The Nintendo Switch OLED model, released in 2021, is an upgrade to the original Nintendo Switch console from 2017. This new version brings a few key improvements to the hardware, including a larger OLED display, improved audio, and a redesigned dock. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the features and performance of the Nintendo OLED model.
Display: The most notable upgrade in the Nintendo OLED model is the 7-inch OLED screen, up from the 6.2-inch LCD screen of the original model. The OLED technology offers more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast. This results in a more immersive and visually appealing gaming experience, particularly in handheld mode. While the resolution remains the same at 720p, the larger screen makes gaming more enjoyable without sacrificing portability.
Audio: The OLED model features improved audio quality, thanks to its enhanced speakers. This means you’ll notice clearer sound and better performance when playing games in handheld mode or using the built-in kickstand in tabletop mode. While it’s not a major selling point, the enhanced audio is a welcome addition.
Redesigned Dock: The new dock that comes with the model offers some additional functionality compared to the original. It now includes a wired LAN port for more stable internet connections during online play, which is particularly useful for competitive gaming. The new dock also has a sleeker design and rounded edges, making it more aesthetically pleasing.
Build Quality and Storage: The build quality of the model is similar to the original, but it does feature some improvements. The more robust kickstand offers better support and flexibility when playing in tabletop mode, which is a significant improvement over the flimsy stand on the original model. Additionally, the new console has 64GB of internal storage, double that of the original model, which allows for more game downloads and less reliance on external storage.
Battery Life and Performance: The battery life on the model remains roughly the same as the original, providing between 4.5 to 9 hours of gameplay, depending on the title and usage. In terms of performance, the OLED model does not provide any significant improvements in processing power or graphics, as it uses the same Nvidia Tegra X1 chipset found in the original model.
Overall, the model is an excellent choice for gamers who want a more immersive and visually appealing experience in handheld mode. If you already own the original Nintendo Switch and primarily play in docked mode, the upgrade might not be as crucial. However, if you’re a new buyer or frequently use handheld mode, the OLED model offers significant enhancements that make it worth considering.
Release Date
The Nintendo Switch OLED model was released on October 8, 2021. This upgraded version of the original Nintendo Switch brought improvements to the display, audio, and dock design, enhancing the overall gaming experience, particularly in handheld mode.
nintendo switch oled vs nintendo switch
When comparing the Nintendo Switch OLED model to the original Nintendo Switch, there are several key differences to consider. Here’s a breakdown of the main differences between the two models:
Display
- Nintendo Switch OLED: 7-inch OLED screen with vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast.
- Original Nintendo Switch: 6.2-inch LCD screen with relatively lower color vibrancy and contrast.
Audio
- Nintendo Switch OLED: Improved audio quality thanks to enhanced speakers.
- Original Nintendo Switch: Standard audio quality with no significant enhancements.
Dock
- Nintendo Switch OLED: Redesigned dock with a sleeker design, rounded edges, and a wired LAN port for more stable internet connections.
- Original Nintendo Switch: Basic dock without a LAN port and a more angular design.
Build Quality and Storage
- Nintendo Switch OLED: More robust kickstand for better support in tabletop mode and 64GB of internal storage.
- Original Nintendo Switch: Flimsier kickstand and 32GB of internal storage.
Battery Life and Performance
Both models have similar battery life, providing between 4.5 to 9 hours of gameplay, depending on the title and usage. Performance-wise, there are no significant differences as both models use the same Nvidia Tegra X1 chipset.
Price
The Nintendo Switch OLED model is priced higher than the original Nintendo Switch, reflecting the improvements in display, audio, and dock design.
In summary, the Nintendo Switch OLED model offers an enhanced gaming experience, particularly in handheld mode, with its larger, more vibrant display, improved audio, and redesigned dock. If you mainly play in docked mode or are on a tight budget, the original Nintendo Switch may be a better choice. However, if you frequently use handheld mode or are a new buyer, the OLED model provides significant enhancements that make it worth considering.
nintendo switch oled games
The Nintendo Switch OLED model is fully compatible with the existing library of Nintendo Switch games. Since there are no performance differences between the original Switch and the OLED model, you can play any game released for the Nintendo Switch on the OLED version. This includes popular titles like:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Pokémon Sword and Shield
- Splatoon 2
- Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
- Luigi’s Mansion 3
Additionally, the console supports various indie games and third-party titles, ensuring a diverse and extensive gaming library. The main difference when playing games on the OLED model is the improved visual experience in handheld mode, thanks to the larger and more vibrant OLED screen.
Specs
| Display | 7-inch OLED screen 1280 x 720 resolution (720p) |
| Storage | 64GB internal storage (expandable via microSD cards) |
| CPU/GPU | Custom Nvidia Tegra X1 processor |
| Battery | Lithium-ion battery (4310mAh) Battery life: Approximately 4.5 to 9 hours (varies depending on game and usage) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) Bluetooth 4.1 NFC (for amiibo support) |
| Ports and Connectors | USB Type-C port (for charging and connecting to the dock) 3.5mm audio jack Game card slot microSD card slot |
| Redesigned Dock | HDMI output USB Type-C port (for power input) 2 x USB 2.0 ports 1 x wired LAN port |
| Audio | Enhanced audio with improved speakers |
| Size and Weight | Approximately 4 inches high, 9.5 inches long, and 0.55 inches deep (with Joy-Cons attached) Approximately 0.71 lbs (0.93 lbs with Joy-Cons attached) |
While the Nintendo Switch OLED model does not offer significant performance improvements over the original model, the larger OLED display, increased internal storage, redesigned dock, and enhanced audio provide a better gaming experience, particularly in handheld mode.
