Nintendo Switch OLED: Black Joy-Cons Unboxing & Review

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Nintendo Switch OLED: Black Joy-Cons Unboxing & Review

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the world of the Nintendo Switch OLED model, specifically focusing on the sleek and stylish version with the black Joy-Cons. If you've been on the fence about upgrading or are simply curious about what this edition brings to the table, you're in the right place. We'll be unboxing it, examining its features, and giving you our honest review. So, grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let's get started!

Unboxing the Nintendo Switch OLED with Black Joy-Cons

Okay, let's get this show on the road! The unboxing experience is always exciting, and the Nintendo Switch OLED doesn't disappoint. The box itself is pretty standard, featuring the iconic Nintendo branding and a clear image of the console. Inside, you'll find the Nintendo Switch OLED console with the black Joy-Cons attached, the dock, the Joy-Con grip, the AC adapter, and the HDMI cable. Everything is neatly packaged and well-protected, ensuring it arrives in perfect condition. The black Joy-Cons look incredibly sharp against the black bezel of the OLED screen. The matte finish feels great in hand, offering a comfortable grip during those long gaming sessions. The initial impression is definitely positive – this is a premium-looking piece of tech.

Diving into the OLED Screen

The star of the show, without a doubt, is the OLED screen. This is where the Nintendo Switch OLED truly shines. The colors are vibrant, the contrast is deep, and the blacks are, well, truly black! Compared to the original Nintendo Switch, the difference is night and day. Games like "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" and "Super Mario Odyssey" look absolutely stunning on this display. The increased color range and clarity add a new layer of immersion to your gaming experience. The OLED screen measures 7 inches diagonally, which is slightly larger than the original Switch's 6.2-inch screen. While it might not seem like a massive difference on paper, it makes a noticeable impact when you're playing in handheld mode. The smaller bezels also contribute to a more modern and immersive look. Whether you're playing in a dimly lit room or outdoors, the OLED screen performs admirably, providing a clear and enjoyable viewing experience. The upgrade to OLED is a game-changer, and once you've experienced it, it's hard to go back.

Black Joy-Cons: A Closer Look

Let's zoom in on these black Joy-Cons. While they function identically to the standard Joy-Cons, the aesthetic difference is significant. The sleek black color gives the console a more sophisticated and premium feel. The matte finish not only looks great but also provides a better grip, reducing the chances of slippage during intense gaming sessions. The buttons and joysticks feel responsive and well-made, as you would expect from Nintendo. One thing to note is that the black Joy-Cons are just as susceptible to drift as the standard ones. Joy-Con drift is a known issue with the Nintendo Switch, where the joysticks register movement even when you're not touching them. While it's not a universal problem, it's something to be aware of. If you do experience drift, Nintendo offers free repairs in many regions. Despite the potential for drift, the black Joy-Cons are a stylish and functional addition to the Nintendo Switch OLED. They look great, feel great, and enhance the overall gaming experience.

Enhanced Audio and Internal Storage

Beyond the OLED screen and black Joy-Cons, the Nintendo Switch OLED offers a couple of other notable improvements. The enhanced audio is a welcome addition, providing richer and more immersive sound. The built-in speakers are noticeably better than those on the original Switch, offering clearer highs and deeper bass. While it's not a replacement for a good pair of headphones, the improved audio enhances the handheld gaming experience. The Nintendo Switch OLED also comes with 64GB of internal storage, which is double the amount offered by the original Switch. This is a significant upgrade, allowing you to download more games without having to rely on microSD cards. Of course, you can still expand the storage with a microSD card if you need even more space, but the increased internal storage is a great starting point. These enhancements, while not as visually striking as the OLED screen, contribute to a more refined and enjoyable gaming experience.

Docking and TV Mode

The Nintendo Switch OLED's dock has also received a minor but useful upgrade. The new dock features a built-in LAN port, allowing you to connect to the internet via Ethernet for a more stable and reliable connection. This is particularly useful for online multiplayer games, where a stable connection is crucial. The dock still functions as a charging station and a way to connect the Switch to your TV. When docked, the Nintendo Switch OLED outputs at 1080p, just like the original Switch. While some gamers were hoping for a resolution bump to 4K, the 1080p output still looks great on most TVs. The OLED screen technology doesn't translate to the TV mode, so you won't see the same vibrant colors and deep blacks as you do in handheld mode. However, the enhanced audio still applies, providing a better sound experience when playing on your TV. The inclusion of the LAN port is a practical addition that enhances the overall versatility of the Nintendo Switch OLED.

Performance and Battery Life

In terms of performance, the Nintendo Switch OLED is virtually identical to the original Switch. It uses the same NVIDIA Tegra processor, so you won't see any significant performance gains in games. Games that ran well on the original Switch will run equally well on the OLED model, and vice versa. Battery life is also similar to the original Switch, typically ranging from 4.5 to 9 hours depending on the game you're playing and the screen brightness. While some users were hoping for improved battery life, the existing battery performance is generally sufficient for most gaming sessions. The focus of the OLED model is on visual and audio enhancements rather than performance upgrades. If you're looking for a more powerful Switch, you might have to wait for a potential future revision. However, the OLED model offers a significant upgrade in terms of visual fidelity and overall user experience.

Final Verdict: Is the Nintendo Switch OLED Worth It?

So, the big question: is the Nintendo Switch OLED with black Joy-Cons worth the upgrade? Well, it depends on your priorities. If you primarily play in handheld mode, the OLED screen is a game-changer. The vibrant colors, deep blacks, and increased screen size make a noticeable difference in the overall gaming experience. The enhanced audio and increased internal storage are also welcome additions. However, if you primarily play in docked mode, the benefits are less pronounced. The lack of a resolution bump to 4K might be a disappointment for some, but the improved dock with the LAN port is a nice touch. Ultimately, the Nintendo Switch OLED is a premium version of the Nintendo Switch that offers a significant upgrade in terms of visual fidelity and overall user experience. If you're a handheld gamer looking for the best possible Switch experience, the OLED model is definitely worth considering. And let's be honest, the black Joy-Cons look pretty awesome too!

Who Should Buy the Nintendo Switch OLED?

The Nintendo Switch OLED is an excellent choice for several types of gamers:

  • Handheld Gamers: If you primarily play your Switch in handheld mode, the OLED screen is a must-have upgrade. The improved visual fidelity will enhance your gaming experience significantly.
  • New Switch Buyers: If you're new to the Nintendo Switch ecosystem and are looking to buy your first console, the OLED model is the best option currently available. It offers the most refined and enjoyable experience.
  • Visual Enthusiasts: If you appreciate vibrant colors, deep blacks, and overall visual quality, the OLED screen will impress you. It's a noticeable upgrade over the original Switch's LCD screen.

Who Might Want to Skip the Upgrade?

  • Docked Mode Players: If you primarily play your Switch in docked mode, the benefits of the OLED model are less pronounced. The lack of a resolution bump to 4K might make the upgrade less appealing.
  • Budget-Conscious Gamers: The Nintendo Switch OLED is more expensive than the original Switch. If you're on a tight budget, the original Switch is still a great option.
  • Satisfied Original Switch Owners: If you're perfectly happy with your original Switch and don't feel the need for a visual upgrade, there's no compelling reason to upgrade to the OLED model.

Final Thoughts

The Nintendo Switch OLED with black Joy-Cons is a fantastic console that offers a significant upgrade in terms of visual fidelity and overall user experience. The OLED screen is the star of the show, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and an immersive gaming experience. The enhanced audio, increased internal storage, and improved dock are also welcome additions. While the performance and battery life are similar to the original Switch, the OLED model is a worthwhile upgrade for handheld gamers and new Switch buyers. So, if you're looking to take your Nintendo Switch experience to the next level, the OLED model is definitely worth considering. Thanks for joining us for this unboxing and review! Happy gaming, everyone!