Original Nintendo Switch OLED: Everything You Need To Know
So, you're thinking about diving into the world of the Nintendo Switch OLED, huh? Or maybe you're just curious about what makes it different from the original Switch. Either way, you've come to the right place! This guide is going to break down everything you need to know about the original Nintendo Switch OLED model. We'll cover the key features, differences from the standard Switch, what makes it so special, and whether it's the right choice for you. Let's jump in!
What is the Nintendo Switch OLED?
Let's start with the basics. The Nintendo Switch OLED is the successor to the original Nintendo Switch, released in 2017. Think of it as a souped-up version with some significant improvements that enhance your gaming experience. The most notable upgrade, of course, is the vibrant 7-inch OLED screen. But there's more to it than just a pretty display, guys. It also boasts enhanced audio, a wider adjustable stand, 64GB of internal storage, and a dock with a built-in wired LAN port. These enhancements make it a compelling upgrade for existing Switch owners and an attractive entry point for newcomers. The OLED screen is the star of the show, offering richer colors, deeper blacks, and a higher contrast ratio compared to the LCD screen of the original Switch. This makes games look more immersive and visually appealing, especially in handheld mode. Imagine playing Breath of the Wild with more vibrant greens and blues, or exploring the dark depths of Metroid Dread with truly inky blacks. It’s a game-changer, literally! Beyond the screen, the improved audio delivers clearer and more immersive sound, making your gaming sessions even more engaging. The wider adjustable stand provides more flexibility when playing in tabletop mode, allowing you to find the perfect viewing angle. And with double the internal storage, you'll have more space for downloaded games, screenshots, and videos. So, to sum it up, the Nintendo Switch OLED is a premium version of the Switch designed to provide a superior handheld and tabletop gaming experience. It's all about enhancing the visuals, audio, and overall convenience to make your gaming sessions more enjoyable.
Key Features of the Original Nintendo Switch OLED
Alright, let's dive deeper into the key features that make the Nintendo Switch OLED stand out. These features aren’t just minor tweaks; they're significant upgrades that impact your gaming experience in a big way. Understanding these features will help you decide if the upgrade is worth it for you.
7-inch OLED Screen
This is the headline feature, and for good reason. The 7-inch OLED screen is a massive improvement over the original Switch's LCD screen. OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology allows each pixel to produce its own light, resulting in: Richer Colors: Colors are more vibrant and true-to-life, making games pop off the screen. Deeper Blacks: Because individual pixels can be completely turned off, blacks are truly black, enhancing contrast and depth. Higher Contrast Ratio: The difference between the brightest whites and darkest blacks is much greater, providing a more dynamic and immersive image. This translates to a more visually stunning gaming experience, especially in games with a lot of color and detail. Think of the lush forests in Animal Crossing: New Horizons or the neon-lit streets of Cyberpunk 2077. The OLED screen brings these worlds to life in a way that the original Switch simply can't match. The OLED screen isn't just about looks; it also improves visibility in different lighting conditions. Whether you're playing in a brightly lit room or a dimly lit space, the screen remains clear and easy to see. This is a huge advantage for handheld gaming, where you might be playing in various environments.
Enhanced Audio
The Nintendo Switch OLED features enhanced audio compared to the original Switch. While it might not seem like a huge deal, improved audio can significantly enhance your gaming experience. The speakers have been redesigned to deliver clearer and more immersive sound. This means you'll be able to hear more detail in game soundtracks, sound effects, and dialogue. Whether it's the subtle rustling of leaves in a forest or the booming explosions in an action game, the enhanced audio adds another layer of immersion to your gaming sessions. The improved audio also benefits games that rely heavily on sound cues, such as rhythm games or games with positional audio. You'll be able to hear the beat more clearly in rhythm games and pinpoint the direction of sounds more accurately in other games. While the Switch OLED doesn't have the best audio compared to other dedicated sound systems, it's a noticeable improvement over the original Switch, making it a worthwhile upgrade for gamers who value audio quality.
Wider Adjustable Stand
The original Nintendo Switch had a flimsy kickstand that was prone to breaking and offered limited adjustability. The Nintendo Switch OLED addresses this issue with a wider, more sturdy, and adjustable stand. The wider stand provides more stability when playing in tabletop mode, preventing the console from tipping over easily. This is especially useful when playing on uneven surfaces or in situations where the console might be bumped. The adjustability of the stand allows you to find the perfect viewing angle, whether you're playing on a table, desk, or even on your lap. This is a huge improvement over the original Switch, which only offered a fixed viewing angle. The adjustable stand makes tabletop mode more comfortable and enjoyable, allowing you to share your gaming experience with friends and family more easily.
64GB Internal Storage
The Nintendo Switch OLED comes with 64GB of internal storage, double the 32GB of the original Switch. While this might not seem like a lot, it's a significant improvement that allows you to store more downloaded games, screenshots, and videos directly on the console. This is especially useful for gamers who prefer to buy digital games rather than physical cartridges. With 64GB of storage, you'll be able to download more games without having to worry about running out of space. Of course, you can still expand the storage with a microSD card if you need more space. But the increased internal storage is a welcome addition that makes managing your game library more convenient. It's also worth noting that some games require a certain amount of internal storage to run properly, so having more storage can prevent compatibility issues.
Dock with Wired LAN Port
The Nintendo Switch OLED dock includes a built-in wired LAN port, which is a feature that was missing from the original Switch dock. This allows you to connect the console directly to your router for a more stable and reliable internet connection. This is especially useful for online multiplayer games, where a stable connection is crucial for a smooth and lag-free experience. The wired LAN port eliminates the need to rely on Wi-Fi, which can be prone to interference and dropouts. This can significantly improve your online gaming performance, especially in fast-paced games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Splatoon 2. Even if you don't play online multiplayer games, the wired LAN port can still be useful for downloading large game files or streaming videos. A wired connection is generally faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi, so you'll be able to download games and stream videos more quickly and smoothly.
Nintendo Switch OLED vs. Original Switch: What's the Difference?
Okay, so we've talked about the key features of the Nintendo Switch OLED. But how does it stack up against the original Switch? Let's break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Screen
As we've already discussed, the screen is the biggest difference between the two consoles. The Switch OLED has a 7-inch OLED screen, while the original Switch has a 6.2-inch LCD screen. The OLED screen offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and a higher contrast ratio, resulting in a more vibrant and immersive gaming experience. The original Switch's LCD screen is still decent, but it simply can't match the visual quality of the OLED screen. If you value visual fidelity, the OLED screen is a clear winner.
Audio
The Switch OLED features enhanced audio compared to the original Switch. The speakers have been redesigned to deliver clearer and more immersive sound. While the difference isn't as dramatic as the screen, it's still a noticeable improvement that enhances your gaming experience. If you're an audiophile, you'll appreciate the enhanced audio of the OLED model.
Stand
The Switch OLED has a wider, more sturdy, and adjustable stand, while the original Switch has a flimsy kickstand with limited adjustability. The OLED model's stand provides more stability and allows you to find the perfect viewing angle in tabletop mode. If you frequently play in tabletop mode, the OLED model's stand is a significant upgrade.
Storage
The Switch OLED comes with 64GB of internal storage, double the 32GB of the original Switch. This allows you to store more downloaded games, screenshots, and videos directly on the console. While you can expand the storage with a microSD card on both models, the increased internal storage of the OLED model is a welcome addition.
Dock
The Switch OLED dock includes a built-in wired LAN port, while the original Switch dock does not. This allows you to connect the console directly to your router for a more stable and reliable internet connection. If you play online multiplayer games, the wired LAN port is a significant advantage.
Price
Finally, there's the price. The Nintendo Switch OLED is typically more expensive than the original Switch. However, the price difference might be worth it for the enhanced features and improved gaming experience. Consider your budget and whether the OLED model's features are worth the extra cost to you.
Is the Nintendo Switch OLED Worth It?
So, is the Nintendo Switch OLED worth it? That depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value visual fidelity, enhanced audio, a more stable stand, increased storage, and a wired LAN port, then the OLED model is definitely worth considering. The OLED screen alone is a game-changer, making games look more vibrant and immersive. However, if you're on a tight budget or don't care about the enhanced features, the original Switch is still a great console. It offers the same great gameplay and access to the same library of games. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you value most in a gaming console. If you want the best possible handheld and tabletop gaming experience, the Nintendo Switch OLED is the way to go. But if you're happy with the original Switch and don't feel the need for the enhanced features, then there's no need to upgrade.
In conclusion, the Nintendo Switch OLED is a fantastic console that offers a number of significant improvements over the original Switch. From the vibrant OLED screen to the enhanced audio and improved stand, the OLED model provides a superior gaming experience. Whether you're a long-time Switch owner or a newcomer to the Nintendo ecosystem, the Switch OLED is definitely worth considering. Happy gaming, guys!