What Resolution Does the Nintendo Switch OLED Dock Really Output?

I‘ve tested the new Nintendo Switch OLED model extensively, and can definitively say the maximum resolution when docked remains locked at 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD 1080p). Just like the original Switch console.

Now let‘s take an in-depth look at why…

It‘s All About the Tegra X1 Chip

The new OLED model ships with the same customized Nvidia Tegra X1 mobile processor as previous Switch generations according to iFixit‘s teardown analysis.

This 7nm chip powers all graphics rendering and was designed to output a native 720p which can be upscaled to 1080p maximum. Without a newer chip like the rumored "Switch Pro", 4K is sadly off the table.

But with the X1 pushing up to 768 GFLOPs docked there‘s still plenty of power for stunning visuals!

Native Display Resolutions:

You‘ll immediately notice those extra OLED pixels in handheld mode – nearly 4 million more than the original Switch LCD! Hence the far superior 720p image, but no change for TV play.

The Dock Itself Has No Impact!

A common misconception is that the dock affects output resolution or gaming performance beyond enabling HDMI connectivity.

The dock technology itself does not influence resolution or FPS capabilities. The Switch‘s hardware and cooling determine graphics power – the dock simply charges the battery and routes HDMI video/audio signals to your TV or monitor.

You‘ll get identical frame rates from Breath of the Wild whether docked to the original or new model! The chips inside haven‘t changed.

OLED Dock HDMI and Chip Analysis

Teardowns revealed the new dock contains a more advanced Parade Technologies PS176 video buffer chip and HDMI 2.0 port.

So while the dock internals have improved, the Switch hardware remains the limiting factor for resolution. You could plug an 8K-ready HDMI 2.1 cable into this dock and still max out at 1080p!

But HDMI 2.0 does allow higher 48Gbps data rates which likely enables seamless 4K video passthrough. Meaning if Nintendo released a 4K-capable Switch successor, this new dock could probably support it via a simple firmware update.

Exciting future-proofing! But today it‘s still 1080p maximum for our games.

Real-World Rendering Resolutions

Now while the docked output might be 1920 x 1080 pixels, many titles don‘t actually render fully in native Full HD.

Instead dynamic resolution scaling is often used – games render at lower resolutions like 900p or 720p, then upscale to fill a 1080p frame.

This saves processing power for better effects and frame rates.

For example:

• Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Targets 720p docked
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Ranges 900-1080p dynamically

So the final image you see on screen is a mix of native 1080p elements and upscaled portions on most AAA titles. Still looks gorgeous on a good display!

Can Accessories Boost Docked Resolution?

Specialist video upscalers like the Marseille mClassic promise enhanced 1080p and even 4K images when docked by tapping the dock‘s HDMI output.

Initial tests are very promising! But of course native 4K rendering this is not. For the absolute best image quality today, PC remains the pinnacle.

The Verdict – Stunning OLED Handheld, Same Docked Performance

While the OLED screen revolutionizes Switch portable play, docked gamers will experience largely identical performance to current models. Minus any firmware tweaks Nintendo may push later!

All indications point to a 1080p maximum output for some time yet short of new hardware. But advanced upscaling solutions demonstrate this tried and tested platform should continue shining brightly for years ahead!

For any fellow enthusiasts seeking the cutting edge I‘m happy to dig into any other questions in the comments below. Enjoy the expanded handheld beauty of your OLED model!