The new Switch OLED is on the market. It is the improved version of the Switch. MeinMMO has taken a look at the first reactions to the handheld.
Many users had hoped for a Switch Pro from Nintendo with significantly more power and new features. Instead, Nintendo introduced the Switch OLED. However, the Switch OLED has failed to convince many users.
Meanwhile, there are the first reviews and hands-ons for the new Switch console. MeinMMO presents the initial opinions and explains who might benefit from the upgrade.
First official tests are also online. The testers examined the consoles for strengths and weaknesses.
All the important information available about the Switch Pro can be found in this article:
Many praises for the OLED and the improved stand
This is what early testers say: Martin Woger from Eurogamer has extensively tested the Switch OLED (via eurogamer.de). The biggest difference to the old model is unsurprisingly the display. The OLED offers significantly more vibrant colors than the old LCD. Especially when on the go, the Switch is now significantly more usable. However, the new LAN port on the docking station means one fewer USB port, but this should not bother most users. In his conclusion, Martin Woger explains:
350 Euros is not little, and as good as the screen is, it alone wouldn’t be worth it for me. And I primarily play in handheld mode. Those who mainly play docked certainly don’t need the upgrade.
This is what other testers say: Dieter Bohn from TheVerge has also published a test of the OLED version (via theverge.com). He explains in his test that the new OLED represents a sensible improvement for handheld use.
The display is the star of this new device. The size is pleasant, especially when playing games with a lot of text or a complex interface [menus], like Fire Emblem: Three Houses. And although it has the same 720p output as the base model, it didn’t appear noticeably less sharp to me. But the more obvious change is that everything looks much brighter and more vivid.
Especially in comparison to the cheaper Switch Lite, the difference is noticeable. The Lite’s display comes off as dull and muddy compared to the OLED model.
Praise is also given for the improved stand. It appears significantly more robust and higher quality than the old model. The OLED model does not offer more power than the standard model with LCD.
Taylor Lyles from IGN was also able to try the OLED version (via ign.com). In his official test, he compares the new model with the old model without OLED. The colors simply appear more saturated and vibrant with the OLED, and the OLED offers better viewing angle stability. No matter from which direction you view the display, the colors always look the same.
In his test, he explains that the new and larger OLED device has even led him to use the Switch much more often in handheld mode and to use it much more frequently in docked mode. Thus, the OLED version remains primarily a recommendation for those who do not own a Switch yet and do not wish to use it frequently in docked mode.
CNet has released an initial hands-on as a YouTube video. Here you can see the OLED model in action. The tester explains in the video that for him the real upgrade is not the display, but the new stand.
This is the trend of the testers: The OLED model receives much praise especially for the display and the new stand. The improved speakers represent a small but positive upgrade.
Anyone now worried that the games might look blurrier at the same resolution (1280×720) but on a larger display can also be reassured by the testers.
For very few users, the Switch OLED is truly worthwhile
Who is the Switch OLED worth it for? The reviewers make it quite clear what many users had suspected beforehand.
The OLED model of the Switch is cool and the screen is also nice and especially convinces with significantly more vibrant colors. However, for most people, this upgrade is not worth it.
The improvements do not offer a new gaming experience or new features. So for those who already own a Nintendo Switch, the upgrade is not worth it. At the end of the year, Valve’s Steam Deck is also coming, which many consider the actual Switch Pro. There are significant differences between the two handheld devices:
Nintendo has simply improved the old Switch meaningfully, without justifying a new purchase for Switch owners. For those who already own a Nintendo Switch, the new purchase is not worthwhile. However, individuals who have not yet bought a Switch should consider paying the extra 50 Euros for the OLED model.
Who is the device worth it for? Nintendo’s OLED version is primarily aimed at people who travel a lot. While the Lite version is aimed at beginners, the standard Switch is especially interesting for users who primarily play with the docking station. Especially when outdoors, you benefit from the significantly better and brighter screen of the OLED version.
The improved docking station with LAN connection will also be available for purchase separately without the OLED console soon. However, you will have to forgo one USB port in favor of the LAN port.
- Switch Lite: Entry-level device without a docking station and with fixed Joy-Cons. The cheapest device in the series.
- Switch: Device with LCD and detachable Joy-Cons, interesting for gamers who primarily play in docked mode. The price is around 300 Euros.
- Switch OLED: Device with OLED and detachable Joy-Cons, especially interesting for users who do not have a Switch or travel a lot. The price is 350 Euros.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Nintendo Switch (OLED-Modell) Neon-Rot/Neon-Blau* | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
When will the Nintendo Switch OLED be released? The OLED model of the Nintendo Switch will be released on October 8, 2021. You can already pre-order the model for 359.99 Euros.
If you want to know where you can buy the Nintendo Switch OLED at launch, we have summarized all the pre-order options for the OLED model for you.
