No, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model Does Not Have Better Docked Performance

I‘ve analyzed the Switch OLED extensively, and the answer is clear – it does not improve performance or graphics when docked and connected to your TV.

The OLED model features a larger, superior display panel compared to the original Switch, but uses the same processor and outputs an identical max resolution of 1080p when docked. This means frame rates, game load times, and overall docked gaming capabilities are unchanged between the standard and OLED Nintendo Switch.

Let‘s closely examine the hardware specs and component abilities of each model while docked to understand why their capabilities are on par.

Display Resolution When Docked is Unchanged at 1080p

When docked, both the original Switch and new OLED model can output video at up to 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels). This is because they utilize the same Nvidia Custom Tegra processor and Imagination Technologies GPU.

Display Resolution While Docked:

The OLED model has a superior 7" OLED screen which displays at 1280 x 720 pixels in handheld mode. But when docked, games are rendered and upscaled to match your TV‘s resolution – so you could have anything from 1080p to 4K depending on your television.

In summary, both Switch variants max out at 1080p graphics when docked to your TV, irrespective of whether you play on OLED or the original Switch.

Framerates are Identical When Docked at 60fps

When analyzing game performance while docked, framerates are a key indicator. Thankfully both models can hit up to 60fps smoothly while connected to your television.

Framerates While Docked:

This testing was validated by leading gaming outlet Digital Foundry [1], who found frame rates were precisely matched across both devices when analyzed side-by-side.

So whether you‘re slashing enemies in the latest Zelda game or racing go-karts in Mario Kart 8, both Switch variants will render up to 60 slick frames per second for silky smooth visuals.

Loading Times Are Equal on Both Models

With console game install sizes ballooning over the last decade, game loading times are an important metric.

Thankfully, Digital Foundry‘s extensive testing revealed loading times between the standard and OLED Switch console are identical when docked. This is not surprising given both devices use the same processor and memory specs.

Here‘s a snapshot of various game loading times on both models:

Game Loading Times When Docked:

As shown above, test cases saw identical load times across both Switch variants when docked. So you can expect lightning fast access whether playing handheld or docked.

In summary – the hardware improvements in the OLED model exclusively benefit mobile play. For docked gaming, both models have precisely matched performance capabilities.

Why No Performance Upgrade When Docked?

Astute Nintendo fans may be wondering – why didn‘t the house of Mario upgrade processing power or capabilities when docked?

There‘s a few plausible reasons driving this strategy:

Prevent Console Fragmentation – More variants leads to extra software testing and optimization work for developers. By retaining identical docked performance, the OLED model slots right in without any code tweaks.

Extend Original Switch Lifecycle – With over 107 million Switches sold, not upgrading docked specs keeps the original model relevant for developers throughout its life cycle avoiding fragmentation across variants.

Encourage Handheld Adoption – Nintendo seem squarely focused on handheld gaming with the Switch. As TV-only gamers already get 1080p visuals, focusing enhancements exclusively on mobile play incentivizes gamers to play on-the-go.

But the OLED Display is Stunning for Mobile Gaming!

There‘s no question the OLED screen takes the Switch‘s handheld gaming abilities to the next level.

With vivid colors, inky blacks and a 70% increase in contrast ratios, games look absolutely stunning on the 7" OLED panel. Reviewers and gamers alike have praised the new display for taking immersion to new heights.

So for players craving the ultimate mobile gaming experience, the visual enhancements with Switch OLED are certainly worthwhile despite unchanged docked capabilities.

Will Future Updates Enable 4K Docked Gaming?

There were some initial reports indicating the new dock supports 4K video output, leading some to speculate whether this could be unlocked in a future software update.

Unfortunately, while the new dock may technically support 4K HDMI passthrough, the Switch CPU/GPU hardware is simply underpowered to actually render games at 4K resolutions.

Nintendo would need to upgrade the Tegra chipset substantially to support modern AAA gaming at 4K – likely requiring new custom silicon.

So while the OLED dock offers a glimpse into the future, hopes for 4K gaming will need to wait for a true Switch "Pro" upgrade.

What Hardware Would Enable 4K Docked Gaming?

To deliver native 4K docked gaming, Nintendo would need beef up the Switch‘s internal hardware.

Based on the GPU demands of modern games, they would likely need an order of magnitude power boost – potentially upgrading from the current Tegra X1 to something like the Tegra Xavier for dedicated 4K gaming.

Additionally, the newer chipset integrates DLSS 2.0 – Nvidia‘s AI rendering tech which uses machine learning to boost frame rates while rendering at higher resolutions.

This would allow Nintendo to achieve smooth 4K gaming without the astronomical cost of matching PS5 & Xbox Series X hardware.

Why Docked Gaming Stresses Components Further

There‘s a good reason Nintendo didn‘t push the standard Tegra X1 processor further for the OLED model – thermals and power draw increases substantially while docked.

When gaming on battery, the Switch utilizes an efficient ARM-based architecture to preserve battery life. However docked mode enables the GPU to output more sustained performance by drawing consistent power, hence the fans spin up audibly.

This indicates the chipset is already being taxed to its limits when docked for 1080p gameplay. With 4K rendering demanding over 4x the pixel count of 1080p, the fans and cooling would need significant enhancements.

Since Nintendo prioritized mobility with the OLED model, it seems they‘ve held off on performance upgrades until they can be better sustained in both handheld and docked scenarios.

Joy-Cons, Accessories & Games All Supported

Thankfully, accessory compatibility is unaffected by the OLED upgrade. All existing Switch controllers work flawlessly with the new model, including:

• Joy-Con Controllers
• Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
• Third-Party Gamepads & Fight Sticks

Likewise your game library can be played seamlessly across both devices – the gpu/cpu improvements exclusively benefit handheld visuals without impacting compatibility.

For gamers with an existing Nintendo Switch library, you can upgrade to OLED for a vastly improved handheld experience without losing access to any games or accessories.

Which Nintendo Switch Should You Buy?

For gamers yet to purchase a Switch console, I‘d certainly recommend buying the OLED model if you primarily play in handheld mode. The display enhancements genuinely take immersion to new levels on-the-go.

However for mostly docked gameplay, you‘ll receive identical performance with the regular Nintendo Switch for $50 less. Unless the larger, better display appeals for occasional mobile play, the standard Switch is potentially a better fit for TV-centric players.

Of course the new white color scheme and expanded 64GB onboard storage may also appeal over black 32GB base model for some buyers.

But ultimately when docked, neither model outperforms the other – so choose based on your typical gaming habits.

The Verdict? Stunning Display But No Docked Upgrades

In closing, I hope this detailed teardown clarifies that the Switch OLED Model does not upgrade performance or graphical capabilities when docked to your TV.

Both models utilize the same Tegra processor and output 1080p natively, leading to symmetrical framerates, loading times and smoothness while docked.

The OLED display is a showstopper for mobile play, but TV gamers receive an identical experience to the regular Nintendo Switch. So weigh your personal gaming habits before choosing either console to determine the best fit.

But for players like myself who split playtime evenly between handheld and docked, the Switch OLED is certainly a tantalizing proposition!

References:

[1] Docked and Undocked testing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbItTEmozxw