Nintendo Switch OLED Review: Portable Perfection Enhanced
Nintendo's upgraded hybrid console shines with a gorgeous OLED display
The OLED model enhances Nintendo's hybrid console with a gorgeous screen and improved build quality.
What We Love
- Stunning 7-inch OLED display with vibrant colors
- Enhanced audio with improved speakers
- Better kickstand design for tabletop mode
Room for Improvement
- Same internal hardware as original Switch
- Joy-Con drift issues persist
- No 4K output when docked
The OLED Difference
The most significant upgrade in the Nintendo Switch OLED is, unsurprisingly, the display. The 7-inch OLED screen is a substantial improvement over the original's 6.2-inch LCD. Colors are more vibrant, blacks are deeper, and the overall visual experience is dramatically enhanced.
Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey look stunning on the OLED display. The improved contrast ratio makes dark scenes more atmospheric, while bright, colorful games pop with an intensity that the original Switch simply can't match.
Build Quality and Design Improvements
Nintendo has refined the Switch's design in several meaningful ways. The new kickstand spans the entire width of the console, providing much better stability in tabletop mode. The speakers have been improved, delivering clearer audio with better bass response.
The overall build quality feels more premium, with a slightly different texture on the back that provides better grip. The Joy-Con controllers remain unchanged, which means the dreaded drift issue is still a concern.
Performance and Gaming Experience
It's important to note that the Switch OLED uses the same internal hardware as the original Switch. This means performance is identical - you won't see improved frame rates or loading times. However, the enhanced display makes games feel more immersive and visually appealing.
The 64GB of internal storage is a welcome upgrade from the original's 32GB, though you'll still likely need a microSD card for a substantial game library. Battery life remains the same at 4.5-9 hours depending on the game.
Game Library Excellence
The Switch OLED benefits from Nintendo's incredible first-party game library. Titles like Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda series, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate represent some of the best gaming experiences available on any platform.
The hybrid nature of the console - seamlessly switching between docked and portable play - remains its greatest strength. Being able to play full console games anywhere is still magical.
Value Proposition
At $349, the Switch OLED is $50 more than the standard Switch. Whether this premium is worth it depends on how much you value the improved display and build quality. If you primarily play docked, the upgrade may not be as compelling.
For portable gaming enthusiasts, however, the OLED display alone makes this the definitive version of Nintendo's hybrid console.
Pros
- Stunning 7-inch OLED display with vibrant colors
- Enhanced audio with improved speakers
- Better kickstand design for tabletop mode
- 64GB internal storage (double the original)
- Improved build quality and premium feel
- Excellent game library with Nintendo exclusives
Cons
- Same internal hardware as original Switch
- Joy-Con drift issues persist
- No 4K output when docked
- Higher price than standard Switch
- Battery life unchanged from original
Price and availability subject to change