The Best Consoles For Nintendo Fans

What to Look For

We love Nintendo and all its hardware, but there are still some advantages and disadvantages of the different models worth considering. We asked: Is the build durable and lightweight? How is the battery life? Is it strictly portable, or can it also be connected to another display? Is the price fair? Our favorite is the OLED model in white. Not only is it a pleasure to look at, but it also offers the best in hardware, software, and build quality. But all those fancy features come with a higher price tag, which is why we recommend the Nintendo Switch Lite for those with tight budgets. There’s a lot to consider, so let’s take a closer look.

Nintendo Switch – OLED Model w/ White Joy-Con

The latest is the greatest

Improving on just about every aspect of its predecessor, this iteration looks good and plays even better.

Best Overall

Find on Amazon

We fell in love with previous Switch models, which is why the OLED model blew us away. The main attraction is the revamped screen, which offers greater color contrast, a high pixel density, and brightness levels that keep a clear view even in sunny situations. Plus, the battery life keeps the gaming going for hours at a time, letting you game and go without a plug. And once you get home safe and sound, you can plug into a television set, pop out the Joy-Cons, and enjoy multiplayer with friends and family.

Pros:

• Even with its cutting-edge hardware, the Switch OLED model offers excellent bang for your buck. It’s more affordable compared to other big-name contemporary consoles.
• It has 64GB of internal storage, so you can download a ton of different games before needing to switch over to an SD card.
• The built-in speakers are surprisingly high-quality, with ample max volume and excellent stereoscopic sound.

Cons:

• For those that already own a Switch, this newer edition may not offer enough improvements to be worth the upgrade.

Nintendo Switch Lite – Turquoise

Light in weight, not power

With an amazingly long-lasting battery life and a beautiful screen, this portable console is the best in the biz.

Runner Up

Find on Amazon

One of the biggest draws to the Switch is its portability. And for those that strictly game on the go, the Switch Lite is the way. This lightweight handheld console is the perfect companion for road trips and waiting rooms. But even when we’re not away from home, we still love curling up on the couch and popping in one of the hundreds of excellent games that Nintendo offers. Indeed, the Switch Lite is compatible with the same library of games as the regular Switch, so the sky is the limit.

Pros:

• Although the weight is light, it still has a robust feel and a durable build that can take quite a beating.
• We’re blown away by its processing power, which can handle many AAA titles without even a hint of lag.

Cons:

• Investing in a protective case is almost necessary for younger and clumsy gamers.

Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy‑Con

The complete package

Whether you want to game on the go or in the comfort of your living room, this console is ready to serve.

Best Full Console

Find on Amazon

The original Switch remains an undisputed champion of the gaming world, and this option is the cream of the crop. The neon colors of the Joy-Cons are both iconic and familiar, while the console itself sports a beautiful and durable screen with responsive touch controls. We probably don’t have to dive in too deep with all the insane specs that this compact console boasts, but the numbers don’t paint a full picture anyway. Instead, we recommend popping in any one of the many tried-and-true Switch games to experience the awesomeness for yourself.

Pros:

• Although Nintendo is the best choice for kids, this Switch is also an accessible console for older gamers, too, thanks to its surprisingly vast library of compatible AAA titles. Games with “Mature” ratings, like Resident Evil, Doom, and Quake, all run seamlessly.
• All the hardware, from the screen to the joysticks, has a durable build so that it can withstand quite a bit of rough handling.
• This original model comes at a lower price compared to the newer iterations.

Cons:

• The 6.2-inch screen can’t match the size and color contrast of the newer OLED model.

Xbox Series S

The compact competitor

If you're interested in expanding your horizons, we recommend this excellent cutting-edge console.

Best Alternative Console

Find on Amazon

We love Nintendo, but there are other awesome consoles on the market that deserve a mention. The Xbox Series S is a premium gaming machine with the specs to back up its accolades. From the fast-loading SSD to the brilliantly-designed controller, this console heralds a new generation of high-speed gaming and beautiful graphics. Best of all, the price is comparable to Nintendo-brand options, so it’s worth a gander.

Pros:

• It has an excellent catalog of compatible games and cross-platform possibilities.
• The design is sleek and slim.
• The cost is relatively affordable.
• It can generate 4K images at high frame rates, making it great for competitive games like Call of Duty.

Cons:

• This version is a “digital console,” meaning you can only download games.

Nintendo Switch – Animal Crossing: New Horizons Edition – Switch

A familiar face

This Switch is adorned with subtle and sweet designs that add some extra flair to your gaming sessions.

Best Special Edition

Find on Amazon

For Animal Crossing fans, this console is a must-have. But even if you haven’t spent hours in the cartoony fields of the Animal Crossing universe, there’s something still incredibly alluring about this Special Edition’s design. With muted green and blue Joy-Cons and adorable tanuki on the console itself, this Nintendo Switch brings all the playability and compatibility of the original Nintendo Switch with a little flair for extra cuteness.

Pros:

• Even though it’s a “special” edition of Switch, it still comes at a comparable price point as the vanilla option.
• This Switch model has an exceptionally compact design that won’t take up too much shelf space in a living room or entertainment center.

Cons:

• Some people don’t love the “plastic” feel of the screen, which comes from the protective layer. It’s a necessary protection but doesn’t impede the touchscreen’s responsiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play regular Switch games on a Switch Lite?

Yes, the Switch Lite is compatible with the entire catalog of Switch games. Both systems support the same type of game file.

Is the Switch better than other contemporary consoles?

Some consoles, such as the PlayStation 5, may have better specs in certain areas, such as processing power. There are also different games available for different systems, so it’s essential to consider your gaming aspirations before choosing a console. However, we regard the Switch as the superior system for younger and casual gamers.

About the Author

If you're a console gamer, Dani won't hold that against you. Although he plays on the PC, he grew up with an Xbox controller in his hand. He's also a filmmaker and musician, so he's figured out the importance of quality gear. He hopes to use his expertise to help people make informed decisions in their search for tech that works.

Why Trust Us

With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.