Best Nintendo Switch for Your Budget and Use Case (April 2025)
With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, buying a Switch is more confusing than ever. There are so many options to choose from. You get the affordable Switch Lite, the original Switch, and even the premium Switch OLED. And to add to the confusion, not all Nintendo Switches are made equal since they don’t have the same features or capabilities. With so many Nintendo gaming handhelds available, it’s hard to find the one that best suits your budget or requirements. So, without any further ado, here’s our detailed Nintendo Switch buying guide to help you find the best Nintendo Switch handheld for your needs.
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Nintendo Switch 2: Best Overall Handheld Console
The Nintendo Switch 2 is the next evolution and the much-awaited successor to the company’s 2nd best-selling handheld. The Joycons 2 now attach magnetically and also double as a mouse. This opens up new ways to play Switch games. It also works on lap and other surfaces so you may use it anywhere. You can now play games at 120 FPS and 4K 60 FPS when docked. You get a sharper and bigger display on the Switch 2 at 1080p, measuring 7.9 inches. Furthermore, there’s also HDR 10 support and VRR, apart from a smoother 120Hz refresh rate.
Other improvements include dual USB-C ports and larger 256GB of storage with microSD Express cards. There’s also a new C button to fire up GameChat, the new social hub to play games with others. With this feature, you may play games with up to 12 other players with voice/video chat while sharing the screen. To access the service, you do need a Nintendo Online subscription that you need to buy separately. Accessories for the Switch 2 include the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, Switch 2 Pro controller, and GameCube Pro controller.
There are plenty of games at launch, including Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, apart from upcoming ones like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077. Overall, it’s the best Nintendo Switch you may buy right now.
Nintendo Switch 1: Best Console on Discounts
The original Nintendo Switch is still great value for money especially if you can get it on a deal. While you won’t get some of the Switch 2 exclusives, there is a possibility that newer games will launch on the original Switch as well. Given the large user base, it’s unlikely that Nintendo could ignore the console.
You can also use it in docked mode for connecting it to your TV, although the output is limited to 1080p. There’s microSD card support and the ability to detach Joycons, but you can’t magnetically connect it. While the specs might be outdated, if you are buying a Switch for the first time and want to experience Switch’s extensive library, it’s a great option, especially if you want to get started on your Nintendo journey and try games like Animal Crossing or Breath of the Wild.
Nintendo Switch Lite: Best Handheld on a Budget
If you want a Nintendo Switch experience on a tight budget, the Nintendo Switch 2 Lite is the best for you. It has a smaller 5.5-inch LCD panel, which can easily slide into most backpacks. Although it has the same 720p resolution as the original Switch, the lower price does justify it. In terms of processing power, you get the same Tegra X1 as the original Switch with 4GB of RAM. The Switch Lite has 32GB of storage and a microSD card slot for expansion.
The only downside is that Switch Lite is handheld only, and unlike the other Switch, you cannot hook it up to your TV in docked mode. Also, since the Joycons cannot be detached, you can’t play certain games. These include ones that require Joy Cons for motion controls and have certain multiplayer modes. Another catch is that the Switch Lite has a smaller battery than the Switch 2 or Switch OLED. Last but not least, the Joy Cons don’t support HD Rumble or IR Motion cameras. The lightweight build and compact size make it a perfect companion for gaming on the go. Also, if you have a kid, there are plenty of color choices to choose from, so you won’t be bored.
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Nintendo Switch OLED: Best Handheld for Display Experience
If you want the best possible Switch experience with a premium display, the Switch OLED is for you. It has a screen size that sits between the original Switch and the Switch 2. But you do need to pay a premium over the Nintendo Switch and the Switch Lite but it’s certainly worth it. While the 720p panel isn’t the sharpest, the deep blacks and contrast that OLED offers make up for it. It’s worth noting that display replacement can be costly if you end up breaking it. So, it’s not the best Nintendo Switch if you wish to hand it over to your kids.
However, if you want a Steam Deck OLED alternative that can play Mario Kart, then Switch OLED is worth that extra premium. The design has also been improved with a new kickstand for flexibility and durability. The speakers are louder than before, and there’s a LAN port at the back for wired internet.
Which Nintendo Switch Is Best for Me?
If you have the budget and are looking for a new Switch, then I highly recommend buying the Switch 2. The faster performance, bigger display, and new joycons indeed justify the price increase. Also, being the latest handheld, you get software support for longer periods, and it is backward-compatible with Switch 1.
However, if you have a tighter budget or want to grab a Nintendo Switch on a deal, then the original Switch is still worth a purchase. Similarly, the Nintendo Switch Lite can be a great choice for your kids as it is the cheapest handheld and is available in multiple colors. Last but not least, if you prioritize a good display over everything else, the Switch OLED is the one to buy.
Nintendo Switch Table Comparison
Abeer Chawake
A part-time gamer and a full-time Tech Writer. Abeer is a tech enthusiast who keeps track of all the trending gadgets and smartphones. When he isn’t busy smashing words with his keyboard, you’re able to find him playing the latest PC Games or binge-watching TV Shows.
