The Nintendo Switch OLED, released on October 8, 2021, marked a new chapter in the evolution of the Nintendo Switch, the immensely successful hybrid console that took the gaming world by storm in 2017. While not a full hardware upgrade like some had speculated, the Switch OLED is an iteration that enhances the original console’s core design with a more vibrant display, improved speakers, a wider kickstand, and other minor refinements. The introduction of this model reflects Nintendo’s ongoing strategy of refreshing its hardware to maintain momentum in the competitive gaming industry without making drastic technological leaps.
In this article, we’ll explore the history and development of the Nintendo Switch OLED, the key features that distinguish it from previous models, its impact on the gaming industry, the market reception, and its place in the broader ecosystem of Nintendo's consoles.
Background and Development of the Nintendo Switch OLED
The Nintendo Switch’s launch in March 2017 was a pivotal moment for the gaming giant, positioning Nintendo once again as a major player in the home console market after the underwhelming performance of the Wii U. The console’s hybrid nature, which allowed it to function both as a home console and a portable device, made it an innovative solution for players who wanted flexibility in how and where they played their games.
As the Switch’s popularity surged, so did the demand for hardware updates. By 2019, Nintendo introduced the Nintendo Switch Lite, a smaller, handheld-only version of the original Switch designed for on-the-go gaming. This model provided a more affordable entry point for players who didn’t need the home console features. However, by 2021, rumors began circulating that Nintendo was planning a more substantial upgrade, colloquially referred to as the "Switch Pro." Expectations were high for a more powerful model with 4K output and other enhanced features to compete with Sony's PlayStation 5 and Microsoft's Xbox Series X.
While the Switch OLED didn’t meet these speculated expectations, it arrived as a significant upgrade to the existing Switch model in terms of screen quality and usability. By addressing key criticisms of the original design—such as the plastic screen and flimsy kickstand—the Switch OLED offered a more premium experience while maintaining compatibility with all existing Switch games and accessories. This iterative approach allowed Nintendo to keep the platform fresh and appealing without fragmenting its user base with a new generation of hardware.
Key Features of the Nintendo Switch OLED
Though the core functionality of the Switch OLED remains largely unchanged from the base model, several key upgrades make it stand out as an attractive option for new buyers and those looking to enhance their Switch experience.
1. The 7-Inch OLED Display
The most significant improvement in the Switch OLED model is its display. The original Switch features a 6.2-inch LCD screen, while the Switch OLED expands the display size to 7 inches without increasing the physical dimensions of the console. The reduction of the bezel size around the screen allows for a larger display area without making the console bulkier.
OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology represents a major leap over the original LCD screen. OLED displays are known for their deep blacks, vibrant colors, and improved contrast ratios because they don’t require backlighting—each pixel is individually lit. This results in richer colors and a more immersive gaming experience, particularly in games with darker scenes or vivid environments, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Metroid Dread.
In handheld mode, the visual improvement is immediately noticeable, making the Switch OLED feel like a more premium device. Whether playing graphically intensive titles or indie games, the enhanced screen quality brings out more detail and nuance, which elevates the experience for players who primarily use the system in portable mode.
2. Enhanced Audio
Along with the upgraded display, the Switch OLED model also features improved onboard speakers. Nintendo enhanced the audio output for better sound quality in handheld and tabletop modes, offering clearer and crisper audio, which is especially important for immersive gaming experiences. This upgrade is subtle but noticeable, especially in games with detailed soundscapes or intricate audio effects. While the improvement doesn’t rival high-end gaming headsets or external speakers, it adds to the overall sense of quality in the Switch OLED’s design.
3. Adjustable, Wider Kickstand
One of the most criticized aspects of the original Switch was its flimsy, narrow kickstand, which made it difficult to play games comfortably in tabletop mode, especially on uneven surfaces. The Switch OLED addresses this issue by introducing a wider, sturdier kickstand that spans almost the entire width of the console. The new kickstand offers multiple viewing angles, allowing players to adjust the screen’s position to their liking.
This improvement enhances the Switch’s versatility in social gaming situations, as players can more easily set up the console for multiplayer games on the go. Whether playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe at a party or gathering for a local Super Smash Bros. Ultimate match, the improved kickstand makes the Switch OLED a more practical option for shared gaming experiences.
4. More Internal Storage
Another notable upgrade in the Switch OLED is the increase in internal storage capacity. The original Switch model comes with 32 GB of internal storage, which can quickly fill up with downloadable games, updates, and save data. The Switch OLED doubles this to 64 GB, providing more breathing room for digital downloads. While many players still opt to use a microSD card for additional storage, this increase helps reduce the immediate need for external storage, especially for players who primarily purchase physical games.
5. Dock with Built-in Ethernet Port
The Switch OLED’s dock also sees some upgrades. The most significant change is the inclusion of a built-in Ethernet port, which allows for wired internet connections without the need for a separate adapter. This is a welcome addition for players who enjoy competitive online gaming, as it provides a more stable and reliable connection than Wi-Fi, reducing latency and improving overall performance in games like Splatoon 2, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Fortnite.
The dock’s design has also been slightly refined, with a sleeker look and a revised back panel for easier cable management. However, it remains fully compatible with both the original Switch and the Switch Lite, ensuring that players can use their existing accessories with the new model.
Impact of the Nintendo Switch OLED on the Gaming Industry
1. Reinforcing the Hybrid Console Concept
When the Nintendo Switch was first released, its hybrid concept was seen as a gamble. Would players embrace a console that aimed to bridge the gap between home and portable gaming? The answer was a resounding yes, and the Switch has since sold over 100 million units worldwide, making it one of Nintendo’s most successful consoles. The release of the Switch OLED further solidifies the hybrid concept as a winning strategy for Nintendo.
By continuing to iterate on this concept without drastically changing the core design, Nintendo reinforces the idea that flexibility in how and where games are played is a major selling point for modern gamers. The Switch OLED appeals to players who value the handheld experience but still want the option to play on a larger screen. This has been particularly important in a world where mobile gaming and gaming on demand have become increasingly popular.
2. Extending the Console Life Cycle
In the past, console generations typically lasted around five to six years before new hardware was introduced. However, with the Switch OLED, Nintendo appears to be extending the life cycle of its current console generation. Rather than releasing a full-fledged successor to the Switch, Nintendo opted for an iterative upgrade, following a trend seen in other tech industries, such as smartphones.
This approach allows Nintendo to keep the Switch platform relevant in the marketplace while avoiding the fragmentation that could come with introducing entirely new hardware. Players who already own a Switch aren’t left behind, as all existing games and accessories work seamlessly with the OLED model. This decision has also allowed Nintendo to capitalize on the success of the Switch without alienating its large install base, while still attracting new buyers with a more premium option.
3. Competing with Next-Gen Consoles
The Switch OLED’s release came at a time when the gaming landscape was dominated by discussions around next-gen consoles—the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Both of these consoles boast significant hardware improvements, offering 4K gaming, ray tracing, and other cutting-edge features that the Switch OLED doesn’t attempt to match.
However, rather than competing on raw power, Nintendo has continued to carve out its own space in the industry by focusing on what makes the Switch unique: portability, flexibility, and a stellar first-party game library. The OLED model, with its improved display and enhanced features, further emphasizes these strengths. By offering an upgraded experience without venturing into the next-gen arms race, Nintendo has been able to maintain a distinct identity in the gaming market.
4. Expanding the Audience for Portable Gaming
The Switch OLED also reflects the growing importance of portable gaming in the broader industry. As mobile gaming has become more popular, players have shown a willingness to embrace devices that offer high-quality gaming experiences on the go. The success of the Switch, and now the Switch OLED, suggests that there is a large market for devices that blend the accessibility of mobile gaming with the depth and complexity of console titles.
This trend is further evidenced by the development of other handheld gaming systems, such as Valve’s Steam Deck, which aims to bring PC gaming into a portable format. The Switch OLED’s success shows that there is significant demand for high-quality portable gaming experiences that don’t sacrifice on visual fidelity or game performance, particularly in an era where gaming on the go is increasingly common.
Market Reception and Sales
The Nintendo Switch OLED was met with generally positive reviews from both critics and consumers. While some were initially disappointed that the model wasn’t a more substantial upgrade, such as the rumored "Switch Pro," the OLED model’s improvements in screen quality and build design were widely praised. Players who primarily used the Switch in handheld mode found the OLED display to be a major upgrade, offering a more immersive and visually appealing gaming experience.
In terms of sales, the Switch OLED has contributed to the continued strong performance of the Switch family of consoles. Despite being more expensive than the base model, the OLED version has found an enthusiastic audience, particularly among new buyers and those looking to upgrade their existing Switch. While exact sales figures for the OLED model alone haven’t been widely reported, it has helped Nintendo maintain its dominant position in the gaming hardware market, with the Switch family consistently ranking among the top-selling consoles each month.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch OLED represents a thoughtful and measured evolution of one of the most successful gaming consoles of all time. By focusing on improving key aspects of the player experience—such as the display, audio, and usability—without abandoning the core features that made the Switch so popular, Nintendo has struck a balance between innovation and consistency. The Switch OLED has reinforced the hybrid console concept, extended the Switch’s life cycle, and helped Nintendo remain a dominant force in the gaming industry.
While it may not have been the dramatic upgrade that some were expecting, the Switch OLED offers a more refined and premium experience that appeals to a wide range of players. As Nintendo continues to support the platform with new games and online services, the Switch OLED ensures that the Switch family remains at the forefront of gaming for years to come.