The new Nintendo Switch (the OLED model) is set to launch this month, and according to a Gizmodo writer who had the chance to try it out for an hour or so, you can really feel the hybrid console as it goes through a number of updates. Let’s find out what it’s all about.
Firstly, the suggested retail price is 37,980 yen including tax. The price is 5,000 yen more than the standard version, but in return you get the following features
A larger 7″ OLED display (compared to 6.2″ on the standard edition)
New and improved stereo speakers
Double the base capacity to 64GB (compared to 32GB on the standard version)
New dock with integrated Ethernet port
Redesigned tabletop stand
Black and white colour scheme
One of the most notable upgrades is still the new 7-inch OLED screen. It now has the same richness and vibrancy of colour as a smartphone or computer. At first, the fact that the resolution is still 720p seemed like a concern, but after an hour or so of playing Metroid Dread, it didn’t matter.
The overall pixel density is slightly lower on the larger screen, but when you’re playing some distance away from your face, the individual pixels don’t stand out and the colours are vibrant. It also feels more fun to play in handheld mode.
The new 7-inch screen seems to balance well with the slimmer bezels without increasing the overall size of the system. To be honest, the $5,000 difference in price from the standard version seems to make sense for this new OLED screen alone.
When the OLED model was first unveiled, the audio seemed to be an added bonus. But for those who play handheld, it’s a welcome upgrade. It’s not quite 3D spatial audio, of course, but it’s still clearer and more detailed than ever.
As for the doubling of storage to 64GB, some might say ‘finally’. If you play a lot of games, 32GB will fill up quickly, and a micro SD card is a must. For those who play each game slowly, the 64GB base will save you a little money by eliminating that extra expense.
And the new dock, with its built-in Ethernet port, will be a big help with fighting games like the Super Smash Bros series. It’s also useful for keeping the area around the media console clean and minimalist. The stand itself can be used to set the console on a tabletop, which is a wonder it hasn’t been done before.
Last but not least, the black and white colours are undoubtedly stylish (whatever your taste in colours).
Personally, I was only able to use the device for an hour or so, but I can still clearly say that I would recommend the new OLED model to anyone looking to buy a Nintendo Switch. The picture quality, sound quality and capacity are all elements that we wanted when we bought our Switch in 2017. More than just an update, it could be said that this is the default for the new Nintendo Switch.
So what does this mean for those who already own a Nintendo Switch? For those who already own a Nintendo Switch, it’s a bit of a no-brainer whether or not to buy a new one. If you’re looking to spend a few thousand to 10,000 yen on a new console, you’ll have to make the decision to upgrade from the Switch you’ve been using for a few years for 37,980 yen. And if there’s one thing I’m not happy about with my regular Nintendo Switch, it’s the joystick drift issue, which isn’t improved by the new OLED model (at least not to my knowledge).
Still, the quality and size of the new screen is so good that if you’re looking to replace your regular Nintendo Switch, we’d say “go for it”.
The new Nintendo Switch (OLED model) will be available from this Friday 8th October.
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