Nintendo Switch OLED: First Look & Trailer!

Hey everyone! Let's dive straight into the buzz surrounding the Nintendo Switch OLED model. After tons of rumors and speculation, Nintendo finally gave us a first look via an official trailer, and, guys, it’s got some neat upgrades! This isn't a completely new console generation, but more like a souped-up version of what we already love. So, what's new, what's changed, and is it worth the upgrade? Let’s break it down.

What's New in the Nintendo Switch OLED Model?

At first glance, the most noticeable change is, of course, the OLED screen. Bumping up from the original Switch's LCD screen, this new 7-inch OLED display promises richer colors, deeper blacks, and an overall more vibrant visual experience. Imagine playing Breath of the Wild or Super Mario Odyssey with even more stunning visuals! The OLED technology means each pixel emits its own light, so you get true blacks and incredible contrast. This is a huge deal for gamers who appreciate visual fidelity.

Beyond the screen, Nintendo has also tweaked a few other areas. The dock now includes a built-in wired LAN port, which is fantastic news for those who prefer a stable internet connection for online multiplayer games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Splatoon 2. No more relying solely on Wi-Fi – plug in and enjoy smoother, lag-free gaming sessions.

Another welcome change is the adjustable stand. The original Switch had a flimsy little kickstand that felt like it could snap off at any moment. The OLED model features a much wider, more robust stand that spans the entire back of the console, offering significantly more stability and adjustability. This is a game-changer for tabletop mode, making it much easier to share your gaming experience with friends.

Finally, Nintendo has doubled the internal storage to 64GB. While this still isn't a massive amount, it's definitely a step up from the original Switch's meager 32GB. This extra space will allow you to download more games directly to your system without constantly juggling storage. Plus, the new model boasts enhanced audio for both handheld and tabletop modes, promising a more immersive sound experience.

Diving Deeper: The OLED Screen

Let's really talk about this OLED screen because, honestly, it's the star of the show. OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology is a big upgrade over the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) found in the original Switch. In an LCD screen, a backlight shines through a layer of liquid crystals to create the image. This means that even when the screen is supposed to be showing black, there's still some light bleeding through, resulting in a grayish-black color.

With OLED, each pixel is its own light source. When a pixel needs to be black, it simply turns off completely. This results in true blacks, which in turn leads to significantly higher contrast ratios and more vibrant colors. Think about exploring a dark cave in Metroid Dread – the blacks will be inky and deep, making the glowing elements pop even more.

The 7-inch size is also a nice bump from the original Switch's 6.2-inch screen. While it might not sound like much, that extra screen real estate can make a noticeable difference, especially in handheld mode. Games will feel more immersive, and text will be easier to read. It’s a win-win!

Wired LAN Port: A Gamer's Dream

For those of us who take our online gaming seriously, the inclusion of a wired LAN port in the dock is a huge deal. Wi-Fi is convenient, but it can be prone to interference and lag, especially in crowded environments. A wired connection provides a much more stable and reliable internet connection, which is crucial for competitive games.

Imagine playing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate online without having to worry about sudden lag spikes or disconnects. Or coordinating strategies with your teammates in Splatoon 2 without your connection dropping at a critical moment. The wired LAN port ensures that you have the best possible online gaming experience, giving you a competitive edge.

Plus, it's just more convenient. No need to buy a separate USB-to-Ethernet adapter – simply plug your Ethernet cable directly into the dock and you're good to go. It’s a small addition, but it makes a big difference for serious gamers.

Improved Adjustable Stand: Tabletop Mode Revolutionized

Let's be real, the original Switch's kickstand was pretty terrible. It was flimsy, unstable, and only offered one viewing angle. It felt like it was always on the verge of snapping off, which made tabletop mode a risky proposition.

The new adjustable stand on the OLED model is a complete redesign. It's much wider, spanning almost the entire back of the console, and it's made of a much sturdier material. This provides a far more stable base, so you don't have to worry about your Switch tipping over during an intense gaming session.

More importantly, the new stand is adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect viewing angle for any situation. Whether you're playing on a table, on a train, or even in bed, you can easily adjust the stand to get the best possible view of the screen. This makes tabletop mode much more enjoyable and practical.

Enhanced Audio: Immersion Amplified

While it might not be as visually striking as the OLED screen or as practical as the wired LAN port, the enhanced audio on the new model is still a welcome addition. Nintendo hasn't gone into too much detail about what exactly they've improved, but they promise a more immersive sound experience in both handheld and tabletop modes.

This could mean a number of things, such as louder speakers, a wider soundstage, or improved clarity. Whatever the specific improvements, better audio will undoubtedly enhance your gaming experience, making games feel more engaging and immersive.

Imagine playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and hearing the wind rustling through the trees with greater clarity, or feeling the impact of each punch in ARMS with more force. Enhanced audio can make a big difference in bringing games to life.

Is the Nintendo Switch OLED Model Worth It?

So, the big question: is the Nintendo Switch OLED model worth the upgrade? The answer, as always, depends on your individual needs and priorities.

If you primarily play your Switch in handheld mode, the OLED screen is a game-changer. The improved visuals will make your games look stunning, and the larger screen size will make them more immersive. The enhanced audio is also a nice bonus.

If you primarily play your Switch docked, the wired LAN port is a significant upgrade. It will provide a much more stable and reliable internet connection for online gaming.

However, if you're happy with the visuals of the original Switch and don't play online multiplayer games, the OLED model might not be worth the upgrade. It's also worth noting that the OLED model doesn't offer any performance improvements – it's still running the same processor and has the same amount of RAM as the original Switch.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, and consider how you typically use your Switch. If you're a hardcore gamer who values visuals and online performance, the OLED model is definitely worth considering. If you're a more casual player, you might be better off sticking with the original Switch.

Final Thoughts

The Nintendo Switch OLED model is a solid mid-generation refresh. The OLED screen is stunning, the wired LAN port is a welcome addition, and the improved stand is a much-needed upgrade. While it might not be a completely new console, it offers enough improvements to make it a worthwhile upgrade for many gamers. So, are you hyped about the new OLED Switch? Let us know in the comments below!