In this review we are finally taking a look at the OLED Switch, which Nintendo launched at the end of 2021. This new version does carry over some of the original features from the 2017 model, including being able to use it handheld, tabletop-mounted, as well as on your TV.
It still has USB-C charging, HD rumble Joy-Cons, and these little straps to prevent you from throwing out your TV. But it also brings some nice new updates too, including a new wider tabletop stand, more internal storage, a wired LAN port, and this new larger 7-inch OLED screen.
Today, we’ll get this opened up and see what it comes with. We’ll also go over the specs and features and compare the new screen with the old one. And this is my 2017 model, which I’ve still got. It’s looking a little bit tired now, but I guess we’ll find out today if it was worth upgrading from.
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Switch OLED Design
The overall design of the new OLED Switch is very similar, but it still looks awesome. It’s completely black around the front and the sides, and around the back, it has the Nintendo Switch logo. However, this is new—the tabletop stand now flips out, and it’s so much better than what we’ve had before. Instead of that little flimsy leg you’d flip out and hope it would sit straight, it now has a full-width stand that you can pivot to angle almost any way you need.
Under the stand is a microSD card slot. It comes with 64 gigabytes of internal storage, but you can use this slot to add up to two terabytes of additional storage. Looking around, there’s a USB-C port at the bottom for both docking and charging. We’ve got the power button on the top, along with the volume buttons and a headphone jack.
Finally, there’s a little cartridge slot on the right-hand side for your physical game it just flips open, allowing you to push to install or remove your games. Overall, it feels nice to hold. I wouldn’t say it feels any heavier than the original, though it is about 20 grams heavier but that’s not enough to notice. Size-wise, it is practically the same, although it is technically a tenth of an inch wider. That’s not bad considering the larger screen we get.
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Joy-Con Controller
The Joy-Cons look really nice in white, although I do think the neon set has that original retro vibe to them. Given that I like everything to be black or gray, I’m surprised I haven’t already ordered the gray ones to replace these. Anyway, these are no different from the original Joy-Cons out there.
The dimensions, weight, and functionality, including the HD rumble, are exactly the same. These will work on the older Switch, and the older Joy-Cons will work on the new model. That’s very useful if you’ve got a collection you want to bring over. They click onto the side of the console and transform the screen into a handheld gaming machine. I still love the shape and design of these Joy-Cons, but I think they’re so much easier to use when connected to the screen as opposed to when they are separate.
Removing them from the screen is very easy you just press the little button on the side, slide them up, and they slide straight off. Once removed, you can either use them like this and attach them to the straps, which then give you buttons across the top to play with. Obviously, there’s the wrist strap as well to prevent you from throwing them at your TV. Alternatively, you can slot them into the little Joy-Con grip, which kind of turns the Joy-Cons into a mini controller. I mean, this is okay, but I don’t like using it this way as I prefer using a secondary controller.
Switch OLED Screen
So first impressions this screen looks incredible. One of the main reasons, in fact, probably the only reason you would choose this model over the original is for the screen. This new 7-inch OLED screen is the selling point. It’s bigger, brighter, more vibrant, and has better viewing angles.
If you’ve seen any of my other gaming-related or TV videos, you’ll know how much I like OLED, and the Switch’s OLED screen does not disappoint. Everything I’ve played on this so far just looks great. Now, although it does look great, it’s still limited in its resolution. It’s not 4K as some people might expect it’s not even 1080p. It’s still displaying everything at 720p. It would have been great to see this improved with this new release, but maybe we’ll see that next time.
The viewing angles on this are incredible, as well as the black levels. There’s no loss in contrast or washed-out colors as you turn it side by side. You can see how much nicer the new screen looks, and don’t forget, this is only 720p, which, considering that resolution, looks incredible. But it’s not just the size of the screen or the quality of the screen that’s improved it’s the smaller frame or bezel around the edge. It instantly makes it look cleaner and newer. In fact, it actually makes the older model look dated when comparing the two side by side. And something I’ve always added to my screens is a screen protector.
Games and Gaming
Just like with the Joy-Cons, as you would expect, any of the old Switch games you have will still work on the OLED Switch. I’ve not got a huge library of games on here, but I would consider most of these the best ones to own. My favorite has got to be Mario Kart; there’s something very nostalgic about playing this, and it definitely reminds me of those N64 days when you used to play four-player split screen.
Honestly, any exclusive game on the Switch looks incredible, plus they are fun and very family-friendly. The CPU and GPU are no different they haven’t been upgraded, so you’ve still got the NVIDIA custom processor. It’s also got Bluetooth 4.1, which means you can use wireless headphones if you don’t want to use wired ones. Additionally, it has stereo speakers, so the sound on this device, considering how small it is, isn’t bad at all. Nintendo does state that the gaming experience may differ on certain games due to the larger screen size, but it’s not something I’ve had an issue with in any of the games I’ve played.
Handheld, Tabletop and TV
The fact that you can play the Switch in three different modes is incredible. Handheld mode allows you to use it with the Joy-Cons attached to the side, which is perfect for gaming sessions while sitting on the sofa or traveling in the car probably the most commonly used mode. Then there’s tabletop mode, which utilizes the stand on the back.
You can flip it out and place it on any flat surface, making it ideal for gaming at a desk, kitchen table, or even while traveling on a plane or train. Finally, there’s docked mode for TV gaming. You slot the console into the dock, connect it to your TV, and enjoy gaming on the big screen. The advantage of this mode is that you can play in 1080p instead of 720p. While it’s still not 4K which is surprising for a modern gaming console it’s acceptable.
Dock
- Nintendo Switch
- Play games on the big screen with this Nintendo Switch dock set
- Simply slide your Nintendo Switch game system into the space in this dock to connect to your regular TV and expand your …
As for the dock itself, this is what you use to connect the Switch to your TV. It also serves as a charging station and allows you to connect to your network via the LAN port. There are USB ports on the side, and if you remove the rear lid, you’ll find additional ports, including the power input, HDMI out, and LAN input. The LAN port is a new addition that wasn’t present on the older version, enabling both wired and wireless connectivity. Using the dock also allows you to output 5.1 audio via HDMI to your TV. When the Switch is docked, it charges automatically, and the bottom of the dock features a grippy texture to prevent it from slipping around while inserting or removing the console.
Battery and Charging
Switch’s OLED battery life lasts about five to nine hours, depending on how you use it, which is no different from the older model, so it doesn’t have a larger battery. I think that’s probably enough for most people to use it every single day. Since it has a USB-C port, you can charge it using the dock, plug the power cable directly into the Switch, or use any other USB-C cable you already have. Charging it will only take around three hours.
Conclusion
So that was the new OLED Switch, and what an awesome little console! But is it really worth buying? Well, the short answer is yes, 100%. If you don’t have one already, I would recommend picking up the OLED version over the non-OLED model. The larger, brighter, and nicer-looking screen is definitely worth it.
However, if you only plan on using it docked, it doesn’t really matter which one you go for, as the experience via your TV is no different and the games won’t look any different. If you have the older model and are wondering if it’s really worth upgrading, that comes down to personal choice.
I’m pleased I bought the new one; it won’t run or play any differently, but it looks good, and the new screen looks awesome. What do you think? Are you a fan of the Switch, and do you have any recommendations for games I should be playing? I also think this could be my first-ever Switch video on the channel, so depending on how much you like it, I might do some more this year.
