Nintendo Switch is a fantastic console that has been with me since March 2017 and it is a necessary equipment for me. It is the hybrid that I play the most on, because I can reach for the device at any time – I do not have to sit in front of the TV. Nintendo appealed to my taste, or rather I perfectly matched the target group of the Japanese console, so I watched with interest all the rumors about a more powerful platform. Such equipment did not appear on the market, but still the reviewed Nintendo Switch OLED is a very positive surprise. Engineers not only took care of the new screen, but also improved the entire body.
Nintendo Switch OLED proposes a few changes in construction
Nintendo has not decided to revolutionize the design and the device at first glance is very similar to the V1 and V2 models. As it turns out, the Nintendo Switch OLED is slightly longer (from 10 x 23.8 x 1.3 cm to 10 x 24.13 x 1.3 cm – height x length x depth), which means that the console may not work properly with all grips. Cases are not a problem, because they offer little space, but some holders are not compatible. The most important difference offered by the device is of course the screen, which although it is larger (7-inch compared to the 6.2-inch V1 / V2 and 5.5-inch Lite), it is worth noting that the manufacturer in this case reduced the black frame next to the display, so the screen doesn’t really affect the size of the device.
The layout of the controllers’ buttons has not been changed, because the Joy-Cony has been used again – the pads can be freely exchanged between models. The manufacturer refreshed the top of the device, where the air outlet and buttons for on / off and volume control have been slightly changed. Even the slot for games has been changed, which is now a bit more difficult to open. The device also uses a much larger and aluminum stand, which is a significant improvement – now we can easily adjust the position of the console and most importantly: the equipment does not tip over. Even before the launch of the Nintendo Switch, I did not think that I would use this option often, but due to the terrible workmanship in the original version (V1 and V2), when I had to decide to use the console in tablet mode, I just connected the external stand. Now, however, this element works great – small rubbers mounted on the bottom of the device help here, which at first glance are not very visible, but stabilize the entire platform.
Nintendo Switch OLED hit the market in two versions (white and red-blue), but regardless of the color, it’s easy to feel that the manufacturer used the feedback and the console now looks better – the material for the housing looks very good. A great effect is provided by the frame between the screen, which is now not matte, and it is worth adding that the device is a bit heavier (0.42 kg with 0.39 kg V1 / V2 and 0.27 kg Lite). It is difficult for me to say anything more about the durability of the Joy-Cones – the Japanese have revealed that they have improved the design, but to be honest I am one of the lucky ones who have been using one set of Nintendo controllers since 2017 and I have never had major problems with these pads. However, I have the impression (which I have already seen in the V2 version) that the company has also changed the design of the triggers and bumpers – the L / R are now more convex.
Nintendo Switch OLED with more memory, a new dock and a familiar battery
The reviewed Nintendo Switch OLED shares the library with previous device models, however, this time the built-in memory for games has been increased to 64GB (from 32GB). This is still definitely not enough to be able to think about throwing many AAA productions onto the device, but we can still extend it with a microSDXC card – the memory is re-mounted under the socket.
A moment with the device was enough for me to easily distinguish one more improved element. Nintendo in the latest version of Nintendo Switch took care of the improvement of the speakers, which are now louder and the sound seems more polished – although I often play headphones, the difference is so big that I heard the change easily. The console also has a refreshed dock, which in my opinion looks better, but what is important for many: it also offers the option of connecting a wired internet connection. The option will definitely be good for players who want a stable network connection – although during the tests I could not talk about dizzyingly faster downloads. It is worth adding that the station also received a new chip, thanks to which it provides support for 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, but … As you know, no Switch model currently offers such quality. However, the dock lost one USB port – on the outside we still get the option of connecting two devices, but the change was made inside, where there was no space for USB through the network cable.
An important issue in the case of the Nintendo Switch OLED is also the battery – after all, the console, due to its new functions, should be mainly used “in the field”. Nintendo has confirmed that also in this model there is a battery with a capacity of 4310 mAh, which, despite the larger screen, offers a very similar working time on a single charge. The equipment uses a new display that provides gameplay for 5-9 hours – it all depends on the chosen production. Recently I played Metroid Dread the most and in this case I could count on 6.5 hours of play. Nintendo mentions that the hardware is expected to offer 4.5 to 9 hours of gameplay, so the results are very similar to the V2 model. For me, this is a big progress, because aside from a small episode of V2, for the last few years I have been constantly playing the premiere version, which does not offer a staggering work time. For comparison – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the latest Nintendo hybrid offers about 4.5 hours of gameplay, while on V1 I could only count on 2.5 hours of play.
Nintendo Switch OLED can surprise you a lot
However, what is the most important in the reviewed Nintendo Switch OLED itself is, of course, a completely new screen. The 7-inch display still works in 720p resolution, but to be honest – I did not expect such a good image quality. I have a new smartphone, I use various gadgets, but the Nintendo hybrid is a very positive surprise, because in this case you can easily feel the difference. Each individual pixel has its own backlight, the black areas in games are really black, because at this point we do not witness the effects that we often see in LCD screens, where the black color is actually gray. This was a big problem with previous Nintendo Switch models, because in this case, even after turning off the panel was slightly grayish.
The manufacturer took care of a very good display offering absolute black and deeper contrast – these elements make many games look great on the reviewed Nintendo Switch OLED. I was concerned at first that the larger screen would negatively affect the quality of the binding, as at least on the paper the image is stretched (it’s still only 720p), but in fact the device does not disappoint in the least.
On the Nintendo Switch OLED I had the opportunity to play Metroid Dread, among others, and this title perfectly shows what this screen can really offer. There are many dark locations in the production, but each action of the main character provides dazzling, bright colors that simply surprise. I also recommend turning on Dark Souls Remastered, in which there is no shortage of dark areas and in this case you can literally feel a new quality. I found myself installing older games from the very first moment to see what they might look like on the new screen and the differences are gigantic. Literally every production looks better and handheld gamers will love how the “little difference” provides such a fantastic experience.
Nintendo Switch OLED – who may be interested in the equipment?
Almost all the improvements prepared by Nintendo relate to the game in portable and tablet modes. The Japanese focused on players who are happy to grab the platform in their hands and do not care about the game on the big screen. The reviewed Nintendo Switch OLED offers players and developers known power, so we cannot count on the productions to work better – regardless of the chosen gameplay variant. However, I am sure that players who mainly decide to connect the Switch to a large screen will not feel the changes in any way.
Nintendo Switch OLED was developed for players who like to sit on the couch with the console in their hands or take the equipment out in the field. They will feel the huge difference in the performance of the device, sound and, above all, in the image quality. The display offers a new quality, but you have to remember that in terms of the operation of games – we cannot expect a revolution. However, if the visual sphere is important to you, it is really worth taking a look at the latest Nintendo device, because the equipment can delight.
At the same time I am sure that the reviewed Nintendo Switch OLED will be the best option for the biggest fans of this platform who have played V1 in recent years and mainly used the portable mode. They will feel the biggest changes and probably already have a gigantic list of productions that they can now play in a new quality. However, it is difficult for me to answer the question whether OLED is the best choice for players who are just starting their adventure with this platform – after all, V1, V2 and Lite have the same games. In this case, a lot depends on the budget and willingness, because if you want the “best Switch”, the choice is simplehowever, you have to remember that not everyone will really appreciate the work done by Nintendo.
Nintendo Switch OLED is by far Nintendo’s best hybrid
The reviewed Nintendo Switch OLED is a big surprise for me. I didn’t think that OLED will not make a big impression on us, but I am not hiding – I am in the group of recipients. I play the Nintendo hybrid platform at every free moment, I play the latest games, almost all ports and a lot of older items. I did not expect such big changes in design and overall improvement in workmanship – although I emphasize, I am the owner of the V1. It is not a console for everyone, but many people will enjoy playing new productions on the new Nintendo Switch.
Although the hardware does not offer more power, the Nintendo Switch OLED can provide a new quality … However, not everyone will feel it.
Rating: 9/10 (though not for everyone)
Pros:
- OLED offers a whole new experience and famous games come back and delight
- Larger internal memory …
- Nintendo has refined the entire structure.
- The stand is finally working!
Minusy:
- No changes to the specification
- … Though we could expect at least 128GB
- The equipment could be cheaper
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