Nintendo Switch OLED Review | The comparison

Nintendo Switch OLED Review | The comparison

Nintendo Switch OLED 2 Minute Review

Nintendo Switch OLED makes a positive impression the instant you turn it on. The gorgeous new XNUMX-inch display immediately draws you in with its ultra-thin bezels, clean blacks, and vivid colors—so much so that you'll wonder how you ever got along with the original Switch's lackluster LCD panel. But it's not just the attractive OLED screen that makes a strong first impression. The upgraded speakers, now neatly hidden under the console's main attraction, are remarkably impressive. The iconic "click" of the Switch has never sounded so clean and clear, and we didn't feel the immediate need to reach for two headphones when playing our favorite games. We also liked the console's completely redesigned kickstand, which now encompasses the entire back of the unit. It's reminiscent of Microsoft's nifty adjustable stands on its Surface line of devices, and it comfortably outperforms the original Switch's small and puny plastic stand, which could barely hold the console. This is a massive update for tabletop users and helps increase the overall build quality of the console in the process. The XNUMX GB of internal storage is another big step up in our book as you get double the space of the original Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite. However, it's still a paltry number compared to the PS5 and Xbox Series X, which offer much faster storage with significantly higher capacities. Fortunately, the console still comes with a microSD slot, so you can always add more if you need to. So far, everything is fine... But Nintendo has cheekily overlooked one of the 3 pillars of the Switch experience, perfect TV mode, making the new console a pretty hard sell. The company saw fit to redesign the console's docking station, adding smoother edges, a LAN port for those who enjoy online gaming, and more space for the console to sit comfortably inside. But you're still limited going out of 1080p, as there's no 4K upscaling or any other perks for Switch gamers who prefer to play on their TV. This means that whenever you plug in the Nintendo Switch OLED, its main outlets are suddenly null and void, which is kind of incredible considering that this is a console that's supposed to serve 3 types as well. Of game. The lack of 4K output later leads to a question Nintendo can't avoid when it comes to the OLED Switch: Why are the internal specs exactly the same as the original Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite? It seems utterly at odds with the more premium feel of the console when loading the same slow Nintendo Switch eShop, or tired games that could have used a bit more processing power to make them feel new again. Countless titles and developers could have benefited from an update to older Switch components, so it's a shame Nintendo hasn't responded to the cries of developers and users as the console approaches its five-year anniversary. So who is the OLED model of the Nintendo Switch for? Is it worth spending the money to upgrade if you already have the original Switch or the portable-only Switch Lite? Well, if you're new to the Switch line, the answer is a definite 'yes': this is the best version of Nintendo's witty console yet, and one that fixes many of the original model's flaws. Those with a Switch who use it primarily in handheld or tabletop mode may also find value, thanks to the console's gorgeous XNUMX-inch OLED screen, great speakers, and redesigned kickstand. However, if you're a current Switch owner and primarily use your console in TV mode, we can confidently say that the Switch OLED would be a sumptuous and also superfluous upgrade. If you're new to the Nintendo Switch, check out our review of the original Switch model and the Nintendo Switch Lite.

Price and release date of Nintendo Switch OLED

The Nintendo Switch OLED will be released on October 8, 2021 and is the fourth version of Nintendo's home console. It costs $349.99 / £309.99 / AU$539.95, so it's a bit more expensive than the original Nintendo Switch, which costs $299.99 / £259.99 / AU$469.95, and c'is obviously a bigger investment than the Nintendo Switch Lite. , which costs $199,99 / £199,99 / AU$329,95. However, the higher price of the OLED model of the Nintendo Switch seems reasonable. The upgraded console comes with a larger 7-inch OLED screen, upgraded speakers, twice the internal storage, and a larger kickstand, and you also get a slightly upgraded docking station that includes a LAN port. For a more stable online game.

Nintendo Switch OLED design

Nintendo Switch OLED con Joy-Con independiente

(Image credit: Avenir) Without the bigger screen and the new, crisp white Joy-Con controllers, you'd be hard-pressed to tell any design difference between the OLED Switch and the original Switch. Take a closer look, though, and you'll find several changes. The new 7-inch OLED display is the standout new design feature, and it's surprisingly impressive, despite being just 0.8-inches larger than the original Switch's 6.2-inch display. Consequently, the OLED Switch is slightly larger than its predecessors: it measures 0,1 inches larger, at 9,5 x 0,55 x 4 inches (L x D x H), but can be used immediately by the family. hands. However, the OLED switch carries a bit more weight in this. It weighs 422 grams with the Joy-Con attached, which is about 22 grams more than the Nintendo Switch. Thankfully, we didn't find the extra weight to cause gaming fatigue, but it's worth keeping in mind if you already feel the Switch is a bit heavy. Inside the box you'll find the same Nintendo Switch accessories we're used to seeing: two Joy-Con controllers, a pair of Joy-Con straps, and a Joy-Con grip. You also get the redesigned Nintendo Switch docking station, which includes the new LAN port, and which is slightly longer but not quite as deep as the original docking station. There's also a bit more leeway inside, which should allow for more efficient airflow and reduce the risk of gradually scratching the Switch's screen when repeatedly putting it in and out of the Switch. The dock itself is also a bit lighter, not that you'll be moving it around very often, and it has one less USB 2.0 port.

Nintendo Switch OLED en el muelle

(Image credit: Avenir) It's also worth noting that the OLED Nintendo Switch will work on the old dock and the original Nintendo Switch will work on the new one; both may require a system upgrade, but it's nice to know that your old base won't be completely unnecessary. . Other changes to the OLED switch design include a repositioned microSD slot, which sits behind the wider kickstand and is easier to find, a slightly more recessed power button that's now oval in shape, and a larger volume switch. The console also features smaller slots for fans to extract hot air, which helps the OLED Switch look more modern. You also get a headphone jack, like on other Switch models.

Nintendo Switch OLED apilado en el antiguo Switch

(Image credit: Avenir) Aesthetically speaking, the Nintendo Switch OLED hides information and product warnings from the old Switch. While this is a small addition, the back of the Switch now looks much cleaner, with information hidden discreetly behind the new kickstand. While we mostly welcome the smaller layout keys of the OLED Nintendo Switch, we don't like one change at all: the new game card slot. The small notch at the origin of the Switch's game card slot is gone, making it nearly impossible to open if you don't have fingernails. We've found ourselves scratching the new game card slot countless times in an attempt to pry it open, and frankly can't figure out why this change was made when objectively it's worse.

Nintendo Switch OLED: Portable Mode

Captura de pantalla de Nintendo Switch OLED Celeste

(Image credit: Avenir) Nintendo's Switch OLED model shines in handheld mode thanks to the console's new dynamic display. The 7-inch OLED panel makes it easy to follow the action in fast-paced games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and the high-contrast display also breathes new life into titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Metroid Dread is a great showcase for the display, as its dim lighting levels and alien color scheme really take advantage of OLED's incredible contrast ratio. Compared to the new screen, the original Switch LCD panel seems almost washed out by comparison. Everything looks punchy and attractive on the OLED model: blacks, in particular, are tinted and attractive on the OLED, while they look dull and gray on the original. The OLED Switch display is still only 720p; However, we found that games and text still appeared crisp and legible when using the console in a comfortable gaming position. We also didn't experience any issues with motion blur, and the screen was bright enough, even in daylight. We still don't think the Nintendo Switch OLED is the most ergonomic gaming device we've used. The console's flat, wide shape can lead to hand cramps during the longest gaming sessions, and the Joy-Con controllers use the same design as the original console, which is now 4 years old, meaning issues persist. of sustainability. We found that the Joy-Con still tended to move up and down very slightly when attached to the console, which we always found quite alarming since they're supposed to lock into place.

Nintendo Switch OLED: TV mode

Vista trasera de la estación de conexión OLED de Nintendo Switch

(Image credit: Avenir)

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