Testing the Switch OLED: not Pro, but still a solid alternative
15/10/2021
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Instead of a Switch with more power, Nintendo has upgraded to OLED. No more longing for a Switch Pro then! Well, almost.
The rumours surrounding a Switch Pro were persistent. Until Nintendo put an end to them in July by introducing the Switch OLED, that is. Instead of 4K resolution, DLSS, and more power, it features a larger OLED display, a steadier stand, and a LAN dock. Many fans were left disappointed, but there’s still a reason to rejoice.
The name says it all
A new OLED screen is undoubtedly the new Switch’s highlight. It shines a bit brighter, with a much improved image: colours are more intense across the board. Making games look all the prettier. I’ll even dare to say that the OLED screen provides more oomph than a higher resolution would. At least when you play on the Switch and not a TV.
Click here to view a larger image.
This difference is particularly glaring when directly comparing it with its predecessors. Side by side, the old Switch looks paler, and its colours appear washed out.
Click here to view a larger image.
Its screen has also grown slightly, from 6.2 to 7 inches, with the outer dimensions remaining the same. The narrower black edges make the Switch OLED appear sleeker.
In return, the battery is smaller. It now only offers 4210 instead of 4310 mAh. Still, it lasts a bit longer than the revised 2019 Switch. As battery life varies massively depending on which game you play, Nintendo continues to quote the runtime as 4.5 to 9 hours.
Nintendo has also upgraded the storage, now offering 64 gigabytes. That still isn’t much, but expansion options via a microSD card still exist. Or, if you’ve got the money and time, you can mod them like me ;).
The OLED Switch is available in the classic black-red-blue design as well as an all-new black and white. Less playful, more chic. At 400 francs, the device is a noticeable 100 francs dearer than a regular Switch.
Stand and dock
The Switch is called that because it can be played in three different ways: as a handheld, on a TV, or in tabletop mode. Both latter variants have also been somewhat improved in the OLED model. The foldout stand now runs along the entire width of the console, similar to Microsoft Surface devices. This is a massive improvement over the matchstick-like feet featured on previous models. There, an angry look after a lost Mario Kart match was enough to topple the entire structure. Viewing angles can now also be flexibly adjusted.
The dock, in turn, now has a LAN port. This means faster game downloads, and competitive titles such as Super Smash. Bros will also benefit from the connection.
Legacy assets remain in place
Joy Cons, on the other hand, haven’t changed noticeably. Although Nintendo stated in an interview on its own website that the controllers have been further improved on the inside. But more importantly: the Joy-Con drift phenomenon has not been eliminated. Nintendo’s Switch controllers are notorious for the analogue sticks suddenly not working properly. The company still hasn’t really admitted the problem.
And even when they work as they should, the analogue sticks still feel fiddly. They tend to be way too small, unless you’re a child. This applies to the entire button layout, which can quickly lead to cramps, especially when using both analogue sticks at the same time. But since I usually play docked with a Pro Controller, I’m not that bothered. Still, this does completely defeat the purpose of a Switch OLED.
Finally, it should be said that nothing has changed in terms of performance compared to the launch version from over four years ago. The Switch will, for now, remain a sluggish console. Games load slowly, and the Nintendo Store especially jerks and stalls regularly.
Verdict: not an upgrade, but definitely interesting for new customers
As an enthusiast, I’d have preferred a Pro version of the Switch. However, the OLED model is more than just a consolation prize. The screen is a clear upgrade to its LCD predecessors. With it, games shine in new splendour. Almost as if you’d turned up the details setting. The new stand and dock with a LAN port are also nice additions. Is that enough of a reason to upgrade? No. Unless you play almost exclusively on the go, the almost 400-franc console isn’t worth it.
It’s not as if you’ll be blinded by its brilliance. The OLED picture is better. But I wouldn’t buy a new Switch for that alone. Especially if I had to spend 100 francs more than for the standard version. At least you get twice the storage space.
The Switch OLED is Nintendo’s typical middle option to keep demand high. Nice, but not a must-buy. However, the device has caused me to no longer accept a potential Switch Pro or even a Switch 2 with LCD. OLED is King, Baby!
The device was provided to me by Nintendo.
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
