Which Nintendo Switch Should You Buy in 2025?
The complete guide to choosing the right Nintendo Switch for your needs and budget.
Quick Recommendation
Most people should buy the Nintendo Switch V2 (red box). It offers the best balance of features, versatility, and value at $299. Only consider OLED if you primarily play handheld, or Lite if you never play on TV.
All Switch Models Compared
Switch V2
BEST VALUE$299
- 4.5-9 hours battery
- TV + handheld + tabletop
- 6.2" LCD screen
- Detachable Joy-Cons
Switch OLED
BEST SCREEN$349
- 4.5-9 hours battery
- TV + handheld + tabletop
- 7" OLED screen (bigger, better)
- Better kickstand, 64GB storage
Switch Lite
BUDGET$199
- 3-7 hours battery
- Handheld only (no TV)
- 5.5" LCD screen
- Non-detachable controls
Switch V1 (Used)
DISCONTINUED~$200 used
- 2.5-6.5 hours battery
- TV + handheld + tabletop
- Same games as V2
- Check for Joy-Con drift
Only buy used V1 if significantly cheaper than V2.
Which Switch is Right For You?
"I want to play on my TV and on the go"
→ Switch V2 ($299) - Best overall value with all play modes.
"I mostly play handheld and want the best screen"
→ Switch OLED ($349) - Worth the $50 upgrade for the gorgeous OLED display.
"I only play handheld and want to save money"
→ Switch Lite ($199) - Great for handheld-only gamers on a budget.
"I found a great deal on a used Switch"
→ Used V1 or V2 - Make sure it's at least $75+ cheaper than new V2 and check for Joy-Con drift.
Best Time to Buy
- Black FridayBest deals of the year, often $50+ off bundles
- Prime DayGood Amazon deals in July, usually $30-40 off
- Mario Day (Mar 10)Nintendo sometimes runs promotions
- Holiday SeasonNov-Dec bundles with games included
Ready to Buy Your Switch?
Check current prices on Amazon. Remember: for new buyers, the V2 (red box) is always the best choice.