Definition: Nintendo Switch

A family of popular portable game consoles from Nintendo. Since its inception in 2017, more than 150 million units have been sold. Superseding the Nintendo DS, the device was named Switch because it can be switched into handheld, tabletop and TV modes. The controllers on each side of the screen are detachable and clip together to be more like a desktop game controller. See Nintendo DS.

When using a TV as the screen, the Switch competes with Xbox and PlayStation consoles but with the advantage of portability. However, Switch models tend to appeal to a very broad audience, not just diehard gamers.

Switch Lite and Switch OLED
In 2019, the Switch Lite debuted as a handheld-only version but retained the Switch branding. In 2021, Nintendo released the Switch with an OLED screen along with a sturdier kickstand to keep the unit more stationary in tabletop mode.

Switch 2
Debuting in 2025, Nintendo sold more than three million Switch 2 units in four days. Originally called the Switch Pro, the Switch 2 is slightly larger and heavier and costs half again as much as the Switch ($450 vs. $300). It has a better controller, sharper graphics and higher resolution (4K @ 60 fps, 2K @ 120 fps). See video game console, Xbox and PlayStation.

The Multipurpose Switch

This is the original Switch in handheld mode (bottom). For tabletop mode using the Switch screen and TV mode using a TV screen, the game controllers detach (top). (Images courtesy of Nintendo.)

  Switch   Year   Screen  Detachable  Internal
  Model    Intro   Size   Controller  Storage

  Switch   2017    6.2"      Yes       32GB

  Lite     2019    5.5"      NO        32GB

  OLED     2021    7"        Yes       64GB

  2        2025    7.9"      Yes      256GB