With Nintendo's next-gen console, the Switch 2, officially on the scene, IGN has dropped a deep-dive comparison against the current Switch OLED. From price and performance to features and design, we're breaking down every detail to help you make the right call. For anyone who's never owned a Switch, now's the time to figure out if it's finally time to jump in.
Price Point: The Switch OLED is Easier on the Wallet
According to IGN's report, while the Switch OLED is the older model, its price tag is far more appealing. It’s listed at $349, a full $100 cheaper than the Switch 2's $449 asking price. If you catch a sale, you might even snag one for as low as $279. Bundles, like the one with Super Mario Bros. Wonder, also let you grab a hit game and the console for the standard price.
However, IGN warns that with a 90-day tariff suspension ending in July and Nintendo already hiking prices on Joy-Con and Pro Controllers, the cost of both the Switch 2 and the OLED could rise. If you're planning to buy, sooner might be better.
The Winner Here: Switch OLED
Specs & Performance: The Switch 2 is in a Different League
The Switch 2 is packing some serious heat with an Nvidia T239 SoC and an Ampere architecture GPU, boasting 1,536 CUDA cores and 3.07 TFLOPs of processing power. In contrast, the Switch OLED runs on a 2014-era Tegra X1 chip with a Maxwell architecture, featuring a mere 256 CUDA cores.
The memory gap is just as massive. The Switch 2 comes with 12GB of RAM (9GB dedicated to games) and a bandwidth of 102GB/s. The OLED lags far behind with only 4GB of RAM (3.2GB usable for games) and a 25.6GB/s bandwidth.
While the Switch OLED has a gorgeous screen with rich colors and deep blacks, IGN notes that the Switch 2's 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen is still an upgrade in size and resolution. Throw in 256GB of internal storage and dual USB-C ports, and the Switch 2 completely dominates the spec sheet.
The Winner Here: Switch 2
Features & Design: The Switch 2 Evolves the Formula
IGN points out that while both consoles support three play modes and detachable Joy-Cons, the Switch 2 refines the details. The new magnetic Joy-Cons make attaching and detaching a smoother experience, and the kickstand has been upgraded to a more stable U-shaped design.
Furthermore, the Switch 2 introduces innovative control schemes, allowing the Joy-Cons to be used like a mouse. For example, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will support aiming by sliding the controller. More importantly, the console has a built-in GameChat feature for voice and video calls, eliminating the need for a separate mobile app for social interaction—a clear sign that Nintendo is getting serious about online play.
The Winner Here: Switch 2
The Verdict: Upgrading to the Switch 2 is a Smart Long-Term Bet, But the Choice is Yours
All things considered, IGN believes that while the Switch OLED still holds an advantage in price and screen technology, the Switch 2 is the clear winner in hardware, features, and future-proofing. With upcoming titles like Mario Kart World set to be Switch 2 exclusives, and with backward compatibility ensuring your old library isn't obsolete, the new console makes a compelling case.
IGN's take is that spending an extra $100 on the fully upgraded Switch 2 is a better investment than dropping $349 on a console that's about to be succeeded. Ultimately, however, the decision to upgrade comes down to your personal needs and budget.
So, what's the play? Do you go for a performance leap and future support, or opt for a more affordable machine that still offers a fantastic gaming experience? The final choice is in your hands.
via： IGN