The Nintendo Switch has been a game-changer in the world of gaming consoles since its launch in 2017. Its unique hybrid design, allowing for both handheld and TV gameplay, has made it a popular choice among gamers worldwide. Now, Nintendo has introduced a new model, the Nintendo Switch OLED, which promises to enhance the gaming experience even further. But is it worth upgrading from the original Switch? This review aims to answer that question.
The first thing that strikes you about the Nintendo Switch OLED is its larger 7-inch OLED display, a significant upgrade from the original Switch's 6.2-inch LCD screen. This new display is a game-changer, particularly for handheld gaming. The OLED technology uses self-lit pixels, which allows for deeper blacks and more vivid colours compared to LCD displays. This results in a more vibrant and colourful gaming experience, making games look brighter and truer to their intended colour schemes. The visibility of on-screen text is also improved, making it easier to play games in direct sunlight. The OLED model feels more premium than its predecessor, with a glass screen, revised kickstand, and more securely attached Joy-Cons. The new kickstand is firmer and more flexible, allowing for more angles and improved stability in tabletop mode. This makes it more enjoyable to play games on the go, encouraging more handheld gameplay.
The console also comes with an improved storage capacity of 64GB, double the original Switch's 32GB. This is a welcome upgrade, especially for those who download a lot of games. However, it's worth noting that some accessories designed for the original Switch may not be compatible with the OLED model due to its slightly larger size. The OLED model also includes features like auto-brightness and auto-sleep to prevent burn-in, a common issue with OLED displays. However, it's worth noting that burn-in may still be possible with certain settings. The console-screen colours feature increases brightness and colour saturation, but this can sometimes result in oversaturated colours, particularly in games that already have high saturation. The OLED model has slightly bigger speakers, but the difference in sound quality is not significant. Battery life remains mostly the same, with some games lasting a few minutes longer than the estimated 5.5 hours. The OLED model includes a 3.5mm audio jack and Bluetooth audio feature for wireless headphone connectivity, a feature that was missing in the original Switch. The revised dock is another notable feature of the OLED model. It has a new white colour, curved corners, and a glossy black design on the inside. The dock provides more space and may help prevent scratching the Switch's display, but the Switch wobbles slightly when docked. The revised dock includes a detachable backplate and a LAN port for a wired internet connection, improving download speeds and online stability.
One of the key selling points of the Nintendo Switch OLED is that it works with older Joy-Cons and can be used with older Switch docks. However, the Joy-Cons themselves have not been upgraded and may still have the same issues as the older models. This is something to consider if you're thinking of upgrading from the original Switch. So, is the Nintendo Switch OLED worth the upgrade? If you're a new buyer, the OLED model is definitely the best option. The improved display and kickstand, along with the increased storage capacity, make it a superior choice for handheld gaming. However, if you're an existing Switch owner, the upgrades may not be significant enough to justify the cost. Unless you value the improved display and kickstand, you may not find it necessary to upgrade. In conclusion, the Nintendo Switch OLED is a great addition to the Nintendo Switch family. It offers a more vibrant and colourful gaming experience, a more premium feel, and improved features. However, it's not without its flaws, and existing Switch owners may not find it necessary to upgrade. Regardless, the Nintendo Switch remains a highly popular and successful gaming console, offering a seamless experience between handheld and TV gameplay.