Nintendo Switch OLED: Worth The Upgrade?

So, you're thinking about snagging the Nintendo Switch OLED model, huh? Good choice! But you're probably wondering if it's actually worth the upgrade, especially if you already have the original Switch. Well, let's dive deep into everything you need to know about this shiny new console and help you decide if it's time to treat yourself.

What's New with the OLED Model?

The OLED screen is the star of the show, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer. Colors are more vibrant, blacks are deeper, and the overall picture quality is simply stunning. Imagine playing Breath of the Wild and seeing the lush green fields and dramatic sunsets with so much more clarity and richness. Or picture diving into the dark depths of Metroid Dread, where the shadowy environments come alive with incredible contrast. It's not just a visual upgrade; it's an immersive experience that sucks you right into the game.

Beyond the screen, Nintendo tweaked a few other things. The kickstand is now much wider and sturdier, making tabletop mode a lot more enjoyable. No more worrying about the Switch toppling over mid-game! The internal storage has been doubled to 64GB, which is a welcome improvement for those who download a lot of games. And, they've enhanced the audio, delivering clearer and more immersive sound, whether you're playing handheld or docked. Plus, the dock itself now has a built-in LAN port, which provides a more stable online connection for those intense multiplayer matches.

OLED Screen: A Visual Feast

Let's get back to that OLED screen because it truly deserves its own section. OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology is different from the LCD screens found in the original Switch. Instead of using a backlight to illuminate the entire display, each pixel in an OLED screen emits its own light. This allows for perfect blacks because when a pixel needs to be black, it simply turns off completely. This results in incredible contrast and vibrant colors that pop off the screen.

Think about playing a game like Super Mario Odyssey. The vibrant colors of the Mushroom Kingdom will be even more dazzling on the OLED screen. Or imagine exploring the dark and atmospheric world of Hollow Knight, where the deep blacks and sharp contrast will enhance the sense of mystery and immersion. Even games that you've played a hundred times before will feel new again, thanks to the improved visual fidelity.

But here's a pro-tip: OLED screens can be susceptible to burn-in if static images are displayed for extended periods. However, Nintendo has implemented measures to mitigate this risk, such as automatically dimming the screen after a period of inactivity. Still, it's a good idea to avoid leaving static images on the screen for hours on end.

Enhanced Features: More Than Just a Pretty Screen

Okay, the OLED screen is amazing, we get it. But what else does the new model bring to the table? Well, as mentioned earlier, the improved kickstand is a huge plus. The original Switch's kickstand was flimsy and narrow, making it prone to collapsing at the slightest nudge. The OLED model's wider, more adjustable kickstand provides a much more stable and comfortable tabletop experience. Perfect for playing with friends on the go!

The doubled internal storage is also a significant upgrade. 32GB on the original Switch could fill up quickly, especially if you downloaded a lot of games. 64GB gives you more breathing room and reduces the need to constantly manage your storage. And if that's still not enough, you can always expand it further with a microSD card.

The enhanced audio is another nice touch. While it's not a night-and-day difference, the audio on the OLED model is noticeably clearer and more immersive. This can make a big difference in games with rich soundscapes, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Metroid Dread. You'll be able to hear subtle details that you might have missed on the original Switch.

Finally, the LAN port on the dock is a godsend for online gamers. A wired connection provides a much more stable and reliable online experience compared to Wi-Fi, which can be prone to interference and lag. If you're serious about your online gaming, the LAN port is a must-have.

Performance and Battery Life

Now, let's talk about performance and battery life. Under the hood, the OLED model has the same processor and RAM as the original Switch. This means that you won't see a significant performance boost in games. Games will run just as smoothly (or as not-so-smoothly) as they did on the original Switch. However, the improved screen can make games feel more responsive, even if the underlying performance is the same.

Battery life is also similar to the original Switch. Nintendo estimates that the OLED model can last between 4.5 and 9 hours on a single charge, depending on the game you're playing and the screen brightness. This is comparable to the updated version of the original Switch, which was released in 2019. So, if you were hoping for a major improvement in battery life, you might be disappointed.

Is the Upgrade Worth It?

So, here's the million-dollar question: is the Nintendo Switch OLED model worth the upgrade? Well, it depends on your individual circumstances. If you're a casual gamer who only plays occasionally, the upgrade might not be worth it. The improved screen and other enhancements are nice, but they might not be enough to justify the cost.

However, if you're a serious gamer who plays regularly, the OLED model is definitely worth considering. The improved screen, wider kickstand, doubled storage, enhanced audio, and LAN port can all significantly enhance your gaming experience. And if you don't already own a Switch, the OLED model is the best version to get.

Ultimately, the decision is up to you. But hopefully, this guide has given you a better understanding of the Nintendo Switch OLED model and helped you decide if it's the right choice for you.

Final Verdict

The Nintendo Switch OLED model is a fantastic console that offers a significant upgrade over the original Switch. The OLED screen is simply stunning, and the other enhancements, such as the wider kickstand, doubled storage, enhanced audio, and LAN port, all add to the overall experience. If you're a serious gamer or don't already own a Switch, the OLED model is definitely worth considering. However, if you're a casual gamer or are happy with your current Switch, the upgrade might not be worth the cost. But let's be real, that OLED screen is pretty tempting, right?