Product test
Switch Lite on trial: the return of the Gameboy
by Philipp Rüegg
Testing the Switch OLED: not Pro, but still a solid alternative
15.10.2021
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Instead of a Switch with more power, Nintendo has upgraded to OLED. No more longing for a Switch Pro then! Well, almost.
The rumours surrounding a Switch Pro were persistent. Until Nintendo put an end to them in July by introducing the Switch OLED, that is. Instead of 4K resolution, DLSS, and more power, it features a larger OLED display, a steadier stand, and a LAN dock. Many fans were left disappointed, but there’s still a reason to rejoice.
The name says it all
A new OLED screen is undoubtedly the new Switch’s highlight. It shines a bit brighter, with a much improved image: colours are more intense across the board. Making games look all the prettier. I’ll even dare to say that the OLED screen provides more oomph than a higher resolution would. At least when you play on the Switch and not a TV.
Click here to view a larger image.
This difference is particularly glaring when directly comparing it with its predecessors. Side by side, the old Switch looks paler, and its colours appear washed out.
Click here to view a larger image.
Its screen has also grown slightly, from 6.2 to 7 inches, with the outer dimensions remaining the same. The narrower black edges make the Switch OLED appear sleeker.
In return, the battery is smaller. It now only offers 4210 instead of 4310 mAh. Still, it lasts a bit longer than the revised 2019 Switch. As battery life varies massively depending on which game you play, Nintendo continues to quote the runtime as 4.5 to 9 hours.
Nintendo has also upgraded the storage, now offering 64 gigabytes. That still isn’t much, but expansion options via a microSD card still exist. Or, if you’ve got the money and time, you can mod them like me ;).
The OLED Switch is available in the classic black-red-blue design as well as an all-new black and white. Less playful, more chic. At 400 francs, the device is a noticeable 100 francs dearer than a regular Switch.
Stand and dock
The dock, in turn, now has a LAN port. This means faster game downloads, and competitive titles such as Super Smash. Bros will also benefit from the connection.
Legacy assets remain in place
And even when they work as they should, the analogue sticks still feel fiddly. They tend to be way too small, unless you’re a child. This applies to the entire button layout, which can quickly lead to cramps, especially when using both analogue sticks at the same time. But since I usually play docked with a Pro Controller, I’m not that bothered. Still, this does completely defeat the purpose of a Switch OLED.
Finally, it should be said that nothing has changed in terms of performance compared to the launch version from over four years ago. The Switch will, for now, remain a sluggish console. Games load slowly, and the Nintendo Store especially jerks and stalls regularly.
Verdict: not an upgrade, but definitely interesting for new customers
As an enthusiast, I’d have preferred a Pro version of the Switch. However, the OLED model is more than just a consolation prize. The screen is a clear upgrade to its LCD predecessors. With it, games shine in new splendour. Almost as if you’d turned up the details setting. The new stand and dock with a LAN port are also nice additions. Is that enough of a reason to upgrade? No. Unless you play almost exclusively on the go, the almost 400-franc console isn’t worth it.
It’s not as if you’ll be blinded by its brilliance. The OLED picture is better. But I wouldn’t buy a new Switch for that alone. Especially if I had to spend 100 francs more than for the standard version. At least you get twice the storage space.
The Switch OLED is Nintendo’s typical middle option to keep demand high. Nice, but not a must-buy. However, the device has caused me to no longer accept a potential Switch Pro or even a Switch 2 with LCD. OLED is King, Baby!
The device was provided to me by Nintendo.
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chAs a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles.
