Nintendo Switch OLED

The Nintendo Switch OLED has been a topic of much discussion since its release. This blog post will explore the pros, cons, additional considerations, and provide a recommendation for potential buyers.

Pros

• OLED Display: The most significant upgrade in the OLED model is its 7-inch OLED screen, which offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, enhancing the gaming experience, especially in handheld mode. This display makes games look more colorful and immersive compared to the original Switch's LCD screen.
• Improved Audio: The enhanced speakers provide superior sound quality, making gameplay more enjoyable without the need for headphones.
• Better Kickstand: The new kickstand is wider and more stable, allowing for better support in tabletop mode. This improvement addresses one of the major complaints about the original Switch's flimsy kickstand.
• Ethernet Port: The inclusion of an Ethernet port in the dock improves internet connectivity for online gaming, which was a long-awaited feature.
• Increased Storage: The internal storage has been doubled to 64GB, providing more space for games and applications.

Cons

• No Performance Upgrade: The internal specs remain largely unchanged from the original model. It still uses the same Nvidia Tegra X1 chipset, which means no improvements in processing power or resolution capabilities.
• Lack of 4K Support: Despite expectations, the OLED model does not support 4K resolution when docked, which may disappoint those hoping for a more substantial upgrade in visual performance.
• Durability Concerns: Some concerns about durability persist, as the console's build quality hasn't seen significant improvements beyond the kickstand.

Additional Considerations

• Price: The OLED model is priced at $350, which is $50 more than the standard version. This price difference might be a consideration for those evaluating whether the upgrades justify the cost.
• Target Audience: The OLED model is particularly beneficial for new buyers or those who play extensively in handheld or tabletop modes. Existing Switch owners may not find enough reason to upgrade unless these features are particularly appealing to them.

Recommendation

The Nintendo Switch OLED is an excellent choice for first-time buyers or those who frequently use their Switch in handheld mode due to its superior display and audio enhancements. However, for current Switch owners who primarily use their console docked or are looking for significant performance upgrades, it might not be worth the investment at this time.

With all of that said, while the Switch OLED is ideal for casual gamers and Nintendo fans, the Steam Deck OLED is a much better choice for potential buyers due to its vast library of games, better screen, faster performance, emulation capabilities, and more comfortable design.