The new OLED Switch works exactly like the model that was introduced in 2017. It utilizes the same controllers, has the same UI, and plays all of the same games. There is no performance improvement in certain games, such as improved frame rates or higher resolution. And other than a few minor changes—a better kickstand, a slightly revised dock, and greater storage—the hardware doesn’t appear to have changed all that much. Simply put, it feels like a Switch when you pick it up. But the distinction is immediately apparent as the screen is turned on. The larger, brighter OLED screen on the new Switch replaces the LCD screen of the original. It doesn’t fundamentally alter the Switch’s nature or capabilities. But it greatly affects how you play games if you intend to spend a lot of time in handheld mode.
Nintendo Switch OLED review: Design
Although Nintendo has made some design changes to the system to make it feel more upscale, the new OLED screen is going to garner all the attention. The stand has undergone the most significant improvement in this area; it now spans the whole back of the portable for a much more secure grip and supports numerous orientations for greater adaptability. When placed on a railway table, our first Nintendo Switch would frequently fall over, but we are convinced that won’t happen with the OLED version. The Switch OLED is still primarily constructed of plastic, but it feels much nicer in the hand than its predecessor and has a stiffer construction that can better conceal fingerprint smudges. The new Switch appears to be a high-end device aimed at a more adult market, in contrast to the original Switch, which may have felt like a toy. Additionally, the speakers have been improved with louder, more precise sound. We were thrilled to play without our headphone at home because we were so pleased with the portable’s audio quality. Additionally, all Switch consoles now support Bluetooth for cordless headsets. The same connections and buttons are there, including a headphone connector, a USB-C charging port, a power button, volume control knobs, and a microSD expansion slot. There is also a slot for game cartridges, though we have found it more challenging to pry open due to our short fingernails. Nintendo has also changed how the dock looks. With the addition of a robust plastic structure, it feels much better. All of the inside connections, including the new LAN connector that enables a wired internet connection without the need for an adaptor, can be seen when the rear is simply snapped off.
Display
The Switch OLED physically deviates from the base model in two key ways and one less obvious but still significant way. Of course, the 7-inch OLED screen, which replaces the base Switch’s 6-inch LCD screen, is the most obvious upgrade. The Switch OLED’s OLED screen is its main feature, and Nintendo has largely praised it for it. Sharp visuals with bright colours and deep blacks are displayed on the larger screen. The experience feels much more immersive when you play a game with dark, intricate levels, like the alien caverns in Metroid Dread or the ominous castles in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. A 7-inch OLED and a 6-inch LCD have similar image quality, however a 7-inch OLED has richer colours. At the same time, it’s important to note that after some time, your eyes become accustomed to almost everything. When we switched from the base Switch to the OLED version, we at first found the larger screen and more realistic colours to be absolutely gorgeous. We stopped paying attention to them after a half-hour and only paid attention to the game. Similarly, switching back to the base Switch initially felt like a significant step down before becoming unimportant.
Kickstand and speakers
The 3.5mm audio connector and eagerly anticipated Bluetooth audio capabilities are both included on the right side of the Switch OLED (which is now enabled on all Switch models through a software update). Although your Bluetooth performance and mileage may vary based on the wireless headphones or earbuds you are using, we were able to connect our Apple AirPods without any issues. Our favorite improvement to the Switch OLED, apart from the screen, is unquestionably the redesigned kickstand. The Switch OLED kickstand is more stiffer and more flexible, taking some cues from Microsoft’s Surface Pro line, and it offers additional angles at which you can set up the Switch without running the risk of it dropping flat if you hit the table. also you will learn our article on Nintendo Switch OLED review. The OLED model’s wider frame means that any concerns or anxiety of breaking the kickstand are eliminated, which makes it much simpler to play tabletop multiplayer games like Super Mario Party. The majority of the Switch OLED’s upgrades are focused on the handheld side of things, although there are a few modest adjustments for those who like to play the Switch on a TV, such as an updated dock. The dock has curved corners, is available in a new white color, and has a glossy black inside.
Nintendo Switch OLED review: Game library
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. A number of 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. And 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. It implies that there is a game to suit every player’s preferences and that many more blockbusters, such as Metroid Prime 4 and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, will be released soon. There are several games available on the Nintendo Switch OLED.
Software
The UI on the Nintendo Switch OLED is exactly the same as that on the Switch Lite and Switch with the same OS. This means that the simple game menu with sections for Nintendo Switch Online, news, the Nintendo eShop, saved images and videos, controller choices, brightness, and other system settings will still be available on the home screen. The navigation on the Switch OLED is undoubtedly considerably easier to use and less complex than that on the PS5 or Xbox Series S/X. Thanks to a recent software upgrade, Bluetooth audio is now supported by all Switch systems, including the OLED, which is a lovely touch.
Performance
The Nintendo Switch OLED variant does not offer any performance improvement, despite the fact that 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. you can read our article on Nintendo Switch OLED review.
Nintendo Switch OLED review: Battery life
Depending on the game being played, Nintendo states that the Switch OLED has a battery life of four and a half to nine hours. The battery life is identical to the most recent Switch model, however it is far better than the model that debuted in 2017. These numbers appear to be realistic based on our experience with the product; the Switch OLED lasted five hours as we played Metroid Dread before needing to be recharged. Similar results were observed for Breath of the Wild, with the battery dropping to 63% after two hours of play. If you stick to less demanding games like Slay the Spire or Celeste, you might anticipate even greater endurance. The battery life of the Switch OLED is satisfactory. For a gaming portable of this calibre, it might be ridiculous to ask for anything better because most gaming laptops can’t even last five hours of games.
Price
The fourth version of Nintendo’s home console, the Switch OLED, was released on October 8, 2021. It is slightly more expensive than the original Nintendo Switch ($299.99 / £259.99 / AU$469.95), which is available for sale, and significantly more expensive than the Nintendo Switch Lite ($199.99 / £199.99 / AU$329.95).
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch OLED has a fantastic 7-inch display, ultra-slim bezels, and excellent black levels and vibrant colors. The stock Nintendo Switch’s poor LCD panel is much improved by this. Although the Nintendo Switch OLED Model has a much-needed screen refresh, its other features don’t really put it that far ahead of earlier Switch generations, at least not for casual gamers. This device is a terrific investment for devoted Nintendo Switch users because it features storage, display, and kickstand upgrades.
