Nintendo Switch OLED

The OLED model also features enhanced audio in handheld and tabletop modes, delivering clearer and more dynamic sound through the built-in speakers. The adjustable stand on the back has been redesigned, offering more stable and versatile angles for tabletop gaming. Additionally, the Switch OLED comes with 64GB of internal storage, double the capacity of the base model, allowing more games to be stored directly on the device.

While the console’s core features remain similar to the original Switch—such as its ability to switch between handheld and docked play—the OLED model offers improved durability and screen quality. The dock has also been updated with a wired LAN port, enabling more stable online connections during docked play, which is especially useful for competitive multiplayer games.

The Nintendo Switch OLED supports the entire library of Switch games, including exclusive titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey, while maintaining the hybrid nature of the console. Its portability, combined with the improved screen and sound, makes it ideal for on-the-go gaming.

Although the Nintendo Switch OLED does not offer a significant boost in processing power over the original model, it is a major upgrade for those who prioritize the handheld experience. With its high-quality display, enhanced audio, and extra storage, the Switch OLED is a great option for Nintendo fans seeking the best portable gaming experience.

1. Design and Display

OLED Screen: The standout feature of the Nintendo Switch OLED model is its 7-inch OLED screen. OLED technology provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast compared to the original Switch’s LCD screen, making the handheld gaming experience more visually immersive, especially in vibrant or dark scenes.

Size and Build: While the overall size of the Switch OLED is slightly larger than the original Switch (due to the bigger screen), it remains lightweight and portable. The console maintains its hybrid design, meaning it can be used in handheld mode, propped up on a stand for tabletop play, or docked to play on the TV.

Thinner Bezels: The Switch OLED model features thinner bezels around the screen, giving it a more modern look and making the display appear larger and more expansive.

2. Audio Improvements

The Nintendo Switch OLED features enhanced audio when used in handheld or tabletop mode. The upgraded stereo speakers provide a more immersive sound experience, improving the audio quality of games when playing without headphones.

3. Stand and Tabletop Mode

The Switch OLED comes with an improved kickstand that offers more stability and is adjustable to multiple angles, making it much more useful for tabletop gaming. This is a significant upgrade over the original Switch’s smaller, less stable kickstand.
The new stand spans the entire width of the console’s back, providing better balance and making it easier to play with friends when the Switch is propped up.

4. Storage Capacity

The Switch OLED comes with 64 GB of internal storage, double the 32 GB available in the original Switch model. This provides more space for downloading digital games and content. However, the storage can still be expanded via microSD cards, allowing users to add more storage if needed.

5. Dock with Ethernet Port

The dock for the Switch OLED model has been updated to include a wired Ethernet port for more stable online connections. This is particularly useful for games that require an internet connection for online play, such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, as it provides a more stable and faster connection compared to Wi-Fi.
The dock retains the ability to connect to the TV via HDMI, supporting 1080p video output when docked, and continues to provide charging for the console.

6. Battery Life

The battery life of the Nintendo Switch OLED is similar to that of the regular Nintendo Switch model (released in 2019), offering between 4.5 to 9 hours of gameplay on a single charge, depending on the game being played and the usage conditions.
While the OLED screen might consume slightly more power than the original LCD screen, the overall battery performance is still optimized for long gaming sessions in handheld mode.

7. Joy-Con Controllers

The Nintendo Switch OLED model comes with the same Joy-Con controllers as the original Nintendo Switch. These detachable controllers feature motion sensing, HD rumble, and infrared camera functionality. However, there are no major hardware changes to the Joy-Con controllers in the OLED model.
The console is fully compatible with all existing Nintendo Switch accessories, including Joy-Con controllers, Pro Controllers, and docking stations.

8. Hybrid Gaming Experience

The Nintendo Switch OLED preserves the hybrid nature of the original Switch, meaning it can be used both as a home console when docked and a portable handheld console. The ability to dock the system and switch to the big screen for console-style gaming, or to undock and take it on the go for handheld gaming, continues to be a core feature of the Switch family.
The console is also fully compatible with local multiplayer, allowing up to eight players to connect for multiplayer games using multiple Switch consoles.

9. Price

The Nintendo Switch OLED model is priced higher than the base model, with a retail price of $349.99 USD at launch. This price difference reflects the added features such as the OLED display, improved audio, and enhanced dock, though it remains more affordable than many other current-generation consoles.

10. Games and Compatibility

The Switch OLED is fully compatible with the existing library of Nintendo Switch games, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and more. It also supports the Nintendo Switch Online service, allowing access to a catalog of classic NES and SNES games, as well as multiplayer features.
The OLED model doesn’t offer any new exclusive games or features separate from the original Switch, but it provides a superior gaming experience for handheld play.

12. Comparison to Other Models

Nintendo Switch vs. Switch OLED: The OLED model offers a better screen, improved audio, and a more stable kickstand, but both versions are identical in terms of performance and overall functionality. The main difference lies in the display quality and the convenience of the kickstand, with the OLED offering a more premium handheld experience.

Nintendo Switch Lite: The Switch Lite is a more affordable, handheld-only version of the Switch, priced at $199.99 USD. It lacks the hybrid nature of the OLED and original Switch models, meaning it cannot be docked to the TV and has a smaller screen (5.5 inches). While the Switch Lite is great for dedicated handheld gamers, it lacks many of the flexibility and features of the Switch OLED and original models.

12. Color Options
At launch, the Nintendo Switch OLED was available in two color variants:

White with a white dock and Joy-Con controllers.
Neon Red/Neon Blue with the traditional red and blue Joy-Con controllers, matching the colors of the original Switch.
Nintendo has occasionally released special editions with unique designs based on popular games, such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch OLED is a great choice for players who prioritize handheld gaming and want a more premium experience. With its larger and more vibrant OLED screen, better audio, and enhanced stability for tabletop mode, the OLED model offers a polished design and features for portable play. While it doesn’t offer any performance improvements over the standard Nintendo Switch, the OLED model’s visual upgrades and small hardware enhancements make it an excellent option for gamers seeking a more immersive experience on the go. The console retains all the flexibility and portability of the original Switch while providing a more refined handheld experience.