The long rumoured mid-generation refresh from Nintendo finally has a name, the Nintendo Switch OLED. Nintendo announced the new model via Twitter, later than the Nintendo Direct at E3 as was initially speculated. Besides a slightly more modern design, the Nintendo Switch OLED boasts several upgrades over its predecessors with a focus on handheld and table-top gaming.
Bigger and Better Screen
Undoubtedly, the main focus for the Nintendo Switch OLED Model is the brand-new OLED screen and slimmer bezel. With an increased size of 7-inches, compared to the Nintendo Switch’s 6.2-inch and Nintendo Switch Lite’s 5.5-inch screens. You’ll have a much easier time huddled over the console with friends on Mario Kart.
The OLED screen will help deliver a rich handheld and tabletop gaming experience with its vivid colours and high contrast.
No news has been released regarding the resolution of the Nintendo Switch OLED Model. However, with no major internal upgrades, we can expect it to remain at the 720p of the original Switch.
A Viewing Angle for All
One of the more surprising, yet welcome, upgrades comes in the form of the new kickstand. A larger base and a wider range of movement will allow you to get the perfect viewing angle when playing in tabletop mode. Whether it is to play alone or with friends you can say goodbye to unwelcome glare or arched backs to see the screen.
Enhanced Audio
The onboard speakers for the Nintendo Switch OLED also get a boost. Although it looks like no support has been added for audio tech such as Dolby Atmos. Instead, Nintendo has simply beefed up the speakers in order to give gamers a better audio experience when playing handheld or tabletop.
Upgraded Storage
An improvement that every gamer will welcome is the expanded storage on the Nintendo Switch OLED. With digital games becoming more prevalent the 32GB of internal storage found on the original Nintendo Switch often wasn’t enough. The Nintendo Switch OLED doubles that with 64GB of internal storage available.
If that still is not enough then the Nintendo Switch OLED will still support compatible microSD cards.
LAN Gaming
One of the only improvements for when playing the Nintendo Switch OLED docked is the inclusion of wired LAN support. This will come as a huge sigh of relief for many gamers who have struggled with playing Nintendo Switch games over a Wi-Fi connection. It is also great timing with the recent roster additions coming to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as well as the upcoming Splatoon 3 releasing next year.
Full Specifications
With the range of details announced today, there is bound to be discussions regarding the specifications.
While no major upgrades, such as outputting to 4K resolution when docked, may disappoint some, it does mean that Nintendo Switch owners will not feel pressured into having to upgrade in order to get the optimal gaming experience. We will also avoid the same situation as the New Nintendo 3DS where some games were only available for the latest model.
See below for a full list of the Nintendo Switch OLED’s specifications:
- Dimensions: H 4″ x W 9.5″ x D 0.55″ with Joy-Con controllers attached
- Weight: Approximately .93 lbs with Joy-Con controllers attached
- Screen: 7-inch OLED touch screen
- Storage: 64GB
- Battery Life: approximately 4.5 – 9 hours
The Nintendo Switch OLED will be launching on October 8, 2021. It will be available in the colour options White and Neon Blue/Red along with a $349.99 price tag.
What are your thoughts on the Nintendo Switch OLED? Were you hoping for a bigger leap forward? Or do you prefer the mid-generation refresh to remain close enough to the original model? Let us know in the comments below!
