Nearly three years after its initial release, the Nintendo Switch OLED remains arguably the best console in the Switch family, despite not offering a significant upgrade over the standard Nintendo Switch. When considering all the small improvements, they collectively create a compelling case for the OLED as one of the best handheld gaming consoles available, even with the potential Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon.
The 7-inch display significantly enhances the visual experience compared to the LCD panels of earlier models, delivering perfect blacks and vivid colors. Beyond the display, the Nintendo Switch OLED also features improved speakers, making gameplay without headphones much more enjoyable. The overall sound quality is notably less tinny than its 2017 counterpart, making the best Nintendo Switch games sound crisper and clearer.
Moreover, the console boasts twice the storage capacity of the original Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite, with a total of 64GB. While this still pales in comparison to the PS5 and Xbox Series X, which offer much faster storage at significantly higher capacities, Nintendo Switch games are generally smaller and the console supports expandable storage via a Micro SD slot, making it affordable to increase storage as needed.
So far, so good, but Nintendo has overlooked one of the three core pillars of the Switch experience – TV mode. Despite redesigning the dock with smoother edges, more breathing room and even a LAN port for those who play online, the OLED is disappointingly lacking in this crucial area. Another major letdown for Switch players using their TVs is the continued limitation to a 1080p output, with no 4K upscaling. Consequently, docking the Nintendo Switch OLED negates many of its major selling points, which is perplexing for a console meant to support three types of play.
So, who is the Nintendo Switch OLED model for and is it worth upgrading if you already own the original Switch or handheld-only Switch Lite? For newcomers to the Switch line, the answer is a definite ‘yes’ – this is the best version of Nintendo’s ingenious console to date, addressing many of the original model’s shortcomings. If you play the Switch in handheld or tabletop mode, upgrading to the OLED has much to offer, thanks to its stunning 7-inch OLED screen, improved speakers and redesigned kickstand. However, if you primarily use your Switch in TV mode, the OLED model is more of a luxury than a necessity.
Price and Release Date
The Nintendo Switch OLED was released on October 8, 2021 and is the fourth iteration of Nintendo’s hybrid console. It is priced at $349.99 / £309.99 / AU$539.95, slightly more expensive than the original Nintendo Switch at $299.99 / £259.99 / AU$469.95 and significantly more than the Nintendo Switch Lite at $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$329.95.
The higher price tag for the Nintendo Switch OLED seems justified, given its upgrades, including a larger 7-inch OLED display, enhanced speakers, double the internal storage and a wider kickstand. Additionally, it features a slightly improved dock with a LAN port for more stable online play.
Given its age, you can often find the console available below its asking price or bundled with desirable games through various Nintendo Switch deals. It’s worth shopping around before finalizing your purchase.
Design
At first glance, the Nintendo Switch OLED may not appear much different from the original Switch, apart from the larger screen and new pristine white Joy-Con controllers. However, closer inspection reveals several subtle changes.
The new 7-inch OLED display is the most noticeable design feature and has a surprisingly significant impact, even though it is only 0.8 inches larger than the original Switch’s 6.2-inch screen. Consequently, the Switch OLED is slightly bigger than its predecessor, measuring 9.5 x 0.55 x 4 inches (W x D x H), yet it still feels familiar in hand.
The Switch OLED is slightly heavier, weighing 422 grams with the Joy-Con attached, about 22 grams more than the original Switch. Thankfully, this added weight doesn’t cause fatigue during gameplay, but it’s worth noting if you already find the Switch a bit heavy.
Included in the box are the familiar accessories: two Joy-Con controllers, a pair of Joy-Con straps and a Joy-Con Grip. The redesigned dock includes a new LAN port and is slightly longer but not as deep as the original dock. There’s more room inside the dock, allowing for better airflow and reducing the chance of scratching the screen when docking and undocking the console. The dock is also slightly lighter, although this is a minor consideration since it is not frequently moved. The new dock contains one fewer USB 2.0 port.
Notably, the Nintendo Switch OLED works with the old dock and the original Switch is compatible with the new dock, potentially requiring a system update. This backward compatibility is a relief, ensuring your old dock won’t become obsolete.
Other design changes include a repositioned microSD slot behind the wider kickstand, making it easier to find, a slightly more recessed and oval-shaped power button and a wider volume rocker. The console also features smaller exhaust slits, giving the Switch OLED a more modern appearance and includes a headphone jack, like the other Switch models.
Handheld Mode
The Nintendo Switch OLED excels in handheld mode, thanks to its vibrant new display. The 7-inch screen makes it easier to follow the action in fast-paced games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and the high-contrast display enhances the visuals in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Metroid Dread particularly benefits from the OLED’s incredible contrast ratio, with its dimly lit levels and alien-like color palette.
When compared side-by-side, the original Switch’s LCD panel looks washed out next to the new OLED display. Colors are more vibrant and blacks are truly black on the OLED, whereas they appear gray on the original.
The Switch OLED’s display remains at 720p, but games and text look sharp and clear at a comfortable viewing distance. There were no motion blur issues and the display was bright enough for daylight conditions.
Despite these improvements, the Switch OLED is not the most ergonomic gaming device. Its flat and wide shape can cause hand cramps during extended play sessions and the Joy-Con controllers retain their original design from five years ago, meaning durability concerns persist. The Joy-Con still have a slight wobble when attached to the console, which remains disconcerting.
TV Mode
Unfortunately, the Nintendo Switch OLED offers no improvements over its predecessor in TV mode. The new dock includes a LAN port for more stable online gaming, but the output resolution remains capped at 1080p, with a 720p UI. With 4K TVs now common, the lack of 4K support is a significant oversight, especially since the Xbox One S, released in 2016, supports 4K.
The Switch OLED also lacks high dynamic range (HDR) support, a feature present in last-gen consoles like the PS4 and Xbox One. Implementing modern display technologies would have enhanced the TV mode experience.
Tabletop Mode
The Switch OLED performs well in tabletop mode, thanks to its wider, redesigned kickstand. The new hinge is robust and makes a satisfying thud when closed, eliminating concerns about it loosening over time. Joy-Con controllers can be detached, allowing you to prop the console on a table for impromptu multiplayer sessions.
Unlike the original Switch’s limited kickstand, the OLED’s adjustable stand offers multiple viewing angles, making for a more enjoyable experience. The excellent viewing angles of the OLED display mean you don’t need to huddle together during multiplayer games.
The enhanced speakers of the Nintendo Switch OLED also shine in tabletop mode. Games sound punchy and clear without distortion at higher volumes, which is essential when you can’t use headphones.
Performance
Despite being released nearly five years after the original Nintendo Switch, the OLED model offers no performance boost. It features the same Nvidia Custom Tegra X1 processor and 4GB of RAM. This will disappoint those hoping for a more powerful “Nintendo Switch Pro.”
While most Switch games still play well, the console’s hardware is starting to show its age, especially with the PS5 and Xbox Series X on the market. Games look prettier on the new high-contrast display, but a hardware upgrade would have been welcome. Battery life is comparable to the 2019 Switch model, ranging from 4.5 to 9 hours, depending on the game.
Game Library
The Nintendo Switch OLED benefits from the extensive library of games available for the Switch platform. Titles range from first-party classics like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey to a wide array of third-party and indie games. The Switch’s versatility as a handheld, tabletop and TV console makes it an attractive option for gamers of all preferences.
FAQs
What are the key differences between the Nintendo Switch OLED and the original Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch OLED features a 7-inch OLED display compared to the 6.2-inch LCD of the original Switch, offering more vibrant colors and better contrast. It also has enhanced speakers for improved audio quality, twice the internal storage at 64GB, a redesigned and more robust kickstand and an improved dock with a LAN port for more stable online play.
Is the Nintendo Switch OLED worth upgrading if I already own the original Switch or Switch Lite?
If you primarily use your Switch in handheld or tabletop mode, the OLED model’s superior display, enhanced audio and better kickstand make it a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you mainly play in TV mode, the OLED model offers minimal improvements, making the upgrade less necessary.
Does the Nintendo Switch OLED offer any performance improvements over the original Switch?
No, the Nintendo Switch OLED has the same internal specifications as the original Switch and Switch Lite, including the Nvidia Custom Tegra X1 processor and 4GB of RAM. There are no performance enhancements, so games will look and play the same as on the older models.
Can the Nintendo Switch OLED output in 4K when docked?
No, the Nintendo Switch OLED does not support 4K output. When docked, it outputs at a maximum resolution of 1080p, which is the same as the original Switch. There is no 4K upscaling or high dynamic range (HDR) support.
Is the Nintendo Switch OLED compatible with accessories and docks from the original Switch?
Yes, the Nintendo Switch OLED is compatible with the original Switch’s accessories and dock. The original Switch can also be used with the new OLED model’s dock, ensuring that existing peripherals remain useful. However, a system update may be required for full compatibility.