
Nintendo Switch OLED: A New Chapter in Hybrid Gaming
The Nintendo Switch revolutionized the gaming world when it launched in 2017, combining the best aspects of handheld and console gaming in a seamless hybrid system. Four years later, Nintendo introduced the Nintendo Switch OLED, a refined version of the beloved console, enhancing the experience for new and veteran players alike. While it may not be the long-rumored “Switch Pro,” the OLED model brings several improvements to the table that make it a worthwhile upgrade, particularly for handheld gaming enthusiasts.
In this blog, I’ll explore what makes the Nintendo Switch OLED stand out, discussing its key features, the improvements it offers over previous models, and whether it’s worth the investment for both casual gamers and hardcore Nintendo fans.
The OLED Screen: A Game-Changer for Handheld Mode
The most notable feature of the Nintendo Switch OLED is, of course, its 7-inch OLED screen. This new display is larger than the 6.2-inch LCD screen found on the original model, with thinner bezels that maximize the screen real estate without increasing the overall size of the device. The OLED display is not just bigger—it’s brighter, more vibrant, and offers richer colors with deeper blacks, making it a true game-changer for handheld mode.
If you’ve played the original Switch or the Switch Lite, you’re familiar with the quality of the previous screens, but the OLED upgrade is immediately noticeable. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey look more stunning than ever, with environments feeling more alive and details popping off the screen. The increased contrast ratio of the OLED panel enhances everything from the colorful worlds of Splatoon 2 to the dark, moody atmosphere of Metroid Dread.
One key benefit of OLED technology is its ability to display true blacks by turning off pixels completely in dark areas of the screen. This leads to significantly improved image quality in games with night-time scenes or deep shadows. Whether you’re sneaking through the dimly lit corridors of Luigi’s Mansion 3 or facing off against enemies in Astral Chain, the OLED screen brings a new level of immersion.
For gamers who primarily play in handheld mode, this screen upgrade is one of the biggest reasons to consider the OLED model. It transforms the way games are experienced on the go, bringing a level of visual fidelity that was previously limited to TV mode.
Enhanced Audio and Design Improvements

The Nintendo Switch OLED also includes an improvement in audio, particularly when playing in handheld or tabletop mode. The built-in speakers have been upgraded, delivering clearer and more robust sound than the original Switch. While the exact details of the audio upgrade aren’t as heavily advertised as the OLED screen, players will notice a richer audio experience, especially in games with dynamic soundtracks or detailed sound design.
Games like Hades, with its intense action and atmospheric soundtrack, or Animal Crossing: New Horizons, with its soothing environmental sounds, benefit greatly from the enhanced audio. Whether you’re listening through the speakers or using headphones, the experience is noticeably improved.
In terms of design, the Switch OLED maintains the same overall dimensions as the original, making it compatible with the same Joy-Con controllers, docks, and accessories. However, the build quality feels slightly more premium. The new adjustable kickstand is one of the most significant improvements in terms of functionality. Unlike the flimsy, single-position kickstand of the original Switch, the OLED model features a wide, adjustable kickstand that spans the entire length of the device. This allows for more flexible viewing angles in tabletop mode, making it far more stable and user-friendly.
This is especially useful for multiplayer gaming on the go, as the kickstand provides a more comfortable setup for local co-op games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. It’s a small change, but it goes a long way in enhancing the overall usability of the system.
Storage and Connectivity Upgrades
Another improvement that comes with the Nintendo Switch OLED is the increase in internal storage. While the original Switch comes with 32GB of internal memory, the OLED model doubles that to 64GB. While it still may not be enough for players who download a lot of games (you’ll likely still need a microSD card for additional storage), it’s a welcome upgrade that offers more breathing room out of the box.
The new model also comes with an updated dock, which now features a built-in LAN port. This is a significant addition for players who enjoy online gaming or download large games and updates. Previously, wired internet required a separate USB-to-Ethernet adapter, but with the OLED model, the LAN port is integrated into the dock itself. This allows for more stable and faster internet connections, especially useful for competitive games like Splatoon 2, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Aside from these changes, the rest of the Switch experience remains the same. The system is powered by the same custom Nvidia Tegra processor as the original, meaning there’s no significant boost in performance or resolution when playing in docked mode. This may disappoint those hoping for a more powerful “Switch Pro” with 4K capabilities, but it also ensures that all existing Switch games run smoothly without any compatibility issues.
Who Is the Switch OLED For?
The Nintendo Switch OLED is clearly aimed at players who prioritize handheld or tabletop gaming. The improved screen, better audio, and enhanced kickstand all contribute to a significantly better experience when playing on the go or in portable mode. For those who already own a Nintendo Switch and primarily play in docked mode, the benefits of the OLED model may not justify the upgrade. In docked mode, the system outputs the same 1080p resolution as the original, with no added performance or graphical enhancements.
However, for anyone who has been holding off on purchasing a Switch or who plays a majority of their games in handheld mode, the OLED model is the best version of the console available. The visual upgrade provided by the OLED screen alone makes it worth considering, especially for players who enjoy visually striking games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Xenoblade Chronicles, or Fire Emblem: Three Houses.
The addition of more internal storage and the inclusion of a LAN port in the dock also make the OLED model a more convenient option, particularly for those who play online games or prefer downloading their titles digitally.
Highlights and Areas for Improvement
What Makes the Switch OLED Stand Out:
- OLED Display: The most significant upgrade, offering stunning visuals with vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and a larger screen size, perfect for handheld gaming.
- Improved Audio: Enhanced speakers provide clearer and richer sound, improving the handheld and tabletop gaming experience.
- Adjustable Kickstand: A much more stable and versatile kickstand that allows for better tabletop gaming with multiple viewing angles.
- Increased Storage: Doubling the internal storage to 64GB provides more space for digital games and updates.
- LAN Port: The built-in LAN port in the dock offers faster, more stable internet for online play.
Areas for Improvement:
- No Performance Boost: The Switch OLED uses the same processor as the original model, meaning there’s no upgrade in terms of performance, framerate, or resolution in docked mode.
- Still 720p in Handheld Mode: Despite the improved OLED display, the resolution remains at 720p in handheld mode. While the screen quality is excellent, some players may have hoped for a bump in resolution.
- Limited Value for Docked Players: If you primarily play your Switch in docked mode, the benefits of the OLED screen are lost, and the system functions essentially the same as the original.
Is the Switch OLED Worth It?

The Nintendo Switch OLED is not the “Switch Pro” that some had hoped for, but it’s still a fantastic upgrade for handheld and tabletop players. The OLED screen elevates the visual experience in a way that’s hard to go back from once you’ve seen it in action. The enhanced audio, improved kickstand, and additional storage make it a more polished and versatile version of the already beloved hybrid console.
For those who already own a Switch and mostly play in docked mode, the OLED model may not offer enough new features to justify the upgrade. But for new players, or for those who love playing in handheld mode, the Nintendo Switch OLED is easily the best version of the console and offers a premium experience that’s hard to beat.
If you’re looking for the best way to experience Nintendo’s incredible library of games—whether on the go or at home—the Nintendo Switch OLED is a solid investment that delivers an immersive and enhanced gaming experience.