The Nintendo Switch OLED is an iteration of the original Nintendo Switch. Released on 8 October 2021, it features a better display panel based on organic LED or OLED technology and additional hardware features and components not found in its predecessor. This article reviews the pros and cons of the OLED model of the Nintendo Switch.
Pros of Nintendo Switch OLED: Reasons Why You Should Buy
Note that analysts doubted the market success of the Switch when it was first announced in October 2016 due to concerns that the announced specifications and features seemed to fail to address to problems of the poorly-received Nintendo Wii U.
Furthermore, upon the announcement of its pricing in January 2017, media reporters worried that it would not be well-received by its intended target market because its price point is closer to the price tags of Sony PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Xbox One.
Nintendo proved the initial criticisms wrong. Upon its release, reviewers noted that one of the advantages of the Nintendo Switch rests on its numerous functionalities and capabilities that open new possibilities for both game developers and gamers.
The initial sales were also impressive. It sold more than 600,000 units in Japan during the first weekend and the entire global sales for the first month numbered 2.74 million units. This device become the fastest-selling console of Nintendo in history.
It is important to note that the release of the OLED model added another 5.80 million units sold by the end of March 2022. Sales projection remains positive as this newer version of the Switch penetrates deeper into the market and with upcoming peak seasons.
What exactly makes the Nintendo Switch, especially the Nintendo Switch OLED model a marketable and sellable game console? What are its unique selling propositions or specific advantages that make it a competent device?
The following are the specific pros or advantages and notable features and specifications of this game console from Nintendo:
• Hybrid Game Console: The Switch can be used as a handheld game console similar to Nintendo DS and the newer Steam Deck, as well as its younger brother, the Nintendo Switch Lite. Furthermore, it can also be used as a tabletop console similar to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. This is its main selling proposition.
• Large OLED Screen: Compared with its predecessor, which features a 6.2-inch IPS LCD, one of the advantages of the Nintendo Switch OLED is its 7-inch OLED display that provides deeper blacks, better contrast ratio, wider viewing angle, and richer and more vibrant color for a more immersive gaming experience.
• Impressive Game Library: Another reason to buy a Nintendo Switch is its expansive game library composed of game titles from well-known developers and even titles from independent and emerging developers. These games can be purchased as cartridges through retail stores or online as downloaded software applications.
• Dedicated Gaming Capabilities: An Nvidia Tegra SoC powers this hybrid game console. The chip has a CPU clocked at 1.02 GHz, an integrated GPU clocked at 307.2 to 768 MHz, and 4GB of memory that allows it to run graphics-rich game titles develop and optimized for the Switch and its specific hardware capabilities.
• Cloud Gaming Support. This game console also supports cloud gaming via the Switch Could Streaming service for running game titles that require more hardware capabilities than the device allows. Cloud gaming gives both gamers and developers more options to maximize the benefits of owning a Nintendo Switch.
• Other Hardware Features: Other specific advantages of the Nintendo Switch OLED are its specific improvements over the original Switch. These include a LAN port on the dock for wired connectivity, an improved and adjustable kickstand, a 1080p resolution output, enhanced audio, and a 64GB internal solid-state storage.
Cons of Nintendo Switch OLED: Reasons Why You Should Not Buy
The introduction of the OLED model of the Switch has been well-received by the consumers and most tech reviewers. However, for some critics and observers, its actual announcement and subsequent release were anticlimactic and uninspiring.
Prior to its official market release, rumors were circulating online that Nintendo would introduce an upgraded model of the Switch that would feature more powerful hardware specifications for advanced gaming capabilities.
Observers also expected a considerable design revamp that would address the durability issues of the original switch. The same observers and enthusiasts in the gaming community aspired for a hybrid console that would be on par with the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S/
To understand further the issues above, take note of the following cons or disadvantages and limitations of the OLED model of the Switch:
• Pricier Than Other Models: A higher price tag is one of the notable drawbacks or disadvantages of the Nintendo Switch OLED. It retails for USD 350.00 which is about USD 50.00 more expensive than the original Nintendo Switch and about USD 150.00 more expensive than the smaller Nintendo Switch Lite.
• No Major Improvements: Furthermore, regardless of the selling points mentioned above, the fact remains that the OLED model has no significant improvements over the original in terms of raw gaming capabilities. Some gamers are better off purchasing the original mode. There is no reason to upgrade to an OLED model.
• Drawbacks of OLED Displays: Another disadvantage of Nintendo Switch OLED centers on the specific drawbacks of OLED technology. OLED displays are generally superior to LCDs but it suffers from burn-ins due to the shorter lifespan of blue-emitting diodes and susceptibility to water-induced damage.
• Absence of 4K Capability: The television output also does not support 4K resolution. Tabletop consoles such as the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One X can play and stream games at 4K resolution. Game titles that support a higher resolution provide a more immersive gaming experience and maximize the advantages of 4K monitors.
• Outdated Hardware Specifications: Remember that the OLED model has the same capabilities as the original Switch. Considering the capabilities of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, another disadvantage of the Nintendo Switch OLED is that it is an older console that uses outdated processing technologies from 2017.
In A Nutshell: Why You Should Or Should Not Buy a Nintendo Switch OLED
The advantage of the Nintendo Switch OLED over most handheld game consoles such as the Steam Deck, Android smartphones and tablets, and the iPhone or iPad is that it is a dedicated gaming device with dedicated hardware specifications and configurations. It is Nintendo-licensed game titles are fundamentally optimized to run on this device.
Furthermore, when compared with game consoles such as the PlayStation 4 and 5, as well as Xbox One and Xbox Series X, another advantage of the Switch is that it is a hybrid game console that can either be used handheld or as a traditional tabletop console.
The large game library is also another reason that provides a strong reason for buying a Nintendo Switch. There are more than 5000 titles available in retail stores and online platforms. These include Nintendo-exclusive game titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and titles from prominent game developers and studios.
However, this console might not be for everyone. The gaming community remains divided between gaming via PC, using PlayStation, and Microsoft Xbox. These three dominate the video game market in terms of user base and the depth of their game libraries.
A key reason why one should not buy the OLED model of the Switch is if they already own an original Switch. There is no reason to upgrade because the Nintendo Switch OLED has no substantial hardware improvements. In addition, some consumers might be better off buying the cheaper and more portable Nintendo Switch Lite because of its lower price tag.