The OLED Switch: A Comprehensive Guide
boundaries of what gamers can expect from their consoles and handheld devices. Among these, Nintendo’s release of the OLED Switch in 2021 marked a significant upgrade in its popular hybrid console lineup, offering a refined experience for both handheld and docked gaming enthusiasts.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the OLED Switch, examining its specifications, improvements over its predecessors, unique features, and how it fits into the broader gaming ecosystem. We’ll also explore its reception among gamers, critics, and the market performance it has enjoyed.
The Nintendo Switch Family: A Quick Overview
To understand the significance of the OLED Switch, it’s important to have a quick refresher on its lineage. The original Nintendo Switch was launched in March 2017, and it became an instant hit due to its hybrid design, which allows players to use the console as a traditional home gaming system while also functioning as a portable handheld device. This versatility, combined with Nintendo’s strong lineup of first-party titles, made the Switch an essential purchase for millions of gamers.
Following the success of the original Switch, Nintendo introduced the Switch Lite in September 2019, a more budget-friendly and entirely handheld-only version. While the Lite sacrificed the ability to dock and play on a TV, it maintained the core gaming experience in a smaller, lighter form factor.
However, by 2021, the gaming community was eagerly awaiting news of a potential “Switch Pro” that could offer more significant hardware upgrades. Instead, Nintendo unveiled the OLED Switch. While not a major generational leap, the OLED Switch offered several noteworthy improvements, most notably in the screen technology that gives the console its name.
What Is OLED?
The standout feature of the OLED Switch is its 7-inch OLED display, a marked improvement over the 6.2-inch LCD screen found on the original Switch. But what exactly is OLED, and why is it important for gamers?
OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode. Unlike traditional LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens, which require a backlight to illuminate pixels, OLED screens are composed of individual pixels that emit their own light. This allows for several key advantages:
- Improved Contrast Ratios: Since each pixel in an OLED screen can be turned off completely, the screen can display true blacks. This results in much higher contrast ratios, making colors pop and providing a more vibrant and immersive experience.
- Better Color Accuracy: OLED panels generally offer better color accuracy and more vivid colors compared to LCDs. This is crucial for games that rely on rich visual aesthetics, like “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” or “Super Mario Odyssey.”
- Enhanced Viewing Angles: OLED screens maintain image quality even when viewed from sharp angles, which is beneficial for multiplayer gaming sessions on the Switch’s tabletop mode.
- Energy Efficiency: In certain scenarios, OLED screens can be more energy-efficient than LCDs, as they don’t require a constant backlight. However, this advantage can vary depending on the content being displayed.
Key Features of the OLED Switch
While the OLED display is the main selling point of the updated console, it’s not the only improvement. The OLED Switch comes with several enhancements that elevate the gaming experience.
1. Bigger, Better Screen
The most noticeable change when comparing the OLED Switch to its predecessors is the screen. The original Switch had a 6.2-inch LCD screen, while the OLED model bumps this up to a 7-inch OLED screen. Despite the increase in screen size, the physical dimensions of the OLED Switch remain nearly the same, thanks to slimmer bezels.
The upgrade to OLED means deeper blacks, brighter whites, and a more vivid color spectrum. This makes games look more dynamic, especially those with richly detailed environments and complex lighting effects.
2. Improved Audio
The OLED Switch also features enhanced onboard speakers, offering clearer and more immersive sound for handheld or tabletop gaming. While the original Switch’s audio was adequate, this upgrade significantly enhances the audio experience without needing external headphones or speakers.
3. Wider, Adjustable Kickstand
One of the most significant and practical improvements in the OLED Switch is its redesigned kickstand. The original Switch featured a small, flimsy kickstand, which could be prone to tipping over. The OLED Switch, by contrast, boasts a wide, adjustable kickstand that spans the entire width of the console.
This new kickstand allows for greater stability and more flexibility when playing in tabletop mode. Players can adjust the angle of the screen to their preference, making it much easier to find the ideal viewing angle when playing with friends or family.
4. Increased Internal Storage
The OLED Switch doubles the internal storage of the original model, offering 64GB compared to the original 32GB. While this is still relatively modest compared to other gaming consoles, it offers a bit more breathing room for players who download their games digitally. Additionally, like other Switch models, the OLED Switch includes a microSD card slot for expanded storage.
5. Dock Enhancements
The dock that comes with the OLED Switch also saw some subtle but useful upgrades. Most notably, the dock now includes a built-in Ethernet port, which allows for more stable and faster internet connections when playing online. This is a welcome addition, especially for competitive multiplayer games like “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” and “Splatoon 2,” where reliable internet connectivity is essential.
Additionally, the dock has a slightly sleeker design and retains the ability to output at 1080p in TV mode, the same as the original Switch. There were no updates to 4K resolution, which had been rumored before the OLED Switch’s launch.
6. Battery Life
The OLED Switch offers the same battery life as the updated model of the original Switch, which was launched in 2019. Depending on the game, the battery can last anywhere from 4.5 to 9 hours. This is a solid improvement over the launch model, and while the OLED screen might suggest higher power consumption, Nintendo’s optimizations ensure that battery life remains consistent with the non-OLED version.
Performance: Not a Generational Leap
It’s important to note that the OLED Switch is not a significant upgrade in terms of processing power or graphical performance. The console still uses the same Nvidia Tegra X1 chip found in the original Switch, meaning that performance in terms of frame rates, load times, and general graphical fidelity remains largely unchanged.
Many gamers had speculated that the OLED Switch might be the long-awaited “Switch Pro,” featuring more powerful hardware capable of 4K output, faster frame rates, or better graphical performance. While the OLED Switch improves the overall experience in several ways, those hoping for a performance boost were left wanting.
This decision by Nintendo to focus on improving the screen and other quality-of-life features, rather than upgrading the internals, is consistent with the company’s approach. Nintendo has traditionally placed more emphasis on gameplay innovation and user experience rather than competing in a hardware arms race with companies like Sony and Microsoft.
The Gaming Experience on the OLED Switch
The improvements brought by the OLED screen and enhanced audio elevate the handheld experience, making the OLED Switch the best way to play games in portable mode. Games that rely heavily on visual storytelling, such as “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” or the atmospheric “Metroid Dread,” benefit greatly from the deeper blacks, richer colors, and improved contrast of the OLED display.
In docked mode, the experience is virtually identical to the original Switch, with the same 1080p resolution output on TV screens. However, the inclusion of an Ethernet port in the dock improves the multiplayer experience by offering more stable online connectivity.
The OLED Switch shines particularly in tabletop mode, thanks to the wider kickstand and enhanced audio. Games that can be enjoyed with friends, such as “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” or “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,” benefit from the more robust kickstand and clearer sound, making local multiplayer sessions more enjoyable.
Market Reception and Sales Performance
Upon its release in October 2021, the OLED Switch was generally well-received by both critics and players. Reviewers praised the OLED display for its vibrant colors and improved contrast, noting that it made a noticeable difference in handheld gaming.
However, some disappointment arose from the lack of internal hardware upgrades, with many gamers expecting a more powerful “Pro” version. Despite this, the OLED Switch sold exceptionally well, with demand outpacing supply in many regions. This success can be attributed to the fact that the Switch’s hybrid design and strong game library continue to resonate with a broad audience.
As of 2023, the Nintendo Switch, including the OLED model, remains a top-selling console worldwide, with over 125 million units sold across all versions. The OLED model has become a popular choice for those who prioritize handheld play and want the best visual and audio experience possible.
Conclusion: Is the OLED Switch Worth It?
For gamers who primarily use the Switch in handheld or tabletop mode, the OLED Switch is a significant upgrade. The brighter, more colorful display, improved audio, and sturdier kickstand make for a more enjoyable gaming experience. The additional storage and Ethernet port are also welcome additions, making the OLED Switch feel like a more polished version of the original console.
