The Switch OLED is Worth the Extra $50 for Most Gamers
As an avid Nintendo gamer and content creator, I‘ve been eagerly awaiting the release of the Switch OLED model. After closely analyzing the upgrades it offers, I can conclusively say the OLED Switch is worth shelling out an extra $50 for most gamers.
The vibrant 7-inch OLED screen takes the handheld experience to the next level with its stunning colors and sharp contrast. The bigger display coupled with OLED tech makes your favorite Switch games feel newer and more immersive. And the wide adjustable kickstand provides enhanced tabletop multiplayer stability.
While current Switch owners don‘t neccessarily need to upgrade, the OLED model is certainly worth the premium for new Switch buyers. Let‘s take a more detailed look at the key upgrades:
A Best-in-Class OLED Screen
The OLED panel on the new Switch takes its handheld visuals from good to great. With pure black pixels and enhanced contrast, details really pop on the 7-inch display. Side-by-side with the 6.2-inch LCD Switch, the OLED colors look significantly more vivid and lifelike.
According to display testing experts like DisplayNinja, the OLED Switch achieves nearly double the contrast ratio of the original model – infinite contrast versus 631:1 on the LCD Switch. This enables true black levels and punchier image quality.
In my experience gaming on both models, the OLED screen draws you deeper into handheld gaming sessions. Booting up Breath of the Wild and seeing the vivid green fields of Hyrule come alive is a treat compared to the flatter LCD visuals. The OLED panel makes the in-game world feel more immersive and engaging.
New Kickstand Design for Improved Tabletop Gaming
While the OLED screen is the main attraction, Nintendo also redesigned the built-in kickstand for the new model. It now stretches across the entire backside of the console, providing enhanced stability when playing in tabletop mode.
The original Switch featured a small plastic kickstand that was flimsy and prone to breaking off. It only propped the Switch at a single angle as well. The OLED‘s new kickstand is leagues better for tabletop multiplayer gaming.
When playing games like Mario Kart and Smash Bros on a table, you no longer have to worry about the Switch tipping over. And you can adjust the angle more freely to reduce glare. For those who enjoy gathering around the Switch for impromptu gaming parties, the kickstand upgrade alone adds plenty of value.
Double the Internal Storage
In addition to the display and kickstand improvements, the OLED Switch also packs 64GB of internal storage – double the 32GB found in the original model.
This extra 32GB allows you to download around 8-16 more digital games from the Nintendo eShop before needing expanded storage. For reference, here are the file sizes of some popular Switch titles:
| Game | File Size |
|---|---|
| Animal Crossing | 6.2GB |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | 7.5GB |
| Super Smash Bros | 13.6GB |
| Breath of the Wild | 13.4GB |
As you can see, 32GB gets eaten up fast. So the extra storage in the OLED Switch is greatly appreciated if you prefer downloading games over buying physical cartridges.
My Take – Well Worth $50 More For First-Time Buyers
As someone who games primarily in handheld mode, I think the OLED Switch easily justifies its $50 premium for first-time buyers. The OLED panel is leaps and bounds better than the original‘s LCD screen, making games more immersive visually. And the redesigned kickstand and added storage provide practical improvements for daily usage.
That said, current Switch owners should only upgrade if handheld play is your main gaming method. For those who mostly play docked on a TV, you won‘t benefit much from the OLED screen. In that case, it‘s tougher to recommend upgrading from the original Switch.
But for new buyers deciding between Switch models, I say spring for the OLED without hesitation. Considering you‘ll likely use the console for 4+ years before your next upgrade, that extra $50 works out to pennies per day. It‘s worth it to get the Switch that delivers the best on-the-go gameplay experience.
OLED vs LCD – A Clear Winner for Handheld Play
To give some numerical context around the OLED Switch‘s display advantages, let‘s dig into some key technical differences between OLED and LCD screens:
Contrast ratio – OLED has essentially infinite contrast since pixels are self-illuminating vs LCD‘s 1300:1 ratio
Black levels – OLED pixels can turn off completely for true blacks; LCD screens show more as dark gray
Viewing angles – OLED maintains consistent color and contrast at wide angles while LCD washes out
Brightness – The LCD Switch peaks at around 390 nits while OLED tops out around 450 nits
Color saturation – OLED displays can achieve 140% sRGB coverage for vibrant hues vs just 99% on LCD
When you add it all up, the OLED panel provides a sizable visual upgrade, especially for handheld play. The numbers don‘t lie – those deep blacks and vivid colors make for an eye-catching gaming display.
Long-Term OLED Concerns Largely Overblown
If you‘ve researched OLED technology at all, you may have some concerns around screen burn-in and decreased luminance over time. But for a gaming device like the Switch, these issues are largely overblown.
Nintendo‘s operating system and games are designed with OLED burn-in prevention in mind. Features like screen dimming, pixel shifting and screensavers are utilized to protect the display.
Reviews from outlets like Rtings, CNet and Digital Trends have all found the Switch OLED to be resistant to permanent burn-in under normal use conditions. You‘d have to intentionally abuse the screen for hours on end to produce any noticeable retention.
As for luminance degradation, modern OLED panels lose well under 1% brightness per year. After 10 years of use, expect around 80% of original brightness. For comparison, after 6 years LCD screens degrade to 50% brightness. So OLED offers better long-term luminance than LCD.
For a mobile device you‘ll likely upgrade from in 4-5 years anyway, OLED durability is a non-issue. Just use common sense screen care and your Switch OLED display will provide stunning visuals for years of gaming.
The Verdict – A Worthy Upgrade for Handheld Players
Considering its Superior display, revamped kickstand, and increased storage – the Switch OLED is a superb upgrade that justifies its $50 premium, especially for first-time Switch buyers.
The OLED screen alone makes handheld gaming much more immersive and visually impressive. And the overall form factor improvements like the kickstand allow for better on-the-go and tabletop gameplay.
Current Switch owners should only upgrade if handheld gaming is your primary playstyle. But for new buyers, the OLED model is absolutely worth the extra cost andProvides the definitive Switch experience in 2024.
So if you‘re looking to buy your first Switch or gift one to a family member, do yourself a favor and pick the OLED model. Its upgrades enhance the already phenomenal hybrid console to truly shine as both a handheld and living room system.
