Nintendo Switch OLED review: Great, but is it a must-buy?

The new OLED Switch is finally here. It's not quite the Switch Pro (Super Switch?) that many had hoped for, the internals are all the same here -- no 4k output -- but the screen and kickstand are vastly improved.

The new 7" OLED screen shrinks the Switch's chunky bezels, and the new display is brighter and more saturated with the true blacks you only get with an OLED screen (and it pairs great with the moody atmosphere of Metroid Dread). We're not sure how many people actually use tabletop mode, but the new adjustable kickstand and larger speakers make it a more viable choice than before. Do you need an OLED Switch? If you've never tried one, then yes, if you only own a Switch, it's a harder choice.

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[hidekitakeshimareal]

Coming from V2 Switch, I can say it is so damn worth the upgrade. That big screen and the nicer audio really did it for me. One thing I noticed about the kickstand was I never used it before, but after using the tabletop mode on OLED it actually is functional now. Worth it for me!

[xXslyforlifeXx]

The OLED is 3mm wider than the original Switch, so some accessories with a tighter fit won’t be compatible. Just a heads up :)

[KayezTP]

My original day one switch was on its way out. Got the oled. Didn’t regret it.

[lowtech]

Great review!

For anyone wanting to charge in tabletop mode, the official Nintendo stand accessory by Hori has notches that support running a charging cable through. It may defeat the purpose of that new kickstand but a potential solution if you find yourself in that specific scenario.

[MahoganyBlack]

This looks dope but I only wish there were some upgrades under the hood as well.

[joeschmoe]

It is not the same width, oled is 3 mm wider, meaning old cases wont fit

[贾炳锐]

The original switch screen has been disgusting to me from day 1. This should have been the original switch.

[Leviathan_D]

This is the Switch Semi-Pro. Which I'm picking up soon haha.

[mazzvidz]

The USB C port has to be located at the bottom of the system in order to interact with the dock and “Switch” as the name implies.

The HD rumble or vibration feature is a function of the joycon itself, which has its own battery. Nintendo says that the battery life of joycon is approximately 20 hours, significantly longer than multiple full charges of the Switch hardware. Its highly unlikely that even the most intense application of the rumble feature, could impact the battery life of the console.

[pythoness_programmer_gold]

Very cool, thanks! Looking to get a Switch for my husband this year and I'm sold on this model.

[sohveagley]

If you own the original switch I’d say it’s still worth the upgrade simply due to the better battery

[gulfcoaster]

The oled is not brighter…. It’s actually a bit dimmer. It is the massive increase in contrast that gives the impression of a brighter screen.

[zues]

Bought one of these, tablet only, for cheap. Really looking forward to replacing my unpatched v1 switch with it and getting a mod chip installed :)

[Skansin]

Still waiting to play GameBoy Games on the Switch

[claytonyoung]

I upgraded and i am so glad i did. Must buy.

[maykee]

As other mentioned, OLED version is not same size. It is wider.
Speakers are not placed on the rear but front of the switch’ toward the bottom edge. And lastly, has anyone ever removed their SD card while opening the kickstand?

[AAM]

Just brought one yesterday and love it!!

[ActionJaxonH]

If you have a launch Switch you don't have 5 hrs battery. You have 2.5 on full brightness. The v2 model nearly doubled battery, and this goes about 10 minutes longer than that.

[jasiekformela]

Now refresh Lite with OLED, and 6-inch screen, would be perfect.

[chasebarker]

Just for clarification the speakers are on the front not the back!