Nintendo Switch OLED Review: The Best Version of Nintendo’s Hybrid Console

Nintendo’s Switch OLED model represents the definitive version of the beloved hybrid gaming console. With its vibrant OLED screen, improved audio, and enhanced build quality, it addresses many of the original Switch’s limitations while maintaining the core experience that made it a success.

Design and Build Quality

The Switch OLED maintains the original’s iconic design while introducing meaningful improvements:

Physical Improvements:

• Larger 7-inch OLED display (up from 6.2-inch LCD)
• Slimmer bezels for more screen real estate
• Improved kickstand spanning the full width
• Enhanced Joy-Con colors with better feel
• Same overall dimensions when docked

Build Quality Enhancements:

• More premium materials throughout
• Sturdier construction with less flex
• Better button feel and responsiveness
• Improved hinge mechanism for kickstand
• Available in classic Neon and new White colorway

The build quality feels more premium than the original, addressing several common complaints about the original model’s construction.

Display: OLED Excellence

The headline feature delivers significant visual improvements:

Display Specifications:

• 7-inch OLED screen with 720p resolution
• Vivid colors with deep blacks and high contrast
• Better brightness levels for varied lighting conditions
• No more washed-out colors in handheld mode
• Same resolution as original (720p handheld, 1080p docked)

Visual Impact: The OLED upgrade is immediately noticeable. Colors pop, blacks are truly black, and games look more vibrant than ever. The larger screen size provides better immersion, especially for games with detailed graphics.

Performance: Familiar Territory

Gaming performance remains largely unchanged:

Hardware Specifications:

• Same NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor as original
• 4GB RAM (unchanged)
• Same CPU and GPU performance
• Identical game compatibility
• No improvements to docked performance

Gaming Experience:

• Same frame rates and loading times as original Switch
• Excellent compatibility with entire Switch library
• Improved visual experience purely from better display
• Battery life improvements in handheld mode

Audio Improvements

The audio system receives meaningful upgrades:

Audio Features:

• Enhanced speakers with better clarity
• Improved bass response for handheld gaming
• Better directional audio in supported games
• Same 3.5mm headphone jack
• Improved audio when using built-in speakers

The audio improvements are subtle but noticeable, particularly when playing games with rich soundtracks.

Battery Life: Solid Improvements

Battery performance sees modest but welcome gains:

Battery Specifications:

• 4310mAh battery (slight increase from original)
• 4.5-9 hours handheld gameplay
• Improved efficiency from OLED display
• Same charging time and USB-C port
• Better standby time

Real-World Battery Life:

• Zelda: Breath of the Wild: 5-6 hours
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: 6-7 hours
• Indie games: 7-9 hours
• Improved overall compared to launch Switch

Storage and Connectivity

Storage and connectivity remain mostly unchanged:

Storage:

• 64GB internal storage (double the original’s 32GB)
• MicroSD expansion up to 2TB
• Game save data stored internally
• Same download speeds and eShop experience

Connectivity:

• Wi-Fi 802.11ac (same as original)
• Bluetooth 4.1 for wireless audio
• Same Joy-Con wireless connectivity
• Improved dock with wired LAN port

Game Library: Extensive and Excellent

The Switch OLED enjoys the full Nintendo Switch library:

Exclusive Nintendo Games:

• Super Mario Odyssey, Breath of the Wild
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons
• Pokémon series games

Third-Party Support:

• Strong indie game selection
• Major third-party titles adapted for Switch
• Retro gaming collections
• Unique handheld versions of popular games

Pros and Cons

Pros ✅

• Gorgeous OLED display with vibrant colors
• Larger screen size improves handheld experience
• Better build quality and materials
• Improved audio quality
• Enhanced kickstand design
• Doubled internal storage (64GB)
• Same great game library
• Better battery life than original

Cons ❌

• More expensive than base Switch model
• Same processor means no performance improvements
• Still 720p resolution (though OLED makes it look better)
• Joy-Con drift issues persist
• No 4K gaming support
• Limited storage still requires microSD for most users

Who Should Buy This?

Perfect for:

• New Switch buyers who want the best experience
• Handheld-focused gamers
• Users who play in varied lighting conditions
• Nintendo fans wanting the premium Switch experience
• Players who appreciate better displays

Consider the base Switch if: You primarily play docked, want to save money, or already own a Switch and are satisfied with its performance.

Comparison with Other Models

vs. Original Switch:

• Better display, audio, and build quality
• Same performance and game compatibility
• Worth the upgrade for frequent handheld users

vs. Switch Lite:

• OLED model is more expensive but offers docked play
• Larger screen and better versatility
• Switch Lite better for budget-conscious buyers

Game Recommendations

Games that shine on OLED:

• Ori and the Blind Forest (gorgeous visuals)
• Hollow Knight (atmospheric art style)
• Super Mario Odyssey (colorful environments)
• The Legend of Zelda series (epic landscapes)

Final Verdict

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

The Nintendo Switch OLED is the best version of Nintendo’s hybrid console, offering meaningful improvements to the handheld experience while maintaining everything that made the original great. While it doesn’t revolutionize the formula, the OLED display alone makes it worth considering for new buyers.

Best for: Gamers who want the optimal Nintendo Switch experience, especially those who play primarily in handheld mode.

Check Nintendo’s website and major retailers for current pricing, bundle deals, and game availability.