The short answer is – it depends on your usage. For new buyers and handheld gaming enthusiasts, the OLED Switch is definitely worth the $50 upgrade. But for existing owners who mostly play docked on a TV, it‘s a tougher call and the standard model may still satisfy you just fine.
Breaking Down the Enhanced OLED Switch
Let‘s first look at what exactly you‘re getting for that extra $50 with the new OLED model compared to the standard Nintendo Switch:
Brilliant 7-Inch OLED Display
The defining upgrade is the vibrant 7-inch OLED screen, which replaces the 6.2-inch LCD panel used since the Switch‘s launch in 2017. With its self-emissive OLED pixels and per-pixel lighting control, this display provides stunning color accuracy, perfect blacks, and an almost infinite contrast ratio.
According to Lab tests, the OLED screen has a 0.1 millisecond response time, enabling sharp motion clarity. This is up to 5 times faster than the average LCD response time. The Switch LCD typically scores between 0.5 to 1 millisecond.
The OLED panel also maintains its vivid colors and image quality at wider off-center viewing angles, enabling better shared viewing in tabletop mode.
Overall, the visual enhancements offered by OLED technology make gaming worlds and characters pop with new life. Side-by-side, the difference is very noticeable.
Larger and More Versatile Kickstand
One frequent complaint around the original Switch was its small, flimsy integrated kickstand that made tabletop play feel unstable. Nintendo has addressed this with a significantly improved kickstand on the OLED model.
The new kickstand runs the entire width of the backside and provides a much sturdier base. It also can adjust forward and back, enabling more customized viewing angles up to 70 degrees. This wider rage helps compensate when playing in bed or other uneven surfaces. The new kickstand design is a major upgrade for tabletop gaming sessions.
64GB Internal Storage
While not as substantial, the bump up to 64GB of built-in storage from the original 32GB is welcome. This gives you room for 12-15 full digital game downloads before needing an SD card expansion compared to around 5-8 on the base model.
Of course, nearly all Switch owners supplement with a larger microSD card, but that extra breathing room right out of the box means you can enjoy more of Nintendo‘s digital library before shelling out for a card.
Enhanced Dock
The remaining changes are focused on the dock and connectivity. The new dock has an integrated LAN port for wired internet when docked. This allows for lower latency and more stable online gaming when playing competitive Switch titles like Super Smash Bros or Splatoon 2.
The dock also has a wider collapsible stand on the back, providing some angled adjustment options. It‘s a minor change but makes the dock design feel more premium.
Performance and Battery Life Remain Unchanged
Importantly, besides the display upgrade, the technical specs and performance benchmarks of the OLED model remain identical to the standard Switch.
Both are powered by Nvidia‘s Tegra X1 Mariko processor, providing smooth performance for Switch games whether docked or handheld. CPU speeds are the same 1 GHz while the GPU clocks in at 768 MHz docked and 307.2 MHz portable. You won‘t see any framerate or loading time differences between the two models.
Battery life is also consistent, with both Switch versions rated for between 4.5 and 9 hours depending on the games and brightness levels used. Lab tests confirm nearly identical battery runtimes.
The OLED screen‘s efficiency is counterbalanced by the slightly larger display size. So the improvements here are squarely focused on the screen and multimedia experience rather than raw performance.
How Does OLED Improve Gaming Visuals?
Let‘s explore why the OLED display takes the Switch‘s handheld and tabletop visuals to the next level:
Vibrant Colors and Striking Contrast
With independent light control, OLED pixels can produce essentially infinite contrast for unmatched black levels. This makes shadows inkier, accentuates details, and gives images more depth.
Vibrant colors also burst off the screen thanks to OLED‘s wider color gamut capabilities. Hues seem to pop compared to the slightly more muted tones on the LCD panel.
For example, in games like Breath of the Wild, the lush greens of Hyrule‘s grass and trees take on new vividness. Fiery explosions and magic spells in action games become more dramatic and eye-catching. Even simple games like Tetris 99 reveal subtle rainbow hues in the falling blocks.
Crisp Motion Clarity
The OLED screen‘s 0.1 millisecond response time completely eliminates motion blur and ghosting during fast gaming action. This enhances gameplay readability and control precision whether dashing through tracks in Mario Kart 8 or battling enemies in Bayonetta 2.
While the standard LCD Switch screen also has low latency and performs well, OLED‘s instant pixel response takes motion clarity to another level.
Wide and Consistent Viewing Angles
OLED technology maintains its color accuracy and contrast at wider off-center viewing angles. You can share gameplay or glance from the sides without the colors shifting like on an LCD. For multi-player games, this allows for a more uniform viewing experience for everyone.
Even when using the kickstand in tabletop mode at various angles, the OLED Switch‘s image remains true with no distortion. This OLED advantage helps expand the sweet spot for tabletop multiplayer sessions.
Expected Longevity and Support
For any hardware purchase, consumers rightly want confidence their device will provide years of use. Let‘s look at a few factors regarding the Switch OLED‘s longevity.
Proven Durable Glass Screen
Like previous Switch generations, the OLED model uses a durable heat-strengthened glass display. Scratch and drop testing shows this glass protects well against everyday wear.
Of course, Reddit threads contain isolated incidents of damaged screens, but this is quite rare under normal conditions. For peace of mind, a glass screen protector is still recommended to safeguard from scratches.
Minimal Risk of Burn-In
All OLED screens can experience image retention or "burn-in" if static content remains on-screen constantly. However, this is highly unlikely with typical Switch gaming usage that frequently changes visuals.
Lab endurance tests running the same game non-stop take thousands of hours before any hint of retention. Nintendo has also implemented features like screen dimming and pixel-shifting to protect the display when idle. So burn-in should not be a practical concern.
Easy Repair and Parts Availability
In the unlikely event of accidental damage, the Switch OLED achieved a repairability score of 7/10 from iFixit, indicating a straightforward repair process.
Nintendo‘s official US store offers flat-rate repairs starting at $100 for minimal issues and up to $235 for a complete rebuild. For savvy do-it-yourselfers, replacement parts like screens and batteries are readily available online for reasonable prices.
Nintendo‘s Track Record
Importantly, Nintendo has a proven track record of providing long-term support for their hardware. Consider that:
- The original 2017 Switch is still being updated and manufactured over 5 years later. All Switch games and accessories maintain compatibility between generations.
- The Nintendo 3DS received 6 years of new game releases after its 2011 launch before Nintendo shifted focus to Switch.
- Even the legacy Wii Shop Channel remained active for nearly 12 years before closure in 2019.
This exemplifies Nintendo‘s commitment to maximizing a console‘s lifespan rather than short upgrade cycles seen with smartphone vendors. The OLED model should have many years of gaming ahead.
For New Buyers, OLED Switch is the Choice
If you‘re considering a first-time Switch purchase, the OLED model makes the most sense, providing a meaningfully enhanced experience for just $50 more than the base version‘s MSRP. Here‘s a quick rundown of pros and cons:
OLED Switch Pros:
- More vibrant, high-contrast display – games look great
- Improved kickstand for tabletop play anywhere
- 64GB storage accommodates more game downloads
- Future-proofed with wired LAN port in dock
OLED Cons:
- $50 pricier than standard Switch
- Joy-Cons prone to drift issues (though repairable)
- Battery life still only 4.5 – 9 hours
Of course, even the standard $300 Switch delivers incredible gaming value with its hybrid concept and stellar exclusives like Zelda and Mario. But if it fits within budget, the OLED upgrades are worthwhile, especially the screen, for just a 17% premium.
For Current Owners, Upgrade Decision is More Difficult
For existing Switch owners happy with their model, the upgrade decision becomes less clear-cut and depends much more on your typical gameplay habits.
Big Screen Enthusiasts Get the Most Benefit
If you play handheld frequently, the superior OLED display will be a noticeable upgrade you really appreciate. Its vibrant colors and crisp motion will make your favorite games more visually engaging.
Trading up by selling your older Switch online can help offset the price. For avid handheld players, the improvement is likely worth the hassle.
TV Players Won‘t See Much Difference
On the other hand, if you generally play docked on a TV where the display upgrades are irrelevant, it‘s a much harder sell. Without a performance boost, the other minor improvements around storage, LAN, and kickstand don‘t move the needle much.
Only consider upgrading if you occasionally play handheld and value having the best possible Switch screen for those sessions. For TV-focused players, save your money and stick with your current model.
Wait for a "Switch Pro" Instead?
Rumors continue to circulate regarding a more powerful "Switch Pro" model at some point. This would likely include upgrades like:
- 4K docked resolution
- Faster CPU and GPU
- Improved Joy-Cons with haptic feedback
- Bigger and better OLED screen
For existing owners feeling underwhelmed by the OLED Switch, waiting to see if a "Pro" model materializes in 2024 or 2024 is reasonable. This would provide a more meaningful performance boost.
Of course, Nintendo may stick with incremental upgrades, so temper expectations. But for some owners, waiting makes more sense than sidegrading to the OLED.
The Verdict?
For new buyers able to afford the $350 price point, the Switch OLED model is clearly the way to go. The beautiful display and improved kickstand provide the best possible handheld and tabletop gameplay experience. These upgrades outweigh the minor $50 premium.
However, for existing Switch owners, particularly those who mostly play docked on a TV, the upgrade is far less necessary right now. While the OLED screen is spectacular, you may be better served sticking with your current model or waiting to see if a "Switch Pro" materializes down the road.
Evaluate your personal usage habits and budget considerations. For TV-focused players, save your cash. But if you love handheld gaming, the visual enhancements with the new OLED model are compelling enough to warrant an upgrade.
No matter which Switch you choose, the future looks bright with Nintendo promising support well into the 2020s. With the system‘s fantastic library spanning Breath of the Wild, Mario Odyssey, Smash Bros, and many more must-play exclusives, you really can‘t go wrong with a Switch. Just decide if the OLED version‘s $50 premium provides enough benefit for your needs. Happy gaming!
