Review of the Nintendo Switch OLED: the greatest Switch ever
Our Verdict
It might not be the Switch Pro, but the Switch OLED remains the best version of the Switch so far, and is a borderline essential purchase for those that play primarily in handheld or tabletop mode
- Largest OLED screen of all Switch models
- Best memory capacity
- Improved dock with added LAN
- Few benefits for those who play docked
- The most expensive option
A large-screen variant of the original Nintendo Switch console is called the Nintendo Switch OLED. To begin with, let's address the obvious: most of you probably assumed that the recently released Switch OLED would be the Switch Pro. With the Switch receiving a much-needed increase in power, you were undoubtedly eager to witness Breath of the Wild in 4K on the big screen or to fantasize about the next wave of impossible ports that may be included.
We won't spend time in this review criticizing the Switch OLED since it isn't that. The Switch OLED is here to hold us over until the quite likely arrival of the Switch Pro in the coming years. And believe me when I say that you won't even notice that this isn't the Switch Pro if you currently use your Switch mostly in portable or tabletop mode.
Since I think my Switch Lite delivers a better portable experience than my original Switch, which has been collecting dust for the past several years, I'm more than glad to forgo the TV experience completely. Not that I feel like I'm losing out at all. My portable device is a Switch, whereas next-generation devices are capable of larger screens.
Therefore, I could understand the Switch OLED. One of the greatest portable gaming systems available, the original Nintendo Switch has always been notable for its mobility. No matter where you were, it offered a place to play Nintendo classics like Breath of the Wild and Pokémon as well as The Witcher 3 and Doom Eternal. The Switch has only really had two drawbacks in this regard: a rather bad LCD screen and low battery life, which the updated model addressed soon after debut.
Tabletop mode, on the other hand, calls for that ridiculous kickstand or an additional attachment. To rescue the day, the Switch OLED steps in at this point. The OLED screen that bears the same name is a true delight to look at, with vibrant, accurate colors, deep blacks, and functional automatic brightness. And that's not even taking into account the new 7′′ screen size, which almost eliminates bezels. The statement that it is transformational is not at all hyperbolic.
I've had the most amazing time playing with it for the last week, and I've even gone back and looked up some of my favorite games. The comic book-style graphics in Tales of Vesperia are especially amazing, since they really stand out on the bigger screen. On the other hand, Yoshi's Crafted World seemed like a whole different game. Any game that has rich blacks or a lot of color will really benefit from the new display.
Since 2017, I can honestly say that I haven't been this enthused about my Switch. The thrill of exploring your past library, picking it up whenever you have free time, and adding new releases to your calendar is definitely there and has somewhat eased my initial regret upon discovering it wasn't the Switch Pro.
In fact, I don't care as much if it's shown on a large screen. It's still a less than ideal experience, but it's less of a problem now that I don't have the startling sensation I had when switching from my LG C1 to the original LCD display. Although I still play handheld most of the time, it's still a welcome surprise.
Saying that there is nothing for docked owners is likewise untrue; there isn't anything that radically alters the game. The much-needed ethernet connector is a clever addition, and the 64GB internal storage is a wonderful addition that allows you to load any Switch game without the need for a micro SD card.
The pier itself has a much more upscale appearance and feel. There's no longer any fear that you're damaging the screen when you slide your Switch inside it since the interior is protected by a layer of rubber. Considering that the screen is this model's main selling feature, that was a wise approach.
But is everything all sunshine and daisies? Well, no, but I haven't yet encountered a problem that I can't solve. For starters, playing in bright conditions is more difficult due to the screen's increased reflection, and I honestly can't tell the difference between the original and "enhanced" audio. Thankfully, Nintendo just added system-level Bluetooth audio compatibility, so I continue to utilize my AirPods Pro. If you'd want additional options, we've also selected the best Nintendo Switch headsets.
Unquestionably the finest Nintendo Switch ever, the OLED model is also among the top portable game systems overall, ranking among the best in bothandcategories. Unless you're really on a tight budget, choosing the OLED model shouldn't even be a consideration if you haven't bought the system yet. In case you're searching for an affordable Switch, the Lite model may be of interest.
Upgraders must choose a choice, and it's not always simple. In my opinion, the Switch OLED is well worth the investment since it delivers a superior experience when held in the hand, which is the main attraction of the Switch in the first place, and it also makes everything that the Switch offers better overall. Even as it hurts to admit it, if you do play mostly in docked, it's probably not worth it.