Nintendo Switch OLED: Is It Worth It?

Hey everyone! Let's dive deep into the Nintendo Switch OLED model. If you're on the fence about whether to upgrade or buy it for the first time, this is for you. We'll cover everything from the stunning new screen to the under-the-hood improvements. Is it the upgrade you've been waiting for? Let’s find out!

What's New with the Nintendo Switch OLED?

The Nintendo Switch OLED model brings some exciting enhancements over the original Switch and the Switch Lite. The most noticeable upgrade is, of course, the vibrant 7-inch OLED screen. But there's more to it than just a pretty display.

The Stunning OLED Screen

The OLED screen is the star of the show. Colors are more vivid, blacks are deeper, and the contrast is significantly improved. Games like "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" and "Metroid Dread" look absolutely gorgeous on this display. Imagine exploring Hyrule with richer colors and darker shadows, or creeping through the eerie environments of "Metroid Dread" with incredible clarity. The difference is night and day compared to the original Switch's LCD screen.

But it's not just about the colors. The OLED technology also allows for faster response times, reducing motion blur and making fast-paced games feel smoother and more responsive. This is a huge win for games like "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate" and "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe," where every millisecond counts. Trust me, once you've seen your favorite games on this screen, it's hard to go back.

Enhanced Audio

Another notable upgrade is the enhanced audio. The speakers on the OLED model have been redesigned to deliver clearer and more immersive sound. While it's not a night-and-day difference like the screen, the improved audio does add to the overall gaming experience. You'll notice richer soundscapes and more distinct sound effects, which can make games like "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" even more engaging.

For those who prefer using headphones, the 3.5mm audio jack is still there, providing a reliable option for private listening. However, the improved built-in speakers are a welcome addition for casual gaming sessions when you don't want to fuss with headphones.

Improved Kickstand

The original Switch's kickstand was notoriously flimsy. The OLED model features a much wider and more stable kickstand that spans the entire back of the console. This makes tabletop mode much more enjoyable, especially when playing with friends. The new kickstand feels sturdy and reliable, allowing you to prop up the Switch on various surfaces without worrying about it tipping over.

Whether you're playing at a coffee shop, on a plane, or just at home on the kitchen table, the improved kickstand makes it easy to set up and play. It's a small but significant improvement that enhances the overall usability of the console.

Increased Internal Storage

The OLED model doubles the internal storage to 64GB, which is a welcome improvement for digital game enthusiasts. While it's still not a massive amount of storage, it's enough to hold a decent number of games, especially if you're selective about what you download. Plus, you can always expand the storage further with a microSD card.

Having more internal storage means less time spent deleting and re-downloading games, which can be a real hassle. It also allows you to take full advantage of the Nintendo eShop, where you can find a wide variety of digital-only games and demos.

Dock with Built-in Ethernet Port

The included dock now features a built-in Ethernet port, providing a more stable and reliable internet connection for online gaming. This is a huge plus for competitive gamers who need the lowest possible latency. Say goodbye to lag spikes and dropped connections during crucial moments in your favorite online games.

Even if you're not a hardcore gamer, the Ethernet port can still be beneficial for downloading large games and updates more quickly. It's a convenient feature that enhances the overall online experience on the Switch.

Performance and Battery Life

Under the hood, the Nintendo Switch OLED model has the same processor and RAM as the original Switch. This means that performance is virtually identical between the two consoles. Games run just as smoothly on the OLED model as they do on the original Switch.

The battery life is also similar, with Nintendo estimating between 4.5 to 9 hours of playtime depending on the game and brightness settings. In real-world testing, most users report getting around 5 to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge. While it's not a significant improvement over the original Switch, the battery life is still decent enough for most gaming sessions.

Games on the OLED Model

All Nintendo Switch games are compatible with the OLED model, so you won't have to worry about missing out on any titles. Games look and play great on the OLED screen, with enhanced colors and contrast that bring them to life.

Some games, like "Metroid Dread" and "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild," benefit particularly from the OLED screen's vibrant colors and deep blacks. These games look absolutely stunning on the new display, making them even more immersive and enjoyable. But even games that aren't specifically optimized for OLED still look great, thanks to the improved image quality.

Who Should Buy the Nintendo Switch OLED?

So, who should buy the Nintendo Switch OLED model? Here's a breakdown:

Existing Switch Owners

If you already own a Switch, the OLED model is a worthwhile upgrade if you value the improved screen, enhanced audio, and more stable kickstand. The OLED screen alone is a game-changer, especially if you play a lot in handheld mode. However, if you mostly play in docked mode, the improvements may not be as noticeable.

Newcomers to the Switch

If you're new to the Switch, the OLED model is the best option. It offers the best possible handheld experience, with its stunning OLED screen, enhanced audio, and improved kickstand. Plus, the increased internal storage and dock with Ethernet port are nice bonuses.

Switch Lite Owners

If you own a Switch Lite and are looking for a more versatile console, the OLED model is a great choice. It offers the ability to play on a TV, as well as a larger and more vibrant screen for handheld play. The improved audio and kickstand are also welcome upgrades.

Price and Availability

The Nintendo Switch OLED model is priced higher than the standard Switch and the Switch Lite. However, the improvements it offers make it a worthwhile investment for many gamers. It's readily available at most major retailers, both online and in stores.

Final Verdict

The Nintendo Switch OLED model is a fantastic upgrade that offers a superior handheld gaming experience. The stunning OLED screen, enhanced audio, and improved kickstand make it a worthwhile investment for both existing Switch owners and newcomers to the platform. While the performance and battery life are similar to the original Switch, the improvements to the screen and other features make the OLED model the best way to play Nintendo Switch games. If you're looking for the ultimate handheld gaming experience, the Nintendo Switch OLED model is the way to go.

So, what are your thoughts? Is the OLED model worth the upgrade for you? Let us know in the comments below!