The Nintendo Switch 2 launched in 2025 and is much more powerful than the Switch OLED, but it also costs more. With Christmas around the corner, the question is simple: is the new one worth it, or is it better to save with an OLED, especially refurbished?
What they have in common
- Three ways to play: on the TV, handheld and tabletop.
- Joy-Con controllers that detach so two people can play.
- Nintendo's library: Mario, Zelda, Pokémon… The Switch 2 plays most original Switch games.
The differences that matter
Screen
The Switch 2 has a 7.9" 1080p LCD, up to 120 Hz with HDR. The OLED has a 7" 720p OLED screen with gorgeous colours and blacks. The Switch 2's is bigger and sharper; the OLED's has more contrast.
Power and TV
The Switch 2 is much more powerful and reaches up to 4K on the TV with its dock. The OLED tops out at 1080p on the TV. Nintendo's new games are designed for the Switch 2, and some are only released for it.
Battery
The OLED wins here. According to Nintendo, the OLED lasts 4.5 to 9 hours depending on the game and the Switch 2 lasts 2 to 6.5 hours. If it'll be used a lot on the go (trips, the car), keep this in mind.
Storage
The Switch 2 comes with 256 GB versus the OLED's 64 GB. Note: to expand the Switch 2 you need microSD Express cards; regular microSD cards won't work for storing its games.
Controllers
The Joy-Con 2 attach magnetically and can be used as a mouse in some games. The OLED has the classic ones; if refurbished, check them for drift (the stick moves on its own).
Comparison table
| Switch OLED | Switch 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | 2021 | 2025 |
| Screen | 7" OLED, 720p | 7.9" LCD, 1080p, 120 Hz, HDR |
| On the TV | Up to 1080p | Up to 4K |
| Storage | 64 GB | 256 GB |
| Battery (per Nintendo) | 4.5–9 h | 2–6.5 h |
| Games | Switch library | Switch 2 and most Switch games |
| UK launch price | £309.99 | £395.99 |
New or refurbished?
- Switch 2: for now, buy it new. There are few refurbished units and the saving is small.
- Switch OLED: refurbished makes a lot of sense. We explain why in is a refurbished console worth it?.
Our verdict
- If you want Nintendo's new games and mostly play on the TV: Switch 2.
- If you want to save, it's for a child or you play handheld a lot: a refurbished Switch OLED. Better battery and a huge library for much less.
- Still deciding between consoles? See our guide on which console to buy for Christmas.