The new Nintendo Switch will be released on October 8. No, it's not the 4K Switch Pro we were hoping for, but it has some improvements that make it worth the wait for some people.

You can read more about the main differences between the Nintendo Switch and the Switch OLED here, but this article will be more subjective. If you're already determined to buy a Nintendo Switch - and you should be, since it's a great system with a mature game library - it may help you decide whether you should buy now or wait for the Switch OLED.

Here are five reasons why you should wait for the Nintendo Switch OLED and six reasons why you should buy existing hardware now instead.

Nintendo Switch OLEDs will be better on the go

While you won't notice a huge difference when you're docked and playing with the Switch OLEDs, there are some really useful quality-of-life improvements on the move OLEDs generally offer a better quality of life than the LCD panels used on the original Switch. It is generally regarded as a better screen technology than the LCD panels used in the original Switch, offering better contrast and deeper blacks.

But it doesn't stop there. The new Switch's OLED panel is 0.8 inches (13%) larger than its predecessor without being bulky, thanks to a smaller bezel; if you prefer to play the Switch on a tabletop, the kickstand is also more tastefully designed and not at all flimsy. In short, if you're going to be out and about, you'll have a significantly better experience than with the current model.

Docking can unlock faster download speeds

Currently, the Nintendo Switch only has built-in Wi-Fi for game downloads and online play, and while that is definitely a convenient way to play, a wired connection does not offer the speed and reliability of a wired connection. The new docks have a built-in Ethernet port, allowing the Switch to connect directly to a router for the best online performance.

More capacity for games

The Switch OLED doubles the internal storage from 32GB to 64GB, which is not insignificant given that most Switch games fit between 4GB and 8GB.

Yes, both models can expand storage with a microSD card, but Digital Foundry's research has shown that built-in storage performs faster, so more capacity is definitely better.

There may be hidden reliability improvements

OK, this is a bit of speculation, but it is at least worth looking forward to. Since its launch, the existing Nintendo Switch has suffered from something called Joy-Con drift, where the built-in controller gradually degrades and the analog sticks move a bit on their own, causing problems during gaming.

Nintendo has not revealed whether the new Joy-Cons have improved technology, and it is noted that they will work with existing controllers. However, it is possible that those fancy white Joy-Cons offer more than mere cosmetic improvements.

Patience may lead to price cuts

Nintendo has already made it clear that existing Switches will be reduced in Europe when the OLED model arrives, and the U.S. wing has said it has no plans to follow suit, but that does not mean individual retailers not necessarily going to cut their own prices in an attempt to clear out inventory.

In other words, even if you don't plan to purchase the Switch's OLED, it may be in your best interest to wait.

Basically the same console

Even if Nintendo tries to outline the benefits of the new hardware, it is hard to get past the feeling that it is largely the same product and any improvements feel slight. It has the same processor, the same resolution output (both handheld and docked), a very similar design, and even the same promised 4.5-9 hours of battery life.

Let's put it this way: I have a 1st generation Switch and have not the slightest desire to upgrade.

Storage is vast, so extra space is not needed

64GB of internal storage is a selling point, but the microSD card slot supports up to 2TB of cards, so you won't feel the need for it at all.

Performance may indeed suffer, but unless you put two gaming consoles side by side, you're unlikely to notice it. Furthermore, even if some games perform better with built-in storage, 32GB should be sufficient for major titles, given the relatively small footprint of the Switch's games.

Portable mode could be better... But not as optimal as the Switch Lite

As mentioned above, there is reason to believe that the larger screen and OLED panel make the Switch OLED a better portable gaming device. However, if the Switch Lite is to be used as a portable gaming console, it is better optimized for on-the-go play.

The original Switch feels bulkier and less comfortable in the hand, making it suitable for portable gaming in a pinch, but not as comfortable for longer sessions It is unlikely that the Switch OLED will be much different, as the Switch OLED is more of a handheld gaming device, and the Switch Lite is more of a handheld gaming device.

Cheaper

Even without a potential price cut, older Switch hardware will be cheaper. The new Switch OLED will sell for $350, while the older hardware will cost $299. The price difference will be even steeper if the hardware is sold used.

Much more color options

The Switch OLED looks very stylish in white, but it is currently the only option. Sure, it could be made more stylish with the existing Joy-Cons, but that is just an additional expense, and the theoretical reliability gains would be lost.

The original Switch, on the other hand, is available in gray, neon, or limited edition colors like Super Mario Red or Animal Crossing pastel colors.

Shortages may be possible

The Switch has been in short supply in the past, but at this point it is reasonably easy to find Nintendo Switch inventory; it remains to be seen what kind of demand there will be for the Switch OLED, but it is likely that in 2021, other Given the difficulty of finding gaming consoles, can we really leave it to chance?

It may be 6-5 to buy the original Nintendo Switch right now, but these points are not even, and it is possible that holding out for the Switch OLED is better.

If money is no object and you are content to wait, the Switch OLED is objectively better hardware. However, if you buy a Switch now, there's a chance you won't lose much. Until we test the new model, we won't know how much of an upgrade it is, but if you decide to buy now, we recommend weighing the pros and cons above and choosing what's right for you.