The Nintendo Switch OLED Model is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, primarily due to its vibrant 7-inch OLED screen, offering richer colors, deeper blacks, and superior contrast that truly elevates the handheld gaming experience.
While it doesn’t boost processing power or resolution in docked mode, the visual fidelity for portable play is a must, making it the definitive choice for anyone prioritizing stunning visuals on the go or looking to invest in a new Switch console.
It’s a premium iteration that refines an already excellent console, focusing on visual immersion and minor quality-of-life improvements that collectively create a more polished and enjoyable experience.
Here’s a quick rundown of some essential gear that can enhance your Switch OLED experience:
-
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- Key Features: Traditional ergonomic design, HD rumble, amiibo support, motion controls, excellent battery life.
- Average Price: $69.00
- Pros: Far superior comfort and precision for extended play sessions, especially for competitive or action-heavy games. Durable build quality.
- Cons: Higher price point than Joy-Cons, requires separate charging via USB-C.
-
SanDisk 256GB MicroSDXC Card for Nintendo Switch
- Key Features: Licensed by Nintendo, fast read/write speeds, ample storage for multiple digital games and save data.
- Average Price: $35.00
- Pros: Essential for digital game collectors, prevents constant game deletion, ensures smooth loading times.
- Cons: Can still fill up quickly if you download many large titles.
-
Orzly Carry Case Compatible with Nintendo Switch OLED
- Key Features: Hard shell protection, internal game card slots, mesh pocket for accessories, specific fit for OLED model.
- Average Price: $19.00
- Pros: Protects your console from drops, scratches, and dust during travel. Keeps games and small accessories organized.
- Cons: Can be bulky if you’re looking for minimal protection.
-
HORI Split Pad Pro Anker Soundcore Mini 3 Review
- Key Features: Full-size analog sticks, larger D-pad, assignable rear triggers, ergonomic grip, no internal battery powered by Switch.
- Average Price: $50.00
- Pros: Dramatically improves comfort and control for handheld mode, especially for players with larger hands or those who find Joy-Cons too small.
- Cons: No HD rumble, no motion controls, no NFC for amiibo, only works in handheld mode.
-
ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Elite Screen Protector
- Key Features: Tempered glass, scratch resistance, smudge-resistant coating, easy application.
- Average Price: $25.00
- Pros: Critical for protecting the beautiful OLED screen from scratches and cracks. Maintains touch sensitivity and visual clarity.
- Cons: Can be tricky to apply perfectly without dust or bubbles if you’re not careful.
-
- Key Features: Integrated cooling fan, 5000mAh battery, ergonomic grip, USB-C output for charging Switch.
- Average Price: $40.00
- Pros: Extends playtime significantly, provides comfortable grips, and helps keep the console cool during intense sessions.
- Cons: Adds considerable bulk and weight to the console.
-
Nintendo Switch Dock Set Official
- Key Features: Official Nintendo product, allows for TV output and charging, includes AC adapter and HDMI cable, additional USB ports.
- Average Price: $70.00
- Pros: Necessary for playing on a TV, good for multi-TV households or replacing a lost/damaged dock.
- Cons: Relatively expensive for what it is, some third-party docks are more portable but carry risk.
The Allure of the OLED Screen: A Visual Feast
Let’s cut to the chase: the 7-inch OLED display is the undisputed star of the show here. This isn’t just a slightly bigger screen. it’s a completely different league of visual fidelity for handheld gaming. If you’ve been gaming on the original Switch’s LCD, prepare for a jaw-dropping upgrade.
Deeper Blacks and Vibrant Colors
The core strength of OLED technology lies in its ability to achieve perfect blacks. Unlike LCDs, which use a backlight that’s always on to some extent, each pixel in an OLED display emits its own light. This means when a pixel needs to be black, it simply turns off, resulting in an inky, true black that adds incredible depth and contrast to games. Think of the brooding atmosphere in Metroid Dread or the starry nights in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – they simply pop with a level of richness that LCD can’t replicate.
Enhanced Contrast and Viewing Angles
The combination of perfect blacks and brilliant colors leads to superior contrast. Bright elements stand out more dramatically against dark backgrounds, adding a three-dimensional quality to the visuals. This is particularly noticeable in games with dramatic lighting or highly detailed environments. Furthermore, OLED screens offer excellent viewing angles. Whether you’re playing solo or sharing the screen with a friend, the colors and contrast remain consistent even when viewed from extreme angles, which is a major boon for portable co-op.
Ergonomics and Build Quality Refinements
Beyond the screen, Nintendo made several thoughtful, albeit subtle, improvements to the console’s physical design and build quality.
These changes collectively enhance the overall user experience, making the OLED model feel more premium and robust.
The Sturdier Kickstand
One of the most welcome — and arguably long overdue — improvements is the new, wider adjustable kickstand. The original Switch’s flimsy, narrow kickstand was a point of common complaint, often feeling precarious and prone to tipping. The OLED model’s kickstand spans nearly the entire width of the console, providing a far more stable base for tabletop mode.
What’s more, it’s fully adjustable, allowing you to set the console at various angles for optimal viewing. This is a must for playing on a desk, a tray table, or even while lounging. It’s a small but significant detail that exemplifies Nintendo’s commitment to refining the core experience. This isn’t just about preventing wobbles. it’s about making tabletop play genuinely comfortable and reliable, reflecting how many users interact with the console. Sleep Number 360 I8 Smart Bed Review
Improved Audio Quality
While the audio upgrade isn’t as dramatic as the visual one, the OLED model features enhanced integrated speakers. They deliver clearer, louder, and slightly fuller sound than the original Switch. This means you can enjoy game audio more effectively without needing headphones, especially in a quiet environment. It’s not going to replace a dedicated headset or a sound system, but for casual portable play, the improvement is noticeable and appreciated. This is particularly beneficial for story-driven games or those where audio cues are important.
Dock Enhancements
The new dock for the OLED model also received a minor but significant upgrade: a built-in Ethernet port. This is a massive win for online multiplayer enthusiasts. While Wi-Fi is convenient, a wired connection provides a far more stable and lower-latency experience, crucial for competitive games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Splatoon 3. No more worrying about dropped connections due to Wi-Fi interference. The dock itself also has a slightly more refined, glossy finish on the front, though the internal components are essentially the same as the original. The addition of the LAN port is a pure functional upgrade that many power users had been clamoring for.
Performance and Battery Life: What Didn’t Change
It’s crucial to manage expectations regarding performance. The Nintendo Switch OLED Model is not a “Switch Pro” in terms of processing power. It uses the same custom NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor as the original Switch and the revised V2 model. This means that games will run at the same resolutions and frame rates as they do on the older consoles.
Same Core Processor, Same Performance
If you were hoping for 4K output, faster loading times, or significantly higher frame rates, the OLED model won’t deliver that. Games will perform identically to how they do on the standard Switch. This is a deliberate choice by Nintendo, aimed at maintaining a consistent gaming experience across the entire Switch family and ensuring all existing and future Switch games run on all models. Developers don’t have to optimize for different performance tiers, and consumers don’t have to worry about missing out on specific titles based on their console version.
This consistency is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it simplifies the ecosystem. On the other, it means titles that struggle with frame rates or resolution on the original Switch e.g., Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity or certain moments in Pokémon Scarlet/Violet will continue to do so on the OLED model. The enhanced visual fidelity of the screen might even highlight these performance shortcomings for some users.
Marginally Improved Battery Life
Nintendo states the OLED model offers 25-95% longer battery life compared to the launch Switch model, primarily due to the OLED screen’s inherent power efficiency. In real-world usage, this translates to roughly 4.5 to 9 hours of playtime, depending on the game and brightness settings. For context, the original 2017 Switch offered 2.5 to 6.5 hours, and the updated V2 model released in 2019 offers 4.5 to 9 hours.
So, while it’s an improvement over the very first Switch, the battery life is essentially identical to the V2 Switch model. The OLED screen itself is more power-efficient than LCD, but any gains are likely offset by the larger screen size. For most users, this means a solid few hours of portable gaming, but marathon sessions will still require a charger or a good power bank like the Anker PowerCore Play 5000 mentioned earlier.
Storage and Compatibility Considerations
While the core hardware is largely consistent, the OLED model does bring a much-needed boost in internal storage, and it maintains full compatibility with the existing Switch ecosystem.
Double the Internal Storage
One of the less flashy but highly practical upgrades is the doubled internal storage capacity. The Switch OLED Model comes with 64GB of internal storage, compared to the 32GB found in the original and V2 Switch models. This additional space is a significant quality-of-life improvement, especially for users who prefer digital games.
With game sizes steadily increasing many major titles now exceed 10-20GB, with some, like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, hitting nearly 18GB, 32GB filled up incredibly quickly. 64GB provides more breathing room, allowing you to install a few more games before needing to rely heavily on a microSD card. However, for serious digital collectors, a SanDisk 256GB MicroSDXC Card for Nintendo Switch or even larger is still highly recommended, as 64GB will still be insufficient for a vast library. Amazon Workmail Review
Full Compatibility with Existing Joy-Cons and Games
Crucially, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model maintains full compatibility with all existing Nintendo Switch games and accessories. Your current Joy-Cons, Pro Controllers, amiibo, and other peripherals will work seamlessly with the OLED model. This is a massive relief for existing Switch owners considering an upgrade, as it means their investment in games and accessories isn’t rendered obsolete.
You can even use your existing Joy-Cons with the OLED model, though many users find the new console’s enhanced screen makes the relatively small Joy-Cons feel even more diminutive in comparison. Accessories like the HORI Split Pad Pro become even more appealing for handheld mode due to the OLED’s larger footprint and screen. This backward compatibility ensures a smooth transition for those upgrading and provides new users with access to the entire vast library of Switch titles.
Is the Upgrade Worth It? Targeting the Right Audience
The question of whether the Nintendo Switch OLED Model is worth the investment boils down to your specific circumstances and priorities.
It’s not for everyone, but for certain users, it’s an absolute no-brainer.
For New Buyers: The Definitive Choice
If you’re contemplating buying your first Nintendo Switch console, the OLED Model is unequivocally the best choice. Despite its slightly higher price point, the improvements, particularly the stunning OLED screen, make it the superior portable gaming experience. You’re getting the best version of Nintendo’s hybrid console right out of the gate, future-proofing your purchase as much as possible within the current Switch generation. The enhanced kickstand, improved audio, and doubled internal storage are all welcome bonuses that contribute to a more premium overall package.
For Existing Switch Owners: Consider Your Playstyle
For those who already own an original 2017 or V2 2019 Switch, the decision is more nuanced.
-
You primarily play in handheld mode: If 80-90% of your gaming happens on the go, often in bed, on commutes, or during travel, then the OLED screen is a transformational upgrade. The visual leap alone is worth the cost of admission. Games feel richer, more immersive, and simply look better on that vibrant display. This is where the OLED truly shines.
-
You mostly play docked to a TV: If your Switch rarely leaves its dock and you mainly game on a big screen, then the OLED model offers minimal benefit. The console outputs the same 1080p resolution to your TV, and there are no performance improvements. The new dock’s Ethernet port is a nice addition for wired online play, but you can also buy a third-party USB-to-Ethernet adapter for your existing dock for a fraction of the cost. In this scenario, your money is likely better spent on new games or accessories for your current Switch.
-
You have a Switch Lite: If you own a Switch Lite, the OLED model represents a significant upgrade in screen size, quality, and the ability to dock to a TV. It effectively combines the best aspects of the Lite’s portability with the versatility of the original Switch. However, be prepared for a larger, heavier console compared to the Lite.
Ultimately, the OLED model isn’t a revolutionary upgrade, but it’s a refined and optimized version of an already fantastic console. It perfects the handheld experience, which is arguably the Switch’s most unique selling point. Microsoft Office 365 Business Premium Review
Beyond the Console: Enhancing Your Gaming Setup
Owning a Switch OLED is just the start.
To truly maximize your gaming sessions, a few key accessories are essential. These aren’t just nice-to-haves.
They can genuinely improve comfort, storage, and longevity.
The Pro Controller: A Must-Have for Serious Gamers
If you play docked often, or even handheld with accessories like the HORI Split Pad Pro, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a non-negotiable upgrade. The Joy-Cons, while innovative, aren’t designed for sustained, competitive play. The Pro Controller offers:
- Superior Ergonomics: It feels like a traditional console controller, fitting comfortably in adult hands.
- Precise Control: Better analog sticks and a proper D-pad make a huge difference in genres like fighting games, platformers, and action titles.
- HD Rumble and Motion Controls: All the core Switch features are present, but in a more satisfying form.
- Exceptional Battery Life: It boasts impressive longevity on a single charge.
This is a significant investment at around $70, but it pays dividends in comfort and performance.
Storage Expansion: Never Enough Space
Even with the OLED’s 64GB internal storage, you’ll hit limits quickly if you’re buying digital games. A microSD card is essential. Nintendo officially licenses SanDisk cards for the Switch, and they’re reliable and offer good speeds. A SanDisk 256GB MicroSDXC Card for Nintendo Switch is a good starting point, providing enough space for dozens of titles. Remember, you can store game data, save files, and screenshots on the card. Prioritize reputable brands to avoid data corruption or slow load times.
Screen Protection: An Ounce of Prevention
The OLED screen is beautiful, but it’s still a screen. Accidents happen. A ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Elite Screen Protector is cheap insurance. Tempered glass protectors offer excellent scratch and impact resistance without compromising touch sensitivity or visual clarity. Applying one meticulously upon purchase is highly recommended to protect your investment from keys, accidental drops, or even just dust.
Carry Cases: Protection on the Go
If you plan on taking your Switch OLED anywhere, a good carry case is indispensable. Look for one like the Orzly Carry Case Compatible with Nintendo Switch OLED that:
- Features a hard shell: For protection against impacts.
- Is specifically designed for the OLED model: Ensuring a snug fit and proper cutouts.
- Has internal storage for games and accessories: Keeping everything organized.
Even if you just move it around the house, a case provides a safe haven for your console.
The Ecosystem: Games and Online Services
Beyond the hardware, the Nintendo Switch thrives on its incredible library of games and its online services. Mavix M4 Gaming Chair Review
Understanding these aspects is key to maximizing your OLED experience.
A Library of Masterpieces
The Nintendo Switch boasts one of the most diverse and critically acclaimed game libraries in modern history.
From first-party blockbusters to indie darlings, there’s something for everyone:
- First-Party Exclusives: This is Nintendo’s bread and butter. Titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Odyssey, Metroid Dread, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Pokémon series offer unique gameplay experiences unparalleled on other platforms. These games often leverage the Switch’s unique capabilities and are polished to a high sheen.
- Thriving Indie Scene: The Switch has become a haven for independent developers, with a huge array of innovative and compelling indie titles. Games like Hollow Knight, Stardew Valley, Celeste, and Hades feel right at home on the portable console, offering hours of deep gameplay.
- Third-Party Ports: While not always graphically superior, many major third-party games are ported to the Switch, allowing you to play titles like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, DOOM Eternal, and No Man’s Sky on the go. The OLED screen particularly benefits these visually rich titles.
The sheer volume and quality of games ensure you’ll never run out of things to play, catering to every genre and preference.
Nintendo Switch Online: What You Get
To fully engage with the online capabilities of the Switch, a Nintendo Switch Online NSO subscription is necessary. This service offers several key benefits:
- Online Play: Essential for playing multiplayer games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 3, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with friends or other players online.
- Cloud Saves: Automatically backs up your game save data to the cloud, protecting your progress in case your console is lost, stolen, or damaged. This is a critical feature that provides peace of mind.
- Classic Game Libraries: Access to a growing library of NES, SNES, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance games. This is a fantastic dose of nostalgia and a way to experience gaming history.
- Exclusive Offers: Sometimes, NSO subscribers get access to exclusive game trials, special items, or unique controllers like the classic NES/SNES controllers.
For an additional fee, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier adds:
- Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis Games: Expands the classic game library significantly, bringing iconic titles from these retro consoles.
- DLC Access: Includes access to specific paid DLC packs for popular games, such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise, and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion.
While some find the NSO service basic compared to competitors, the cloud saves and classic game libraries alone make it a worthwhile investment for most Switch owners.
FAQs About the Nintendo Switch OLED Model
Is the Nintendo Switch OLED worth buying in 2024?
Yes, the Nintendo Switch OLED is absolutely worth buying in 2024, especially if you prioritize handheld gaming.
Its stunning screen and improved build quality make it the definitive version of the console for new buyers.
What is the main difference between the Switch OLED and the regular Switch?
The main difference is the 7-inch OLED screen, offering superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the regular Switch’s LCD screen. It also has a wider adjustable kickstand, improved audio, and 64GB of internal storage vs. 32GB. Fastmail Review
Does the Switch OLED have better performance than the regular Switch?
No, the Switch OLED has the same internal processor and performance as the regular Switch. Games will run at the same resolutions and frame rates.
Is the Switch OLED screen made of glass or plastic?
The Switch OLED screen uses a plastic layer over the OLED display, which helps with durability but is still susceptible to scratches. A screen protector is highly recommended.
How much internal storage does the Switch OLED have?
The Switch OLED comes with 64GB of internal storage, which is double the 32GB found in the original and V2 Switch models.
Can I use my old Joy-Cons with the Switch OLED?
Yes, all existing Joy-Cons are fully compatible with the Nintendo Switch OLED Model.
Does the Switch OLED have better battery life?
The Switch OLED’s battery life is similar to the V2 2019 Switch model, offering approximately 4.5 to 9 hours depending on the game. It is significantly better than the original 2017 launch model.
Does the Switch OLED dock have an Ethernet port?
Yes, the new dock included with the Switch OLED Model features a built-in Ethernet port for more stable wired online play.
Can I use the Switch OLED dock with my original Switch?
Yes, the OLED dock is backward compatible and will work with the original Switch and Switch Lite though the Lite cannot dock for TV play.
Does the Switch OLED output 4K resolution to a TV?
No, the Switch OLED outputs the same 1080p resolution to a TV as the original Switch. There is no 4K output.
Is the kickstand on the Switch OLED better?
Yes, the Switch OLED features a much wider, more stable, and fully adjustable kickstand that spans nearly the entire width of the console, greatly improving tabletop mode.
Are the speakers on the Switch OLED improved?
Yes, the Switch OLED has enhanced integrated speakers that offer clearer and louder audio compared to the original Switch, making portable gaming more enjoyable without headphones. Apple Macbook Pro 14 Inch Review
Do I need a screen protector for my Switch OLED?
While the screen has a plastic top layer, a tempered glass screen protector is strongly recommended to protect the beautiful OLED display from scratches and minor impacts.
How much does the Nintendo Switch OLED Model cost?
The Nintendo Switch OLED Model typically retails for $349.99 in the United States.
Can I transfer my game data from an old Switch to a Switch OLED?
Yes, you can easily transfer your user data and game save data from an older Switch console to a new Switch OLED Model. Nintendo provides clear instructions for this process.
Is the Switch OLED heavier than the original Switch?
Yes, the Switch OLED is slightly heavier than the original Switch, weighing approximately 0.93 lbs 422g with Joy-Cons attached, compared to the original’s 0.88 lbs 398g.
What accessories are essential for the Switch OLED?
Essential accessories include a microSD card for storage, a screen protector, and a carry case for protection. A Pro Controller is highly recommended for docked play.
Does the Switch OLED get hot?
Like all portable gaming devices, the Switch OLED can get warm during extended or intensive gaming sessions, but it generally manages heat well and doesn’t typically experience overheating issues under normal use.
Can I play all Switch games on the OLED model?
Yes, the Switch OLED Model is fully compatible with the entire library of Nintendo Switch games, both physical and digital.
Does the Switch OLED have Bluetooth audio?
Yes, all Nintendo Switch models, including the OLED, support Bluetooth audio connectivity for headphones and earbuds since a firmware update in 2021.
Is the white OLED model prone to getting dirty?
While the white color might show dirt or smudges more easily than darker colors, the console’s plastic surfaces are generally easy to wipe clean. Regular cleaning is recommended.
What is the advantage of the OLED screen for gaming?
The OLED screen’s advantage is superior image quality due to perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and vibrant colors, making games look richer and more immersive, especially in handheld mode. Apple Watch Series 7 Review
Does the OLED screen suffer from burn-in?
While OLED technology has a theoretical risk of “burn-in” image retention, it’s very rare with modern OLED displays and unlikely to be an issue with typical gaming usage. Nintendo has also implemented measures to minimize this risk.
Can I use my existing AC adapter with the Switch OLED?
Yes, the AC adapter from your original Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite is compatible with the Switch OLED Model.
Is the Switch OLED worth upgrading if I have a Switch Lite?
Yes, upgrading from a Switch Lite to an OLED model is a significant upgrade as you gain a much larger, higher-quality screen, the ability to dock to a TV, and detachable Joy-Cons for versatile play.
What is the benefit of the improved audio on the Switch OLED?
The improved audio on the Switch OLED provides clearer and louder sound directly from the console’s speakers, enhancing the portable gaming experience without needing headphones, especially in tabletop mode.
Does the Switch OLED offer better Wi-Fi?
The Switch OLED supports Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac, which is the same as the V2 Switch. The main improvement for connectivity is the built-in Ethernet port on the new dock.
How does the larger screen impact portability?
While the OLED screen is larger, the overall console size increase is minimal.
It’s still highly portable, though slightly larger than the original, meaning some older carry cases might be a tight fit.
Is the price difference between the OLED and regular Switch justified?
For most users, especially those who play in handheld mode, the price difference of $50 is justified by the vastly superior screen and quality-of-life improvements. If you only play docked, the value proposition is lower.
Are there any exclusive games for the Switch OLED?
No, there are no games exclusive to the Switch OLED Model. All Nintendo Switch games are compatible across all Switch models OLED, standard, and Lite.
Leave a Reply