Nintendo Switch OLED Model: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Nintendo has recently released the Nintendo Switch OLED model, a new version of its popular hybrid console that features a larger and brighter screen, enhanced audio, a wider kickstand, and more storage space. But is it worth the upgrade for existing Switch owners or newcomers to the system? Here are some pros and cons to help you decide.

Pros

• The OLED screen is the main selling point of the new model. It offers a 7-inch display with vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and higher contrast than the LCD screen of the original Switch. The OLED screen also consumes less power, which means slightly longer battery life.
• The enhanced audio is another improvement that enhances the gaming experience. The new model has two speakers on each side of the console, which provide clearer and louder sound than the single speaker on the original Switch.
• The wider kickstand is a welcome change for those who like to play in tabletop mode. The new kickstand can be adjusted to different angles and is more stable than the flimsy one on the original Switch.
• The increased storage space is a nice bonus for those who download a lot of games from the eShop. The new model has 64 GB of internal memory, double the amount of the original Switch. You can still expand it with a microSD card if you need more space.

Cons

• The OLED model does not offer any performance upgrades over the original Switch. It has the same processor, RAM, and graphics chip as the original Switch, which means it runs games at the same resolution and frame rate. Some fans were hoping for a more powerful Switch that could run games at 4K resolution or 60 frames per second, but that is not the case with the OLED model.
• The OLED model is more expensive than the original Switch. It costs $349.99 in the US, £309.99 in the UK, and €364.99 in Europe, which is $50, £30, and €40 more than the original Switch respectively. That might be a hard sell for some consumers who are looking for a cheaper entry point into the Switch ecosystem or who already own a Switch and are not convinced by the OLED screen.
• The OLED model does not fix some of the issues that plague the original Switch. For example, it still uses the same Joy-Con controllers that are prone to drifting, which is when the analog sticks register movement even when they are not touched. It also does not have Bluetooth support for wireless headphones or speakers, which is a feature that many fans have been requesting for years.

Conclusion

The Nintendo Switch OLED model is a refined version of the original Switch that offers some improvements in terms of screen quality, audio, kickstand, and storage space. However, it does not offer any performance upgrades or fix some of the existing problems with the original Switch. Whether it is worth the upgrade depends on your personal preference and budget. If you are happy with your current Switch or are looking for a cheaper option, you might want to stick with what you have or wait for a price drop. But if you are looking for a better handheld experience or are new to the Switch family, you might want to consider getting the OLED model.

Sources:

: https://www.nintendo.com/switch/oled-model/
: https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/07/nintendo_switch_oled_model_-_price_release_date_specs_and_everything_you_need_to_know
: https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/10/nintendo_switch_oled_model_review