Did Nintendo nail it? We go over all the details in our Nintendo Switch OLED review
Our Nintendo Switch OLED review is finally here. Almost 5 years has passed since the initial release date of the Nintendo Switch back in March 2017. Earlier this year Nintendo announced the forthcoming release of their newest iteration of the popular home and portable gaming console, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model. We are here to go through all the new specifications and provide our two cents in our Nintendo Switch OLED review.
Hence its name, the main attraction of the Nintendo Switch OLED is its 7-inch 720p OLED display. In comparison to the original Switch’s 6.2-inch 720p LCD screen, it provides a slight increase in size while keeping the same resolution. This may not seem like a huge upgrade to some but the difference between OLED and LCD is very noticeable, and allows the user to play in environments with brighter lighting.
OLED display panels have become closer to the norm in most modern flagship hardware. The self-lit pixels provide better colors and are able to dim down for deeper blacks. Unlike LCD display panels where there is usually just one backlight used to light up the entire panel, OLEDs provide a better overall visual quality. Of course burn-in can become an issue in OLED displays, but the Nintendo Switch already has auto-brightness and auto-sleep features that should negate this problem.
The build quality of the Nintendo Switch OLED is just fantastic. The Joy-Cons feel sturdy, the glass on the display is clean and clear, and the kickstand is actually practical this time around. The OLED display obviously steals the show but we would say the kickstand redesign is hands down the best physical feature in this OLED Model. The new kickstand now covers the width of the unit, resembling the kickstand of a Microsoft Surface and providing varying degrees with barely any wobble. Thank goodness.
The dock for the Nintendo Switch OLED has also been redesigned. This new version includes a LAN port instead of a third USB port. The backplate is also detachable and has bigger outlines for cables in comparison to the original dock. Nintendo has stated the new dock will be available to purchase separately in the near future, and that’s good news for those who don’t want to upgrade to the OLED Model.
A new software feature exclusive to the Switch OLED named “Console Screen Vividness” can be found within the system setting. This feature is only available in the Switch’s portable mode and allows a toggle setting that gives the user two options, Vivid or Standard. Vivid perks up the saturation of colors while Standard reverts back to the original look of an original Nintendo Switch. Depending on which game you are playing, the Vivid setting does make colors pop and look more vibrant, but it may not be suitable for all eyes.
Is the new Nintendo Switch OLED the best version of the Switch? We would definitely say so. It may not be worth the upgrade to current base Switch owners but it’s a no brainer for those in the market who don’t yet own one. For $350, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model is worth its price. Especially when compared to the $280 original base Switch, the extra $70 for the OLED display, new kickstand, outstanding build quality, and LAN ported dock is of good value. We hope our Nintendo Switch OLED review has helped out. With this new addition, there is no better time to experience the Nintendo Switch.