Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch OLED: what’s the difference?

Nintendo has announced a new version of its Switch game console, but it’s not called “Pro” as various rumors suggest. Instead, it’s just called the Switch (OLED) and in this article we’re comparing it to the Standard Edition in terms of price, specs, etc.

Although it doesn’t go by the name “Pro” as many of us expected, the new OLED switch comes with several improvements over the original model that may make you want to buy it. It will arrive on October 8 with the game. Terror of the metroids.

In this comparison, we will only take into account the main consoles, so we will not compare them with the Switch Lite.

Price

The new Switch (OLED) will cost $ 349.95, or 30 $ more than the standard Switch, which costs $ 319.

At the moment we do not know how much it will cost in Latin America, but the price in the United States has been confirmed: $ 349 against $ 299 for the original Switch.

If you don’t have a Switch, then spending a little more on the higher end model will be worth it.

Those who want to reserve a unit now, can do so from the GAME page, both in white and in blue and red. For more information, visit our article Where to pre-buy the new Nintendo Switch OLED regularly.

Screen

The big news, as its name suggests, is the screen. It is now larger at 7 “instead of 6.2”, and also uses OLED technology instead of the LCD screen.

It is similar to what is happening in the world of smartphones and televisions, in which to buy devices premium allows you to access OLED panels. Its organic LEDs provide a better visual experience thanks to their higher contrast and color reproduction.

While an LCD panel uses backlighting, with OLED you can turn LEDs on and off individually, so blacks are achieved by simply turning off a pixel. Without the use of backlighting, the screen looks much more uniform in brightness.

Keep in mind that although the screen is larger and uses OLED technology, it still has a resolution of 720p, which means the pixel density is a bit lower on the new model, although not enough. to be noticeable.

Support and size

As you probably know, the Switch has a very basic plastic stand which works well but is a bit unstable and insufficient at times. In addition, it offers only one viewing angle.

Well Nintendo improved it a lot on the OLED model with a full size adjustable stand. It works like with a Tablet Microsoft Surface and offers different viewing angles and increased support.

Although the screen is larger with narrower edges, the OLED Switch is only a few millimeters longer than the standard model (242mm instead of 239mm), which may not sound much but means it does. will not be compatible with some components. .

“The system will not adapt very well to the entire Nintendo Lab series. It is also possible that with some games the playing experience will be somewhat different with the new capabilities of the console, such as a size larger screen. ”Nintendo explains in Small Print.

This size means that some covers and other accessories may not fit the new model. And it’s also a bit heavier at 320g compared to 279g (without Joy-Cons) on the original Switch. It continues to offer the same modes of use (TV, desktop and laptop) and is compatible with current Joy-Cons controllers.

Storage

With 64GB of storage included, the Switch (OLED model) has twice the space of the original Switch.

This means that you can store more games on the console without having to resort to a microSD card, although there is always a slot for those who need it.

Base and color

As you may have already noticed, the OLED model is available in a new white colourway and is the only Switch to have this option. There is also the version in the classic Neon Red / Neon Blue if you don’t like the white model.

In any case, it also includes a new base which, in addition to having the same white color as the Joy-Cons of this model, adds a new wired LAN port so that you can connect the console to the Internet without Wi-Fi. and while using TV mode. .

It must be reiterated that the base continues to offer video in Full HD quality (60 fps) as before. The Switch (OLED model) is not in 4K.

audio

Nintendo has also improved the audio system on the OLED model to provide a better listening experience. The stereo speakers remain at the bottom of the console, but with improved sound, although it was not specified in which direction.

What has not changed

What remains unchanged about the OLED Switch is worth mentioning, including the disappointment that it still doesn’t support Bluetooth headsets.

Battery life isn’t better either, so it’s still around 4.5-9 hours depending on the company.

The processor also remains the same, a custom Nvidia Tegra chip, so you shouldn’t expect any improved performance. Nintendo confirmed The edge that the new OLED console also doesn’t have a new processor or more RAM than before.

conclusion

If you don’t have a Switch yet, there’s no doubt that you should buy the new OLED model for just $ 30 more, especially if you think you’re going to be using laptop or desktop mode a lot.

However, the rest of the perks are small, so those who already have one might not be convinced that they have more space, a new stand, better speakers, and a basic LAN port. Maybe the white color is a factor to consider, but it’ll taste.

You can also, of course, sell your standard Switch and use that money to buy the OLED model, but you’ll have to use both consoles at the same time to transfer the content.