The Nintendo Switch OLED is a welcome improvement, but it is more gratifying than impressive. Due to the hybrid nature of the original console, the Switch OLED has an intrinsic flaw: when docked, the benefits of the opulent new 7-inch display, redesigned kickstand, and improved speakers are lost. This is without a doubt the model to purchase if you’re a first-time Switch purchaser, but the enhancements to the Switch OLED will mostly help portable and tabletop mode users. If you’re considering an upgrade, don’t anticipate a Nintendo Switch Pro.
Two-minute Nintendo Switch OLED review
The Nintendo Switch OLED may at first seem to be a rehash of the ordinary Nintendo Switch model, but as you start to examine it more closely, you’ll notice that it has several improvements that push the base model a little bit further without surrendering any of its appealing features. The excellent 7-inch display, which is a significant upgrade over the regular console’s original LCD panel, stands out for its vivid colors and flawless blacks.
The Nintendo Switch OLED has additional distinctions outside of the screen that really make it stand out. Playing Nintendo Switch’s top games has never sounded clearer or more fun without headphones thanks to the improved speakers.
Also, with a total of 64GB, the system offers twice as much storage as the Nintendo Switch original and Nintendo Switch Lite. In contrast to the PS5 and Xbox Series X, which offer far speedier storage at noticeably bigger capacity, it is still a pitiful quantity. However since Switch games are often much smaller and the system has a
Micro SD card, you may always add more storage if necessary.
So far, so good, but Nintendo deliberately ignored one of the three essential components of the Switch experience—TV mode—and as a result, the new console is difficult to market. The OLED is shockingly lacking in this critical area, despite revamping the console’s dock and including nicer edges, greater room, and even a LAN connector for people who enjoy playing online.
Another major letdown for Switch owners watching on their televisions is that there is still a 1080p output limit; 4K upscaling is not possible. Hence, every time you dock the Nintendo Switch OLED, all of its key selling advantages vanish. This baffles me because the console is meant to accommodate all three styles of play equally.
In light of the Switch OLED’s absence of 4K output, Nintendo is forced to address the topic of why the internal specifications are identical to those of the original Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite. You won’t find a Nintendo Switch Pro here if that’s what you were hoping for. Dreams of this have been crushed by production issues.
The more upscale vibe of the console feels completely at odds with everything about this. It’s a shame Nintendo didn’t respond to the clamor from both developers and customers as the platform approached its sixth anniversary. Many games and developers could have benefited from a refresh of the Switch’s aging components.
Hence, if you already own the original Switch or the handheld-only Switch Lite, is the Nintendo Switch OLED variant worth investing the cash to upgrade to? If you’re unfamiliar with the Switch series, the answer is unambiguously “yes” — this is the most advanced iteration of Nintendo’s clever system to date, and it fixes many of the previous model’s flaws.
Nothing prevents you from switching to the OLED if you use the Switch in handheld or tabletop modes. With to its stunning 7-inch OLED screen, outstanding speakers, and newly built kickstand, the OLED has a lot to offer. Nonetheless, we can certainly state that the Switch OLED would be a luxury and pointless purchase if you presently own a Switch and use it mostly in TV mode.
Switch OLED Design by Nintendo
You would be hard pressed to identify any cosmetic variations between the Switch OLED and the original Switch if it weren’t for the bigger screen and the brand-new, immaculately white Joy-Con controllers. Yet if you look closely, you can see a number of changes.
Although it is only 0.8 inches bigger than the 6.2-inch screen on the original Switch, the new 7-inch OLED display is the most noticeable new design element. The Switch OLED is consequently 0.1 inches longer than its predecessor and measures 9.5 x 0.55 x 4 inches (W x D x H), yet it still fits well in the hands.
Yet the Switch OLED feels a little heavier. With the Joy-Con attached, it weighs 422 grams, which is around 22 grams more than the Nintendo Switch. Happily, we didn’t experience any weariness while playing due to the additional weight, but if you already feel like the Switch is a little on the heavy side, it’s something to keep in mind.
The same Joy-Con controllers, Joy-Con straps, and Joy-Con Grip are included in the box with the Nintendo Switch as usual.
You also receive the newly created Nintendo Switch dock, which is a little bit longer but not nearly as deep as the original dock and has the new LAN port. Also, there is a little more wiggle room inside, which should improve circulation and minimize the possibility of gradually scratching the Switch’s screen while putting it in and taking it out of the dock. Although you won’t be moving the dock very often, it is a little bit lighter and has one fewer 2.0 USB ports.
HANDHELD MODE FOR NINTENDO SWITCH OLED
The colorful new display makes Nintendo’s Switch OLED variant stand out in portable mode. Fast-paced games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate are simpler to follow because to the 7-inch panel, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe benefits from the high-contrast display. The OLED’s fantastic contrast ratio works wonders for Metroid Dread’s darkly lit sections and alien-inspired color scheme.
When compared side by side with the new display, the LCD panel on the original Switch nearly appears washed out. On the OLED version, everything appears vibrant and alluring; in particular, the OLED’s blacks are inky and seductive in contrast to the original’s muted, gray tones.
The Switch OLED’s display is still just 720p, but when using the console in a comfortable position, games and text still looked sharp and readable. Motion blur was not a problem for us, and the panel was sufficiently bright even throughout the day.
THE TABLETOP MODE OF THE NINTENDO SWITCH OLED
The performance of the Nintendo Switch OLED in tabletop mode is another highlight. It’s much simpler (and safer) to operate the Switch in tabletop mode, making it ideal for last-minute group games, thanks to its broader, redesigned kickstand. We have no worries about the hinge becoming loose over time and failing to snap into place like the old one because it is significantly more durable and emits a gratifying thump when closed.
The Joy-Con controllers, just like on the original Switch, can be removed from the side of the device, allowing you to stand the console up on a table or other flat surface and play with a buddy (or complete stranger) whenever the mood strikes.
Conclusion
The Switch OLED’s adjustable stand, however, allows you to place it in many ways, unlike the original kickstand, which had a limited viewing angle. You won’t need to crowd together to compete in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe thanks to the superb viewing angles of the OLED display, which provides for a far more enjoyable watching experience.
