Nintendo Switch OLED Model Review

I remember the first time I saw the Nintendo Switch OLED Model in action. My friend had just picked one up, and we were gathering for a game night. As soon as they pulled it out, the screen immediately caught my eye. It was noticeably brighter and more vibrant than the original Switch I was used to.

Playing a few rounds of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on it confirmed my initial impression. The colors truly popped, making the experience feel more immersive, even in handheld mode. It felt like a significant upgrade, especially for someone who plays a lot on the go or enjoys rich visuals.

Since then, I’ve heard many others share similar sentiments. People who have made the switch often rave about the improved display and the overall premium feel of the product. It’s clear this version offers a refined experience that many gamers appreciate.

Product Specs

Here’s a concise look at the key specifications for the Nintendo Switch OLED Model:

* Weight: Approximately 0.71 lbs (0.32 kg) when detached from Joy-Con controllers; 0.93 lbs (0.42 kg) with Joy-Con controllers attached.
* Dimensions: 4.0 inches (10.2 cm) high, 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) long, 0.55 inches (1.4 cm) deep (with Joy-Con attached).
* Screen: 7.0-inch (17.8 cm) OLED touch screen.
* Resolution: 1280×720 (handheld mode), 1920×1080 (TV mode).
* Storage: 64 GB internal storage, expandable with microSD cards.
* Battery Life: Approximately 4.5 to 9 hours, depending on the game.
* Output: USB-C for charging, HDMI for TV output.
* Audio: Enhanced speakers for clearer sound in handheld and tabletop modes.
* Connectivity: Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac compliant), Bluetooth 4.1.
* Dock: Includes a wired LAN port for stable online play in TV mode.

This Product is Best For

The Nintendo Switch OLED Model is ideal for gamers who prioritize visual quality and a premium handheld experience. If you play frequently in handheld or tabletop mode, the larger, more vibrant OLED screen will significantly enhance your enjoyment of your favorite games.

It’s also an excellent choice for those who want a more stable online connection when playing docked. The built-in LAN port in the new dock is a welcome addition for competitive players or anyone tired of Wi-Fi drops during crucial moments. This product truly elevates the portable gaming experience.

Features Overview/Summary

The Nintendo Switch OLED Model takes the beloved hybrid console and refines its core elements. The standout feature is undoubtedly the 7-inch OLED screen, offering richer colors and deeper blacks compared to its predecessors. This visual upgrade makes a real difference in how games look and feel.

Beyond the display, the console also boasts enhanced audio, a wider adjustable kickstand, and a new dock with a wired LAN port. These improvements, while subtle individually, combine to create a more polished and versatile gaming system. It’s a compelling upgrade for many users.

Screen Enhancement

The most prominent upgrade is the new 7.0-inch (17.8 cm) OLED display. Unlike traditional LCD screens, OLED panels generate their own light for each pixel. This means they can achieve true blacks by simply turning pixels off.

The result is incredible contrast and vibrant colors that make games look stunning. Whether you’re exploring Hyrule or racing through Rainbow Road, the visual fidelity is noticeably superior. This feature alone makes the handheld experience much more immersive.

Improved Kickstand

The original Switch featured a rather flimsy, narrow kickstand. The OLED model addresses this with a new, wide, adjustable kickstand that spans the entire width of the console. This improvement makes tabletop mode far more stable and versatile.

You can now adjust the viewing angle to your preference, making it perfect for sharing the screen with friends or finding the most comfortable position for solo play. It’s a small but impactful quality-of-life upgrade that enhances the product’s usability.

Enhanced Audio

While often overlooked, the audio experience on the OLED model has also seen an upgrade. The console features enhanced speakers, delivering clearer sound in handheld and tabletop modes. This means games sound richer and more immersive without needing headphones.

The improved audio contributes to the overall premium feel of the device. It ensures that the visual enhancements are complemented by a better aural experience, making your gaming sessions more engaging. This is a subtle but valuable feature.

New Dock with LAN Port

The included dock for the Nintendo Switch OLED Model isn’t just a simple charging station. It now features a built-in wired LAN port. This is a significant addition for anyone who plays online multiplayer games in TV mode.

A wired connection provides a more stable and reliable internet experience, reducing lag and disconnections. This greatly improves the quality of online play, ensuring you stay connected when it matters most. It’s a practical enhancement for competitive gamers.

Increased Internal Storage

The Nintendo Switch OLED Model comes with 64 GB of internal storage, doubling the 32 GB found in the original Switch and Switch Lite. While many games can be quite large, this extra space provides more room for digital downloads and game saves.

Of course, you can still expand the storage further using a microSD card. However, having more base storage means you might not need to buy an extra card right away, or you can fit more games before needing to upgrade. It’s a convenient improvement.

Pros

* Stunning OLED Display: The 7-inch (17.8 cm) OLED screen delivers incredibly vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making games look fantastic in handheld mode. This is the primary reason to consider this product.
* Wider, Adjustable Kickstand: The improved kickstand provides much greater stability and allows for multiple viewing angles, significantly enhancing the tabletop gaming experience.
* Enhanced Audio: Better built-in speakers offer clearer and richer sound, improving immersion without requiring external headphones.
* Wired LAN Port in Dock: The inclusion of an Ethernet port ensures a more stable and reliable internet connection for online play when docked, a crucial upgrade for many.
* Increased Internal Storage: Doubled to 64 GB, offering more space for digital games and save data right out of the box.
* Premium Build Quality: The overall feel of the console and its components feels more robust and refined, offering a higher quality user experience.
* Familiarity and Compatibility: It plays all existing Nintendo Switch games and uses the same Joy-Con controllers, ensuring a seamless transition for current owners.
* Battery Life: Offers comparable battery life to the revised standard Switch model, providing hours of portable gameplay.
* Brighter Screen: In addition to better colors, the OLED screen is generally brighter, which can be helpful in various lighting conditions.
* Thinner Bezels: The screen bezels are noticeably thinner, giving the console a more modern and expansive display appearance. This makes the review of the product even more positive.

Cons

* No Performance Upgrade: The OLED model does not feature any internal performance enhancements. Games will run at the same frame rates and resolutions as on the standard Switch. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but some hoped for more power.
Mitigation: The visual improvements from the OLED screen often make games feel* better, even without a raw performance boost. The focus of this product is visual fidelity, not raw power.
* Joy-Con Drift Potential: It still uses the same Joy-Con controllers, which are prone to the “Joy-Con drift” issue over time. This can be frustrating for players.
Mitigation*: Nintendo offers repairs for drift, and there are third-party replacement options or alternative controllers like the Pro Controller that don’t have this issue.
* Still 720p in Handheld: While the OLED screen is gorgeous, the resolution remains 720p (1280×720) in handheld mode. Some might have hoped for a higher resolution on a premium device.
Mitigation*: At 7 inches (17.8 cm), 720p is still quite sharp, and the stunning OLED colors and contrast often make up for the pixel density. Games are designed for this resolution.

Comparison with Similar Products

When considering a Nintendo Switch OLED Model review, it’s helpful to compare it to its siblings: the standard Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch Lite. Each offers a distinct experience tailored to different preferences and budgets.

The standard Nintendo Switch is the original hybrid console. It offers the same core functionality – playing in handheld, tabletop, and TV modes – but features a smaller 6.2-inch (15.7 cm) LCD screen and a less robust kickstand. Its internal storage is 32 GB.

The OLED model’s screen is the biggest differentiator. The jump from LCD to OLED with increased size makes a significant visual impact. For those who primarily play in handheld, the OLED is a clear upgrade in display quality, making the standard Switch feel a little dated in comparison.

The Nintendo Switch Lite is a purely handheld device, meaning it cannot connect to a TV. It has a smaller 5.5-inch (14.0 cm) LCD screen and integrated Joy-Cons, making it more compact and lighter. Its internal storage is also 32 GB.

The Switch Lite is designed for ultimate portability and a lower entry price. However, it lacks the versatility of the OLED model’s hybrid nature and its superior screen. If you never plan to dock your Switch, the Lite is an option, but you’ll miss out on the OLED’s visual splendor.

In essence, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model sits at the top of the product line for those seeking the best possible visual and handheld experience. It retains all the versatility of the standard Switch while refining key hardware elements. The price reflects these premium enhancements. If you’re looking to buy the best version of the Switch, the OLED is it.

Final Verdict

The Nintendo Switch OLED Model is a fantastic iteration of Nintendo’s incredibly popular hybrid console. While it doesn’t offer a performance boost, its upgrades are significant and impactful, especially for those who appreciate visual fidelity and a premium feel. The stunning 7-inch (17.8 cm) OLED screen alone makes a strong case for this product.

The enhanced display, improved kickstand, better audio, and the convenience of a wired LAN port in the dock all contribute to a more refined and enjoyable gaming experience. It’s a testament to Nintendo’s commitment to quality. For anyone considering a new Switch, or an upgrade, this model truly stands out.

If you spend a lot of time playing in handheld or tabletop mode, or if you simply want the best possible visual experience the Switch has to offer, the OLED model is undoubtedly the way to go. It offers a noticeable step up in quality that makes your favorite games look and feel fresh. This review concludes that it’s a worthwhile purchase for many.

While the absence of a performance upgrade might deter some, the overall package delivers a premium experience that justifies its position as the flagship Switch model. It’s a console that continues to delight, providing countless hours of fun. You should strongly consider this product for your next gaming adventure.

User Comments

Many users have shared their positive experiences with the Nintendo Switch OLED Model, often highlighting the screen and overall build quality. The general consensus is that while it’s not a powerhouse upgrade, the refinements make a significant difference in daily use. People find the improved display makes games more engaging and vibrant.

Here are some individual comments from users:

“I wasn’t sure if the screen would be worth it, but wow! The colors on this thing are incredible. Playing Metroid Dread on it was a whole new experience. Everything just pops. It feels like a real upgrade from my old Switch.”

“The kickstand is a game-changer for tabletop mode. My old Switch would always fall over, but this one is so sturdy. It’s a small detail, but it makes a huge difference when playing with friends. Very happy with this purchase.”

“I mainly bought it for the LAN port in the dock. My Wi-Fi can be a bit spotty, and now I can play Splatoon 3 online without worrying about lag. It’s fantastic for competitive gaming. The screen is a nice bonus too!”

“Honestly, the build quality feels so much better. It just feels more solid and premium in my hands. The bigger screen with thinner bezels looks great. It’s definitely the best version of the Switch available right now.”

“I was a bit hesitant about the price, but after using it for a few weeks, I can say it’s worth it for the display alone. Games just look so much better. If you’re thinking about it, I’d say go for it. You won’t regret the quality.”

“The only thing I wish it had was better battery life, but it’s still pretty good. I usually get around 5-6 hours on heavier games. The screen is gorgeous though, and the sound is surprisingly clear. Great product overall.”

“My kids love it, and I love playing on it too. The screen is a big deal, especially for a portable device. It feels more modern than the original. An easy recommendation if you’re looking to buy a Switch.”

“I got this as an Amazon product review opportunity and was impressed. The visual upgrade is substantial. If you play handheld a lot, this is the one to get. The deeper blacks really make a difference.”

“I upgraded from a Switch Lite, and the difference is night and day. Having the option to dock it is amazing, and that OLED screen… I just can’t go back to LCD now. It’s a top-tier review from me.”

“It’s a solid console. No major complaints. The screen is definitely the star. If you’re on the fence, check out some comparison videos; the difference is truly noticeable. It’s a smart purchase if you value visuals.”