Nintendo Switch OLED: Is It Worth The Upgrade In 2021?

Hey everyone! Let's dive into the Nintendo Switch OLED and see if it's the right choice for you in 2021. The original Nintendo Switch has been a massive hit, and Nintendo, being the awesome company they are, decided to give it a little glow-up. This new version boasts a vibrant OLED screen, more storage, and a few other tweaks. But is it really worth upgrading from the original Switch, or should you buy it if you're new to the party? Let's break it down, guys!

Unboxing and First Impressions: What's in the Box?

Alright, first things first: the unboxing experience. When you get your hands on the Nintendo Switch OLED, you'll find the console itself, of course. It comes with the improved 7-inch OLED screen, a dock, the Joy-Con controllers, a Joy-Con grip, AC adapter, HDMI cable, and some documentation. The packaging feels premium, and it's a great first impression. The dock is a bit different this time around, with a more streamlined design and a built-in Ethernet port. This is a huge plus if you're into online gaming and want a more stable connection. The Joy-Cons are the same as the ones from the original Switch, so you can still swap them out, and use them the same way as before. There's not a whole lot of extra stuff, it's what you'd expect, but what's really different is that beautiful screen. The moment you power it on, you’ll be wowed! It's an instant upgrade from the original Switch's LCD screen.

The OLED Screen: The Star of the Show

The most significant upgrade in the Nintendo Switch OLED is, without a doubt, the display. The 7-inch OLED screen is where the magic happens. OLED stands for Organic Light-Emitting Diode, and it's a display technology that offers some serious benefits. Colors are more vibrant and pop, and the blacks are deeper. This results in a much more immersive viewing experience. Think of it like this: on the original Switch, blacks can appear more like a dark gray. On the OLED model, blacks are true blacks. It makes a massive difference, especially when you are playing games in a dimly lit room. The screen is also slightly bigger than the original Switch's, and the bezels are a bit thinner, which gives you more screen real estate in the same form factor. This makes a noticeable difference. The first thing that really hit me was the crispness of the image. The games look fantastic, and the overall experience is much more enjoyable. Watching trailers and gameplay footage on the Nintendo Switch OLED is like night and day. It really does make you appreciate the technology.

Design and Build Quality: A Few Tweaks

The overall design of the Nintendo Switch OLED is similar to the original Switch, but with some notable improvements. The console feels well-built, and the materials used feel premium. The kickstand is a major upgrade. The original Switch's kickstand was notoriously flimsy, but the OLED model features a wide, adjustable kickstand that runs the entire length of the console. This provides much more stability, and it makes tabletop mode a much more enjoyable experience. The dock has a fresh look and, as mentioned, includes an Ethernet port. This is a brilliant addition for those who prefer a wired connection for online play. The buttons and controls feel the same as the original Switch, which is a good thing – they're comfortable and responsive. One subtle change is the location of the speakers. They've been moved to the bottom of the console, which helps to improve the audio quality. Overall, the design feels refined and the build quality is top-notch. Nintendo really paid attention to the details when they created this version, making it feel like a premium handheld gaming device. The improvements they've made really make it feel like a more modern and refined experience.

Comparing the OLED Model to the Original Switch

When we compare the Nintendo Switch OLED to the original Switch, the differences are clear. The OLED screen is the star, offering a vastly superior viewing experience. The wider, adjustable kickstand is a significant improvement, and the addition of the Ethernet port on the dock is a welcome feature. The storage has been bumped up to 64GB, which is double the original Switch's storage, though you'll still probably want to invest in a microSD card for extra space. There are a few other subtle differences, but the core functionality and performance of the console remain the same. The Joy-Cons work just like they do on the original, and the games play at the same frame rates and resolutions. The main advantages are the screen, the kickstand, and the dock features. If you mainly play in handheld mode, the OLED screen alone makes the upgrade worthwhile. For those who frequently use tabletop mode, the improved kickstand will be a game-changer. For anyone who games online, the Ethernet port on the dock is a must-have. You're going to get a superior experience across the board.

Performance and Gaming Experience: Does It Play the Same Games?

Don't worry, the Nintendo Switch OLED plays the same games as the original Switch. There's no performance boost or exclusive titles. The games still run at the same frame rates and resolutions. The big difference is how those games look on the OLED screen. Colors are richer, and the overall image quality is much improved. This is especially noticeable in games with dark environments. Games like Metroid Dread and Ori and the Will of the Wisps look absolutely stunning on the OLED screen. It’s hard to overstate the impact of the new screen! The vibrant colors and deep blacks make everything pop. The improved audio from the new speakers also enhances the experience, making the games feel more immersive. The Nintendo Switch OLED is a perfect choice for both casual and hardcore gamers. Whether you're playing on the go or docked to your TV, the gaming experience is superb. The Nintendo Switch OLED really makes games shine and is something you're going to quickly appreciate. The console plays all the same games, but you'll experience a visual upgrade. It’s an immersive experience.

Handheld vs. Docked Mode: Which Is Better?

This really depends on your preferences. In handheld mode, the OLED screen is a clear winner. The games look fantastic, and the overall experience is much more enjoyable. The improved kickstand makes tabletop mode more practical and stable, so if you like to play with friends, you're set. Docked mode is still great, especially if you have a large TV. The games look great on a big screen, and you can enjoy them with the Joy-Cons in hand. The Ethernet port on the dock is also a bonus if you prefer a wired internet connection. The Nintendo Switch OLED gives you great flexibility in how you choose to play. If you spend most of your time playing in handheld mode, the OLED model is a must-have. If you prefer playing on your TV, the original Switch is still a great option, but you'll miss out on the gorgeous OLED screen. Either way, you are going to get an amazing experience!

Battery Life: How Long Does It Last?

The Nintendo Switch OLED has roughly the same battery life as the original Switch, so you can expect around 4.5 to 9 hours of gameplay, depending on the game and your screen brightness settings. The exact battery life can vary widely depending on the games you are playing and how you’re playing them. More graphically intense games or using the screen at maximum brightness will drain the battery faster. The original Switch had a bit of a battery life problem when it launched, and they have improved it on later versions. The battery life is adequate for most gaming sessions, and it's certainly enough for a commute or a short flight. If you're a heavy gamer who plays for extended periods, you might want to consider investing in a portable charger. Regardless, the battery life is pretty decent, offering a balanced performance. You'll get plenty of gaming time before you need to recharge, making it a great option for gaming on the go.

Storage and Connectivity: More Space to Play

The Nintendo Switch OLED comes with 64GB of internal storage, which is double the 32GB of storage in the original Switch. This is a welcome upgrade, but it’s still not a huge amount of space, especially if you plan on downloading a lot of games. Luckily, the Nintendo Switch OLED supports microSD cards, so you can easily expand your storage capacity. The microSD card slot is located under the kickstand. It's easy to access and allows you to add hundreds of gigabytes of extra storage. This is a must-have for anyone who wants to download a lot of games or store a lot of screenshots and videos. The dock also includes a USB port for connecting accessories. Overall, the storage and connectivity options on the Nintendo Switch OLED are solid. The increased internal storage is a nice bonus, and the microSD card support is essential for expanding your game library. You're going to have plenty of space to store all your games and media.

Joy-Con Issues and Potential Problems: Any Downsides?

Unfortunately, the Nintendo Switch OLED is not perfect. The Joy-Cons are still prone to the same issues as the original Switch's Joy-Cons. You might experience Joy-Con drift, which is when the analog sticks start to move on their own, even when you're not touching them. This is a frustrating problem that can ruin your gaming experience. Nintendo has offered free repairs for Joy-Con drift, but it's still something to be aware of. It's a design flaw that they haven't fully addressed in the OLED model. The Joy-Cons are the same as before. Hopefully, you won't encounter any drift issues, but it's a possibility. Another potential problem is the screen. The OLED screen is more susceptible to burn-in, which is when static images can leave a permanent mark on the screen. To prevent burn-in, it's best to avoid leaving static images on the screen for extended periods. Overall, there are no major downsides to the Nintendo Switch OLED, but the Joy-Con issues and potential screen burn-in are things to keep in mind. The chance of Joy-Con drift, although not common, can be annoying.

The Future of the Nintendo Switch: What's Next?

Nintendo has been pretty tight-lipped about the future of the Switch, but we can expect new games and updates. We might see a new model in the future, but Nintendo hasn't announced anything yet. They're constantly innovating and improving their hardware. The Nintendo Switch OLED is a great addition to the Nintendo family. It's a worthy upgrade for those looking for a better handheld experience. The Switch is here to stay, and Nintendo will continue to support it for years to come. The future is looking bright for Nintendo and the Switch! I'm super excited about what they will come up with next!

Should You Buy the Nintendo Switch OLED? Final Verdict

So, is the Nintendo Switch OLED worth buying in 2021? Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

• If you own the original Switch: If you primarily play in handheld mode, the OLED screen is a huge upgrade and makes it worth it. If you use tabletop mode a lot, the improved kickstand is also a plus. If you use the dock, the Ethernet port is a nice bonus, too. If you're not a big handheld player or don't care about the screen, it might not be worth the upgrade unless you really want the slightly better features.
• If you're new to the Switch: The Nintendo Switch OLED is an amazing starting point. The better screen, improved kickstand, and added storage make it the best version of the Switch currently available. It's a great choice for anyone looking to get into Nintendo gaming.

The Nintendo Switch OLED is a fantastic console, improving on an already great system. If you are looking for the best handheld experience, get this console! The OLED screen is a real showstopper, and the improved features make it a worthwhile upgrade or a perfect starting point for new gamers. The Nintendo Switch OLED is here, and it's awesome! If you're on the fence, I highly recommend checking it out. You won't be disappointed. Thanks for reading, and happy gaming, guys!