The Nintendo Switch OLED is the latest version of the popular hybrid gaming console, offering a vibrant OLED screen, improved audio, and a few other enhancements over the original and Lite models. With the same versatility that allows you to play in handheld, tabletop, or docked mode, the Switch OLED is designed to deliver a more immersive experience without drastically changing the core features of the beloved console. In this review, we’ll explore the design, display, performance, and whether the Switch OLED is worth the upgrade.
Design and Build
Design and Build Quality: Familiar, But Improved
The Nintendo Switch OLED retains the overall design of the original Switch, with its hybrid functionality allowing players to switch between handheld, tabletop, and docked modes seamlessly. However, the OLED model comes with a few notable upgrades that improve the user experience. The most obvious change is the larger 7-inch OLED screen, which is surrounded by thinner bezels, offering a sleeker, more premium look.
The console’s build quality has also seen some subtle improvements. The plastic back feels more durable, and the kickstand has been upgraded significantly. Gone is the flimsy kickstand of the original model; the OLED version features a wide, adjustable kickstand that allows for much more stability in tabletop mode. It can be adjusted to various angles, making it easier to find the perfect viewing position when playing with friends or watching videos.
The OLED version also comes with 64GB of internal storage, double that of the original model. This is a welcome improvement, although serious gamers who download a lot of digital games may still want to invest in a microSD card to expand storage further. The dock has also been updated with a built-in Ethernet port, offering a more reliable internet connection for online play.
Display Quality
Display: A Stunning 7-Inch OLED Screen
The standout feature of the Nintendo Switch OLED is, of course, the new 7-inch OLED screen. This display is a major upgrade from the 6.2-inch LCD screen on the original model. The OLED technology offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and a more vibrant overall picture, making games look sharper and more immersive. Whether you’re playing colorful games like “Super Mario Odyssey” or darker titles like “Metroid Dread,” the contrast and color saturation are noticeably better than on the original Switch.
The screen’s resolution remains the same at 720p in handheld mode, which might disappoint those hoping for a higher resolution display. However, the OLED screen’s color and contrast improvements more than make up for this, providing a more immersive and visually appealing experience. In docked mode, the Switch OLED still outputs at 1080p, the same as the original, so don’t expect 4K gaming here.
For players who prefer handheld gaming, the OLED screen makes a significant difference, especially in games with detailed environments and rich color palettes. The enhanced brightness and vibrancy make gaming on the go a joy, even in well-lit environments.
Performance
Performance: Same Power, But a Better Experience
Under the hood, the Nintendo Switch OLED doesn’t come with any significant performance upgrades over the original Switch. It’s powered by the same Nvidia Tegra X1 chipset, which handles most games well but is starting to show its age in more demanding titles. That said, the Switch OLED can run all current and upcoming games available on the platform without any issues.
While you won’t notice any performance improvements in terms of frame rates or load times, the OLED model does provide a more enjoyable gaming experience due to the superior display and improved audio quality. The new console features enhanced stereo speakers, offering clearer and louder sound in handheld mode, which complements the improved visuals nicely. Whether you’re playing with headphones or using the built-in speakers, the audio experience feels more immersive than before.
Battery life remains similar to the updated battery in the 2019 Switch model, offering between 4.5 to 9 hours depending on the game you’re playing. This is sufficient for most gaming sessions, though players who primarily game on the go will want to keep a charger nearby for longer playtimes.
Controls
Joy-Cons and Controls: Still Solid, But No New Fixes
The Nintendo Switch OLED comes with the same detachable Joy-Con controllers as the original, offering the familiar versatility of handheld, docked, and tabletop modes. The Joy-Cons work well, with responsive buttons and solid motion controls. However, the well-known **Joy-Con drift** issue—where the analog sticks register movement even when not touched—remains unresolved in the OLED version. This is a disappointment, as many players have experienced this issue with their Joy-Cons over time.
Aside from the Joy-Con drift issue, the controllers themselves remain versatile and fun to use, particularly in games that take advantage of motion controls and HD Rumble. Players can also connect a Pro Controller or other third-party accessories for a more traditional console gaming experience, particularly when playing in docked mode.
Games
Game Library: Extensive and Growing
The Nintendo Switch OLED benefits from the same extensive game library as the original, offering a fantastic selection of first-party exclusives, indie games, and third-party titles. The Switch’s lineup of exclusive games is one of its strongest selling points, with titles like “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” “Animal Crossing: New Horizons,” “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe,” and “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” remaining huge draws for gamers.
Additionally, the eShop continues to offer a wide range of indie gems, providing a diverse selection of genres and styles. Nintendo’s support for third-party developers has also grown in recent years, with major titles like “The Witcher 3,” “Doom Eternal,” and “Minecraft” available on the platform, often with some performance compromises to accommodate the Switch’s hardware.
While the Switch OLED doesn’t introduce any new gaming features or exclusives, it offers the same great experience as the original with the added benefit of the enhanced display, making every game look better, especially in handheld mode.
Key Takeaways
Pros and Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Nintendo Switch OLED:
Conclusion
Conclusion: A Worthy Upgrade for Handheld Enthusiasts
The Nintendo Switch OLED is a fantastic upgrade for those who prefer handheld gaming, offering a superior display, better audio, and improved build quality over the original model. While it doesn’t come with any performance enhancements or 4K capabilities, the OLED screen’s vibrant colors and deep contrast make it a joy to play in handheld mode.
If you’re a new buyer or someone who primarily uses the Switch on the go, the OLED version is the best iteration of the console to date. However, if you already own a standard Switch and mainly play in docked mode, the upgrades may not be enough to justify the higher price. Overall, the Switch OLED is a great step forward for Nintendo’s hybrid console, further solidifying its place as one of the most versatile gaming systems available.
