β‘οΈ Quick Verdict - NINTENDO Switch OLED Model (2021)
- Best For: Handheld gamers prioritizing visual quality and portable play.
- Strengths: Vibrant OLED display, robust kickstand, improved audio, increased internal storage.
- Drawbacks: No performance upgrade, still susceptible to Joy-Con drift, higher cost than original.
- Verdict: A premium portable experience for Switch games.
βοΈ Pros & Cons Explained
Aspect | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Display Quality | Users frequently praise the stunning contrast and vibrant colors of the OLED screen, noting a significant upgrade over the original LCD model for handheld play. | Some users note that the resolution remains 720p in handheld mode, leading to no sharper image despite the improved panel type. |
Build & Design | The sturdier, wider kickstand is a common positive, making tabletop mode far more stable. The slimmer bezels also contribute to a more modern look. | While the console itself feels premium, the Joy-Cons are still the same design and retain known durability issues like drift for some users. |
Audio & Storage | The enhanced integrated speakers deliver clearer and louder sound, improving the portable audio experience. The increased 64GB internal storage is also a welcome upgrade. | Despite improved internal speakers, the audio output is still limited for a premium device, and Bluetooth audio lag can be noticeable for some. The 64GB storage, while improved, can still fill up quickly for digital-heavy users. |
Docking Experience | The new dock includes a built-in Ethernet port, providing a more stable online experience for docked play compared to Wi-Fi. | The dock itself does not offer any performance improvements to the console, meaning games still run at the same resolutions and frame rates as the original Switch when docked. |
Battery Life | Users report a consistent battery life similar to the revised V2 Switch model, offering several hours of playtime depending on the game. | While good, the battery life is not a significant improvement over the V2 model and can still feel limited for long travel or intense gaming sessions. |
π§ Whatβs Included? & Why It Matters
Component / Feature | Why It Matters |
---|---|
7-inch OLED Screen | Provides significantly deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vivid colors compared to the original LCD screen, enhancing the visual experience, especially in handheld mode. |
Wider Adjustable Kickstand | Offers improved stability and more viewing angles for tabletop play, making it more practical for sharing the screen or playing with detachable Joy-Cons. |
64 GB Internal Storage | Doubles the storage capacity of the original Switch models, allowing users to download more digital games and updates directly to the console before needing a microSD card. |
Enhanced Audio | Features improved integrated speakers that deliver clearer and more robust sound, enhancing the handheld gaming experience without external headphones. |
New Dock with Wired LAN Port | Enables a more stable and faster internet connection when playing in TV mode, crucial for competitive online gaming or large downloads. |
Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Controllers | The versatile controllers allow for multiple play styles, including handheld, tabletop, and TV modes, supporting single or multiplayer gaming out of the box. |
π° Is It Worth It? β Value & Cost Efficiency
Aspect | Positive | Negative |
---|---|---|
Display Upgrade | The visual fidelity improvement in handheld mode is substantial for many users, justifying the premium for those who value display quality above all else. | For users who primarily play docked on a TV, the display upgrade offers no value, making the increased cost less appealing. |
Build Quality | The more robust kickstand and premium feel contribute to a perception of higher quality and durability for portable play. | The core internal hardware remains unchanged, meaning no performance gains for the higher price point, which can feel like a missed opportunity for some. |
Long-Term Value | The OLED model is the most refined version of the Nintendo Switch, likely offering the best experience for new buyers looking for the definitive portable Switch. | Existing Switch owners may find the upgrade incremental for the price, especially if their current console is functioning well and they don't prioritize handheld mode. |
Accessories Included | Comes with all necessary components, including the improved dock, allowing for immediate multi-mode play. | Does not bundle any new Joy-Con revisions or performance-enhancing accessories, meaning additional purchases might still be desired for certain use cases. |
π Nintendo Switch Comparison β How This Version Improves Over Previous Models
Aspect | Nintendo Switch (V1/V2) | NINTENDO Switch OLED Model (2021) |
---|---|---|
Display | 6.2-inch LCD (720p) | 7-inch OLED (720p) |
Internal Storage | 32 GB | 64 GB |
Kickstand | Flimsy, thin plastic strip | Wide, adjustable, robust hinge |
Dock | No wired LAN port | Built-in wired LAN port |
Audio | Standard integrated speakers | Enhanced integrated speakers |
Bezels | Thicker bezels | Slimmer bezels |
Dimensions (Handheld) | 9.4β x 4β x 0.55β (with Joy-Cons) | 9.5β x 4β x 0.55β (with Joy-Cons) |
Weight (Handheld) | Approx. 0.88 lbs (with Joy-Cons) | Approx. 0.93 lbs (with Joy-Cons) |
Battery Life | V1: 2.5-6.5 hrs, V2: 4.5-9 hrs | 4.5-9 hrs (similar to V2) |
TV Output | Up to 1080p via HDMI | Up to 1080p via HDMI |
βοΈ Alternatives vs NINTENDO Switch OLED Model (2021)
Aspect | Steam Deck | ASUS ROG Ally | NINTENDO Switch OLED Model (2021) |
---|---|---|---|
Primary Focus | PC Gaming (Handheld) | PC Gaming (Handheld) | Console Gaming (Hybrid) |
Display Technology | 7-inch IPS LCD (up to 800p) | 7-inch IPS LCD (1080p, 120Hz) | 7-inch OLED (720p) |
Performance | AMD Zen 2 + RDNA 2 (Powerful) | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (Very Powerful) | Nvidia Tegra X1 (Moderate) |
Operating System | SteamOS (Linux-based) | Windows 11 | Nintendo OS |
Game Library | Vast PC game library (Steam) | Vast PC game library (Windows) | Exclusive Nintendo titles, Switch eShop |
Portability | Larger and heavier | Slightly larger and heavier | Most compact and lightest |
Battery Life (Gaming) | 2-8 hours (game dependent) | 1-4 hours (game dependent) | 4.5-9 hours (game dependent) |
Proprietary Features | Steam Ecosystem integration | Armoury Crate SE, VRR support | Joy-Cons, HD Rumble, IR Camera |
π‘ FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Does the Switch OLED have better performance than the original Switch?No, the NINTENDO Switch OLED Model (2021) features the same internal CPU and GPU as the original Nintendo Switch. Its upgrades are focused on the display, storage, and build quality, not processing power.
- Is the screen made of glass or plastic?The NINTENDO Switch OLED Model (2021) features a glass screen with an anti-scattering adhesive film applied, providing improved durability compared to the original plastic screen.
- Can I transfer my games and saves from my old Switch to the OLED model?Yes, Nintendo provides system transfer tools that allow you to move user profiles, game save data, and digital games from an existing Nintendo Switch console to a new Switch OLED model.
- Are existing Joy-Cons compatible with the Switch OLED?Yes, all existing Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers, as well as other accessories like the Pro Controller, are fully compatible with the NINTENDO Switch OLED Model (2021).
- Does the new dock improve resolution when connected to a TV?The new dock for the NINTENDO Switch OLED Model (2021) includes a wired LAN port, but it does not change the maximum output resolution. The console still outputs up to 1080p when docked to a TV, just like the original Switch.
π Positive Reviews - What Users Love
- The screen upgrade makes a huge difference, games look so much more vibrant and enjoyable in handheld mode. I can actually see details in dark areas now.
- The improved kickstand is finally usable! I love being able to play in tabletop mode without worrying about it tipping over.
- Having the Ethernet port built into the dock is a small but mighty change for online gaming, providing a much more stable connection.
- The increased internal storage is a big plus, I can download more games before needing an extra SD card.
- The audio quality from the internal speakers is noticeably better, making portable gaming more immersive without headphones.
π Negative Reviews - What Could Be Better
- Disappointed that there's no performance upgrade; I was hoping for smoother framerates or higher resolutions in some games.
- It's essentially the same console with a nicer screen. For the price, I expected more substantial improvements beyond just the display.
- Joy-Con drift is still an issue, which is frustrating considering this is a newer, more expensive model.
- While the screen is great, the resolution in handheld mode is still only 720p, which can look pixelated on a 7-inch display for some titles.
- The battery life is the same as the V2 Switch, which isn't bad, but it would have been nice to see an improvement for a premium model.
π Key Details & Specifications
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Model Name | NINTENDO Switch OLED Model |
Release Date | October 8, 2021 |
Display | 7-inch OLED, 1280 x 720 resolution (Handheld), 1080p (TV Mode) |
CPU/GPU | NVIDIA Custom Tegra Processor |
Internal Storage | 64 GB (expandable via microSDXC card) |
Battery Life | Approximately 4.5 - 9 hours (varies by game) |
Dimensions (with Joy-Cons) | 4β H x 9.5β W x 0.55β D |
Weight (with Joy-Cons) | Approx. 0.93 lbs |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 4.1, Wired LAN port (via dock) |
Video Output | HDMI (up to 1080p in TV mode) |
Audio Output | Stereo speakers, 3.5mm audio jack |
USB Ports | USB Type-C (console), USB 2.0 x2, USB 3.0 x1 (dock) |
π Summary β Is This the Right Choice for You?
- The NINTENDO Switch OLED Model (2021) is undoubtedly the most refined version of Nintendo's popular hybrid console. Its standout feature, the 7-inch OLED display, offers a significantly enhanced visual experience for handheld gaming, with richer colors and deeper blacks that truly make games pop. The improved kickstand and enhanced audio also contribute to a more premium and enjoyable portable experience.
- However, it's crucial to understand that this model does not offer any performance improvements over the original Switch; games will run at the same resolutions and frame rates. For users who primarily play docked on a TV, the core benefits of the OLED model are largely irrelevant, and the increased cost may not be justified.
- If you are a new Switch buyer, or an existing owner who heavily uses handheld or tabletop mode and values display quality and build refinements, the OLED model is the definitive choice. It provides the best possible portable Switch experience. If you mostly play docked or are content with your current Switch's display, the upgrade may not be essential.