Nintendo Switch OLED: Display vs Performance

The Nintendo Switch OLED Model, an improved model of Nintendo’s well-liked Switch hybrid system, was made available in October 2021. The presence of a vivid 7-inch OLED screen is one of several improvements over the original Nintendo Switch that this upgraded model delivers. The 6.2-inch LCD screen of the basic Switch is smaller, less vibrant, and less bright than the OLED display.

Switch OLED Model includes a number of minor upgrades in addition to the enhanced aesthetics. These include redesigned speakers that improve music quality, a broader kickstand for tabletop mode stability, doubled internal storage (from 32GB to 64GB), and a wired LAN port in the dock for those who want a direct internet connection.

Body

A better OLED display

The new 7-inch OLED screen is arguably the Nintendo Switch OLED Model’s most significant change. In comparison to LCD (liquid crystal display) panels seen in smartphones, tablets, and even TV technology, OLED (organic light-emitting diode) displays provide a number of significant advantages.

Since each pixel generates its own light, OLED screens, in general, offer substantially greater contrast ratios and genuine blacks. When displaying darker content and games, this makes it possible for extremely deep black levels. The deep blacks give colors a more vivid, rich, and realistic appearance. In comparison to LCD, OLED screens also offer wider viewing angles and experience less color shifting when viewed off-center.

A more immersive visual gaming experience is provided by the Switch OLED Model’s larger 7-inch OLED screen in both handheld and desktop modes. When playing games with gloomy environments, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the display’s high contrast reveals much more information in the shadows. The vivid colors of the OLED screen make Nintendo games like Super Mario Odyssey stand out even more.

Even though the increase from a 6.2-inch to a 7-inch display may not appear significant on paper, in actuality, the additional space makes a significant difference. Games have a bigger, more detailed feel to them. This is especially advantageous for gamers who use their Switch handheld most of the time.

Upgraded kickstand Style

Switch OLED Model’s revised kickstand on the rear of the console is a minor but useful improvement. The little plastic kickstand that came with the first Switch had a flimsy feel to it.

The OLED Model’s kickstand is significantly bigger and extends the entire width of the console. When using the Switch in tabletop mode, it becomes substantially more durable as a result. Additionally, the new kickstand makes it possible to change the angle more freely, improving visibility in a range of circumstances.

The enhanced kickstand is a much-welcomed improvement for people who routinely play multiplayer games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with others utilizing the Switch as a tabletop mini-TV. When playing video games on the go or away from a television, it offers additional flexibility for the best viewing angles.

64GB of internal memory

The Nintendo Switch OLED Model’s increase in internal storage from 32GB to 64GB is noteworthy even if it is not as significant as the OLED display and kickstand enhancements. This provides greater built-in storage so that you can download video games and other digital items from the Nintendo eShop without using a separate microSD card.

Especially with data-heavy games, the original Switch’s 32GB of storage would quickly fill up. Although having 64GB of internal storage doesn’t completely eliminate the need for a microSD card, it does make it possible to load a lot more games before using up all of the onboard space.

The additional 32GB of inbuilt storage gives players who purchase the majority of their Switch games as digital downloads rather than physical game cartridges some much-needed breathing room before needing external memory expansion.

Improved Audio

Gaming hardware frequently overlooks and undervalues audio. However, compared to the normal model, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model really has improved speakers and sound performance.

The new speakers are able to offer audio that is crisper, richer, and more dynamic. The upgraded speakers also have a higher volume potential. This enables a more powerful gaming audio experience whether playing on a tabletop, TV, or handheld device.

The enhanced audio benefits large adventure games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild with richer sound effects and a larger soundstage. The OLED Model speakers’ punchier sound design skills make even the most basic Nintendo games feel more exciting.

The improved sound quality has a significant impact on the immersion and enjoyment of games, even though it is not as noticeable an improvement as the OLED images. When you can hear Nintendo’s wacky games in higher fidelity, it makes them come to life even more.

Port for wired LAN

The inclusion of an ethernet port is fantastic news for gamers who prefer connected internet connections over Wi-Fi for playing online multiplayer Switch games. The Nintendo Switch dock that connects to the TV has a LAN connector on the back.

This opens up the possibility of connecting the dock to the home internet router using wired ethernet to enjoy lower latency and more reliable online gaming experiences. It is especially advantageous for competitive games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate to use a real LAN connection because it has lower ping and less likelihood of interference or drops.

When playing handheld games, the wired LAN port has little bearing on portability. But the addition of a handy ethernet connector is quite valuable for Switch gamers who routinely dock their console at home.

Limitations and Drawbacks

No performance enhancements

Unfortunately, there are no real hardware performance gains with the Nintendo Switch OLED Model. It makes use of the same NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor and RAM capacity as the 2017-released Switch model.

OLED screen and speaker improvements make games appear and sound better, but the frame rate and loading times are the same on both Switch models. A processing increase that would have allowed for higher resolutions or framerates will not be available.

OLED Model’s battery life is also the same, lasting between 4.5 and 9 hours per charge depending on how intense the game is. Therefore, despite being bigger and brighter, the new screen doesn’t consume additional battery life. However, there are no lifespan benefits from efficiency improvements in portable mode.

OLED Model’s absence of any performance increases might turn off some customers, especially if they were hoping for power upgrades to match its new high-end display. Unfortunately, an improved CPU or GPU can’t equal the OLED screen’s vividness.

No fresh, exclusive video games or features

Switch OLED Model does not add any new unique software features or experiences aside from the hardware-focused changes already mentioned. All current and planned Switch games will function flawlessly on both Switch models.

Nintendo isn’t introducing new Joy-Con controllers with more buttons or controls in conjunction with the launch of the OLED Model.

This implies that upgrading to the OLED Model of the Nintendo Switch will not grant users of the regular model access to any additional games, features, or capabilities. Only the visual, audio, and display quality has improved over earlier Switch consoles. The absence of exclusive features reduces the incentive for certain adopters to upgrade.

Greater pricing range

Nintendo Switch OLED Model is obviously more expensive than earlier Switch models due to its svelte OLED panel and a number of improvements. The 2019 update of the basic Switch costs $300, whilst the OLED Model has an MSRP of $350.

Of course, the OLED screen and the adjustable kickstand partially offset the price increase over the standard Switch. The OLED premium, though, would be more difficult to justify for budget-conscious gamers who don’t care as much about display quality or use their Switch more in TV mode.

The price argument becomes more complex when the Switch OLED Model is frequently only $50 less expensive than the $400 Switch with better battery life. Some customers will choose the Switch’s capabilities over minor OLED enhancements since it costs only $100 less.

An upgrade that existing Switch owners do not require

OLED Model does not offer many convincing reasons to upgrade for gamers who already own a first-generation or 2019 update Nintendo Switch. It is primarily an aesthetic upgrade because no new exclusive games, Joy-Cons, or performance improvements are offered.

The majority of people who are content with their current Switch will continue using it rather than spending $350 on a new one with better display and acoustics. Unless they truly desire the more gleaming huge OLED panel or like to play games in handheld mode where the screen is most important.

Particularly unlikely to be interested in switching their Switch to OLED are casual gamers. The OLED Model improvements won’t have much of an impact on gamers who just sometimes play or concentrate on 2D Nintendo games. For gamers who are fully involved in the graphics experience, an OLED screen is more important.

Conclusion

Nintendo Switch OLED Model offers some fantastic visual, audio, comfort, and convenience improvements that significantly enhance the overall gaming experience. With its vivid colors and deep blacks, the gorgeous 7-inch OLED display in particular elevates portable and tabletop play to new heights.

Its allure as an update is nevertheless constrained by flaws like unchanging performance, poor battery life, and a lack of unique features. The OLED Model is probably not necessary for Switch users who are on a budget or who are already satisfied. However, for new purchasers that prioritize the greatest possible screen and audio, it still stands as the undisputed best Switch hardware model.

In general, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model is successful in improving and reworking key elements of the original Switch design. However, because it is an iterative process, it is not sufficiently novel to warrant universal update. The Switch OLED Model, however, is the premium flagship model in the Switch family and is satisfactory for particular players who value display quality and aural immersion.

FAQs

What are the primary differences between the OLED model and the original Switch?

• The new model’s larger 7-inch OLED screen, which offers more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and higher contrast compared to the original’s 6.2-inch LCD screen, is the primary change. Additionally, the OLED variant features a wired LAN connector, a bigger kickstand, and 64GB of internal storage as opposed to 32GB.

    Are there any performance improvements in the OLED model?

• No, the RAM and processor in the OLED variant are the same as those in the original Switch. There is no distinction between the two models in terms of framerate, resolution, loading times, or battery life.

    Do any games that are only available on the OLED model?

• No, both the original and OLED models of the Switch are compatible with all games. There are no software or game features that are only available on the OLED model.

    Is it worthwhile for Switch owners to upgrade to the OLED version?

• Most current owners probably won’t. The OLED screen is the primary draw, not any performance enhancements or unique features. It probably isn’t worthwhile to improve the display unless doing so is a priority.

    How much is the OLED model more expensive than the standard Switch?

• The 2019 updated base Switch was priced at $300 while the OLED variant had an MSRP of $350. As a result, the OLED model costs $50 more at retail than the prior Switch upgrade.