The Nintendo Switch OLED marks the latest evolution in handheld gaming. The original Switch, released in March 2017, introduced the hybrid console: it can be used as a handheld or docked to be played on a big screen. Two years later, in July 2019, the Switch Lite was introduced, which was dedicated to handheld play ie it was a portable console but no option to dock. Between them, the two variants of the Switch have sold nearly 90 million units. The Switch OLED, the third iteration, of the console releases on 8 October, the same day as the anticipated game Metroid Dread.
Pre-order Metroid Dread Amazon US | Amazon UK
What’s new with the Nintendo Switch OLED?
The headline new feature of the Switch OLED is a vibrant 7inch OLED screen. Nintendo promises that the vivid colours and high contrast will deliver a rich handheld and tabletop gaming experience. Unlike an LCD display, an OLED screen does not have a backlight. Images are displayed using light emitted by each individual pixel. The higher contrast is achieved by being able to turn off a pixels light to represent deep blacks. However, the display doesn’t improve the resolution, which remains the same across the Switch family at 720p in handheld mode and 1080p in docked mode.
The Switch OLED also includes a wider adjustable stand, enabling more flexible viewing angles for tabletop gaming.
There are also changes to the dock, which includes two USB ports. It has an HDMI port to connect to a TV and also a new wired LAN port which should allow for more stable online play when in TV mode.
There’s an increase in internal storage in comparison to the previous iterations. The Switch OLED has 64GB of internal storage, and this can be expanded with a microSD card.
Finally, the Switch OLED has enhanced audio from the onboard speakers, giving clear sound whilst gaming.
Nintendo Switch OLED: What colours does it come in?
For its initial release, there will be two colours of the Switch OLED available. One will feature a black dock with red and blue controllers. The other will be all-white; a white dock with white controllers.
Nintendo Switch OLED: Play Modes
Just like the original Switch, the OLED model can be played in 3 ways. The Switch can be docked and played on a big screen. The stand can be used for tabletop play. Or use it as a handheld to play on the move, or anywhere you like.
Nintendo Switch OLED: Multiplayer
The Switch OLED opens up plenty of possibilities to game with other people. Grab some more controllers and gather around the TV for fun with friends. Or sync up to eight Switch’s for competitive multiplayer gaming. Or get an Online membership to play against gamers all over the world.
Nintendo Switch OLED: Compatibility
The Switch OLED is fully compatible with the original Switch. It will play all Switch games, though Nintendo does warn there may be some differences with some of the Toy-Con accessories from its Labo series. the new dock will work with the Switch, and the OLED can be used in the original dock. Other existing accessories such as controllers and adaptors can be used with the new Switch OLED.
Switch OLED vs Switch vs Lite: At A Glance
|
Switch OLED |
Switch |
Switch Lite |
|
|
Size |
102mm x 242mm x 13.9mm |
102mm x 239mm x 13.9mm |
91.1mm x 208mm x 13.9mm |
|
Weight |
320g |
297g |
275g |
|
Screen |
7inch OLED |
6.2inch LCD |
5.5inch LCD |
|
CPU/GPU |
NVIDIA customised Tegra Processor |
||
|
System Memory |
64GB |
32GB |
32GB |
|
Communication |
Wireless LAN/Bluetooth 4.1 |
||
|
Handheld Resolution |
Maximum 1280 x 720 |
||
|
Docked Resolution |
Maximum 1920 x 1080, 60FPS |
N/A |
|
|
Speakers |
Stereo |
||
|
USB |
Type C |
||
|
Audio Jack |
4 pole stereo 3.5mm mini-plug |
||
|
Battery Life |
4.5 – 9 hours |
4.5 – 9 hours |
6 hours |
|
Charging Time |
3 hours |
||
If you enjoyed this article, check out more of our gaming content!