Rumors of a new, high-end Nintendo Switch model have been swirling almost since the moment the original was released in 2017. In 2019, we got the Switch Lite, but the “Pro” redesign was nowhere to be seen. Nintendo has finally taken the wraps off the improved Switch, and it’s a bit less “pro” than we expected. The updated Switch has a better dock, improved audio, and a bigger OLED screen to replace the LCD of the original. It’s mostly the same on the inside, though.
If you were hoping for 4K Nintendo gaming, you’re going to have to wait for another console generation. All the rumors and speculation about AI upscaling were for naught as the Switch OLED uses the same Tegra X1 chip with support for 720p in handheld mode and 1080p in docked mode. The console doesn’t even have a new name—it’s still just the Nintendo Switch, but they tacked on “OLED model” in parentheses to keep things straight. It does come with 64GB of internal storage
The original Switch had a 6.2-inch 720p LCD screen, and the new one steps up to a 7-inch 720p OLED panel. The increase in size without bumping the resolution could make the display look less sharp, especially if the OLED uses pen-tile subpixel arrangements like many smartphones do. The overall design of the device hasn’t changed much. It still has the removable Joy-Cons, and they look unchanged. That means you should be able to use the ones you already have interchangeably with the new console. It would be nice if Nintendo fixed the drifting issues in the controllers that come with the new console, though. Please?
Using the OLED Switch in tabletop mode will be much less aggravating. Not only do you get better speakers on the device, but the kickstand has also evolved from a tiny piece of breakable plastic to a 2-in-1-laptop-style hinge that spans the entire back. The full-width kickstand is adjustable so you can find the most comfortable angle to play. The last notable change is not in the Switch itself but in the dock. In addition to the USB ports and HDMI, the new dock has an Ethernet port for wired connectivity.
If you can’t wait to upgrade your Switch experience, the new console can be yours on October 8th of this year. It will retail for $350, and if recent history has taught us anything, it will probably be hard to get one for MSRP.
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