Nintendo’s new OLED switch captured my heart

For many Nintendo fans it is a huge disappointment, but I can hardly wait for the new OLED switch to start. The handheld console is exactly what I wanted – even the PS5 can be a little longer in coming.

Nintendo Switch OLED: Actually, hardly anything has changed

For several months there have been rumors on the net about a Nintendo Switch Pro. According to insider reports, the new version of the handheld console should offer significantly more performance than the original. Many fans have long dreamed of this hardware upgrade. A switch with which you can finally play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild in 4K or maybe even in 60 FPS – that would be awesome, wouldn’t it?

A few days ago Nintendo presented its brand new Switch – and the disillusionment could hardly have been greater. The OLED model, which will appear in October, is under the hood on the same hardware as the original, the changes can almost be counted on one hand:

• The display grows from 6.2 to 7 inches.
• Instead of an IPS panel, an OLED screen is now used.
• The kickstand is now much wider and more stable.
• The dock of the OLED switch offers a LAN connection and active cooling.
• The built-in speakers of the handheld console sound a little better.
• The internal memory grows from 32 to 64 GB.

That wasn’t enough for many fans, I can understand that. Nevertheless, I ordered the new OLED switch directly – even though I already own an original switch. But what made me do it?

The OLED model of the Nintendo Switch offers some interesting innovations. We have summarized which these are for you briefly and crisply in the form of a video:

The OLED version of the Switch is exactly what I wanted

I love my Nintendo Switch. When I bought the handheld console a little over 3 years ago, I never thought that I would take it to my heart. I often use the switch when I’m out and about. But there is exactly one point that particularly bothers me about the original: the display. The Switch’s IPS panel may be okay in and of itself, but compared to the OLED screens of modern smartphones, it looks downright old-fashioned. This is not only due to the built-in panel, also the one huge black borders around the screen make the original switch look like a device from the distant past. No wonder, the handheld console is now more than 4 years old!

In addition, my switch is still the first version of the handheld console. Since 2019 Nintendo has only sold the new version of the Switch, the one significantly better battery life than my old carrot offers. Although I almost always have a power socket within reach on the train, on long-distance buses and the like, there are still trips on which a little more battery life would be very useful.

Some of our points of criticism have already been resolved with the OLED version – others, however, remain:

The two points are completely sufficient for me to make the “OLED upgrade” of the Switch appealing to me. Do I mean to say that I think the current price of 359 euros is justified? Not at all! Rationally speaking, the handheld console is grossly overpriced, if you think about what kind of old technology is being used. For the majority of gamers, the purchase of the new OLED switch is simply not worthwhile, Nintendo openly admits that too. So I can understand when a lot of people feel ridiculed by the traditional company.

I, on the other hand, can hardly wait to hold the new Nintendo Switch OLED in my hands, insert The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and together with Link to save Hyrule again, which thanks to the OLED display shines more beautifully than ever before becomes. I can then wait a little longer for the PS5 – at least until there are finally real system sellers for the console.

What is your opinion on the new OLED model of the Nintendo Switch? Will you also get the improved version of the handheld console? Or do you prefer to stick with your normal Switch or the Switch Lite? Feel free to write us your opinion in the Facebook comments!