WE had a chance to try the NEW Nintendo Switch OLED months before it’s out.
Scroll down to check out our first impressions below…
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Nintendo Switch OLED Model revealed – new features and screen
It’s the third core version of Nintendo’s console, joining the Switch and Switch Lite.
Nintendo says the console is largely the same size as the Nintendo Switch proper.
But it’s got a larger 7-inch OLED screen with “vivid colours and high contrast” – and a 1280×720 pixel resolution.
OLED is a new type of screen technology that most TVs haven’t even got yet – but is increasingly common on high-end tellies and smartphones.
When docked to a TV, you’ll get up to 1920 x 1080 resolution with 60 frames-per-second.
There’s a wide adjustable stand for tabletop gaming.
The stand flips out from the back of the console, and allows for tilting to get the best view of the screen.
And Nintendo has created a new dock with a wired LAN port for stable online play – meaning it’s taking online gaming seriously.
Nintendo Switch OLED Model new design
The new Joy-Cons come in a white colour, which is matched by the dock.
Of course, the classic red-and-blue colourway is still available.
Nintendo has fitted the new Switch OLED Model with 64GB of storage.
That’s double the 32GB in the standard Switch, a change that gamers have been calling out for since the original console launched in 2017.
Unlike the Switch Lite (and just like the Switch), Nintendo’s new console is suitable for TV gaming and handheld play sessions.
Nintendo Switch OLED release date, specs and price
You’ll also be able to pick up an official carrying case and screen protector set, which is handy if you do decide to take it out and about.
The new Nintendo Switch OLED Model release date is set for October 8.
That’s the same date that Metroid Dread comes out – the long-awaited sequel to Metroid Fusion.
If you already have a Nintendo Switch, you’ll be able to transfer your games and save data to the new console.
The new console costs $349.99 or £309.99, which is up on the $299.99 price tag for the regular model – and far more than the $199 Switch Lite.
UK pricing will be set by retailers.
Nintendo Switch OLED first impressions
I spent an hour with the new Nintendo Switch OLED in the basement of a posh London hotel.
It fancier than my usual gaming haunts, so entirely appropriate given this is the “posh” Nintendo Switch.
You’ll pay £30 (or more depending on the retailer) for the new model.
It’s not a huge expense, but is it worth it?
The OLED screen is certainly bigger, more vibrant and serves up a wider range of colours.
Breath of the Wild looks fantastic on it, and that’s no surprise.
After all, this is a better quality screen than your TV, though it probably doesn’t match the resolution unless you’ve got an old or very cheap telly.
The handset is marginally heavier but you’d never feel it.
And it looks brilliant in black and white – better than the official pictures show.
The kickstand is great, though you still need to be fairly close to the console to see it properly during Tabletop Mode multiplayer.
Is it worth the extra £30? It’s hard to say, given how little time I’ve spent with it.
But it’s a small price to pay for an OLED screen, especially as smartphone firms typically charge far higher premiums – and TV companies more still.
The boosted storage is possibly even the bigger temptation.
Doubled from 32GB to 64GB, it’s a major coup – and will let you fit a few more games on the machine.
I’m constantly (and regrettably) deleting titles from my own Nintendo Switch, so the 64GB is a huge pull.
Perhaps the bigger problem will be whether you can actually get one before Christmas.
Stock issues have plagued tech industries, and general demand is rampant in the run-up to Christmas.
So if you want the new Switch OLED, it’s probably worth securing your order sooner rather than later.
- Nintendo Switch OLED – sign up here
- Nintendo Switch OLED at Currys for £309 – buy here
All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed. Always do your own research before making any purchase.
