Over the years, while PlayStation and Xbox were updating their games with every visual upgrade modern TVs could handle, being in the Nintendo camp was pretty stress free. The original Switch didn’t offer 4K, HDR, Variable Refresh Rate, or 120hz. You could plug it into basically any TV and start playing with zero thought.
But with the launch of the Switch 2, things have changed in a big way. It wasn’t until I fired up Metroid Prime 4 last night in absolutely stunning 4K HDR that I realized something: for the first time in a decade, Nintendo fans might actually want to consider upgrading their TV to take advantage of everything the Switch 2 can do.
So in this guide, I’m breaking down every major audio and visual perk the Switch 2 offers, what kind of TV you need to unlock those features, and a wide range of recommended sets that fit any budget.
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What does the Switch 2 offer visually?
Unlike the original Switch, which capped out at 1080p, the Switch 2 can output:
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4K at 60hz (60 frames per second)
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1440p at 120hz (120 frames per second)
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HDR support for dramatically improved contrast and color
HDR—or high dynamic range—allows a TV to display much brighter highlights and much deeper dark areas at the same time. When done well, HDR makes an image far more vivid, realistic, and eye catching than a standard non-HDR picture.
The three TV features you definitely want for the Switch 2
If you’re about to spend your hard earned money on a new TV specifically for the Switch 2, look for these three essentials:
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4K resolution
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120hz refresh rate
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HDR support
However, not all TVs that check these boxes are created equal. Panel types, processing, brightness levels, and black levels can vary wildly, even if the specs look identical on paper. Below is a breakdown of the best options—from top-tier premium displays to more budget-friendly picks that still deliver a great Switch 2 experience.
Top Pick: Samsung OLED (S85F, S90F, S95F)
In my opinion, OLED is absolutely the way to go if you have some room in your budget. OLED panels offer the deepest blacks, incredible contrast, and outstanding HDR performance. They’re also extremely thin and look great whether mounted or on a stand. All the TVs listed below range in size from 55 – 83 inches!
Samsung S85F 120hz OLED
Price: $999 to $2,499 (up to $2,000 off depending on size)- Buy at Samsung
Samsung S90F 144hz OLED
Price: $1,199 – $3,299 (Up to $2,100 off) – Buy at Samsung
The S90F steps things up with higher brightness, smoother motion, and a 144hz panel. While the Switch 2 won’t hit those higher refresh rates, the extra headroom means the TV handles fast motion exceptionally well. It is one of the best overall values in Samsung’s OLED lineup and often sees big seasonal discounts.
Samsung S95F 165hz OLED
Price: $1,899 – $4,999 (Up to $1,500 off) – Buy at Samsung
If you’re going for the absolute best picture Samsung offers without stepping into their 8K models, the S95F is the crown jewel. With peak brightness, premium HDR performance, wider color volume, and a blazing-fast 165hz panel, this is about as high-end as it gets for a Switch 2 setup. It’s expensive, but stunning.
Mid Range: Samsung QLED
If you want to save a bit of money while still getting a fantastic viewing experience, Samsung’s QLED lineup is an excellent middle ground. QLED technology uses something called Quantum Dots to produce brighter and more vibrant colors—at least according to Samsung’s marketing teams. While you won’t get the pitch-black contrast of OLED, QLED sets deliver excellent brightness, strong HDR, and rich color at a much lower price.
Sizes: 55–100 inches
If you play in a bright room, a QLED may even outperform an OLED due to its higher peak brightness.
Cheaper by Still Great: TCL
You might be thinking, “What the heck is TCL?”—but trust me, TCL has been making a name for itself in a big way. While their TVs may not offer the same premium feature set as Samsung’s higher-end models, their value is almost unbeatable. If you want a big screen that checks all the Switch 2 boxes (4K, 120hz, HDR) without spending a fortune, TCL is the brand to look at. All options are available at Amazon now.
That’s an absurd amount of screen for the price—perfect for anyone building a game room or just wanting to go big without destroying their budget.
TCL TVs at Amazon: $399 – $999
Hopefully this helped shed some light on the features you’ll want to look for when picking up a TV for the Switch 2. Whether you’re going big with a premium OLED, sticking with mid-range QLED value, or scoring a giant budget-friendly TCL, the Switch 2 finally gives Nintendo fans a great excuse to upgrade their setup.
Good luck, and happy gaming!
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Written by Jason Ganos
Nintendo super fan since birth, Jason is the creator of Amiibo News and editor-in-chief at Nintendo Wire. One of his life goals is to provide the latest Nintendo news to fellow gamers with his natural know-how.
