The Nintendo Switch has taken the world by storm, especially by introducing home and portable gaming experiences within a single package. Several versions of the Nintendo Switch have been released since 2017, enjoying a growing library of games.
It was in late 2021 that the Nintendo Switch OLED version came out. As the latest version of the console, the OLED version boasts some improvements and changes. It remains the same console at the core, but it’s not the rumored Switch Pro people have talked about.
Read on to find out more.
Nintendo Switch Versions
The first Nintendo Switch was released in 2017, but it was later replaced by a newer model in 2019. The most significant differences were in battery life and a newer processor. Beyond these, there aren’t other significant differences in hardware.
There is one more change between versions, however. The older model can be hacked and custom firmware inserted, allowing it to go into Recovery Console Mode. Hacking was made possible only due to an exploit discovered in the NVIDIA chipset with this old variant.
The 2019 Nintendo Switch is still unhackable as of 2022, so you can’t install game mods or custom firmware. That said, hackers are likely still trying to crack the code and allow owners to modify their consoles.
Besides the 2019 model, there is the Nintendo Switch Lite. This console plays many of the same games except for those that require a TV screen. Unlike the original, the Lite can’t be docked.
The Nintendo Switch Lite is designed entirely for portable gameplay, only running in handheld mode. The Joy-Cons are integrated into the system itself.
After these two main versions, Nintendo would release the Nintendo Switch OLED.
Nintendo Switch OLED Version
The Nintendo Switch OLED Version is an upgrade over the original console. The new features include:
- Extra internal storage
- Better speakers
- 7-inch OLED screen
- Improved kickstand
- LAN port
The original Nintendo Switch offered 32GB of internal storage expandable by a microSD card, but the OLED Switch has double the storage space. It boasts 64GB, which lets you keep more games downloaded. You won’t have to reinstall games every time you want to return to them.
Nintendo has also given the OLED Switch new speakers located at both sides of the screen bottom. They sound much better than before and don’t distort at the highest volume. The game audio feels more present and impactful this time.
However, the 7-inch OLED screen is the main improvement. Unlike the original LCD screen, the black shades appear to be truly black, not the LCD’s slightly greyish darkness. Therefore, the shadows and other dark objects appear more visually pleasing.
The screen is also slightly larger at 7 inches compared to the 6.2 inches of the original Switch. The Switch Lite, in comparison, has a 5.5-inch screen. The resolution remains 720p in handheld mode and 1080p when docked.
Many Switch owners know how unreliable the original model’s kickstand is. The thin piece of plastic feels very flimsy but is also where you insert the SD card. In contrast, the OLED Switch’s kickstand is now a larger piece of plastic that stretches across almost the entire screen length.
With this newer kickstand, the console stands upright with a lower chance of toppling, and it doesn’t break easily. Handheld gamers who want to play outside can now forgo leaning the console on objects.
A slightly controversial change is the inclusion of a LAN port. Typically, this is a godsend for competitive gamers who value the best connection possible, but there is a twist. The LAN port replaces one USB port, which some users would want to be present.
Nevertheless, the port is reliable and helps players achieve a stable connection that isn’t always possible with Wi-Fi.
Otherwise, the OLED version shares the same battery life, processing power, and controllers. It’s a notable improvement over the original Switch and brings much to the table.
Nintendo Switch Pro Rumors and Leaks
Some of the features that were rumored to be on the Switch Pro are present on the Switch OLED version. The OLED screen and 64GB storage capacity are likely to reappear in the Switch Pro. For now, only the 64GB memory is confirmed to appear on the new console.
Before we proceed, please remember that while we refer to this console as the “Switch Pro,” this isn’t the official name. Some people also refer to it as the “Switch 2.”
The Switch Pro may come with these features:
- Custom NVIDIA Tegra Xavier processor
- 4K video support when docked
- Dual USB-C ports
- 64GB memory, possibly an SSD
- Larger screen
The Nintendo Switch utilizes the old and weak NVIDIA Tegra processor. Unfortunately, it leads to subpar performance when running many AAA titles. Games like Apex Legends and more look low-quality compared to their counterparts on other consoles. However, Nintendo is rumored to replace the Tegra chipset with one that can use DLSS upscaling so the games can reach 4K resolution.
Of course, this would only happen when the Switch Pro is docked. While it may threaten any hopes of the Switch Pro achieving native 4K resolution, we still don’t know if this is what Nintendo has decided. However, there have also been conflicting reports of the Switch Pro running a RealTek chipset.
Only Time Will Tell
Nintendo has not released much information on the next console, though we can tell that the OLED Switch is a form of testing ground for it. It’s an excellent product that addresses many of Nintendo Switch’s problems. It’s a nifty upgrade that you can consider, especially if you often play in a handheld mode.
What do you think the new Switch should have? Do you think Nintendo should focus more on graphics? Let us know in the comments section below.
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