Nintendo Switch's OLED has a nicer design than the original LCD version, with a larger, more vibrant screen, improved sound, and twice the internal storage, albeit still without 4K.
For
- Larger seven-inch screen
- perfect blacks; accurate colors
- The speakers sound fantastic
Contra
- No update in TV mode
- Internal specifications remain the same
- Durability is always a concern
The latest Nintendo Switch matches the OLED version when it comes to performance, screen resolution, and battery life. But you miss out on a bigger screen and a more immersive experience.
For
- Cheaper than OLED
- Bright, clean and colorful display
- Same performance
Contra
- The screen is not that active.
- bigger frames
- Seems a bit dated now
Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch OLED is a vital talk for hybrid console enthusiasts. Both consoles boast family-friendly and portable capabilities, but with the Nintendo Switch starting to show its age, OLED is coming into its own. But is spending a bit of extra money for a nicer screen worth it?
The launch of the original Nintendo Switch console in 5 was quite groundbreaking, and it still manages to come up with some pretty incredible graphics in today's digital age. While it doesn't offer much when placed next to a PSXNUMX, it still has its quirks. So even if the Nintendo Switch OLED doesn't improve performance but instead focuses on graphical loyalty and looks, the pair still have a lot to contend with in comparison.
However, these are not the only two options. The Switch Lite was also released in XNUMX as a portable-only option, without the detachable Switch Joy-Con controllers. For certain people passionate about the hybrid design of the original Switch, that's a definite factor. For those who just want to game on the go or play portable games, this is a more affordable alternative. In XNUMX, Nintendo also released an updated version of the original Nintendo Switch, offering longer battery life.
In this guide, we'll cover why Switch OLED is a better option than the original LCD version and the other upgrades you get if you pick up Nintendo Switch OLED. While that doesn't necessarily mean the original Switch isn't suitable for you. Read on to find out more.
Nintendo Switch OLED vs. Nintendo Switch: Precio
The Nintendo Switch OLED costs €XNUMX / €XNUMX / AU$XNUMX and was released on October XNUMX, XNUMX. That's $XNUMX / $XNUMX / AU$XNUMX more than the original Nintendo Switch at launch, which instead costs $XNUMX. € / € two hundred and seventy nine / AU € four hundred and forty nine . However, since the OLED launch, the original model has seen a slight drop in cost, now retailing for €XNUMX / €XNUMX / AU$XNUMX.
Given their popularity, we rarely see certain models get discounts. This goes for most current-gen consoles these days, but you'll now find an overview of all the Nintendo Switch deals now.
Today's best Nintendo Switch deals
Nintendo Switch OLED vs. Nintendo Switch: design
The Nintendo Switch OLED resembles the original Switch after its XNUMX update. It has detachable Joy-Con controllers, the same button layout, and even offers that neon blue and bright red color scheme.
However, the version you've probably seen online for Switch OLED is the new white version. This more sedate, grown-up color scheme is the kind of outfit we've been hoping to see on the rumored Nintendo Switch Pro. The OLED Switch might not be the Switch Pro, but it's the closest we're going to get yet. Many leaks previously thought to point to the Pro find their way into this redesign.
You'll also find other significant design changes. The thick display bezels of the original Switch have been significantly reduced, and the XNUMX-inch LCD panel has been replaced with a vibrant XNUMX-inch OLED panel.
This makes the new Switch look less dated and means there isn't a significant difference in size to the new model, despite using a larger screen. It measures 5 inches longer, at XNUMX x XNUMX x XNUMX inches (width x depth x height).
For this reason, any Joy-Con controller you've previously purchased is going to work perfectly with the Nintendo Switch OLED. Assuming they haven't previously suffered from the well-known Joy-Con drift, that is. The new console uses the exact same "rail" system for these accessories.
Nintendo has redesigned the kickstand on the Switch to make it a lot less flimsy as well. It now crosses much of the rear of the console, which we think holds it upright more securely. The stand is also adjustable, allowing for different viewing angles when reading in tabletop mode.
You wouldn't know it at a glance, but Nintendo has also redesigned the Switch OLED speakers. They still sit on the bottom of the handheld, one on each side, and offer improved sound over the original speakers. They are much stronger, more amazing and do not distort at the volume limit.
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The OLED Switch has an improved, wider kickstand (Image credit: Nintendo)The Switch's kickstand is smaller, flimsier, and essentially no good (Image credit: Future)As before, the OLED Switch comes with a docking station so you can play games on your TV. However, it doesn't offer the 4K output that many have come to expect on a Nintendo Switch Pro console. Docked playback and 1080p is still the maximum output resolution, and the display is 720p when playing in handheld mode.
An Ethernet (LAN) port is the extra we get. Take a cable from your home internet router and plug it into the docking station for a more reliable signal than you'd see from the Switch's own Wi-Fi connection. You can still get a wired Internet connection when playing on the original Switch, but this requires purchasing a LAN adapter separately (opens in a new tab).
Nintendo has doubled the Switch OLED internal storage from 5 GB to 5 GB. As before, you can also add a Nintendo Switch microSD card if you need more space, which accepts up to XNUMXTB of auxiliary storage. Battery life remains the same as the updated Nintendo Switch, between four.XNUMX and nine hours. That's better than the Switch's XNUMX-XNUMX hours at launch, but the OLED Switch offers no real improvement here.
There are plenty of accessories you can get to enhance your experience with any and all versions of the Nintendo Switch console, but we particularly like the ZenGrip Pro OLED. This adds handles to the console in portable mode, which makes it easier and more comfortable to maintain, since, as for the rest, it is absolutely flat.
Nintendo Switch OLED vs. Nintendo Switch: Screen
Here's the cool part: The new Nintendo Switch has an OLED display. These display panels have emissive pixels, which means that the black parts of the screen image will look perfectly tinted even if you're gaming under the covers in perfect darkness.
With a standard Nintendo Switch, the blacks end up looking faintly gray in these conditions. The OLED Switch is much better for bedtime gaming than the previous model, helping Nintendo's colorful art style stand out even more. It is also the largest screen ever installed on a Switch console. It measures seven inches wide, compared to XNUMX inches on the original Nintendo Switch and XNUMX inches on the Switch Lite.
Just keep in mind that there is no resolution change. The Nintendo Switch OLED is still a 1280 x 1080 pixel screen. Many expected a 4p boost (and there was even talk of a XNUMXK offering) in this "next-gen" design, but that never materialized.
Nintendo Switch OLED in front of Nintendo Switch: power
While the OLED screen makes gaming richer, bolder, and more immersive than ever before, the new Switch console does nothing to improve performance. The OLED Switch has the exact same Nvidia Custom Tegra processor and RAM as the standard Switch model, so there are no performance upgrades under the hood.
That means it won't unlock any new potential for developers to bring richer games to the new console. As such, it really can't be compared to previous mid-gen console upgrades like the New Nintendo 3DS, PS4 Pro, or Xbox One X. What that means, though, is that the OLED Switch will still be able to play games. games like Switch, and vice versa.
Nintendo Switch OLED vs. Nintendo Switch: Verdict
If you've been hoping for a Nintendo Switch Pro with a 1080p display and 4K output on your living room TV, the Nintendo Switch OLED won't meet that demand. The games will have the same feel, but at least they look better when played in portable and desktop mode, which is the main draw.
So if you're primarily a docked gamer, the Switch OLED doesn't offer much new. The Ethernet port at the base is welcome, as is the increase in storage to XNUMXGB, but ultimately, we'd say the Nintendo Switch OLED is a clear case of evolution over revolution.