Angie
Are you looking to buy a Nintendo Switch but not sure which model to get? The decision can be tough, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll compare the original Nintendo Switch vs the new Nintendo Switch to help you make an informed decision. And if you’re a gaming enthusiast looking for the latest news and reviews, be sure to check out gameryard.org for all your gaming needs.
Which One Should You Buy?
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console that has been a massive success for Nintendo, with over 84 million units sold worldwide. It was released in March 2017 and since then, it has gone through some upgrades and changes.
The Original Nintendo Switch
The original Nintendo Switch was released in March 2017, and it was the first hybrid console on the market. It consists of a tablet-like device with detachable Joy-Con controllers, which can be used in a variety of ways – attached to the console, detached for handheld play, or used separately for multiplayer gaming.
Design and Build Quality
The original Nintendo Switch is made of plastic and has a simple, yet elegant design. It measures 4 inches high, 9.4 inches long, and 0.55 inches deep when placed in the dock. The console is lightweight, weighing only 0.88 pounds without the Joy-Con controllers attached.
Display
The original Nintendo Switch features a 6.2-inch LCD touchscreen display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. The display is bright and vibrant, with good color accuracy and decent viewing angles. It also supports touch input, which is useful for navigating menus and playing games that require it.
Battery Life
The original Nintendo Switch has a battery life of approximately 2.5 to 6.5 hours, depending on the intensity of the game being played. This means that it might not last for long gaming sessions without being charged. However, you can extend the battery life by lowering the screen brightness or by using the console in airplane mode.
Performance
The original Nintendo Switch is powered by an NVIDIA custom Tegra processor and has 4GB of RAM. It is capable of running most games smoothly, but it might struggle with some graphically demanding titles. Overall, the performance is satisfactory, and you won’t experience any major issues while playing most games.
Price
The original Nintendo Switch has an MSRP of $299, which is the same as the newer model. However, you might be able to find it for less during sales or promotions.
The New Nintendo Switch
In July 2019, Nintendo released an upgraded version of the Switch, which is officially known as the Nintendo Switch (Model number HAC-001(-01)). The newer model is very similar to the original, but it features a few key improvements.
Design and Build Quality
The new Nintendo Switch has the same design as the original, but it has a few minor changes. The console is slightly thicker, measuring 0.55 inches deep when placed in the dock, compared to 0.55 inches for the original. The Joy-Con controllers have also been slightly modified, with a more prominent release button and a better D-pad.
Display
The new Nintendo Switch features the same 6.2-inch LCD touchscreen display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels as the original. However, it has a slightly improved battery life, which we’ll discuss next.
Battery Life
The new Nintendo Switch has an improved battery life, which ranges from 4.5 to 9 hours, depending on the intensity of the game being played. This is a significant improvement over the original, which means that you can play for longer without having to charge the console.
Performance
The new Nintendo Switch is powered by the same NVIDIA custom Tegra processor and has 4GB of RAM as the original model. However, it has a few minor improvements that make it slightly faster and more efficient. For example, it has a newer version of the Tegra processor, which is more power-efficient, and the memory bandwidth has been increased. These improvements might not make a significant difference in most games, but they can lead to better performance and faster load times in some titles.
Price
The new Nintendo Switch has the same MSRP of $299 as the original model, but it’s usually more expensive because it’s the newer model. However, you might be able to find it for less during sales or promotions.
New vs Old: Which One Should You Buy?
Now that we’ve compared the original Nintendo Switch vs the new Nintendo Switch, let’s discuss which one you should buy.
If You’re on a Budget
If you’re on a budget, the original Nintendo Switch might be a better choice for you. It’s usually cheaper than the newer model, and you’ll still be able to play all the same games. However, keep in mind that it has a shorter battery life, and you might need to charge it more often.
If You Want Better Battery Life
If you’re looking for better battery life, the new Nintendo Switch is the way to go. It has a significantly longer battery life than the original, which means you can play for longer without having to charge it. This is especially useful if you plan to use the console in handheld mode frequently.
If You Want Better Performance
If you want better performance, both the original and new Nintendo Switch should be able to run most games smoothly. However, the new model has a slightly faster processor and memory bandwidth, which can lead to better performance and faster load times in some titles.
If You Want a Better D-Pad
If you’re someone who plays a lot of games that require a D-pad, the new Nintendo Switch has a slightly improved D-pad compared to the original model. This might not matter to everyone, but it’s something to consider if you’re looking for a more comfortable and precise gaming experience.
If You Want a More Portable Console
Both the original and new Nintendo Switch are highly portable and can be used in a variety of ways. However, if you’re looking for a more portable console, the original model might be a better choice. It’s slightly lighter and thinner than the new model, which makes it easier to carry around.
If You Want the Latest and Greatest
If you want the latest and greatest, the new Nintendo Switch is the way to go. It has a few minor improvements over the original model, including a longer battery life and a slightly faster processor. However, keep in mind that it’s usually more expensive than the original model.
Final Thoughts
Both the original Nintendo Switch and the new Nintendo Switch are excellent consoles that offer a unique and versatile gaming experience. When it comes to choosing between the two, it all comes down to your personal preferences and budget. If you’re on a budget, the original model might be a better choice. If you want better battery life, the new model is the way to go. If you want the latest and greatest, go for the new Nintendo Switch. Whatever your choice, you can be sure that you’ll have a great gaming experience with either console.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the original Nintendo Switch and the new Nintendo Switch are great consoles that offer a unique and versatile gaming experience. When choosing between the two, it all comes down to personal preferences and budget. If you’re on a budget, the original model might be a better choice. If you want better battery life, the new model is the way to go. And if you’re a gaming enthusiast looking for the latest news and reviews, be sure to check out gameryard.org for all your gaming needs. Don’t forget to visit gameryard.org to stay up-to-date on the latest gaming news and reviews!
