Is the Nintendo Switch OLED worth it?

If you‘re new to the Switch or play primarily handheld, the OLED model is definitely worth it. But for existing owners who use docked mode more, it may not warrant the upgrade cost.

As a long-time Nintendo fan myself, I was eager to check out the Switch OLED model to see if the enhancements like the new vibrant screen and improved kickstand really made a difference. After spending some quality gaming time with the new OLED Switch, I can say that for me, the upgrades are 100% worth it – but let‘s take a detailed look so you can decide for yourself.

A Stunning OLED Screen That Pops

The marquee upgrade on the new Nintendo Switch OLED is right there in the name – it has a beautiful 7-inch OLED screen instead of the 6.2-inch LCD on the original model.

Now, you may be wondering – what exactly does OLED bring to the table? OLED, which stands for organic light-emitting diode, is a display technology where each pixel emits its own light. This gives OLED screens two major advantages over traditional LCDs:

• Incredible contrast – With LED screens, blacks appear gray because the backlight is always on. But OLED pixels can turn off completely, allowing for infinite contrast and true, deep blacks. This makes colors really pop on an OLED display.

• Wide viewing angles – OLED screens maintain color accuracy and vibrance even when viewed from the side at extreme angles. So you get a great picture regardless of how you‘re sitting.

According to lab tests from CNET, the Switch OLED‘s display can reach up to 900 nits of peak brightness, while the original maxes out under 500 nits. That‘s a big jump that allows highlights to really shine.

The color contrast ratio is also exponentially higher on the OLED screen – CNET measured the LCD Switch at 1221:1 versus 106,270:1 on the OLED model. That‘s how it achieves next-level blacks.

So how does this translate into a better gaming experience? Let me tell you, when I booted up The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the OLED Switch, the vibrant colors and night and day contrast immediately pulled me into the game‘s beautiful world like never before.

Subtle details in shaded areas popped, particle effects dazzled, and shadows added mood and depth to the environments. Whether traversing sunny Hyrule Field or the dark caverns of a Shrine, the OLED screen delivered truly immersive portable gameplay.

According to Nintendo‘s internal testing, compared to the original model, landscapes appear 1.5 times more vibrant on the OLED Switch, while colors for characters and objects are 1.4 times more vivid. As an avid gamer myself, I can confirm this – the OLED screen is no mere gimmick, it‘s a genuine game-changer.

But there is a catch – this spectacular OLED display really enhances the portable and tabletop experience. When docked and playing on a TV, it doesn‘t come into play. So for players who use Switch more as a home console, it may not move the needle much.

However, market research indicates that a significant chunk of Switch gaming happens in handheld mode. Nintendo‘s own President Shuntaro Furukawa stated the OLED model was designed specifically to appeal to players who mostly use Switch portably.

So while the original Switch may still suffice for those who seldom go portable, the OLED model delivers a big-time visual upgrade for handheld players.

A Much Sturdier Kickstand

Another major gripe about the original Switch was its flimsy kickstand – it felt cheap, didn‘t support the system well, and only had one angle.

The kickstand on the OLED model has been completely redesigned – it runs nearly the entire width of the Switch, provides a sturdy foundation, and can be propped up across a 60-degree range.

This customization allowed me to adjust to the perfect angle whether playing on a table or my lap. Small as it may seem, this upgrade makes tabletop gaming infinitely better. No more worrying about the Switch crashing down or finding that "sweet spot."

Enhanced Onboard Audio

While not a game-changer, the OLED Switch does provide slightly improved onboard audio. The stereo speakers are the same, but Nintendo has added a bit more amplification and tweaked the software for better quality.

You still get simulated surround sound toheighten immersion by having distinct left and right audio channels. But I noticed audio on the OLED Switch had clearer detail, especially in mid to high frequencies. Lower frequencies deliver a bit more fullness and impact as well.

Again, this upgrade is subtle – don‘t expect a revolutionary leap in audio fidelity. But improved clarity and depth are always welcome for gaming, especially for dialogue and sound effects. Just don‘t expect the bass to blow you away. External audio is still recommended for big booms.

Double the Internal Storage

On the original Switch, the measly 32GB of onboard storage quickly got eaten up by game downloads and captures. Pretty much all owners had to snag a sizable microSD card.

So it‘s very welcome that the OLED model doubles the internal storage to 64GB right off the bat. For digital gamers like myself who like to keep games at the ready, this extra breathing room is excellent.

The expanded memory let me keep over 5 full-size titles installed on the Switch with space left over for plenty of screenshots and video clips. Fewer microSD card swaps are always a plus in my book.

Of course, 64GB will still fill up eventually – modern AAA titles often take up 10-15GB apiece even with compression. The microSD slot supports cards up to 2TB, and you can store many more games on that. But it‘s super convenient having more onboard memory available.

Slight Battery Life Increase

According to Nintendo‘s estimates, the OLED Switch will last around 4.5 to 9 hours on a single charge depending on usage. That‘s about 30 minutes longer than the original Switch‘s battery span.

In real-world testing, I was able to play through a 3-hour Zelda session at medium brightness with Wi-Fi on and still have around 30% left. So battery life is definitely improved, but don‘t expect any overnight marathons. Plan on around 5-6 hours of continuous play.

The nice thing is the Switch OLED is compatible with external battery packs that can charge while you play. I always pack a 20,000mAh USB-C battery in my gadget bag for long trips. There are plenty of affordable options that now work seamlessly with the new Switch.

Fresh New White Aesthetic

Along with the internal upgrades, the OLED Switch sports a refreshed exterior design. Most notably, it introduces a very slick white color scheme that modernizes the look.

The bright white joy-cons and matching white dock look beautiful, especially showing off that eye-popping OLED display. And unlike the white launch PS4, the clean white hue doesn‘t seem like it will discolor or yellow over time.

Of course, you can still buy OLED Switch bundles with the classic black, neon blue/red or other joy-con colors if you prefer the original vibe. But the white really gives the OLED model a sleek, futuristic look worthy of the new technology inside.

Processing Power Stays the Same

Now for the caveat some prospective buyers need to know – the OLED Switch has the same Nvidia Tegra X1 processor and 4GB RAM as the original model.

There is no performance upgrade with the OLED model. It does not enable 60fps gaming or 4K resolution when docked. The GPU clock speed, memory bandwidth, thermals and other specs are essentially identical.

So while games look much slicker on the OLED display, the rendering resolution and framerates remain unchanged across both Switch iterations. Those hoping for a "Switch Pro" level performance boost won‘t find it here.

This isn‘t necessarily surprising – the OLED Switch is clearly intended as an iterative upgrade focused on the portable experience. Nintendo can still release a souped-up "Pro" model at a later date. For now, visuals get a big upgrade, but performance stays the same.

Is the OLED Model Worth It For You?

So at the end of the day, is shelling out $50 more for the Switch OLED over the standard model worth it?

If you primarily play Switch games docked on your TV, the upgrade is harder to justify. The major benefits of the OLED display and portable audio don‘t really help the big-screen experience. You may be better off saving your money and sticking with the original Switch.

However, if you‘re new to the Switch or play in handheld and tabletop modes a lot, the upgrades make the OLED model a no-brainer. The stunning OLED screen, adjustable kickstand, and improved speakers take portable play to the next level.

I especially recommend it for anyone who shares a TV – the OLED screen and kickstand let you play full Switch games with stellar visuals anywhere, no TV required. Being able to customize the kickstand angle also allows for more flexible tabletop setups.

Current Switch owners have a tougher decision on whether upgrading is worthwhile. You‘ll need to decide if the benefits of the OLED screen and quality of life improvements justify the expenditure. For docked play, probably not. But if portable play is your thing, the OLED Switch proves to be a superb handheld gaming system.

At the end of the day, both Switch models play the same great games. But the OLED version brings a much more immersive and enjoyable portable experience. For me, the choice was clear. But make sure to consider how you use Switch most to determine if the upgrades warrant the investment for you.

Happy gaming!