Today we are talking about the new OLED Switch which Nintendo launched at the end of 2021.
This new version carries 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’s still got USB C charging, HD Rumble Joy-Cons and the little straps to prevent you from throwing them at your TV.
But it also brings some nice updates too, including a new wider tabletop stand, more internal storage, a wired LAN port and the larger 7” OLED screen.
So today I’ll go over the specs and features, and if I think is it worth upgrading from the 2017 model.
Unboxing
The box is almost square this time, unlike the more rectangular box we had with the original Switch. I’ve bought the white version this time instead of the Neon one.
In the box are the new white Joy-Cons, which fortunately are exactly the same as the originals. This means you can swap them out if you’ve got some older ones too.
There’s an HDMI cable for connecting it up to your TV, it even has little Nintendo branding on the ends. A power cable with a USB-C connector, this will work on both the dock and plugging directly into the Switch.
And finally the dock which is also in white. That’s everything we get inside the box.
Screen
First impressions though, the new screen looks incredible. So one of the main reasons, in fact probably the only reason you’d choose this model over the original design is for the screen. The new 7” 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 looks great. Now although it does look great, it’s still limited in its resolution. It’s not 4K, it’s not even 1080p, it’s still displaying everything in 720p. It would have been great to have seen this improved with this release, but maybe we’ll see that next time.
But the viewing angles on it are great as are the black levels. There’s no loss in contrast or washed out colours as you turn it.
It’s not just the size of the screen that’s improved, it’s the smaller frame or bezel around the edges. It instantly makes it look cleaner and newer. In fact it makes the older model look dated.
And something I always add to my screens are screen protectors. Over the last year I’ve started using Spigen for everything I buy. It’s the easiest screen protector I’ve ever installed, just line up the case and it’s a perfect fit. Unfortunately I didn’t install one on my original Switch so it’s got a few scratches on the screen over the years.
Design
The overall design of the new OLED Switch is very similar, but it looks awesome. It’s completely black around the front and sides, then around the back it’s got the Nintendo Switch logo. But what is new, the table top stand 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 and not fall, it now has a full width stand. You can pivot it too, so you can angle it how you need it.
Under the stand is a MircoSD card slot. It does come with 64GB f internal storage but you can use this to add up to 2TB of additional storage.
There’s a USB-C port at the bottom for both docking it and charging it. The power button on the top, along with the volume buttons and headphone jack.
Then finally the little cartridge slot for your physical games, that just flips open and you push to install or remove your games.
Overall it feels nice to hold. I wouldn’t say it felt any heavier than the original, it is about 20grams heavier but not enough to notice. Size wise it’s practically the same although it’s a tenth of an inch wider. That’s not bad considering the larger screen we’re getting.
Joy Cons
The Joy-Cons look nice in white, although I think the Neon set has that original, retro vibe to them. Now the fact I like everything to be black or grey, I’m surprised I’ve not ordered the grey ones to replace these.
Anyway, these are no different to any of the older Joy-Cons out there. The dimensions, weight and functionally including the HD rumble are the same. So these will work on the older Switch and the older Joy-Cons will work on the new model. That’s useful if you have a collection you wanted to bring over with you.
The Joy-Cons click onto the side of the console to transform the screen into the handheld gaming machine. I still love the shape and design of these, but I think they are so much easier to use and hold while connected to the screen. As opposed to when they are separate.
Removing them from the screen is easy, via a little button on the side and slide them up and they’ll slide right off.
Once they are removed you can either use them like that, and attach the straps. This will keep them attached to your wrist. Less chance of throwing them at your TV!
Games
Just like with the Joy-Cons, as you’d expect any old Switch games you’ve got will still work on the new OLED Switch. I’ve not got a huge library of games, but I’ve got what I’d consider to be the best ones to own. My favourite has to be Mario Kart, there’s something nostalgic about playing it and reminds me of the N64 days playing 4 player split screen.
Any exclusive games on here look great, plus most are fun and family friendly.
The CPU and GPU is no different and hasn’t been upgraded, so it’s still got the NVIDIA Custom processor. It’s also got Bluetooth 4.1 which allows you to use wireless headphones if you don’t want to use wired via that 3.5mm headphone jack.
It’s got stereo speakers too so the sound isn’t bad at all for such a small device.
Nintendo states 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 yet on the games I’ve played.
Handheld, Tabletop & TV
The fact you can use the Switch in three different modes is great. Handheld means you can use it with the Joy-Cons attached to the side. Perfect for those gaming sessions where you’re just sitting on the sofa or travelling in the car. This is probably the most used mode.
Then there’s the tabletop mode. This uses the stand on the back, flip it out and you can place it anywhere flat enough. Ideal for gaming while sitting at a desk or kitchen table, or even on a plane or train if you’re travelling.
The final mode is docked for the TV. You slot it in, connect it up to your TV and you’re now gaming on the big screen. The advantage of gaming this way is you can play it in 1080p, not just 720p. It’s still not 4K, which let’s me honest is surprising for a games console today, but it’s OK.
Dock
As for the dock this is what you use to connect it to your TV, it’s also how you can charge it and connect it to your network via the LAN port. There are USB ports on the side, and if you remove the lid on the rear it’s got the other available ports here.
This includes the power input, HDMI out and a LAN port. This LAN port is new as the old one could only be connected wirelessly.
Using the dock allows you to use 5.1 audio output via HDMI to your TV or AVR. And when the Switch is docked it’ll charge itself.
The bottom of the dock has a grippy texture to it too, so it should help prevent it from slipping around when you’re pulling the Switch in and out.
Battery
The battery on the Switch OLED lasts around 5-9 hours depending on how you use it, that’s no different to the older one, so it doesn’t have a larger battery. As it’s got a USB-C port though you can either charge it using the dock, you can plug the power cable in directly OR any other USB-C cable you’ve already got. Charging time is approximately 3hrs.
Final Thoughts
The new OLED Switch, what an awesome little console. But is it worth buying? Well the short answer is yes, 100%. If you don’t have one already I’d recommend picking this up over the non-OLED model. The larger, brighter and nicer looking screen is worth it.
But if you only plan on using it docked it doesn’t matter which one you go for, the experience via the TV is no different and the games won’t look any different.
If you’ve got the older one and you’re wondering if it’s worth upgrading, I guess 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 this screen looks awesome.
And what do you think? Any Nintendo or Switch fans? Which would you buy? Also, any games you’d recommend playing?