Introduction

When the Nintendo Switch was launched on March 3, 2017, it wasn’t just a new console, it was a radical reimagining of what a gaming system could be. With its hybrid design, the Switch allowed players to game at home, on the go, and anywhere in between. It revitalized Nintendo’s position in the industry after the Wii U’s failure and became one of the most successful consoles of all time.

In this NintenGO article, we’ll explore the complete history of the Nintendo Switch, all its versions, specs, highlights, and its legacy now that its successor, the Nintendo Switch 2, is already on the market.

A New Beginning After the Wii U

Following the commercial disappointment of the Wii U, Nintendo needed a bold and fresh concept. Internally codenamed “NX”, the new system aimed to blend the portability of handhelds with the power and versatility of a home console. The result was the Nintendo Switch, a compact, modular system with detachable controllers called Joy-Cons, a touchscreen, and a dock to connect it to TVs.

The Switch’s promise of “Play anywhere, anytime, with anyone” resonated globally, leading to overwhelming demand and widespread acclaim.

All Versions of the Nintendo Switch

Since its original launch, Nintendo has released three main versions of the Switch prior to the release of the Switch 2. Each one was tailored to different play styles and preferences.

Nintendo Switch (Original – 2017)

• Release Date: March 3, 2017
• Modes: TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode
• Display: 6.2” LCD Touchscreen (1280×720)
• TV Output: Up to 1080p
• Storage: 32GB (expandable via microSD)
• Battery: 2.5 to 6.5 hours (original model)
• Joy-Cons: Detachable with motion controls, HD Rumble
• Weight: Approx. 398g with Joy-Cons attached
• Model Code: HAC-001

Updated Model (2019) – HAC-001(-01) featured a more efficient processor and longer battery life: 4.5 to 9 hours

Nintendo Switch Lite (2019)

• Release Date: September 20, 2019
• Modes: Handheld mode only
• Display: 5.5” LCD Touchscreen (1280×720)
• TV Output: Not supported
• Storage: 32GB (expandable via microSD)
• Battery: 3 to 7 hours
• Joy-Cons: Integrated (not detachable)
• Weight: Approx. 275g
• Model Code: HDH-001

Designed for solo and portable players. Not compatible with games requiring Joy-Con motion input unless Joy-Cons are purchased separately.

Nintendo Switch – OLED Model (2021)

• Release Date: October 8, 2021
• Modes: TV, Tabletop, Handheld
• Display: 7.0” OLED Touchscreen (1280×720)
• TV Output: Up to 1080p
• Storage: 64GB (expandable via microSD)
• Battery: 4.5 to 9 hours
• Audio: Enhanced onboard speakers
• Dock: Includes built-in wired LAN port
• Weight: Approx. 420g with Joy-Cons
• Model Code: HEG-001

Offers the most premium Switch experience before the release of the Switch 2.

Side-by-Side Specs Comparison

Feature	Switch (Original)	Switch Lite	Switch OLED
Display Size	6.2” LCD	5.5” LCD	7.0” OLED
Handheld Mode	✅	✅	✅
TV Output	✅ (up to 1080p)	❌	✅ (up to 1080p)
Joy-Cons Detachable	✅	❌	✅
Internal Storage	32GB	32GB	64GB
Battery Life	2.5–6.5h (or 4.5–9h in new model)	3–7h	4.5–9h
Wired LAN (Dock)	❌	❌	✅
Weight	398g	275g	420g

Back to the Cartridge

After the disc era, the Nintendo Switch returned to the cartridge, easy to carry, a wonderful cartridge indeed!

Software Library and System Impact

The Nintendo Switch’s success is closely tied to its incredible game lineup, which appeals to all types of players. Key exclusive titles include:

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
• Super Mario Odyssey
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
• Metroid Dread
• Pokémon Sword, Shield, Scarlet & Violet

It also became a hub for indie games, such as Hollow Knight, Hades, Celeste, and Stardew Valley, as well as a platform for retro ports and third-party titles like The Witcher 3, DOOM, and Cuphead.

Nintendo Switch Online and Expansion Pack

The Nintendo Switch Online service, launched in 2018, added online multiplayer and access to classic NES and SNES games. In 2021, the Expansion Pack added:

• Nintendo 64 games
• SEGA Genesis titles
• Game Boy Advance
• DLC access (e.g., Animal Crossing: Happy Home Paradise, Mario Kart 8 Booster Course Pass)

The Arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2

In 2025, Nintendo officially launched the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2, bringing major performance improvements, graphical enhancements, and advanced Joy-Con technology. While details vary, the Switch 2 features:

• Backward compatibility with Switch 1 games
• New display with higher resolution
• Upgraded CPU/GPU
• More powerful online and social features
• New first-party launch titles including Mario Universe and Zelda: Echoes of the Past

The release of the Switch 2 marks the beginning of a new era, while the original Switch continues to serve as a beloved, accessible entry point for millions.

Fun Facts

• The name “Switch” reflects the console’s ability to switch between TV, handheld, and tabletop modes.
• Breath of the Wild was the last Nintendo-published game on the Wii U and the first on the Switch.
• The Joy-Cons include IR motion cameras and HD Rumble for advanced feedback and play options.
• Nintendo reportedly considered a dual-screen model during early Switch development.

Switch more than a console!

The Nintendo Switch is more than just a console, it’s a cultural icon. Its hybrid design, inclusive game library, and creative features brought Nintendo back to the top of the gaming world. Now that the Switch 2 is leading the next generation, the legacy of the original Switch is cemented as one of the greatest consoles of all time.

Whether you’re a new gamer, a lifelong fan, or rediscovering Nintendo through nostalgia, the Switch made gaming feel magical again.

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