Nintendo Switch OLED: Gaming on the Go

Testing Nintendo's OLED Switch model, evaluating display quality, battery life, portability, and overall gaming experience compared to the original model

By Sarah Johnson 8 min read

Nintendo Switch OLED Review

Comprehensive gaming console analysis

Executive Summary

The Nintendo Switch OLED represents a significant upgrade over the original model, primarily through its stunning OLED display. While it maintains the same core gaming experience, the improved screen quality, enhanced audio, and better kickstand make it the definitive portable gaming experience for Nintendo fans.

Design & Build Quality

The Switch OLED maintains the same form factor as the original but with several key improvements. The most notable change is the 7-inch OLED display, which delivers deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better contrast. The console also features a wider, more stable kickstand and improved speakers for better audio quality.

Key Design Features:

  • 7-inch OLED display with enhanced color accuracy
  • Wider, more stable kickstand for tabletop gaming
  • Enhanced audio with improved speakers
  • 64GB internal storage (double the original)
  • Ethernet port in the dock for stable online gaming

Display Quality

The OLED display is the star of the show, delivering significantly better image quality compared to the original LCD screen. Colors are more vibrant, blacks are deeper, and the overall visual experience is much more immersive. Games like "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" and "Metroid Dread" look absolutely stunning on the OLED screen.

Display Specifications:

  • 7-inch OLED display with 1280x720 resolution
  • Enhanced color accuracy and contrast ratio
  • Better viewing angles and outdoor visibility
  • Reduced power consumption compared to LCD

Gaming Experience

The gaming experience remains largely the same as the original Switch, but the OLED display makes everything look better. Games feel more immersive, and the improved audio quality enhances the overall experience. The wider kickstand also makes tabletop gaming more comfortable and stable.

Battery Life

Battery life is similar to the original Switch, lasting approximately 4.5 to 9 hours depending on the game and brightness settings. The OLED display's efficiency helps maintain good battery life despite the improved screen quality.

Verdict

The Nintendo Switch OLED is the best version of the Switch available. While it doesn't change the core gaming experience, the improved display, better audio, and enhanced design make it worth the upgrade for both new buyers and existing Switch owners looking for a better portable experience.

Pros

  • Stunning OLED display with vibrant colors
  • Enhanced audio quality
  • Wider, more stable kickstand
  • Double the internal storage (64GB)
  • Ethernet port in dock for stable online gaming

Cons

  • More expensive than the original Switch
  • Same performance as original Switch
  • Joy-Con drift issues may still occur
  • Limited availability and potential stock issues