Nintendo Switch 2 vs OLED: Is the £150 Upgrade Worth It?

Hardware and Portability

The Switch 2's larger footprint immediately impacts portability. At 535g versus the OLED's 420g, and with increased dimensions, it's noticeably bulkier. After testing both during travel, the OLED slips effortlessly into crowded bags—even jeans pockets in a pinch. The Switch 2 demands dedicated space, making spontaneous outings less practical.

Size and Comfort Differences

Despite the weight gain, the Switch 2 remains comfortable during extended sessions. Its contoured grips and adjustable kickstand provide stability during handheld or tabletop use. The redesigned Joy-Cons attach more securely than the OLED's, reducing fiddling. However, Nintendo's continued use of non-hall-effect sticks raises long-term drift concerns.

Performance and Game Library

The Switch 2's biggest leap is raw power. Breath of the Wild maintains 60fps consistently—a stark contrast to the OLED's frame drops. Demanding ports like Cyberpunk 2077 transform from "soggy sack of ass gravy" to playable experiences. Yet the exclusive library remains thin: only Mario Kart World and the GameCube emulator (requiring Switch Online) stand out currently.

Graphics and Display Trade-Offs

While the 1080p screen enables visual upgrades (sold separately for £8), the OLED's panel outperforms it in contrast and black levels. Side-by-side testing shows the Switch 2's whites appear murkier despite HDR support. Motion blur exists in slow-motion footage but proved negligible during actual gameplay.

Key performance insight: Third-party titles benefit most from the hardware bump. First-party exclusives remain scarce.

Battery and Features

Battery life regresses under load. Playing enhanced titles like Mario Kart World drains the Switch 2 in 2.5 hours at max brightness—30 minutes less than the OLED. Simpler indie games extend to 5 hours. The hibernation battery drain issue persists; full shutdowns remain necessary.

Standout New Capabilities

• Game Share: Locally stream games to other Switches with zero lag—though support is limited
• Mouse Mode: Innovative but restricted to few titles and unreliable on glass surfaces
• 256GB Storage: Quadruples the OLED's capacity, eliminating constant deletion struggles

Upgrade Verdict

For OLED owners, upgrade only if:

1. You prioritize docked 4K gaming
2. You crave upcoming exclusives like Donkey Kong
3. You play intensive ports (Witcher 3/Cyberpunk)
4. Local game sharing appeals to your multiplayer habits

The OLED remains superior for travelers with its lighter build, better battery, and vibrant display. At £250 versus £400, it delivers exceptional value. The Switch 2 excels as a living room console but can't match the OLED's handheld refinement.

Decision Checklist

• Measure your bag/pocket space if traveling frequently
• Audit your game library: Will you rebuy enhanced titles?
• Calculate accessory costs (SD card, upgrade passes)
• Check local stock; Switch 2 remains scarce

Final thought: This isn't a must-upgrade yet. Wait for more exclusives unless you’re chasing peak performance today.

Which factor matters most in your upgrade decision? Share your dealbreakers below!