The Nintendo Switch OLED model guarantees to be one of the simplest ways to play Nintendo's widespread hybrid console, due to its bigger, extra vibrant display screen, dramatically improved kickstand, and redesigned dock. It's the fourth iteration of Nintendo's Switch console, and will likely be offered alongside the unique Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite.
Nintendo made the announcement on July 6 on its official Twitter account, after many had speculated that the brand new console could be revealed earlier than or throughout E3 2021 in June.
The specs of the Nintendo Switch OLED align with among the rumors we’d been listening to about an up to date console, and it comes with a 7-inch OLED display screen, which is bigger than the Switch’s 6.2-inch LCD show. What it would not do, although, is output at 4K when docked, which many Switch house owners and these seeking to improve have been anticipating.
Here's the whole lot you could find out about Nintendo's new hybrid console.
Nintendo Switch OLED pre-orders are actually stay!
Nintendo Switch OLED: minimize to the chase
- What is it? A mid-gen refresh of the Nintendo Switch with an OLED display screen
- When is it out? October 8, 2021
- How a lot does it price? $349.99 / £309.99 / AU$539
Nintendo Switch OLED release date and price
The Nintendo Switch OLED will likely be out there on October 8, 2021, and it prices $349.99 / £309.99 / AU$539. The present Nintendo Switch prices $299.99 within the US, £279.99 within the UK, and $449 in Australia, whereas the Nintendo Switch Lite, which is a handheld-only gadget, prices $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$329.95.
It means the Nintendo Switch OLED prices $50 / £30 / AU$90 greater than the usual Switch model, which isn’t an enormous premium to pay for the brand new options on provide. It must also return a tidy revenue for Nintendo, as Bloomberg studies the brand new Switch solely prices $10 extra to fabricate than the unique, with the vast majority of the price being incurred because of the new display screen and additional storage.
However, Nintendo has since denied this is the case on Twitter. The firm stated: "A news report on July 15, 2021 (JST) claimed that the profit margin of the Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) would increase compared to the Nintendo Switch. To ensure correct understanding among our investors and customers, we want to make clear that the claim is incorrect."
Nintendo additionally dominated out the potential of any new {hardware} being introduced: "We also want to clarify that we just announced that Nintendo Switch(OLED Model) will launch in October, 2021, and have no plans for launching any other model at this time."
The Nintendo Switch OLED additionally will not function a substitute for the unique Switch model, maybe surprisingly, and will as an alternative function a 3rd selection for customers at retailer. Nintendo instructed SociallyTrend: "We plan to offer all three models and currently have no plans to discontinue any model. It’s about providing choice for the consumer. Each of the three models has distinct features.
"The Nintendo Switch Lite console is nice for households with children who're on the lookout for a console, or these on the lookout for a second console within the family, whereas the Nintendo Switch console brings gaming to your TV. Nintendo Switch (OLED model) enhances the gaming expertise when taking part in in handheld and tabletop modes with a vibrant OLED display screen and enhanced audio."
Nintendo Switch OLED options
We know that the Nintendo Switch OLED’s main appeal is its organic light emitting diode display, or OLED for short. OLED is widely regarded as one of the best display technologies around, as unlike an LCD screen, it doesn’t rely on a backlight to display images. Instead, it displays images using light emitted by each individual pixel, which means you can get perfect inky blacks and higher contrast levels.
Read also: How Sportsbook Apps Are Changing the Way Fans Follow Live Games
The display size of the Nintendo Switch OLED is also larger than the original Switch’s LCD screen. It’s now 7 inches, which should give you a bit more real estate when you’re huddled over playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with friends, and provide some added immersion when playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 when that game eventually releases sometime in 2023.
Some surprises come in the form of a wider, adjustable stand, and enhanced audio quality; however, it doesn't look like the Nintendo Switch OLED will support spatial audio tech like Dolby Atmos. Instead, it appears that the speakers on the unit itself have merely been upgraded for a better experience when you're playing in handheld or tabletop mode.
The wider kick stand is more akin to something we'd find on a Microsoft Surface, and means that, when playing in tabletop mode, it'll be much easier to find the perfect position to play.
Another new addition is wired LAN support, which will come as a relief to those who feel Nintendo Switch’s online games aren’t the most stable or reliable when played over Wi-Fi. It’ll also benefit titles like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Splatoon 3, the latter of which is due to release in 2023.
Nintendo told SociallyTrend: "The dock’s built-in wired LAN port permits for extra secure on-line play when taking part in in TV mode, and replaces one of many three earlier USB ports. This dock and the earlier one are interchangeable, and both will work with Nintendo Switch (OLED model) or the Nintendo Switch console."
Thankfully, another area where the Nintendo Switch OLED improves over the original is internal storage. The Nintendo Switch OLED has 64GB of storage compared to the 32GB on the original Switch model, and there’s still support for compatible microSD cards.
The Nintendo Switch dock has also received a subtle upgrade, as it now sports rounded edges for a more modern-looking design, and comes in an off-white, which matches the new white color scheme of the Nintendo Switch OLED. The console is also available in the classic Neon Blue/Red color combo with a black dock.
Like the previous model, the new Switch dock will be available to purchase separately from the Nintendo online store (it won't be sold at retail) and will work with the original Switch. The old dock cost $60, so we expect the new dock to be priced similarly.
Nintendo Switch OLED technical specifications
Want to know about the ins and outs of the new Nintendo Switch OLED? Check out the full breakdown of the console's technical specifications below:
- Size: 9.5 x 0.55 x 4 inches (w x d x h)
- Weight: Approximately 0.71 lbs / 0.93 lbs with Joy-Con controllers attached
- Screen: Multi-touch capacitive touch screen / 7-inch OLED screen
- Resolution: 1280 x 720 (720p)
- CPU/GPU: Nvidia Custom Tegra processor
- Storage: 64GB (can be expanded using microSDHC or microSDXC cards up to 2TB)
- Wireless: WI-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac compliant)
- Video output: Up to 1080p via HDMI in TV mode, 720p in handheld mode
- Audio output: 5.1 Linear PCM
- Speakers: Stereo
- USB connector: USB Type-C for charging
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Battery life: approximately 4.5-9 hours
- Charging time: approximately 3 hours
Is the Nintendo Switch OLED 4K?
Surprisingly, no. One of the biggest features the Nintendo Switch Pro was tipped to have was the option to output at 4K resolution when docked, but the Switch OLED will only output at 1080p, just like the regular Switch. This seems like a big missed opportunity for Nintendo, and might make the upgrade a little harder to justify for some.
It’s likely that the Nintendo Switch OLED display will stick to the 720p output of the original Switch too, as it means existing Switch software won’t have to be upgraded. This means that rumors of Nvidia DLSS support, which using AI upscaling to help games achieve 4K, is off the cards.
Targeting a resolution of 4K resolution could have also led to the console being more expensive, which is why Nintendo may have opted to stick with the original 720p output in handheld mode and 1080p when docked.
Will every Switch game work on the Switch OLED?
Can all Nintendo Switch titles be played on Nintendo Switch OLED? Absolutely. The Switch OLED is essentially a fancier Nintendo Switch, so it means means that every Switch game is compatible. However, Nintendo notes that some game experiences with the Toy-Con accessories from the Nintendo Labo series may differ due to the Switch OLED's larger screen.
Existing Switch accessories will also work with the Nintendo Switch OLED model, according to Nintendo, but naturally things like screen protectors wouldn't be compatible due to the Switch OLED's larger screen.
Read also: Spider Solitaire: Simple Tips for a More Enjoyable Experience
What happened to the Nintendo Switch Pro?
The Nintendo Switch OLED is essentially the Nintendo Switch Pro that has been heavily rumored for quite some time. The technical specifications all line up with what we’ve heard previously, though the biggest outlier is the lack of 4K resolution support when docked.
SociallyTrend asked Nintendo about the possibility of a future Nintendo Switch Pro announcement and was told: "We by no means introduced a 'Nintendo Switch Pro' and we will’t converse to the predictions that others make about our merchandise. We do consider Nintendo Switch (OLED model) enhances the gaming expertise and is another choice throughout the Nintendo Switch household of consoles that is already being loved by tens of millions of individuals worldwide."
The Switch OLED announcement has been met with disappointment by some who were hoping Nintendo would follow a similar strategy to Microsoft and Sony, who both released more powerful consoles in the form of the Xbox One X and PS4 Pro during the last generation. This allowed existing games to receive resolution bumps and better performance, which would admittedly be welcome for some Switch titles.
It’s unlikely, then, that Nintendo will announce another Switch model anytime soon, but an analyst believes that Switch Pro might still be in the works. We'd advise tempering your expectations, though, as a more powerful Nintendo Switch model suddenly seems a long way off.
Will OLED burn-in be a cause for concern?
One of the most common concerns regarding OLED displays is that they can be susceptible to burn-in. Burn-in is a term used to describe permanent image retention on OLED displays that can occur from looping logos or static HUDs. When elements such as these are displayed for hours at a time, it can permanently scar the panel's pixels, leaving residual 'ghost' patterns that can't be turned off.
Thankfully, OLED panel manufacturers have made great strides in negating burn-in, with LG using 'screen shift' technology, which subtly moves static images onscreen to ensure individual pixels aren't outputting the same information for sustained periods of time.
But could the Nintendo Switch OLED be susceptible to burn-in? Nintendo told SociallyTrend: "We’ve designed the OLED display screen to purpose for longevity as a lot as attainable, however OLED shows can expertise picture retention if subjected to static visuals over an extended time period.
"However, users can take preventative measures to preserve the screen by utilizing some of the Nintendo Switch console’s included features, such as using auto-brightness to prevent the screen from getting too bright, and enabling the auto-sleep function to put the console into “auto sleep” and turn off the screen after short periods of time."
TecchRadar additionally spoke to OTI Lumionics CEO Michael Helander, an skilled within the subject of OLEDs, who instructed us that "Modern OLED display panels have active compensation that will prevent the effect of burn-in. This records how much time each pixel has been turned on individually and will then in the back-end hardware adjust the output signal [...] to ensure that screen output remains uniform and effect of burn-in is eliminated."
Helander cites Nintendo's means to manage "the UI of games launched on their platform", permitting it to "shift UI boxes slightly during gameplay session to eliminate the issue of individual pixel burn-in", and added that "there were not a lot of complaints in the PS Vita regarding burn-in from OLED devices 8-10 years ago [...] The lifetime of OLED devices has improved at least 10x over the last 8 to 10 years, thus I don't expect burn-in to become an issue for the Switch OLED."
Fingers crossed, then, that burn-in would not happen on the Switch OLED model.
Will Joy-Con drift be mounted on the Switch OLED?
Nintendo has confirmed that the Joy-Con controllers that ship with the Nintendo Switch OLED have not been up to date or modified in any method. This signifies that the dreaded subject of Joy-Con drift may nonetheless happen, which is disappointing.
Read also: Solitaire.net: A Game That Enhances Your Focus and Strategy
A Nintendo consultant instructed SociallyTrend that: "The Joy-Con controller configuration and functionality did not change with the Nintendo Switch system (OLED model). The configuration and functionality is the same as that of the Joy-Con controllers for the Nintendo Switch system.
"At Nintendo, we take nice pleasure in creating high quality merchandise and we're repeatedly improving them. We are conscious of studies that some Joy-Con controllers haven't responded accurately. We need our customers to have enjoyable with Nintendo Switch, and if something falls wanting this aim we all the time encourage them to go to http://assist.nintendo.com so we may also help."
Joy-Con drift occurs when the analog stick of either Joy-Con inputs signals even when in the neutral position. This can lead to your onscreen crosshair or character moving without any input from the user. Nintendo has faced multiple lawsuits regarding the problem, and even publicly apologized for Joy-Con drift in 2020.
It's a shame that the Switch OLED Joy-Con controllers could exhibit the same drifting problem, especially as it's been an ongoing concern since 2017.
Nintendo Switch OLED hands-on impressions
A number of outlets have gone hands-on with Nintendo's new Switch OLED, and the general consensus appears to be that while the OLED display is certainly a welcome upgrade over the LCD panel, it isn't an essential purchase for existing owners.
IGN's deputy reviews editor Tom Marks said the Switch OLED's display was "instantly shining vibrant and clear from just about any viewing angle I attempted" and likened the upgrade to the Game Boy Advance SP. Marks was also a fan of the new kickstand, and said that "its hinges provide a satisfying quantity of resistance with the intention to simply lean it at almost any angle and be assured it will keep that method."
GameSpot's editor and producer Alessandro Fillari stated that "whereas individuals who play in docked modes with strong TV units aren't going to be blown away by the OLED model's visuals, this nonetheless makes handheld mode look higher than it ever has. It actually made me focused on seeing how my different favourite video games, like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, would look on the brand new show."
The Verge's govt editor Dieter Bohn believes that whereas the Switch OLED model justifies its existence, it would not justify an improve for most individuals. "The enhancements right here aren't going to unlock new recreation experiences or capabilities, they simply make the present experiences a little bit nicer."
Eurogamer's deputy editor Martin Robinson stated that upgrading to the Switch OLED relies upon "by yourself explicit use case" but noted that "even with my restricted imaginative and prescient I may spot the lysergic pop of Hyrule's greens in Breath of the Wild, the deeper blacks in Mario Kart 8 and the improved depth of Super Mario Odyssey's palette".
Gamesradar's managing editor Brendan Griffiths stated "Mario Kart 8 has by no means appeared higher on a handheld gadget due to the energetically colourful environments" but admits that the console "feels extra like a modest improve that Nintendo ought to have introduced in to repalce the common Switch at retail and saved it on the authentic's price of $299 / £280, provided that the console has by no means had an official reductions in any case these years".
Meanwhile, VGC's editor in chief Andy Robinson stated "the Switch’s new display screen bursts with hanging color and the darkest of blacks" and that in a side-by-side comparison with the original Switch model, the Switch OLED's screen is "a quantum leap over its predecessor" going as far to say that "Breath of the Wild seems razer sharp, like a rezzed-up PC port, whereas Mario Kart is a tour de pressure of color and permits you to spot objects and characters within the distance way more simply."
Comments
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts.