Does OLED Switch have better docked performance?
As a passionate gamer and Nintendo enthusiast, the first question I had when the new Switch OLED model was announced was: does this new display translate into better graphics or performance when docked and connected to my TV? After extensively analyzing the OLED Switch‘s specifications and functionality, the short answer is no – the Switch OLED does not offer any performance, resolution or frame rate improvements in docked mode over the standard Nintendo Switch.
Let‘s do a deep dive on the Switch OLED‘s capabilities both docked and handheld, and why its stunning OLED display doesn‘t boost its big-screen gameplay experience.
Switch OLED Docked Tech Specs: Identical Hardware to Standard Model
The foundation of docked performance starts with the Switch‘s internal processors and memory. And the OLED variant utilizes the exact same Nvidia Tegra X1 mobile processor and 4GB LPDDR4 RAM as the original Switch released back in 2017. Without any upgraded silicon, the console‘s processing bandwidth and graphical capabilities remain unchanged:
| Specification | Nintendo Switch (Original) | Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) |
| Processor | Nvidia Custom Tegra X1 mobile chip | Nvidia Custom Tegra X1 mobile chip |
| CPU Speed | 4 x ARM Cortex A57 cores @ 1020 MHz | 4 x ARM Cortex A57 cores @ 1020 MHz |
| GPU Core | 256 CUDA cores @ 307.2 MHz – 768 MHz | 256 CUDA cores @ 307.2 MHz – 768 MHz |
| System Memory | 4 GB LPDDR4 @ 1600 MHz | 4 GB LPDDR4 @ 1600 MHz |
Without anyBoost to computing bandwidth or faster memory, the OLED Switch performs identically to its predecessor while docked across gameplay, load times, frame rates, and power efficiency.
OLED Display Bypassed When Docked
The Switch OLED‘s showcase upgrade is its 7-inch 720p OLED panel, providing higher contrast, vibrant colors and deep blacks. But this integrated display is bypassed entirely when the console is docked.
Instead, the console solely outputs video via the USB-C port into the dock. This signal relays your gameplay to a connected TV or monitor, not the built-in screen.
In other words, the Switch functions identically to previous models when docked – the OLED screen won‘t impact visuals or performance.
Unchanged 1080p Resolution and 60 FPS Target When Docked
When docked, the original Switch dynamically scales the rendering resolution based on a game‘s complexity, while maintaining a 60 FPS target. Less intensive titles like Super Mario Odyssey can hit native 1080p, while demanding games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild render around 720p resolution.
Gaming site Digital Foundry performed controlled tests on the OLED Switch model and found no difference in rendering resolution or frame rates across multiple games:
As shown above, whether playing Mario Kart 8 or Astral Chain, both the standard and OLED Switch delivered equivalent docked performance throughout.
The OLED screen‘s gaming upgrades are thus focused squarely at mobile play. When connected to your TV, nothing changes performance-wise.
New Switch Dock Adds Wired Internet, Not Better Graphics
While functionally identical internally, the refreshed dock bundled with OLED Switch does add one helpful connectivity upgrade – an integrated Gigabit Ethernet port for wired internet access.
Previous Switch owners had to purchase a separate LAN adapter to access hardwired speeds. So connecting directly into your router or access point provides more consistent latency and bandwidth for online Smash or Splatoon matches.
However this upgrade is unrelated to graphics or display capabilities when docked. Game visuals, textures and frame pacing don‘t change whether you play over Wi-Fi or physical ethernet.
Outside of the welcome wired internet support, Nintendo made no changes to the Switch dock itself. So functionality remains identical to previous Switch bundles.
Do the OLED Switch Upgrades Provide Any Docked Gaming Benefits?
Considering its unchanged processor and GPU speeds, along with equivalent rendering resolution and frame rates when docked, the OLED Switch may seem nearly identical to its cheaper predecessor while connected to a TV.
But owners may notice some subtle advantages:
Slightly Improved Battery Life – Thanks to a more power efficient OLED panel, Nintendo quotes 4-9 hours of battery per charge depending on game activity. That‘s about 30 minutes longer than previous Switch models, allowing for longer handheld gaming before your next charge via the dock.
Double Internal Storage – With 64GB built-in compared to just 32GB before, the OLED model gives you more capacity for digital game downloads and DLC content out of the box. Combined with a 1TB microSD card, you can easily house your entire library without worrying about storage.
Enhanced Kickstand – Redesigned both for stability and viewing angles, the new kickstand makes tabletop multiplayer gaming sessions easier to manage. No more worrying about your Switch toppling over mid-race!
But if you already own a Switch and play primarily in docked mode, these modest additions probably aren‘t worth upgrading from your existing model. Without tangible performance or graphics gains while connected to a TV, Nintendo clearly designed its OLED model for handheld gaming scenarios first.
Docked Gaming Experience "Unchanged" Says Leading Experts
Don‘t just take my word on the absence of docked performance gains! Here‘s what leading reviewers said following extensive testing:
"Docked gameplay feels unchanged in our experience…No enhancements were made to docked visuals or performance." – IGN
"Connect to a TV and games play just as they always have in docked mode. Visuals are still 1080p dynamic resolution, targeting 60 frames per second." – Gamespot
"Graphics benchmarks and game load times were identical on the OLED and standard Switch." – Polygon
So the expert consensus matches our technical evaluation. Outside of the gorgeous OLED screen for portable play, Nintendo focused purely on handheld upgrades with its latest model. Your existing docked setup will function perfectly with the OLED Switch itself.
Given the lack of any true performance benefits while connected to a TV or monitor, I‘d only recommend upgrading if you:
- Play mostly in handheld mode and want the OLED visuals
- Need the extra onboard storage out of the box
- Previously bought a separate LAN adapter for wired connectivity.
Otherwise, enjoy your current Nintendo Switch to the fullest if TV mode remains your preferred gaming method!
Hopefully you found this detailed performance breakdown useful. Let me know if have any other questions on the Switch OLED as a passionate gamer myself. Enjoy whichever model provides the best experience for your favorite gameplay scenarios!
