Was the Nintendo Switch OLED actually the game-changing update we were promised? Or is Nintendo pulling a fast one on us? Well, there’s only one way to find out; I’ll have to check out the Nintendo Switch 2.
When Nintendo released the Switch in 2017, I was pleasantly pleased by its portability, reliability, and excellent launch lineup. I was also blown away by the Nintendo Switch Lite, which ditched the dock in favour of a totally unified hand-held gaming experience. The battery life was shorter, but that was mainly due to its smaller size, and for $100 less than the launch model, it felt like a terrific deal.
However, when Nintendo announced the Nintendo Switch OLED, I was perplexed. The Nintendo Switch OLED was neither a Switch 2 nor a simple repackaging of the original Switch. However, in the present console landscape, where adding minor adjustments to the original design is accepted, I can see Nintendo’s point of view. So, let’s get the review started so I can explain what I mean in greater detail.
As far as the Nintendo Switch OLED is concerned, you might as well think of it as a cousin to the Switch 2. It’s not a Switch 2, but it’s as close as we are going to get for now. However, it also has a few slight improvements over the original switch, so let’s see.
I enjoyed unboxing the Nintendo Switch 2. It was a very simple unboxing experience; there’s no taping on the box; you just have to open the latch and take the lid off. No fuss, no muss. I’m guessing most of us who enjoy unboxing ASMRs would be a bit disappointed with unboxing, but that’s why this is an article and not a video, right?
Once I took the lid off, I was greeted by my brightly coloured joycons, which still feel as good as the older models, so I expect them to handle as well. Also, it’s good to see that the old Switch controllers are also compatible with the Switch OLED.
Once I got through the Joycons, I could take the first layer off, and then I could use the tablet. The tablet itself is very solid, and it looks like Nintendo has increased the screen size.
The materials on the back of the OLED model also look very nice; the matte finish at the back makes the device look like it’s made of more than just plastic, giving it a very nice premium look. I also noticed that the tablet is a little thicker; official specifications make it out to be 3 mm, and that feels true.
Finally, after you go through the user manual and some paperwork, the dock is right there at the bottom of the box. The dock on the OLED model looks extremely good, and the design has been improved.
It looks like Nintendo has improved the plastic materials they have used to build the dock, and that is a very welcomed change because the older model felt and looked very fragile.
This model, on the other hand, feels a lot heavier and more premium. Nintendo finally added an Ethernet or LAN port to the back of the dock too. I can also appreciate the fact that the Switch logo on the dock and tablet is now etched onto them as opposed to being painted on like the original model. Also, the original dock is compatible with the OLED switch, so you should be able to charge it and connect it to your TV.
Nintendo never saves money on its packaging, and you can see that it always uses the best designs and materials to make the box. While it’s still a box, Nintendo still takes more care with its packaging. It is simple yet elegant.
I have to say that I am very impressed with the design of the Nintendo Switch 2. The air-brushed paint job and the materials used were very durable. Sticking with the durable feel, the rails on the tablet feel way better and now stick to the controller better.
This means they don’t wobble as much when you are holding the Switch, but if you’re playing like a maniac, then they still wobble. I also noticed the power button is smaller now, which isn’t much of a change, but it does make more room to increase the vents for better heat distribution.
Aside from the improved rails of the Joy-Cons, the biggest physical upgrade the Switch OLED got was the new kickstand. The new kickstand is literally a game-changer. The original switch had a very flimsy kickstand, and I could never get the best angles with it.
It wasn’t very stable, and any sudden bumps to your playing surface would tip the Switch over. The kickstand is a very welcomed addition, and I was very happy to see the long-strip kickstand.
The box contains the standard Nintendo Switch accessories we’ve come to expect: two Joy-Con controllers, a pair of Joy-Con straps, and a Joy-Con grip.
Setting up your Nintendo Switch OLED is a very simple process, and I’ll show you what you have to do and how to set it up in less than 2 minutes. To set up your Switch OLED, you will need to first slot in your two joycons on each side of the tablet.
A quick note to remember is that the Joy-con with the “plus” sign should be on the right-hand side, while the one with the “minus” sign should be left. Once you have safely clamped the controllers, you can then turn on the Switch OLED with the power button at the top left-hand side of the tablet. Once the device boots up, you will be met with an on-screen prompt indicating that the Joycons have been connected. After that, you can then move on to the setup process properly.
The first thing you will have to do is select your preferred language option, accept the licencing agreement, pick your Wi-Fi signal of choice, and then select your location and country. Bear in mind that the tablet is also a touch screen, so you don’t have to use the joycons to do the setup.
Once you are done with that, you will then need to follow a few on-screen prompts and also go through a quick tutorial on how to use the Switch OLED. After that is done, you can create a user profile and then log in or create your Nintendo profile. Once you are done with that, you could either create a Nintendo E-Shop account or start with the home screen.
If you want to do your setup with your TV, you will have to dock your tablet. It is a very simple process. Just slide the Switch into the dock until you hear it click in place. Once that is done, take off the back plate from the dock, and you should see where to connect the AC adapter and HDMI cables to the dock. Once that is done, you can then run the setup through your TV. Please note that you can only use the dock when it is plugged in. Also, when the Switch is docked, it will charge.
| Chipset: | Custom Nvidia Tegra X1 |
| Storage | 64 GB (expandable) |
| Display: | 7-inch OLED |
| Max Resolution: | 720p handheld/1080p docked |
| Weight: | 14.9 ounces (handheld) |
| Max Framerate: | 60 fps |
| Ports: | USB-C, 3.5 mm audio, microSD, HDMI (docked), LAN (docked) |
| Size: | 9.5 x 4.0 x 0.6 inches |
| Battery Life: | 4.5 – 9 hours |
While the Nintendo Switch OLED is a definite upgrade on the original Switch, it is not a major upgrade, and as such, there aren’t a lot of noticeable changes in the newer console’s design and performance. However, Nintendo has still made a few new changes to the console, so let’s go over them.
In this section, I will cover all the changes made to the console in greater detail to give you a clearer picture of what you may choose to purchase.
As far as design and build quality are concerned, Nintendo has made very minimal changes to the console’s original design. However, there are a few notable changes that should be discussed
As far as the choice of materials used is concerned, the Switch OLED is more or less the same as the previous version. The plastic materials are the same, but the paint job and finish are also slightly better. The etched Switch logo on the back of the console is also a nice touch.
The Joycons still feel the same, look the same, and are still made of the same premium materials. On the other hand, there has been a slight change to the railings that hold the joycons in place when they are connected to the tablet.
Also, the railings holding the joycons have been slightly reinforced to reduce the amount of wobble you feel when you are playing games. However, I suspect that this change was made to compensate for the weight of a new screen, but it is still a welcomed development.
The kickstand on the Nintendo Switch OLED has also been replaced. The old single-stick design was too flimsy and did not hold the console up properly. It did a job, but it didn’t do a very good job. It was very satisfactory, if not subpar. It didn’t provide a lot of stability, and as I said before, it could be easily pushed off if the table you were playing on suddenly shook. However, given that it doesn’t happen all the time, the kickstand could be managed.
However, we no longer have to manage the old kickstand on this new console, as Nintendo has answered all of our prayers and brought in a brand new, broader kickstand.
Taking their cue from the Microsoft Surface laptops, the new kickstand on the Switch OLED is now spread across the back of the console. It provides gamers with improved stability, impressive viewing angles, and a fresh sense of balance when playing on a tabletop. I can swear to you now that if Nintendo made a standalone kickstand that would replace the old kickstand, they would make a fortune.
As far as the weight and “feel” of the new OLED Switch in comparison with the old one are concerned, both devices still feel exactly the same to hold. The new Nintendo Switch OLED is slightly bigger, and that makes it slightly heavier and ticker, but aside from the improved joy-con holders, the console essentially looks and feels the same.
The Switch OLED, on the other hand, has a touch more heft to it. With the Joy-Con attached, it weighs 422 grammes, which is around 22 grams more than the Nintendo Switch. Thankfully, we didn’t notice any tiredness while playing, but it’s something to keep in mind if you already feel like the Switch is a little weighty.
The switch from LCD to OLED is the biggest improvement that Nintendo made for the Switch OLED. So, why don’t we go into more detail on this key feature?
The most noticeable new design feature is the new 7-inch OLED display, which is quite dramatic despite being only 0.8 inches larger than the original Switch’s 6.2-inch screen. As a result, the Switch OLED is slightly larger than its predecessor, measuring 9.5 x 0.55 x 4 inches (W x D x H), but it feels instantly comfortable in the hands.
The move from a 720p LCD to a 720p OLED display is a very big step for Nintendo, and the display on the Nintendo Switch OLED is more colourful and vibrant.
I still find it hard to justify someone with a base model Switch making the move to the OLED version. Unless your old one was damaged or stolen, it’s hard to recommend it, especially at full price.
The OLED display makes colours more saturated and deeper, and that provides users with a greater appreciation for the improved picture quality, but that’s really where it stops.
While the OLED display makes pictures more densely packed with truer colours and higher gamut ranges, these improvements have no bearing on improving gameplay a whole lot. The display’s resolution is still 720p, which means that pictures will still never be at their best since they can’t be seen at 1080p.
However, I don’t doubt that when everything is playing perfectly on the Switch (which is not always the case), you will be able to appreciate the deeper colours, and you might even be able to see some things faster than other players using older model Switches. It still doesn’t seem amazing.
Yes, playing the Mario Cart rainbow race track is extremely impressive on the Switch OLED. However, that wonder only applies if I’m a first-time player seeing the rainbow road for the first time, but I’m not a first-time player, and that wonder is lost to me after a few laps on the track. After that, I found myself focusing more on staying on the rainbow track, more than admiring it.
Finally, if you regularly play with your Switch in docked mode, then you have little to no incentive to spring for the new OLED version. It is even worse if you have an OLED TV at home because you can then play it at 1080p with even greater colour accuracy, and you don’t need the OLED model to do that.
The OLED display is great, but it seems like there are more drawbacks, or better yet, there aren’t enough visual upgrades to warrant an upgrade. However, if you are a first-time player, then by all means, spring for the latest OLED model if you can afford it.
As far as colour accuracy is concerned, the new OLED display knocks it out of the park, producing vastly superior colours than the base model. The Nintendo Switch OLED comes with two modes: “Vivid mode” for high colour density and “Standard mode” for a more balanced look.
However, the device comes preset in vivid mode to give the picture quality a deeper and more saturated colour scheme. While in standard mode, pictures look more stable and well-balanced.
I think picking an image mode would depend on your taste, but I prefer the standard mode. The Nintendo also hits a peak brightness of 340 nits, which isn’t incredibly amazing but is bearable when playing outside.
However, to access the peak brightness of the device, you will have to turn off the automatic brightness in the display settings and manually adjust your screen brightness.
A couple more thoughts about the screen. While it’s far too early to tell whether burn-in will be an issue, Nintendo does warn against displaying “the same image on the OLED screen for extended periods” to reduce the “risk of image retention or screen burn-in.”
The display also has an “anti-scattering adhesive film,” which the firm recommends not removing; nevertheless, after several days of using the device, I admit I didn’t even notice there was a film on the screen.
On the sound side, the speakers feel a bit more punchy and louder; they’ve got more depth and an impressive base. However, the speakers aren’t fantastic and can still sound a bit off. Nintendo also allows Bluetooth connectivity with audio devices, so that’s a good sign, as you can hook up your own speaker and play from there.
The Nintendo Switch OLED variant does not offer any performance improvement, even though the original Nintendo Switch was nearing its fifth anniversary at the time of release. The finest Switch games still look and play the same, despite the improved display, because the new system has the same Nvidia Custom Tegra X1 processor and 4GB of RAM as its predecessor.
Those who anticipated a more potent Switch model—often referred to as a “Nintendo Switch Pro”—will be disappointed by this. Of course, the majority of Switch titles continue to function flawlessly, but there’s no denying that the console’s hardware is getting older. This is particularly true now that the PS5 and Xbox Series X are available.
With the new high-contrast display on the console, games will at least seem nicer, which may be enough for some people, but we were hoping for more. Fortunately, battery life is comparable to the Nintendo Switch (2019) edition, so depending on the game you’re playing, you can anticipate between 4.5 hours and nine hours.
The Joy-Cons on the Nintendo Switch OLED are exactly the same as the older versions, meaning they still bear all the same persistent drift issues as the previous model. This is particularly sad to see because other third-party controllers have been able to fix the controller drift issues fans complained about when they began to notice the problem.
However, it seems Nintendo has firmly planted their heads in the sand about the matter and just put a new coat of paint on the same old controllers. I guess we will have to wait until the Nintendo Switch 2 eventually comes out to see if any progress will be made on that.
Unfortunately, the Nintendo Switch OLED makes no advancements in TV mode over its predecessor. Yes, the new dock has a LAN connector for online gaming, which is more stable than playing over Wi-Fi, but the 720p UI and maximum output quality remain the same. Even then, you may dock your Switch and connect a LAN adaptor.
It seems like a major omission not to add any 4K capability with the Switch OLED, considering that most homes now have 4K TVs. Even the 2016 Xbox One S console has 4K output capabilities.
Additionally, the Nintendo Switch OLED does not support high dynamic range or HDR, as it is more popularly known. Since last-gen consoles like the PS4 and Xbox One have long provided this feature, it would have been fantastic to see Nintendo adopt some contemporary display technologies to enhance TV mode.
When considering battery life for the Switch OLED, you need to take into account your max brightness and the kind of games you’re playing. Nintendo says that the Switch OLED can last for up to nine hours at 50% brightness. However, they forgot to mention that the games they tested with were Super Mario World and Metroid Dread. All of which are games made by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch OLED.
That number drastically decreases when you attempt to play a third-party game that was ported over to the Switch. So, for games like Witcher 3 in vivid mode at 50% max brightness, the battery craps out after 3 hours, and that is for Witcher 3, a game made in 2015.
In this section, we cover the buying guide to determine who this console is really for, who should buy it, and how it compares to other older Switch models and other handheld games.
If you are a new Nintendo gamer, then by all means, go for the Switch OLED. The display is new, the kickstand is great, and the gaming experience is excellent. On the other hand, if you already have the Nintendo Switch base model, then steer clear of this one. While the display is very vibrant, it’s not necessary, and you may find the display a bit jarring.
The new 64 GB of storage on board is too small, and chances are, if you already have an older Switch, then you have another expandable SD. The thing with the Nintendo Switch OLED is that there is no real performance improvement. While a new kickstand is great, if you have an older model Switch, then you have gotten used to the stand already. As I said previously, I find it hard to justify someone with an older model buying the OLED version.
The so-called audio enhancements are great, but many people with older models might not notice the difference, and the same goes for the display. If you play a lot of your games in docked mode, then the OLED display is of no use. The display is great, but it isn’t high-resolution gaming with impressive graphics or higher frame rates. It seems like a lie if you think you are prioritising display and audio enhancements for the Switch OLED.
Let me tell you the truth now: if you are looking for a premium handheld gaming experience, then you can spring for the new OLED display, especially if you have a Nintendo Switch Lite. However, if you have the original model, the jump to premium is much smaller and less enticing.
The Nintendo Switch OLED costs $350 on Amazon and other reputable sources. This is because Nintendo doesn’t usually drop the price of any of their consoles. It is possible to find some for a little cheaper, but the difference isn’t very large.
Since Nintendo doesn’t drop its prices when it releases console models, there really haven’t been many price changes over time. The Nintendo Switch Lite still costs around $200, the Switch costs $300, and the Switch OLED costs $350. There is a big price jump from the Switch Lite to OLED, but that is to be expected.
In all honesty, there isn’t an extra cash incentive for old players who have the first Switch. Nintendo doesn’t do trade-ins, and not every retailer will give you a massive discount if you bring in your old Switch. So, no, I don’t think the Nintendo Switch is worth the extra $50 placed on top.
However, that is for people who still have a perfectly working Nintendo Switch. A better case can be made for those who have never had the Nintendo Switch or are thinking about upgrading from a Lite model. They are the people who will get the most out of buying a Nintendo Switch OLED.
In this section, I will be comparing the Nintendo Switch OLED to the other Switches Nintendo has launched.
Aside from the Switch OLED, Nintendo has launched two other Switch models. The first was the original Nintendo Switch, which was closely followed by the Nintendo Switch Lite. All of these devices have their own benefits and flaws, but they are still solid entries.
As far as I’m concerned, the Nintendo Switch OLED is almost identical to the Switch. Nintendo made a few minor changes to the original Switch model and packaged it as a great new game changer. I was really disappointed to see no new performance upgrades and only a handful of quality-of-life changes.
Don’t get me wrong, the OLED display is crisp and dynamic, but it isn’t too much of a jump to warrant a complete price shift. The Switch OLED is a lazy man’s attempt at a cash brag and feels very ill-planned. The addition of the new kickstand was very needed, but they also could have put it there from the start.
The battery life is the same, the display is still at 720p, and there aren’t any performance improvements. The original Switch isn’t better than the OLED model, but the difference between the two devices is not too wide.
Now, when you compare the Switch Lite to the Switch OLED, you can see a much larger gap in class and quality. The battery on the Switch OLED is better, the display is larger, and the console itself is larger. The joy cons can be detached, and the OLED model can be used as a hybrid handheld device. The Switch Lite may be cheaper, but it isn’t better.
However, you can still play all of the games that the Switch OLED can play on your Switch Lite. While the Switch OLED may be the better device, the smaller switch still gives you more value for money. You can still play all the games you can play on the OLED version on the Lite version. The only major difference is your gaming experience. You have a longer battery life on the Switch OLED, and you can play it while docked.
The only major competitor to the Nintendo Switch OLED is the Steam Deck
Now, while the Switch OLED has better performance with Nintendo games, it still struggles to play other third-party games that can be found on Xbox, PlayStation, or PC.
On the other hand, this is where the Steam Deck excels. The Steam Deck is clearly the superior-handled gaming console. Its display is a crystal-clear 1080p resolution screen, and its controllers are less susceptible to controller drift, something the Switch is known for.
While you may not have access to play Nintendo games on your Steam Deck, you still have access to a more advanced and larger library of games from both Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam. If you also consider that the Steam Deck can be used as a computer, you can download a Nintendo emulator and play Nintendo games. Then, you have no choice but to see the Steam Deck as the superior device.
The only major difference the OLED has going for it is its OLED display and the new kickstand. There are no performance upgrades, so it really isn’t a great leap as far as differences are concerned.
Of course, buying a Nintendo Switch OLED is mostly for gaming purposes rather than just to admire the cutting-edge hardware. The Switch shines in this area. Several timeless masterpieces, like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, are available for the Switch.
The Switch’s appeal isn’t limited to Nintendo’s first-party games; it also has some great independent titles like Hades, Celeste, and Spelunky 2, many of which are much more pleasurable to play while not connected to a TV.
There isn’t a change in battery life, but the OLED display is a little more power-efficient, so it does mean the battery will last a bit longer than the older model.
As I said before, the Kickstand is a major upgrade for the OLED model and is something that improves the overall gaming experience. It makes tabletop gaming very fun and more stable.
The finest Switch games still look and play the same, despite the improved display, because the new system has the same Nvidia Custom Tegra X1 processor and 4GB of RAM as its predecessor.
Those who anticipated a more potent Switch model—often referred to as a “Nintendo Switch Pro”—will be disappointed by this. Of course, the majority of Switch titles continue to function flawlessly, but there’s no denying that the console’s hardware is getting older. This is particularly true now that the PS5 and Xbox Series X are available.
The stunning OLED screen, larger kickstand, and improved speakers work together to provide a far more pleasurable experience on the Nintendo Switch OLED, whether you’re playing in portable or tabletop mode.
This is the best Nintendo Switch model to date, thanks to its updated display, enhanced kickstand, and upgraded speakers. Despite the extra price, it’s simple to suggest it over the original model if you’re a first-time shopper.
However, as soon as the Nintendo Switch OLED was docked, practically all of the new features of the system vanished. There is no support for HDR, VRR, or auto low-latency mode, and the console continues to output at 1080p, which can look notably soft on 4K TVs.
Except for the increased internal storage, the Switch OLED has the exact same technological specifications as the original model; therefore, gameplay on it won’t benefit from higher resolution or frame rates. Thank you so much for reading this article. Please feel free to ask as many questions as you like in the comment section below.
Thankfully, the development of OLED panels has significantly reduced burn-in. To prevent individual pixels from continuously producing the same information, LG uses “screen shift” technology, which discreetly changes static images onscreen.
But is the OLED of the Nintendo Switch prone to burn-in? “We’ve engineered the OLED panel to aim for lifespan as much as possible,” Nintendo told TechRadar. “However, OLED displays can experience picture retention if treated to static graphics for an extended period.
“However, users can take preventative measures to preserve the screen by utilising certain of the Nintendo Switch console’s included features, such as using auto-brightness to prevent the screen from getting too bright and enabling the auto-sleep function to put the console into “auto sleep” and turn off the screen after short periods.”
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