At face value, both products seem identical, but some changes were made to the OLED for Nintendo to justify the price increase.

Switch Dock

• • • The OLED introduced a LAN port which allows the consumer to reach higher Internet speeds and connectivity through the use of a LAN cable that does not come in the box.

Screen

• • • The biggest difference, which is shown through the name, is the screen change. Although both have touch screens, the OLED, as the name suggests has an OLED touchscreen. In comparison, the original model has an LCD touchscreen. In addition, despite having the same size console, the screen size increased for the OLED model; the new screen being 7.0” compared to the original 6.2” inch. With a bigger screen and a technology change, the OLED provides a new experience for games since it allows for more vibrant colors, easier-to-see graphics, and more field of view.

Storage

• • • The original Switch was released with a 32 GB storage capacity, while the OLED offers 64 GB; double storage. This allows the user to have more games downloaded and game developers to create games requiring a high storage limit.

Summary

• • • For an additional $50, the consumer can decide whether to upgrade or buy a new console for a new screen, more storage, and better internet capabilities. However, despite these changes, the OLED is nearly identical to the Switch, with a few added features. On both consoles, you can play in TV, tabletop, or handheld mode. All the games made for the Switch can be played on both consoles. Both devices come with Joy-Cons and a dock. The dimensions for both are identical. Furthermore, the battery life remains the same. It is up to the consumer to make their choice.

The Switch Lite is a completely different rebuild of the original and OLED model Switch, meant to provide consumers with a more affordable option, leaving out a few features.

Play Modes

• • • Unlike the Nintendo Switch/OLED, you are only able to play the Lite in handheld mode. 

Controllers and Dock

• • • Since the device is meant to be in handheld mode only, Nintendo removed the joy-cons and the dock. On the original/OLED, the joy-Cons are removable so that you can use the device to play on the TV or tabletop. Therefore, there is no need for the Lite to have removable joy-cons or a docking station if you are unable to play other than handheld.

Games

• • • The Nintendo Switch/OLED are capable of playing every game developed for the Switch. However, since some games require joy-cons or multiple people playing on one device, you are unable to play certain games with the Lite. The unplayable games are a small list. 

Size and Screen

• • • The Lite decreased in overall size, along with the screen. Similar to the original Switch, you have an LCD touchscreen but it is the smallest screen size of the three variations coming in at 5.5”.

Storage

• • • Similar to the original Switch, the storage space is 32 GB.

Battery Life

• • • The battery of the Lite is the weakest of all three products. Both the OLED and original have an average battery life of 4.5 to 9 hours. In comparison, the Lite has an average battery life of 3 to 7 hours.

Summary

• • • Coming in at $100 cheaper than the original Switch and $150 cheaper than the OLED model, you can still enjoy the experience of owning a Nintendo product with minor caveats using the Lite. It is a completely reasonable option for individuals who are unable to pay the full price for a new console of the OLED or original. The downside to owning this device is that it can remove the social and family/friends orientated option that is present with the OLED and original with the use of joy-cons and allowing multiple people to play on one console. However, you are still able to play online for some games which can help.