After countless rumors and leaks, Nintendo has announced its new Nintendo Switch (OLED). Although it was expected that the new Nintendo console would be a “Pro” model with an OLED screen and support for 4K, the truth is that it has not been so. The new model is decaffeinated and, in short, a relatively fair evolution.
Below we will review the main differences between the standard Nintendo Switch (not the switch lite) and the new Nintendo Switch (OLED), a console that simply brings to the table an OLED screen, an improved speaker, an adjustable stand, and a TV dock with Ethernet port, but little else.
Nintendo Switch (OLED) and Nintendo Switch datasheet
| Nintendo Switch (OLED) | Nintendo Switch | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions and Weight | 102 x 242 x 13.9 mm 320 grams without Joy-Con 420 grams with Joy-Con | 102 x 239 x 13.9 mm 297 grams without Joy-Con 398 grams with Joy-Con |
| Screen | 7 inch OLED HD resolution (1,280 x 720 pixels) | 6.2 inch IPS / LCDHD resolution (1,280 x 720 pixels) |
| CPU / GPU | NVIDIA Tegra processor | NVIDIA Tegra processor |
| Internal Storage | 64 GB expandable with microSD cards | 32 GB expandable with microSD cards |
| Connectivity | WiFi ac Bluetooth 4.1 Wired LAN connection on the base (tele mode) | WiFi ac Bluetooth 4.1 Wired LAN connection with adapter (tele mode) |
| Video Output | Maximum resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 px, 60 FPS | Maximum resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 px, 60 FPS |
| Audio Output | Linear PCM 5.1 compliant Stereo speakers | Linear PCM 5.1 compliant Stereo speakers |
| Sensors | Accelerometer Gyroscope Brightness sensor | Accelerometer Gyroscope Brightness sensor |
| Ports | USB type C MicroSD slot Nintendo Switch cartridge slot 3.5 mm jack | USB type C MicroSD slot Nintendo Switch cartridge slot 3.5 mm jack |
| Battery | 4,310 mAh 4.5-9 hours Charging time: 3 hours | 4,310 mAh 4.5-9 hours Charging time: 3 hours |
| Others | Adjustable stand Base with LAN port Integrated SpeakersCompatible with Switch’s Joy-Con | Fixed bracket Base with LAN port Integrated Speakers |
| Price | $349.99 / €364.99 / £309.99 | 299.99 |
The main differences
The Nintendo Switch (OLED) is a Nintendo Switch with a larger screen and a couple of improvements, but it is the same console. So much so that the Nintendo Switch (OLED) is compatible with the Joy-Con of the standard version and its games. That is if you have Switch games you can use them on the Switch (OLED).
The new model is slightly heavier, weighing 420 grams with the Joy-Con on versus the 398 grams of the base Switch. The company has implemented an OLED screen, which was expected, and has increased its size to seven inches. However, the resolution remains the same: HD (1,280 x 720 pixels).
The advantages of OLED technology are basically that they offer more vivid colors, purer blacks, and much better contrast than conventional IPS panels. However, they also have their disadvantages, such as the possible appearance of burned-in areas in the long term. This is because OLED panels use organic compounds that are more prone to image degradation and retention.
On the other hand, an interesting improvement is the implementation of an adjustable stand. This was one of the big complaints from users, and that is that the Nintendo Switch in desktop mode can only be placed in one position. The Nintendo Switch (OLED), however, can be placed in different positions, which should make it more comfortable to play local multiplayer, for example.
Another change can be found in the speakers, another frequent complaint from users. The Switch (OLED) still retains the stereo speakers, but now Nintendo claims to have optimized the audio to be of better quality when playing in desktop and portable mode. We’ll have to wait until October 8 to see how they perform.
The penultimate major change is in the base for playing on TV: it now has an integrated Ethernet port for online gaming. The previous model was also compatible, but via an optional accessory that had to be purchased separately. Now the Ethernet port is integrated into the dock and, in principle, should offer a more stable online gaming experience.
Finally, it’s time to talk about internal storage. If the Nintendo Switch had 32 GB of internal storage of which 6.2 GB were reserved for the operating system, the Nintendo Switch (OLED) goes up to 64 GB. This is twice as much and is surely a welcome change for those who like to have several games installed on the console.
Evolution falls short
But that’s about it. Beyond the change of screen technology and size, the adjustable stand, double the internal storage, and the base with Ethernet, the Nintendo Switch (OLED) is still a Nintendo Switch slightly vitaminized. A subtle evolution that fits with Nintendo’s strategy, but falls short in terms of power.
On the one hand, the seven-inch OLED screen retains HD resolution (1,280 x 720 pixels), so the pixel density per inch of the new Nintendo console will be lower. That should have an impact on image quality, which should be slightly lower on the new console.
On the other hand, the new technology and new size are not accompanied by an improvement in power. Both the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch (OLED) mount a 2015 NVIDIA Tegra processor, a processor that works for current games but we will have to see how it behaves with the arrival of titles such as ‘Pokémon Legends: Arceus’, the open world of Pokémon that aims to be quite demanding. It has also been confirmed that the CPU has not been modified nor has more RAM been added.
The Nintendo Switch is, on paper, just as powerful as the previous generation, which explains why it doesn’t have 4K video output, something that was also expected. It may not be the last console we see this year (rumors pointed to a September unveiling), but it would be strange for Nintendo to release new hardware this year. However, in February they said there would be no more models soon and here we are, talking about the Switch (OLED).
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