Nintendo Switch OLED Vs Original: What's The Difference?

by Admin 57 views
Nintendo Switch OLED vs Original: What's the Difference?

So, you're thinking about diving into the world of Nintendo Switch, or maybe you're a current Switch owner pondering an upgrade? Awesome! But then you hit a snag: the Nintendo Switch OLED model. What's all the fuss about, and how does it stack up against the original Nintendo Switch? Don't worry, guys, I'm here to break it all down in plain English, no tech jargon required. We'll explore the key differences, weigh the pros and cons, and help you decide which Switch is the perfect fit for your gaming style and budget. Let's get started!

Display Showdown: OLED vs. LCD

The most obvious difference, and the one that gives the OLED model its name, is the display. The original Switch uses a standard LCD screen, which is perfectly fine. But the OLED model boasts a vibrant, 7-inch OLED screen. What does that actually mean for your gaming experience? Well, OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology allows each pixel to light up independently. This results in:

  • Deeper Blacks: Because individual pixels can turn off completely, blacks are truly black, not just a dark gray like on an LCD. This contrast creates a more immersive and dramatic image.
  • Vibrant Colors: OLED screens offer a wider color gamut, meaning they can display a broader range of colors, making games look richer and more vibrant. Think of the lush greens in Breath of the Wild or the dazzling colors in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – they'll pop like never before.
  • Improved Contrast: The combination of deeper blacks and vibrant colors results in a significantly higher contrast ratio. This makes images appear sharper and more detailed, with greater depth and clarity.

Now, the original Switch's LCD screen isn't terrible by any means. It's still perfectly playable, and many gamers are perfectly happy with it. However, the OLED screen offers a noticeable visual upgrade that can enhance your gaming experience, especially in games with rich colors and dark environments. If you're a visual enthusiast who appreciates the best possible image quality, the OLED model is definitely worth considering.

Think of it like this: imagine watching a movie on a standard TV versus a high-end OLED TV. The difference in picture quality is immediately apparent, with the OLED TV offering a more immersive and visually stunning experience. The same principle applies to the Nintendo Switch OLED model. The vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and improved contrast of the OLED screen create a more engaging and enjoyable gaming experience, making your favorite games look better than ever before.

Kickstand Upgrade: From Flimsy to Firm

Okay, let's be honest, the original Switch's kickstand was a bit of a joke. It was a thin, flimsy piece of plastic that felt like it could snap off at any moment. It was also only adjustable to one angle, which wasn't always ideal for tabletop play. The OLED model addresses this issue with a much-improved, wide, adjustable kickstand.

The new kickstand spans almost the entire back of the console, providing much greater stability. It's made of a more robust material and feels significantly more durable than the original. But the biggest improvement is the adjustability. You can now adjust the angle of the screen to a wide range of positions, allowing you to find the perfect viewing angle for tabletop play, regardless of your surroundings.

This might seem like a minor upgrade, but it actually makes a huge difference in the overall usability of the Switch in tabletop mode. Whether you're playing with friends on a train, in a coffee shop, or simply at home on your kitchen table, the adjustable kickstand provides a much more comfortable and convenient gaming experience. No more propping up your Switch with makeshift stands or struggling to find a stable surface! The sturdy and adjustable kickstand on the OLED model is a welcome improvement that enhances the versatility of the console.

Imagine you're on a long flight and want to play some Mario Kart with your friend. With the original Switch, you'd be stuck with the flimsy kickstand, constantly worrying about it collapsing. But with the OLED model, you can confidently prop up your Switch at the perfect angle and enjoy a comfortable and stable gaming experience. This seemingly small upgrade makes a big difference in the overall enjoyment of tabletop play.

Enhanced Audio: Hear the Difference

While not as visually striking as the OLED screen, the enhanced audio on the OLED model is another subtle but noticeable upgrade. Nintendo has improved the speakers on the OLED model, resulting in clearer and more powerful sound.

The difference isn't night and day, but the audio on the OLED model is noticeably richer and more immersive. You'll hear more detail in sound effects and music, and the overall soundstage feels wider and more expansive. This can enhance your gaming experience, especially in games with immersive sound design. Footsteps sound crisper, explosions have more impact, and the overall audio landscape feels more realistic. This is due to the newly designed speakers.

For example, imagine playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the original Switch. The sound effects are perfectly adequate, but they lack a certain depth and richness. On the OLED model, the enhanced audio brings the game to life in a new way, with more detailed and immersive sound effects that draw you deeper into the world. The improved audio is a welcome addition that enhances the overall gaming experience.

Now, if you're a serious audiophile, you'll probably still want to use headphones for the best possible sound quality. But for casual gaming on the go, the enhanced speakers on the OLED model are a definite improvement over the original Switch.

Increased Internal Storage: More Room for Games

Another practical upgrade on the OLED model is the increased internal storage. The original Switch comes with 32GB of internal storage, while the OLED model doubles that to 64GB. This might not seem like a huge difference, but it can be significant if you download a lot of games.

Many modern games are quite large, and they can quickly fill up the original Switch's internal storage. This means you'll need to invest in a microSD card to store additional games. While microSD cards are relatively inexpensive, it's still an extra cost to consider. The OLED model's 64GB of internal storage provides more breathing room, allowing you to download more games without immediately needing to buy a microSD card. This extra space can be a lifesaver.

For example, games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate can take up a significant chunk of the original Switch's 32GB of storage. With the OLED model, you'll have more space to download these games and others without having to worry about running out of room. While you can still expand the storage with a microSD card, the increased internal storage is a convenient and welcome addition.

Dock Differences: Built-in Ethernet Port

The Nintendo Switch OLED model also comes with a slightly updated dock. The most notable addition is a built-in Ethernet port. The original Switch dock lacks an Ethernet port, so you need to use a USB Ethernet adapter for a wired internet connection.

For gamers who prefer a wired internet connection for faster and more stable online gaming, the built-in Ethernet port on the OLED model's dock is a significant advantage. A wired connection can reduce lag and improve overall online performance, especially in fast-paced games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Splatoon 2. The Ethernet port is a very important part of the dock.

If you primarily play your Switch in handheld mode or don't mind using Wi-Fi, the lack of an Ethernet port on the original Switch dock might not be a big deal. But if you're a serious online gamer who values a stable and reliable connection, the OLED model's dock is a worthwhile upgrade.

Size and Weight: A Minor Difference

The Nintendo Switch OLED model is slightly larger and heavier than the original Switch, but the difference is minimal. The OLED model is about 0.1 inches wider and weighs about 0.07 pounds more than the original. In practice, you're unlikely to notice the difference in size and weight.

Both models are still perfectly portable and comfortable to hold for extended periods. The small size difference shouldn't be a major factor in your decision.

Battery Life: No Change Here

Unfortunately, the OLED model doesn't offer any improvements in battery life compared to the original Switch (the updated version released in 2019 with the improved battery). Both models offer approximately 4.5 to 9 hours of battery life, depending on the game you're playing and the brightness of the screen.

If battery life is a major concern, you might want to consider investing in a portable charger or a battery case. But in terms of the console itself, there's no difference between the OLED model and the updated original Switch.

Price: The Bottom Line

Of course, the biggest difference between the two models is the price. The Nintendo Switch OLED model typically retails for around $350, while the original Nintendo Switch typically retails for around $300. The extra $50 gets you the OLED screen, the improved kickstand, the enhanced audio, the increased internal storage, and the dock with the built-in Ethernet port.

Whether or not those upgrades are worth the extra cost is a personal decision. If you're a visual enthusiast who appreciates the best possible image quality, the OLED screen alone might be worth the price of admission. But if you're on a tight budget, the original Switch is still a great console that offers a fantastic gaming experience.

Which Switch is Right for You?

So, which Switch should you choose? Here's a quick rundown to help you decide:

  • Nintendo Switch OLED:
    • Pros: Superior OLED screen, improved kickstand, enhanced audio, increased internal storage, dock with built-in Ethernet port.
    • Cons: More expensive.
    • Best for: Gamers who prioritize visual quality, tabletop players, and those who want a more premium experience.
  • Original Nintendo Switch:
    • Pros: Less expensive.
    • Cons: LCD screen, flimsy kickstand, standard audio, less internal storage, no Ethernet port on the dock.
    • Best for: Budget-conscious gamers who still want a great portable gaming experience.

Ultimately, the best Switch for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your budget, your gaming habits, and what features are most important to you. No matter which model you choose, you're sure to have a blast exploring the wonderful world of Nintendo Switch gaming!