Can I Trade My Switch for a Switch OLED?

As a long-time Nintendo gamer and content creator, I get asked this question a lot – and the answer is an enthusiastic yes! With the arrival of the snazzy new Switch OLED model, you can easily trade-in your original Switch to recoup value that goes towards the upgraded display and other benefits.

In this guide, I‘ll give you a detailed breakdown on what you gain by going OLED, the best ways to exchange your previous-gen console, tips for maximizing its value, and how seamlessly transfer all your games and data to the enhanced hardware. Let‘s dive in!

Comparing the Core Switch Specs

On paper the standard Switch and fresh new OLED model share the same internal processors and memory – so no added performance or game support in that regard. But there are some meaningful hardware differences – centered around the OLED panel technology now integrated into the handheld screen.

The superior display takes center stage here for good reason!

Here‘s a quick spec overview:

Beyond the obvious increase in screen size and doubled storage, the OLED tech brings the single most impactful upgrade in terms of visual quality. The self-illuminating pixels achieve both perfect black levels and a staggeringly high contrast ratio – the difference between the brightest whites and darkest blacks a panel can produce.

This translates to greater depth, dimension, and detail to every color displayed – lending an added sense of vibrancy and dynamic range to gameplay visuals. Having auditioned multiple new-gen gaming OLED TVs, I can assert firsthand what a revelation they are for fanatical players that care deeply about color performance and accuracy!

According to lab testing and reporting by respected A/V analysis site Rtings.com, the Nintendo Switch OLED screen covers significantly more of the wide P3 color gamut – hitting a remarkable 108.9%. This surpasses many 4K OLED televisions and gives images highly-saturated, deeply-hued tones that pop beautifully.

The longer lifespan inherent to OLED displays nearly eliminates the risk of burn-in compared to the previous generation too. By illuminating individually at the pixel level, areas of persistent static imagery – prevalent in games HUDs and menus – won‘t degrade over time like with former LCD technology.

So while sharing the same zippy mobile architecture, the Switch OLED‘s showpiece enhancement comes down to the stunning next-gen panel now front-and-center when gaming in handheld mode!

Why I‘m Loving My Upgraded OLED Model!

As someone who splits time evenly between docked living room gaming on my 4K TV and chilling in bed or out-and-about with handheld play, the boosts OLED brings are hugely welcome!

The larger 7-inch screen makes for more expansive and immersive gaming on the go right off the bat. But combining that increased real estate with OLED‘s vibrant colors, perfect inky blacks, and heightened contrast gives familiar Nintendo titles that genuine ‘wow‘ factor all over again!

I often connect to Twitch livestreams in handheld mode now purely to showcase off the display‘s capabilities to viewers and fellow gamers. Breath of the Wild‘s sweeping fantasy vistas are so much more alive and impactful. Metroid Dread‘s atmospheric sci-fi environs have added depth and eeriness throughout. Even simpler retro fare like my beloved SNES classic collection on Nintendo Switch Online receive an elevated shine!

Fellow gaming personalities and influencers like Spawn Wave Media and Arlo Stuff have echoed similar sentiment – heaping praise on the measurable visual enhancements. And with battery life remaining comparable between models, the improvements come with no functional downsides outside the modest $50 price bump.

For streamers and content creators like myself the boosted handheld aesthetics offer plenty incentive. But even the most casual gamers still stand to gain heightened enjoyment from software old and new thanks to OLED‘s inherently better image attributes. There‘s simply no going back after you‘ve played Zelda, Mario, Metroid or your platformer of choice on that beautiful display!

Evaluating The Best Places To Trade Your Old Switch

Okay, so by this point we can agree the vibrant OLED screen marks a very solid step up over previous-gen Switch hardware! Now…where can savvy gamers like us actually exchange our older console model to help offset purchasing its shinier successor?

I did some extensive research checking the official buyback programs across nearly a dozen major gaming retailers – evaluating the potential cash or store credit quotes offered for trading in a fully-functioning original Nintendo Switch with accompanying components like Joycons, dock, cables etc.

Here‘s a handy table summarizing what I discovered among the highest-value options:

As you can see, the major gaming and electronic chains allow applying your old Switch straight towards grabbing the OLED upgrade. And cash-for-gadgets sites like Decluttr pay out actual currency to your PayPal by covering shipping fees too.

Most importantly, be sure to thoroughly factory reset your soon-to-be trade-in unit beforehand – backing up save files and wiping sensitive profile information from the console through system settings. This better ensures expected valuation and protects your privacy!

Strategies For Maximizing Trade-In Value

Not all buyback companies evaluate devices by the same metrics or condition standards. Following my pro tips below can help secure the highest possible payout or credit return across participating retailers:

• Carefully Clean The Exterior – Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently remove dust, dirt, or debris that may have collected on the body, edges, or vents. Avoid liquid cleaners than could damage sensitive components. Visually inspect all sides for chips, cracks, or scratches in the plastic enclosure and closely examine the LCD screen for any blemishes that could impact value.

• Check Buttons & Ports For Issues – Test that inputs like physical game card slots load properly. Ensure shoulder triggers and analog sticks still function accurately without stick drift affecting their calibration. Clean out dust buildup from headphone jacks or charging ports using compressed air. The system should power on normally without issue.

• Include All Accessories – Value typically increases the more supplemental items you can bundle with the core console, whether Joycon controller pairs, charging dock, HDMI cable, or grip attachments. Having the complete setup signals an actively used system vs sitting idle and provides replacement parts.

• Research Multiple Buyback Rates – As we saw from the retailer table earlier, valuation fluctuates quite a bit. Checking rates across at least 4-5 reputable programs gives you leverage to secure the best possible deal. Refresh quotes periodically too as limited time promotions can temporarily increase offers.

Following the above advice rigorously examines your Switch for operability while sprucing up any cosmetic wear-and-tear. Shop around for the optimal trade arrangement when you‘re ready to put that currency towards the splendid new OLED!

Migrating All Your Gaming Data to the Upgraded Model

A huge perk of remaining within Nintendo‘s console ecosystem means seamlessly transferring years of gaming history to your shiny new OLED toy! Let‘s outline everything that gets ported over during the quick and painless profile migration process:

• Your Nintendo Account Details – User profile, avatar, friends list, game play activity logs
• All Game Save Files – 100s of hours of progress across purchased game licenses
• Captured Media – Saved screenshots and gameplay video clips
• Network Settings – Remembered WiFi connections for downloading software on the go
• Controller Preferences – Custom button mapping layouts

Here are the simple step-by-step instructions to move an existing account from one Switch to another:

1. Update Both Systems To Latest Software – Critical first step!
2. Select User Profile Transfer In System Settings
3. Choose "Source" On Old Console / "Target" On New Model
4. Keep Devices Docked Side-By-Side During Transfer
5. Wait Until Completion (Duration Depends On Data)
6. Sign Into Your Account On New OLED Switch!

Under 10 minutes is all it takes to shift everything meaningful from the old system to the new. This makes upgrading or replacing hardware a totally seamless process for Nintendo die-hards like myself who‘ve invested countless gaming hours over multiple years and releases. Just be sure to complete the transfer before parting ways with your trade-in!

Closing Thoughts: Upgrading For Passionate Handheld Fans

For streamers, content producers, competitive Smash players, or frequent travelers that play exclusively mobile, the visual refinements displayed by Switch OLED‘s superb new screen are certainly worth enthusiastically double-dipping.

But more casual gamers still docked to the living room TV the majority of playtime can justify waiting for an eventual hardware revision down the road. At the end of the day only you can determine if the $50 premium hits that personal sweet spot of value.

Either way, when you are ready to upgrade, recycling older tech is a smart way to offset costs – whether towards the latest from Nintendo or elsewhere in cutting-edge consumer electronics! Chasing that coveted OLED gaming glory need not break the bank entirely.

Let me know what questions you have about trading-in devices or making the OLED transition down in the comments! I‘ll offer tips to ensure it‘s a smooth, lucrative process well worth the gains for dedicated handheld fans. Enjoy the magnificently vibrant colors and perfect blacks my friends!