The Nintendo Switch costs between $300 and $350 depending on which model you buy

Nintendo makes three versions of the Switch right now, and they cost different amounts. The standard Switch with a dock runs $300. The Switch Lite, which is smaller and can't connect to a TV, costs $200. The Switch OLED model, which has a bigger screen and better speakers, costs $350. These are the official prices from Nintendo, though you may find sales at retailers like Target, Best Buy, or Walmart.

The price you pay depends on what you actually want to do with the console. If you plan to play games on your TV at home, you need the standard Switch or the OLED model. If you only want to play handheld games on the go, the Lite is cheaper and lighter. The OLED model is the newest and most expensive, but the standard Switch does everything it does — the OLED just has a nicer screen.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard Nintendo Switch costs $300 and connects to your TV with a dock.
  • The Switch Lite costs $200 and is handheld only — it cannot connect to a television.
  • The Switch OLED model costs $350 and has a larger screen than the standard version.
  • You will need to buy games separately; the console price does not include any games.
  • Nintendo Switch Online, a subscription service for online play and classic games, costs extra and is not required to use the console.

What the standard Switch includes for $300

When you buy a standard Switch for $300, you get the console itself, two detachable controllers called Joy-Cons, a dock that connects to your TV, an AC adapter to charge it, and an HDMI cable. You do not get any games. You will need to buy games separately from the Nintendo eShop (the online store) or as physical cartridges from a store.

The standard Switch has a 6.2-inch screen and can be used three ways: docked to a TV, in tabletop mode with the controllers propped up, or as a handheld device. The battery lasts about 5 to 6 hours depending on what game you are playing. This is the model most people buy because it does everything.

The Switch Lite at $200 and what it cannot do

The Switch Lite costs $200 and is smaller and lighter than the standard Switch. It has a 5.5-inch screen and is designed to be played in your hands — you cannot dock it to a TV. It comes with the same Joy-Con controllers and charger, but no dock and no HDMI cable. The battery lasts about 5 to 6 hours, the same as the standard model.

Buy the Lite if you only play games away from home or if you already own a standard Switch and want a second console for travel. Do not buy it if you want to play on your television. The Lite cannot output to a TV at all, even with an adapter — this is a hardware limitation, not something you can work around.

The Switch OLED model at $350 and what is different

The Switch OLED costs $350 and is the newest version. It has a 7-inch OLED screen instead of the LCD screen on the standard model. OLED screens are brighter and show darker colors more clearly. It also has better speakers and a larger storage drive built in. Everything else — the processing power, the games, the way it connects to a TV — works exactly the same as the standard Switch.

The OLED model is worth the extra $50 if you play handheld games a lot and want a better screen. If you mostly play docked on your TV, the screen quality matters less and the standard Switch is the better value. The OLED model does not play different games or do anything the standard Switch cannot do.

Games and subscriptions cost extra

The console price does not include any games. Nintendo Switch games cost between $20 and $70 depending on the title. Popular games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe cost $60 each. You buy games from the Nintendo eShop on the console itself, or you can buy physical cartridges at stores.

Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service that costs $20 per year for basic online play, or $50 per year for the Expansion Pack, which includes access to classic Nintendo games. This subscription is optional — you can play single-player games without it. You only need it if you want to play online multiplayer or access the classic game library.

Where to buy and whether sales happen

You can buy a Switch at Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and the official Nintendo Store online. Prices are the same at all retailers because Nintendo sets the official price. However, sales do happen — retailers sometimes discount the console by $20 to $50 during holidays or special events. You may also find bundles that include a game, though the bundle price is usually just the console price plus the game price added together.

If you are looking for a deal, check prices at multiple retailers before you buy. Sign up for price alerts on Amazon or Best Buy if you want to be notified when the price drops. Refurbished consoles sold directly by Nintendo cost less but come with a shorter warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Switch Lite with a TV if I buy an adapter?

No. The Switch Lite does not have the hardware to output video to a TV, and no adapter exists that can add this feature. If you need TV play, you must buy the standard Switch or OLED model.

Do I need to buy Nintendo Switch Online to play games?

No. You can play single-player games and local multiplayer without a subscription. You only need Nintendo Switch Online if you want to play online multiplayer with other people or access the classic game library.

What is the difference between the standard Switch and the OLED model?

The OLED model has a larger, brighter screen and better speakers. Both models connect to a TV, play the same games, and cost the same to run. The OLED is worth buying if you play handheld games often and want a better screen.

Are there any other Switch models I should know about?

Nintendo discontinued the Switch V2 (the mid-generation refresh) in 2021. The three current models are the standard Switch, the Switch Lite, and the Switch OLED. These are the only versions you can buy new from retailers.