Nintendo Switch OLED Model (2021)

Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.

-Oscar Wilde

Released on October 8th, the Nintendo Switch OLED model is the latest iteration in the line of Nintendo Switch family of consoles. Our esteemed Well-Red Mage asked ‘who is this console for?’ and after spending the past few weeks with it I’d say it’s great for new users looking to adopt their first Switch but not necessarily for those who already own it. If you’re trying to decide whether you should get one or not, I hope that my words can help bring clarity.

I walked into Best Buy with the sole intention of purchasing Metroid Dread, which released on the same day. There were three other customers in the gaming section all looking for the OLED model, and then the associate told everyone there were only four systems in stock. Was this fate? Well, I surely took it as a sign and decided to nab the last one remaining.

I never intended to get the Switch OLED that day, but I sure as heck wanted it. My current Switch, the original model which I picked up on launch day way back in March 2017, is falling apart at the seams. The screen is scuffed, the back panel is cracked a bit, and the kickstand has completely fallen off… I was in dire need of an upgrade. But is the Switch OLED really that much of an upgrade? Let’s take a look at the new features improved from the base model:

• The screen is OLED (organic light-emitting diode) emphasizing “true black” and higher contrast.
• The screen size is increased, from 6.2 to 7 inches.
• Enhanced speakers emit clearer, louder audio.
• A wide, adjustable kickstand design replaces the old, flimsier design.
• New dock now includes built-in wired LAN support.
• Internal storage is increased from 32GB to 64GB.

The Switch OLED also enjoys improved battery life just like updated the Switch model that released in August 2019.

Hands-On

Holding it in my hands, the OLED feels just like the base Switch. The difference in size isn’t enough to be able to make a distinction, even when placed next to each other. But the difference that the OLED screen does make is instantly noteworthy. The screen pops in vibrant colors and contrast in a way that I did not expect to enjoy as much as I did. I’ve had phones with OLED screens before but seeing Nintendo games come to life like this makes it feel special.

I played some of Metroid Dread on the Switch OLED and walking into a dark room with a few neon lights was an especially striking visual treat. I loved the way the flashy colors popped against the almost-black backdrop. I also tried some of the Castlevania Advance Collection for some surprising results. The first in the Game Boy Advance trilogy, Circle of the Moon, was often criticized for being too dark, so Konami amped up the brightness for the subsequent sequels. Those sequels seem too bright and washed out on the OLED screen while Circle of the Moon is now the best looking one of the bunch.

What’s up, Dock?

The Switch OLED comes in two color options: A black dock with traditional neon red and blue Joy-Cons, and a white dock with white Joy-Cons. I, of course, went with the white one because it gives it that sleek, sexy new hardware look. The updated dock design also improves functionality as it makes sliding the switch in and out easier. It also does a better job at helping to protect the screen from scratching. I personally never had that problem but have heard others have had trouble with that.

Also worth noting, the dock now has firmware that is able to be updated via internet. Could new features be coming in the future? Only time will tell. But other attentive fans have noticed that the HDMI port is also updated and able to output in 4K definition. Ultra high definition Switch, confirmed? Knowing Nintendo, probably not. I personally don’t really care if this happens or not, but it is interesting to ponder what else Nintendo could do with a future dock update.

Shot this image in a dark room to showcase the contrast.

One step forward, one step back

The new features justify the price increase to $350 but don’t exactly offer a strong case for the average consumer looking to upgrade. There are no changes in terms of performance or visuals, unless you play in handheld mode where you can enjoy the brighter, more colorful images of the OLED screen. As someone who plays mainly docked on TV, I really didn’t need to upgrade. But since I fear my base model is at the end of its life, I don’t regret making the purchase.

If you’re like me and you have a base Switch that is practically falling apart, then I would absolutely recommending picking up the OLED. If you have yet to own a Switch and are wondering which model to get, I’d also recommend the OLED if you don’t mind paying the extra $50. But for everyone else, I won’t blame you if you decide to keep your current Switch, especially since Nintendo will surely develop and release yet another model in the coming few years.

Kalas, aspiring content creator (but failing horribly at it) has found a wonderful community of friends to share his love of games through Twitch, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.