Nintendo Switch: the console you can take anywhere

Since its arrival in March 2017, Nintendo's hybrid console changed the rules of the game with a simple but brilliant idea: a console that works connected to the TV and that you can undock to keep playing on the go without losing your place in the match. That flexibility, combined with a catalogue featuring some of the best series in history, has made it one of the best-selling consoles of all time.

In this section you'll find the entire Switch ecosystem gathered together: from the console itself to the latest accessory, plus games and downloadable content. If you're just starting out, here's your starting point; if you're already a veteran, this is where you'll expand your setup.

What you'll find in this section

We've organised the catalogue into four main blocks so you can quickly get to what you're looking for:

• Consoles: OLED, Lite and standard models, plus bundles combining console and game.
• Games: physical-format catalogue with Nintendo's big exclusives and third-party productions.
• Accessories: controllers, cases, memory cards, amiibo and everything that complements your console.
• eShop codes: downloadable content, expansion passes and Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions.

Which model suits you

Nintendo has released several versions of the console over the years, and each one suits a different way of playing:

• OLED model: the version with the best screen. Its 7-inch OLED panel offers deeper blacks and more vivid colours, ideal if you play a lot on the go but also want to dock it to the TV.
• Lite model: handheld only, more compact and lighter. It doesn't connect to the TV and doesn't have detachable Joy-Con, but it's the most convenient option to carry around and the most affordable.
• Standard model: the original hybrid model, with detachable Joy-Con and a TV dock.

Looking for the new generation? Check out the new generation section, with more power, a bigger screen and 4K output.

A catalogue for every kind of player

What sets this console apart isn't just the hardware, but the variety of its library. There are open-world adventures that eat up dozens of hours, platformers that bring back Nintendo's classic essence, RPGs with deep stories, party games to bring the whole family together in the living room, and relaxed simulators to unwind with. It's one of the few consoles where the demanding player and the one who just wants to play a few rounds on weekends can happily coexist.

Adding to that catalogue is Nintendo's online service, the subscription that enables online multiplayer and includes a library of NES, Super Nintendo and Game Boy classics, expandable with N64, GameCube, Mega Drive and Game Boy Advance in the higher-tier plan.

Frequently asked questions about Nintendo Switch

What's the difference between the standard, OLED and Lite models?

The standard model is the original hybrid version, with detachable Joy-Con and a TV dock. The OLED keeps all of that but improves the screen (7-inch OLED versus 6.2-inch LCD) and the rear stand. The Lite is handheld only: smaller, lighter and cheaper, but with no TV output or detachable controllers.

Do original console games work on the Switch 2?

Yes. The Nintendo Switch 2 is backward compatible with most of the original Switch's physical and digital catalogue, and in many cases titles even run better thanks to the new console's greater power.

Is it worth buying now that the Switch 2 exists?

It depends on your budget and what you're looking for. The original model still has a huge, well-established catalogue at tighter prices, and its library will also work on the Switch 2 if you make the jump later. If you want new-generation exclusives and maximum performance, the Switch 2 is the option.

What memory card does it support?

The original Switch accepts standard microSDXC cards, with typical capacities from 64 GB to 512 GB. This differs from the Switch 2, which requires the faster microSD Express standard.

Can you play online?

Yes, through the service's paid subscription, which enables online multiplayer, cloud saves and access to a catalogue of classic games. It's available as an individual or family plan, with an expansion pack that adds more retro consoles.