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Nintendo Switch
Nintendo · Released March 3, 2017

Switch

The original Nintendo Switch pioneered hybrid play, but its smaller LCD and older battery now look dated.

Hybrid Consoles
8.7/10What the pros sayExcellentExpert consensus · Verified Oct 8, 2026See score breakdown ↓
Buying call

Buy the original Switch only used or on a deep discount, for a second console or a child: reviewers loved its hybrid design, detachable Joy-Con and huge game library. Skip it if you're buying new, because the Switch OLED adds a bigger OLED screen and more storage, and the Switch 2 plays most Switch games plus its own exclusives. Graphics trail other consoles, the kickstand on early units is flimsy, and the original model's battery life is short.

Full verdict ↓
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Editor testedHands-on testing and real-world use
Real-world useBased on everyday testing, not a spec sheet
Unbiased reviewIndependent and objective, sources shown
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Key specs
Storage
32
Display
6.2" (157 mm)
Highlights

Specs that matter

Body
Weight
14 oz (398 g)
At a glance

Product highlights

Verified attributes, grouped for quick scanning.

Weight14 oz (398 g)
29 attributes · See all specifications
Price & availability

Where to buy

Prices from trusted US retailers, updated daily.

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Buying decision

Should you buy it?

Buy the original Switch only used or on a deep discount, for a second console or a child: reviewers loved its hybrid design, detachable Joy-Con and huge game library. Skip it if you're buying new, because the Switch OLED adds a bigger OLED screen and more storage, and the Switch 2 plays most Switch games plus its own exclusives. Graphics trail other consoles, the kickstand on early units is flimsy, and the original model's battery life is short.

Best for

Hybrid Nintendo gaming, family gaming

Not for

Anyone buying new, who should look at the Switch OLED or Switch 2.

Main strengthHybrid TV and handheld design
Main weaknessDated LCD screen and graphics
Reasons to buy
Hybrid TV and handheld design
Huge game library
Detachable Joy-Con for two players
Reasons to avoid
Dated LCD screen and graphics
Short battery on early units
Can't play Switch 2 exclusives
Measured view8.7/10What the pros say · verified oct 8, 2026.
ScoreVerified Oct 8, 2026
Head to head

How it stacks up

Open a comparison for the full side-by-side view.

Choose a gadget
Nintendo Switch
This deviceSwitch
VS
Nintendo Switch Lite
AlternativeNintendo Switch Lite
Score
8.78.1
Full comparison
Nintendo Switch
This deviceSwitch
VS
Nintendo Switch OLED
AlternativeNintendo Switch OLED
Score
8.78.2
Full comparison
Nintendo Switch
This deviceSwitch
VS
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
AlternativeNintendo Switch Pro Controller
Score
8.7—
Full comparison
Same category

Alternatives worth a look

Other phones in the database, with their stored scores and prices.

All hybrid consoles →
Switch OLED8.2
NintendoSwitch OLED7" (178 mm)
Switch 28.3
NintendoSwitch 27.9" (201 mm)
Switch Pro Controller—
NintendoSwitch Pro ControllerSwitch Pro Controller — Nintendo’s long-battery docked essential
Switch Lite8.1
NintendoSwitch LiteThe Switch Lite is the smallest, cheapest Switch, built for handheld play only.
Product data

Full specifications

29 attributes, grouped for quick scanning. Verified Oct 8, 2026. Spot a wrong value? Hit the next to it.

Screen size
6.2″
Touchscreen
1
Display Panel Type
LCD
Display Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Hdr Support
0
Max Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Max Resolution
1080p docked
Gpu Name
NVIDIA Maxwell
Cpu Name
NVIDIA Tegra X1 / X1+
Battery Capacity Wh
16 mAh
Battery Life Max
9
Battery Life Min
4.5
Wifi Version
Wi-Fi 5
Ray Tracing Support
0
Expandable Storage
1 GB
Storage Type
eMMC
Ram Type
LPDDR4
Resolution
1280 x 720
Storage
32 GB
RAM
4 GB
Subcategory
hybrid_console
Short Name
Nintendo Switch
Bluetooth Version
Bluetooth 4.1
Release Date
March 3, 2017
Depth
13.9
Width
239
Height
102
Ethernet
1
Launch Price Usd
299
Vote & discuss

Community says

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