pad, cause that's usually what sells handheld consoles to me as well lol Great video as always!

The production of these videos is actually amazing. You also remind me of Bob Ross. I had to sell the V2 last year cause the pandemic. I got a Lite since then and I've been missing the TV option. I used to love to Tabletop mode game and so I'm hyped about OLED. I plan on selling the Lite with some stuff to get some money for Metroid Dread, DBZ Kakarot, and Darksiders 3.

I went from a lite to a oled, you described me correctly at the very end, There were things i regretted about not having a regular one. I was surprised how much I end up using and enjoying table top mode

I have a Switch Lite and the two big things preventing me from upgrading to the OLED is the price and that I never do docked gameplay. I'd really like one but I'm pretty satisfied with my Lite.

Wow I was just thinking about this comparison yesterday.

I love my Lite. It honestly got me back into the Switch because it's just so much more convenient to carry around. I gave my wife my OG Switch as she loves Animal Crossing and prefers playing on a TV

This was exactly my situation, got a switch lite but now the OLED seems like would be a great upgrade!

Thank you!!!! I been waiting for someone compare the lite with the oled

High quality stuff as always!

Waiting for the "NEW Switch Lite", portability and OLED screen would be great

I love my Switch Lite. The only problem i have with it is because the screen is smaller, it's hard to read some of the text in some games.

Recently purchased the oled and have to say it’s crazy how good the graphics are for a handheld system

If the switch lite had smaller bezels it would be far more appealing compared to the other models, but the small screen bothered me so much that I've sold mine to get the bigger one, luckily the switch OLED is releasing now 😄

I’m exactly that Switch Lite owner that thought I would never use it docked or in tabletop- but later wished it were possible. I’ve loved having the D-pad & soft touch buttons (vs the Clicky ones on Switch [prime]), but now that the OLED one comes in the limited Tears of the Kingdom design… 👀 I need it, lol.

Thanks so much for this. I've recently decided to get a switch, but since i can't really see myself using it docked i was a little on the fence as to whether i should get the oled or the lite. I was already leaning towards oled, but this convinced me.

Thanks for the detailed comparison. It's helping me make a choice between the two and I think I want the OLED.

god dayum to the scoodle macaraca fruppen, the beard spoke to me in various ways to the uppen luppen bruppa

I absolutely loved your review I just got a blue switch lite for my birthday yesterday and I have to say I'm in love with the device the animations are extremely smooth and the colors pop the sound that the games system has is very good although I would like if the volume went up a little bit higher also I just want to talk about the controls for a minute because the controls on the Nintendo switch lite are absolutely phenomenal I haven't had one hiccup and I've been playing it for quite a bit I'll have to update this in a few weeks but I have to admit I am very happy with it

Could you make a video about protective cases and grips that fit on the OLED? Cause we know it's 3mm bigger and in some cases it can make a difference, for example grips.

Kevin is more then a reviewer Nd giving his opinion. He gives you real facts that matters. The real pros and cons. Stuff that other people won't say and tell you. They might think it, but don't use it in there video. It's important for the consumer you have a wide perspective of how a device will be when you buy it.

Looking at your videos makes me both happy and sad. Your presentation and everything make me happy! And what makes me sad is that I don't even have any games consoles! I hope someday, I will get one...😩🙂👍

It’s weird because I was originally going to get the OLED but I decided to try out a Switch lite a few months ago and I fell in love with it over my regular switch. The lite is very comfortable in the hands and makes my regular switch feel like I’m carry a heavy brick around. With the OLED being slightly bigger I imagine it’s a little heavier so now I’m like ehhhh.

I have the switch lite , just wish they called it something else as it does not switch lol! It’s an amazing gameboy.

I waited for this exact video no one made.

Thanks for this very informative video. I might still hold on for that switch lite OLED, though. 🙂

I was so close to buying the diamond and Pearl edition lite, but I’ve opted for the oled, just yesterday, I wish this video was here then, but I stand by my choice, thankfully 😅

Bro, I play my switch in handheld mode for playing SSBU while you planking. Has literally transformed how I exercise (Thank you Nintendo for #Abs)!

For the longest time I have been deciding which to get, based on what i have and can do now or what i'd like to be able to do in the future. So yeah the Lite is cheaper and all in one, but maybe i wanna dock it and play with a larger screen off my laptop (which is a whole other set up). I'll continue to be indecisive as always about everything until i become impulsive and just pick one! This was a good breakdown of both! This is someone who hadn't come from a gaming background growing up, didn't own any games or set ups for them and the most i did was play Just Dance or Wii at a friends house.

Never had a switch for my own (we have a regular V2 family switch) and been thinking and thinking about buying the switch lite, but I don't like the small screen. I really hope they release an OLED version of lite, cuz that would be perfect and also a better battery life for lite

My question is If they were going to aim on making the upgrades mostly for hand held why didn't they just upgrade the switch lite?

I really do love the look of the “blueberry” Switch Lite. I have the Pokémon edition lite and don’t regret getting it but every time I see the blue one I have to re-convince myself that I can’t justify it. I may have a problem…

i never thought about this!! i still use my launch switch all the time, and if i were to get a 2nd switch, it would be one i would take on the go and play undocked. an OLED lite switch would be the perfect setup in this case. better physical screen and more compact for ease of use, and then when i want to play docked i'd use my launch switch on a nice tv :D (giving me functionality AND a new acnh island to play around in, lol)

I also feel like some games aren’t really playable on Lite. For example I had a really hard time playing Doom 2016 or Assassin’s Creed III , because everything was so small and hard to make out. But I briefly tried those games on OLED and they actually seem great. I typically tried to skip most of multi platform games, but now that I have OLED, they seem more appealing.

I went from a day one switch to the switch lite and never went back, to the point of selling my og switch. The only games I have had issues playing are Luigi's mansion because of the rumble feature that is part of key game play, and fitness boxing as I dont have joy cons right now. I intend to buy some in the future but I still love my switch lite. It's my favorite out of all the nintendo handhelds I've owned, which is most of them not including the small original 3ds and the new 2ds. I have even owned a psp 1000, 2000, and 3000 and still like the switch lite the best. I literally play at least a hour a day on it and it's so comfortable to hold and play on with a small grip case. Granted text is small but I wear glasses for a reason. It's not even bad for subnautica and the long dark, both play fine.

I’m happy with my lite as someone who doesn’t game that much and when I do it’s casual with indies and alot of platformers.

THIS is the video I didn’t know I was waiting for. I’ve had a Switch Lite since they came out but recently my eyesight has worsened a bit and I can’t see the small text nearly as well as I used to. I’m really thinking of getting the OLED. I just hope scalpers don’t buy them up

I upgraded to the OLED from the lite and even tho i don't have a tv yet, I enjoy the OLED so much! I love having rumble and a bigger better screen. Plus im excited to have a second acnh island and be able to play more games with other people. I got some more ergonomic joycons that have a d pad. I probably wont use the original joy cons very much

No silence in this one, now I don’t have to fight my demons mid-Kevin Kenson video

I bought a switch lite when it came out because I liked the idea of a unibody design, but over time I started to find it too small for my fairly large hands and really missed being able to dock the system. I just upgraded to an OLED and while I still think the lite is great value for money, the extra $150 is well worth it

One of the first things I noticed on my switch I got earlier this week is the very very very slight play in the joycons

Bought a second hand lite last week because I wanted a current gen portable device and man was I blown away... Going from Gameboy (I'm that old) toGBA to a PSP many years later, damn the Switch lite kicks some serious ass. Not going to stop me from getting an OG Gameboy again though🙂

I love your shirt, Kevin. 3:20: YES! I have a deathgrip on my Switch, and one of the compelling reasons for getting the Lite was the lack of Joy-Con detachment. I was always worried about applying too much pressure to the back of the system and putting too much stress on the rails. Also, those little nibbies on the top-back of each Joy-Con has always been the first thing to go for me-yes, Drift, you can take a seat for this one-making the Joy-Con never ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-NjTGlGgL6ZE.html. It got to the point where if I held the Switch upside down the Joy-Con would drop outta the system.

I just upgraded from the Lite to the OLED and the difference is amazing. The screen, omg that screen is gorgeous AF. Having Smash, Mario Kart, and BoTW, among titles, on the big screen is a big win! :) I still have my Lite though tempted to sell it for $150, haven't decided. I really like the construction of the OLED, it feels damn sturdy, the joycons don't have wiggle room like the V1 and V2 have. Overall if you don't have a Switch, the OLED is a very good option if you can find one. I had to go to Craigslist to get mine. Didn't overpay either. :D

I'm sticking to my Switch Lite for a while. I love it so much, and the main reason I got it was for handheld gaming. I use my Xbox for TV screen gaming any way, if I'm not on handheld mode

I bought a lite a couple months after it first came out, and around 6 months ago my left analog stick started feeling nasty. Clicking it in doesn't actually click anymore, and it's even more noticeable because the right analog stick is still working fine. The button (L3 or clicking in the left stick) still works in game, but it doesn't make a sound and feels mushy. It's a bummer because I didn't get a warranty. Definitely can't wait to upgrade to the OLED

Thank you for making this video, Kevin. It gives me a lot more insight as a Switch Lite user to really go for the upgrade considering I really like playing my Switch in tabletop or at least with a wireless controller connected or even wired and don’t like using a separate kickstand or device that requires a USB connection. This addresses all the issues I have as a Switch Lite user and will make it easier for me to upgrade to the Switch OLED when it hits the shelves

The Switch lite hits the nail on the head - I highly recommend it, along with a hefty micro SD card, of 256gb or more.

I had a switch lite while at ait in the army and since I didn't have a tv this was the best way to play my games and I really did enjoy it. However, after I got to my actual unit and moved all my stuff from home to there, it became a chore to play. Now several years later, It wasn't until a month ago that I finally picked up a standard switch from an unclaimed baggage for $150 that I enjoy it much more and mostly keep it docked. In terms of portable gaming now, I don't even use the switch anymore and will just opt for my 3ds, psp, or phone.

I had a lite when first launched which I loved but playing handheld on the OLED is amazing I’m glad I picked it up

Kevin really mining the OLED switch vein for all its worth...

My biggest gripe about the OLED is the green tint issue that my unit has, but apparently others have it too. Sometimes I consider selling my OLED to pick up a Lite instead. It’s extremely distracting in games like Skyrim and Stardew Valley (extremely noticeable on load screen).

I wish they'd do a base Switch refresh, normal LCD screen but same size as OLED, with the better back stand for the normal Switch price. After so many years it doesn't seem unreasonable.

Yeah bro I've been thinking about buying a switch OLED for a few days now thanks for this I most likely will upgrade now

I was on the fence of upgrading my lite to the oled for months. Decided to keep the lite and buy a super nintendo themed shell for it. I also think 720p content looks better on a smaller screen.

Why is it so hard for reviewers to just put both devices displayed at the same time with the same game synced and allow us to see both at the same time?