Switch OLED Review – Playing on Portable Power

Nintendo has often made an effort to iterate on its existing consoles, often with varying degrees of success. The Nintendo Switch is also no stranger to the iteration, with the Lite and the updated battery model popping up on store shelves for the past four years. The OLED Switch is the latest update to the company’s flagship portable console hybrid, and while those who primarily game on TV shouldn’t feel the need to purchase the system from day one, portable players will benefit the most from the new. and brilliant update.

The main attraction of the update comes from the namesake function of the new system; the OLED screen is a wonder to behold. Color fidelity is very clear when you first turn on the system and the Nintendo logo appears. While I really enjoyed my time with Metroid Dread on my 4K TV, I was mesmerized by the title in portable mode due to the crisp black and white and a color palette that really took advantage of the boost in contrast. That visual fidelity isn’t limited to Nintendo’s most prominent release in 2021. Pixel art and color blew off the screen during my time testing Eastward and Unsighted. Hyrule took on an even more beautiful light in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Like the launch Switch, the OLED model is still 720p, which may sound disappointing, but was quickly forgotten when I got my hands on the system. The difference in overall quality is remarkable. I was reminded of upgrading from Xbox One to Xbox One X. I keep playing the same games, but the added boost in color fidelity and polish leaves me excited to get back to my current library on the go. That renewed interest is especially refreshing, since my Switch has been off for most of the last six months.

The contrast boost isn’t the only highlight of Nintendo’s new screen. The latest model comes with a seven-inch screen, which is .8 inches larger than the original Switch and 1.5 inches larger than the Switch Lite. That doesn’t seem like a big change on paper, but it makes a substantial difference in execution. The OLED is roughly the same size as the Launch Switch, but a smaller bezel makes room for the larger screen. That extra space is noticeable in high-action games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, where I felt like I could cut through the chaos and focus better on my character because the screen is so much bigger. Combining that with the aforementioned color boost, Switch games have never looked so good. Gamers looking for a handheld upgrade will not be disappointed.

Improving quality

I’m someone who kicks their feet and touches their undocked Switch and I love the new speakers and the OLED kickstand. Instead of the cheap plastic strip that caused rage-provoking headaches while trying to enjoy a 1v1 fight in Super Smash Bros.’s Final Destination stage, the updated stand now stretches across the console and gives the system better support. I experienced several airplane rides where I tried to play my Launch Switch with separate joy-cons, only to put it away because the console kept dropping or couldn’t get the angle right. Those days are over as the new adjustable kickstand can adjust to any angle while remaining upright and sturdy.

Sound quality is also improved on the OLED Switch, with new speakers offering fuller sound compared to the relatively tin-like audio from the original console. It won’t replace my soundbar anytime soon, but I loved playing Metroid in bed or on my balcony for a more enjoyable sound experience.

A stooped sofa

However, those who like Smash beatings on the big screen don’t have much to look forward to in this model. Both the OLED and non-OLED Switch models run on an NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor, which means game performance, load times, and limitations carry over to Nintendo’s newer hardware. The sense of excitement that buying a new console brings quickly dissipated when I plugged in my new machine only to find the same menus and problems that have plagued the system since 2017.

However, it is not all bad news for those who live on the couch. The shiny new dock comes with essentially the same features as the old TV jack (minus a USB 2.0 port). However, the built-in LAN port is a great addition. Instead of tracking an extension like before, I was happy to be able to dock my OLED Switch and download Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle in half the time it would take on Wi-Fi. My time playing multiplayer titles like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also benefited from a wired connection with an overall smoother online experience. It’s a welcome addition that Switch players will appreciate even if it’s not exactly groundbreaking.

The OLED Switch also comes with 64GB of internal storage, double that of previous models. Combining the new storage space with my 128GB micro SD allowed me to download most of my library and make room for upcoming games like Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp and Pokémon Legends: Arceus. While the additional storage space and a LAN port may not be worth the $ 350 price tag for those already equipped with dongles and SD cards, these bells and whistles were worth the price to me as my Switch release was starting to show. your age.

Final grade: B

Pure and simple, the Nintendo Switch OLED is the best version of the console on the market today for those who play decoupled. The screen is truly a marvel, and its vibrant colors and increased play space rekindled my love for the system just as my interest began to wane. As someone who owns a launch Switch and mostly plays undocked, the additions of more storage, better battery life, a LAN port, and stable support are worth the investment. While all of those additions are great for like-minded Nintendo fans, the lack of significant rendering upgrades or 4K support makes the $ 350 cost a hard sell for those who prefer Princess Peach on the big screen.