Introduction
The Nintendo Switch V2, released in 2019, is an updated version of the original 2017 model, featuring better battery life and minor internal tweaks. However, with the Nintendo Switch OLED and rumors of a “Switch 2” on the horizon, is the standard Switch V2 still a good purchase in 2025? Let’s dive deep into its features, performance, and how it stacks up against the OLED model.
1. Design & Build Quality
At first glance, the Nintendo Switch V2 (HAC-001-01) looks identical to the original Switch, maintaining the hybrid design that allows users to play in handheld, tabletop, or docked mode.
- Plastic Build: Feels sturdy but less premium than the OLED model
- 6.2-inch LCD Screen: 720p resolution, decent colors but lacks deep contrast
- Detachable Joy-Cons: The same as previous models, prone to drift issues
- Improved Battery Life: 4.5 to 9 hours (better than the original, but similar to OLED)
💡 OLED Comparison: The Switch OLED has a larger 7-inch screen, slimmer bezels, and a better kickstand, making it more visually appealing and comfortable for tabletop mode.
2. Display Quality: LCD vs. OLED
The Nintendo Switch V2 features a 6.2-inch LCD display, which is functional but inferior to the OLED model in several ways:
| Feature | Switch V2 (LCD) | Switch OLED |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2 inches | 7.0 inches |
| Panel Type | LCD (720p) | OLED (720p) |
| Contrast | Limited black levels | Deep blacks, better colors |
| Bezels | Thicker | Thinner |
| Kickstand | Small, flimsy | Wide, adjustable |
🔎 Verdict: The OLED model offers a significantly better visual experience, with richer colors and improved black levels. If you play mostly in handheld mode, the OLED is the clear winner.
3. Performance & Hardware
Both the Switch V2 and Switch OLED share the same internal hardware, meaning there’s no difference in performance between them.
- Processor: NVIDIA Tegra X1+ (same for both)
- RAM: 4GB
- Frame Rate: 30-60 FPS depending on the game
- Battery Life: 4.5 – 9 hours (same for OLED)
- Storage: 32GB (Switch V2) vs. 64GB (Switch OLED)
💡 2025 Perspective: The hardware is starting to feel outdated, especially when compared to the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or potential next-gen Switch. However, it still runs first-party Nintendo games smoothly (Zelda, Mario, etc.).
4. Gaming Experience
Despite aging hardware, the Nintendo Switch still delivers an amazing gaming experience thanks to its exclusive library and hybrid capabilities.
🎮 Exclusive Games:
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- Metroid Prime Remastered
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
🎮 Third-Party & Indie Titles:
- Hollow Knight, Celeste, Hades (run great on Switch)
- Doom Eternal, The Witcher 3 (compromised performance, but playable)
💡 OLED vs. V2: Both consoles run games the same way, but they look better on the OLED screen due to deeper colors and improved contrast.
5. Online & Features
Nintendo’s online service is still lacking compared to Xbox and PlayStation, but it does offer:
- Nintendo Switch Online ($20/year): Online play + NES/SNES/Game Boy games
- Expansion Pack ($50/year): Adds N64, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy Advance games
- Cloud Saves & Multiplayer
Limitations:
- No built-in voice chat (requires smartphone app)
- No achievements system
- Online infrastructure is outdated
💡 2025 Consideration: If you want the best online experience, Switch still lags behind competitors like PlayStation or Xbox.
6. Accessories & Joy-Con Issues
The Joy-Con controllers remain one of the biggest weak points of the Switch V2 due to Joy-Con drift. This issue, where the analog sticks register movement even when untouched, is still common in 2025.
- Pro Controller: Essential for better ergonomics
- Dock: Identical on both models (except OLED has a LAN port)
- SD Card Expansion: Needed due to limited 32GB storage
💡 OLED Advantage: 64GB storage and a LAN port make online gaming slightly better.
7. Should You Buy the Nintendo Switch V2 in 2025?
✅ Reasons to Buy the Switch V2 in 2025:
✔ You want the cheapest way to play Nintendo exclusives
✔ You mostly play in docked mode (where OLED doesn’t matter)
✔ You don’t care about premium build quality
✔ You’re looking for a budget-friendly console
❌ Reasons to Skip the Switch V2 in 2025:
❌ You play mostly in handheld mode (get the OLED)
❌ You want more storage (OLED has 64GB vs. 32GB on V2)
❌ You prefer future-proofing (Switch 2 rumors suggest a 2025 release)
Final Verdict: Is the Switch V2 Still Worth It?
| Category | Switch V2 (LCD) | Switch OLED |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | LCD (6.2”) | OLED (7.0”) |
| Battery Life | 4.5 – 9 hours | 4.5 – 9 hours |
| Performance | Identical | Identical |
| Storage | 32GB | 64GB |
| Build Quality | Plastic, basic kickstand | Premium, improved kickstand |
Final Score (2025 Perspective): 7.5/10
The Nintendo Switch V2 is still a solid console in 2025, but with the OLED model offering a better screen and build quality (for a small price increase), it’s hard to justify buying the V2 unless you find it at a big discount.
However, with the Nintendo Switch 2 rumored to launch soon, waiting may be the smarter choice if you’re looking for long-term value.
Final Recommendation (2025 Buyers’ Guide)
💰 Buy the Switch V2 IF you find it $50-100 cheaper than the OLED and mostly play in docked mode.
📱 Buy the Switch OLED IF you play handheld often, want better visuals, and more storage.
⏳ Wait for the Switch 2 IF you want future-proof hardware and better performance.
What do you think? Is the Switch V2 still a good buy in 2025, or is it time to move on? Let me know!
