---

Key Highlights of Nintendo Switch OLED Screen Upgrades

• Official Upgrade: The most straightforward way to experience an OLED screen is by purchasing the Nintendo Switch OLED Model, which features a vibrant 7-inch OLED display.
• DIY Kits for Switch Lite: DIY upgrade kits like the SUPER5 OLED are available for the Switch Lite, offering significantly improved brightness, contrast, and color gamut compared to the standard LCD.
• Challenges for Original Switch Models: Upgrading the screen of the original V1/V2 Switch models to OLED is significantly more complex and often not directly compatible due to size differences and distinct internal component layouts and driver boards.

---

Understanding the Nintendo Switch OLED Model

Nintendo officially offers a model of the Switch console with a built-in OLED screen: the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model. This version features a larger 7-inch OLED display, which provides more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and higher contrast compared to the 6.2-inch LCD screen on the original Nintendo Switch and the 5.5-inch LCD on the Switch Lite. Beyond the screen, the OLED model also includes a wide adjustable stand, a dock with a wired LAN port, and 64 GB of internal storage.

The visual improvements of the OLED screen are a significant draw for many users, particularly those who primarily play in handheld or tabletop modes. The enhanced display makes games look more striking and immersive. However, it's important to note that the internal processing power remains the same as the standard Switch models, meaning there's no graphical performance improvement in terms of resolution or frame rate.

---

DIY OLED Screen Upgrade Options

For those who own a non-OLED Nintendo Switch and are looking for a screen upgrade without purchasing a new console, the options vary depending on the specific model you own.

Upgrading the Switch Lite Screen to OLED

DIY kits have emerged that allow users to replace the standard LCD screen of the Nintendo Switch Lite with an OLED panel. One notable example is the SUPER5 OLED kit. This kit is designed specifically for the Switch Lite and claims to offer significantly higher brightness, contrast ratio, and color gamut. The upgrade process for these kits is often described as relatively easy and typically does not require soldering or shell modifications.

There are different versions of these kits, with some offering touch support and others not. Some pricier versions may even add features like 1080p video output via the USB-C port, a feature not present on the standard Switch Lite. While these kits provide a compelling visual upgrade for the Switch Lite, users should be comfortable opening their device and handling internal components.

Challenges of Upgrading Original Switch (V1/V2) to OLED

Upgrading the screen of the original Nintendo Switch (V1 or V2 models) to an OLED panel is considerably more challenging than upgrading the Switch Lite. The primary obstacles include:

Size Differences and Case Compatibility

The OLED screen used in the Nintendo Switch OLED Model is physically larger (7 inches) than the screens in the original Switch (6.2 inches). Attempting to fit an OLED screen into the case of a V1 or V2 Switch would likely result in the case borders covering part of the screen. Even if physically fitted, the internal layout and components are different.

Driver Board Incompatibility

The LCD and OLED screens use different driver boards and cable patterns. The driver board is not separate on the original Switch models, making a simple swap impossible without significant and complex modifications that would require advanced soldering skills and potentially a custom driver board.

Availability of Kits

While there have been discussions and work on potential screen upgrade kits for the V1/V2 Switch, readily available and easy-to-install kits like those for the Switch Lite are not as common. Some community discussions suggest that such mods would be as difficult as installing a modchip on an OLED Switch.

---

Considering the Upcoming Nintendo Switch 2

With the anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2, prospective buyers and those considering upgrading their current Switch face another decision point. While details about the Switch 2's screen technology were initially rumored to be OLED, recent information suggests the launch model will feature an LCD panel, albeit with potential improvements over previous LCDs.

The Switch 2 is expected to bring significant hardware upgrades, including potentially much greater graphical performance and a larger screen (rumored to be 7.9 inches). It is also confirmed to have backward compatibility with existing Switch games. This means that even if the initial Switch 2 doesn't have an OLED screen, the overall performance and features may be a more compelling upgrade for some users compared to simply upgrading the screen of an older model.

There is still speculation that a future version of the Switch 2 could feature an OLED display, mirroring Nintendo's current strategy of offering multiple models. Therefore, waiting for the Switch 2 or a potential OLED version of it could be a viable option for those seeking the latest hardware and display technology.

---

Summary of Nintendo Switch Models and Screen Technology

To help illustrate the differences in screen technology across the various Nintendo Switch models, here is a summary table:

Model	Screen Technology	Screen Size	Resolution (Handheld)	Notes
Original Nintendo Switch (V1/V2)	LCD	6.2 inches	720p	Standard model, widely available.
Nintendo Switch Lite	LCD	5.5 inches	720p	Handheld-only model.
Nintendo Switch – OLED Model	OLED	7 inches	720p	Enhanced display, improved kickstand, wired LAN port.
Nintendo Switch 2 (Expected)	LCD (Launch Model)	~7.9 inches (Rumored)	Likely Higher (Rumored 1080p)	Next-generation hardware, backward compatibility.

---

Is Upgrading to an OLED Screen Worth It?

Whether upgrading to an OLED screen is "worth it" depends heavily on your individual circumstances and priorities. If you primarily play in handheld mode and value vibrant colors, deep blacks, and higher contrast, the visual upgrade provided by an OLED screen is significant and can greatly enhance your gaming experience. The Nintendo Switch OLED Model offers this directly.

For Switch Lite owners, DIY kits provide a more affordable way to achieve an OLED display, but this requires some technical comfort with opening and modifying the device. For owners of the original Switch models, a simple screen swap to OLED is generally not feasible due to hardware differences. In this case, purchasing an OLED model or waiting for the Switch 2 might be more practical options.

Considering the potential release of the Switch 2, even with an LCD screen at launch, the overall performance boost and new features might be more appealing for some users than solely focusing on the display technology of the current generation. The value proposition of upgrading to an OLED model now should be weighed against the potential benefits of the next-generation console.

---

Frequently Asked Questions About Nintendo Switch Screen Upgrades

Can I put an OLED screen from an OLED Switch into an original Switch?

No, a direct screen swap is not feasible. The OLED screen is a different size and has a different connector and driver board compared to the LCD in the original Switch models. The internal layout of the consoles also differs.

Are there DIY OLED upgrade kits for the original Nintendo Switch (V1/V2)?

While there have been discussions and efforts in the modding community, readily available and straightforward DIY OLED upgrade kits for the original Switch models are not common due to the technical challenges involved.

Are DIY OLED upgrade kits available for the Nintendo Switch Lite?

Yes, there are DIY kits available, such as the SUPER5 OLED, that allow users to replace the LCD screen on a Switch Lite with an OLED screen. These kits often boast improved display characteristics.

Does the Nintendo Switch OLED Model have better performance than the original Switch?

No, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model has the same internal processing hardware as the original Switch models. The upgrades are primarily focused on the display, stand, storage, and dock.

Is the Nintendo Switch 2 expected to have an OLED screen?

Recent information suggests the launch model of the Nintendo Switch 2 will feature an LCD screen. However, there is speculation that an OLED version could be released later.

---

References

• Nintendo Switch – OLED Model - Nintendo - Official Site
• SUPER5 OLED - Standard Upgrade Kit - Retro Remake
• This DIY kit gives you the Switch Lite OLED that Nintendo hasn’t
• Switch V1 OLED screen Swap | GBAtemp.net
• Are there any screen upgrade kits for the V1 / V2 switch? - Reddit
• Nintendo Switch 2 vs. Switch 1: Every Detail Compared - CNET
• Should you buy a Nintendo Switch OLED in 2025? - Dot Esports