Nintendo Switch OLED Model Review: A Brilliant Display Upgrade - But Is That Enough?

[@Dknightxs]

This just shows how good the vita was and how far it was ahead of its time, and how poorly sony managed and how some poor choices ruined a otherwise solid gaming handheld

[@MudMotorsMax]

That’s why I’m done with Sony the decisions they make just don’t make sense to a gamer. They just want your money if they don’t make enough on a product they Abandon it and I have a paper weight… vita, PSMove I’m done with Sony. Steam Deck is preordered 512 GB version

[@vivid8979]

Yup that console could've been better and if they managed it well we might have a successor to it.. Which provides competition for Nintendo which always promotes innovation and overall better for the market..

[@jet613]

@@MudMotorsMax You have to think though. Every company is after your money man. Nothing is free and nobody will work for free. Any company is going to shift focus to get sales. If something doesn't sell even after trying to pump it up. Cut your losses and move on. Otherwise your just throwing money away. Money that should be used to pay for bills to run the company and pay the employees and be inject into development for future products and services . Anyone could see from a mile away that they would use proprietary memory on the Vita since they had done that in the past on psp, PS2( minus a hard drive kit), and PS1. This doesn't give sony a pass but you know what I'm getting at.

[@MudMotorsMax]

@@jet613 yeah but these business decisions set them up for failure and ultimately we as a Gamer we as a consumer we suffer we give them the money we give them the time and then they make terrible decisions just like remote play they basically pioneer remote play and a band in it and Nerf it down when they realize it’s just too daunting meanwhile Xbox they have backwards compatibility X cloud in the works they got game pass you would think Sony having a library all the way back to PS1 will just make it to where their consuls can play everygame but no Sony is too stupid or greedy

[@MudMotorsMax]

@@vivid8979 exactly

[@p3rrypm]

After using the new OLED switch, I can honestly say that I feel the console is worth the upgrade.

[@glow4417]

Wasn't going to buy one, didn't think about when it launched. But decided to sell my switch and upgrade, glad I did. Easily worth the 50 dollars to me, I would say to me this is more like a 150 dollar upgrade, because I only play in hand held mode and it's a massive difference. Bright colors look neon compared to pastel looking, contrast is ink black compared to dark gray. So I play in my pc and push some games to 240 frames, super smooth. But the oled screen brings something different than my pc monitors with the bright colors and contrast.

[@MadX8]

Worth the upgrade if you're using it handheld often, not sure if you don't... I have a V2 Switch and i'm using it in Docked mode 90% of the time, so i don't see the point for my use tbh. But yeah i guess if you're using it mostly handheld, it's a beautiful upgrade

[@LonghornsLegend]

I as the video states if you're using it handheld primary it's definitely worth it but a lot of people like to play docked on a nice tv so there's no reason to upgrade there. I only use it portable so I was hoping for 4k but this is a good upgrade

[@desureaptitude168]

Well, I’m set on getting one if I have enough money to get it on Amazon.

[@goldfingerhardcore]

I have the same impression. The screen makes such a big difference especially for me as I play 80% of the time in handheld mode.

[@Cledus2000]

"$99 outdated Android tablet." Looks at my beloved Switch (Single tear)

[@vgnvideogameninja2930]

Also looks at my launch day Switch, but instead, laughs. My OLED TV puts the Switch OLED screen to shame, and I play Switch games on Ryujinx. Higher resolution (4K and better visuals and frame rate). Got Metroid Dread for free 2 days ago.

[@TonyJenn]

@@vgnvideogameninja2930 of course, it's an oled tv. It would be a shame if it wasn't.

[@BeatSlayer]

@@vgnvideogameninja2930 if you have the money please buy the game to support the developers.

[@Cledus2000]

@@vgnvideogameninja2930 have fun with input lag and other weird glitches. I'll gladly pay for a premium experience

[@weaverquest]

That's standard affair for any Nintendo device tbh. This OLED screen doesn't sound particularly cutting edge either since 500 nits or more brightness is standard at this point for mid-range smartphones with much higher resolution (it is more difficult for higher density screens to get bright). My biggest issue with the Switch screen was outdoor visibility and that doesn't seem to be adressed whatsoever here with 340 nits max brightness OLED Switch.

[@killermoon635]

Another thing you forget is that they upgraded the storage inside from 32GB to 64GB in OLED version..... Still not enough for most people, but it is something worth mentioning

[@AvaaSlays_Swiftie]

Bought a 256 gig SD card on sale for 20 bucks. Shouldn’t be hard to upgrade storage. Plus who needs 8 games installed at once. I usually play 2-3 at a a time. Crazy people out here need terabytes worth of storage for 90% of games they won’t touch for awhile lol

[@yandman26]

@@AvaaSlays_Swiftie I've got 750 gig of games

[@nlikeflynn8837]

Right?! There’s quite a lot of upgrades in this Switch for only $50 more. Glad to pick mine up on Friday!

[@simlife445]

only for a fan boy games can be over 120GBs a terabye psy harddrive on sale is like 80 dollars... math... huh neat.. not for stupid ppl "a lot of upgrade" what lvl of math are u in that 32 gbs that is less then many many games is a lot ?

[@no_misaki]

@@AvaaSlays_Swiftie Because wasting time and bandwidth redownloading a game I already own sucks and shouldn't have to happen with only a handful of games installed. Flash storage isn't even expensive.

[@anthonycastanon6281]

DF has the best mix of technical analysis and user experience. Leagues better than other reviewers

[@15coals39]

Literally excellence in motion

[@kieran.grant_]

DF is one of those channels that feels so familiar when you find it, because it perfectly matches the content you wanted to see.

[@niino4329]

Both, the original and the 2019 revised switch, had several different panels from different manufacturers built into them, which was/is just a matter of luck for the buyer. That's how you can get such different results from device to device within the original or the 2019 switch models.

[@kailee8143]

It's funny reading this, after knowing how painful were IPS panel hunts back in 3DS era, when Nintendo randomly put IPS panel on 3DS and it had two screens, so that "random" was doubled if you wanted both IPS screens. Even with this, Nintendo never calibrated their panels, so you could find 3DS with two IPS and one is still more yellow-ish than other. Some people spent thousands dollars just because they wanted a good 3DS panels.

[@15coals39]

@@kailee8143 I remember those days

[@PortfolioPL]

@@kailee8143 I remember paying some dude to install a backlit panel manually behind the screen of my GBA. Nintendo devices never had really good screens.

[@jamesgames4553]

Pretty sure all the 2017 launch units had their panels supplied by Japan Display, but after then when production ramped up Nintendo started to look for extra panel providers. The OLED model will probably be similar - Samsung supplying the launch batch but Nintendo looking to LG and BOE Technology later

[@armandarmi]

The IPS Panel in my V2 its great .. no tint no modified colors it looks great.. ive seen some really bad V2 panels

[@nihren2406]

I've been using my Switch on a 4K OLED TV. Granted, the size of the TV plus its somewhat lackluster upscaling makes Switch games look more aliased and stuff than they did on my old LED TV, but the contrast, the color is so much better so its something I've learned to live with. Having a Switch that can, in some respects, match my TV in portable mode, is fantastic even if it's not the "Super Nintendo Switch" that I wanted, but I'll probably get that eventually. So I bought a Switch OLED to replace my launch model, and I'm gonna give my launch model to a friend who doesn't have a Switch so he can finally enjoy all the great games it has to offer.

[@smittyvanjagermanjenson182]

I've just got the switch V2 and paired it with my Qled TV. It looked very washed out on breath of the wild, so I played with the picture settings. Upping the sharpness and color really helped it look less jaggy and more vibrant.

[@armandarmi]

@@smittyvanjagermanjenson182 the dock its more like a gimmick… sincerly ive tested games that i used to play on my series S and on the switch docked mode they are displayed at low quality settings:) the regula switch its made handled or tabletop and thats it if you want the games to look much better

[@AAron2020xydfg]

You could try the mclassic, it upsscales to 1440 or 4k.

[@nihren2406]

@@AAron2020xydfg I have one. It doesn't do 4K. It does up to 1440, which is nice, but the TV I had at the time did not have 1440p support so it didn't work. I just got a monitor that can do 1440p, but I have yet to test it.

[@AAron2020xydfg]

@@nihren2406 would be interested to know if you think it's worth getting a 1440 monitor I am thinking about doing the same, I'm happy with how it works on the ps2 and wii u but I only use it on a 1080 tv

[@denisruskin348]

The level of detail in this review is above anything else, as usual. Tremendous work, John. One thing though, is the panel now glass instead of plastic?

[@RhythmGrizz]

I heard it is glass

[@totty2524]

@@RhythmGrizz Does it mean it weighs more?

[@timholloway8821]

@@totty2524 Pretty sure I saw that they are close to the same weight as in you won't notice it and yes it is glass.

[@SSNebula]

It's either fibre glass or normal glass it's not plastic as plastic and self-emissive pixels don't really work well given that OLED is essentially voltages that create pixels well least that's part of how it works on my BX CX and C1 I have an OLED in each room you really can't go back once you've gone OLED 👍👍👍

[@samirjaved83]

Plastic

[@lakrakthewhitegoblin3881]

I think switch lite need this more than standard switch because lite focus on handheld mode

[@titntin5178]

it would have made sense - but when do Nintendo ever make sense? Its called switch, because you can 'switch' where you play it - except we will release a handheld only which you cant switch???

[@tyguy3876]

Right trying to use the switch outdoors -- can't see shittttt

[@cocobille]

I'll be surprised if there's no oled lite before the end of next year

[@daviluppi9367]

​@@cocobille but the thing is that the Lite is a cheaper version of the switch, if they launch a Oled Lite it will probably be more expansive. Losing part of what made the people buy the Lite (of course, I'm putting apart that the lite has no drift, wich is actually what first made me bought it)

[@TheKayliedGamerChannel-YouTube]

@@daviluppi9367 would be cheaper... just not as cheap as now...

[@Archivist42]

RGB subpixel arrangement is a massive plus for me, I really thought they might end up going for the cheaper pentile arrangement which looked blurrier than an equivalent LCD.

[@awesomeferret]

Oh wow, I didn't expect that at all. That actually makes me feel a bit better if they end up going all out on being anti consumer and replaced the LCD model with this (I want Switch to be able to live to be retro without burn in, why do so so many people seem to not care about that?).

[@thebravegallade731]

@@awesomeferret i'm pretty sure thats thier plan, just that chip shortages and shit meaning they coun't just make it a drop in replacement at the same price.

[@TrueSonOfSkyrim]

The mention and look at the ps vita screen was greatly appreciated, I remember having a blast with that panel back in the day!

[@velosiped135]

The Nintendo Switch was kind of a surprise for me and has become my favorite console in generations, so for me, it makes sense to upgrade to the very best experience. I'm glad to hear it has a more premium look and feel. This will be the 7th Switch I've purchased for myself and family/friends.

[@Old-Boy_BEbop]

ahhh shit homie they got you...

[@saltychop9315]

I loved that they finally addressed the joycon rails. I felt that since day one of buying mine, and thats one of the reasons I don't play it portable as much, I just feel like I'm going to break it or something.

[@SlingMeAWeb]

The rails still aren't perfect on OLED and there is noticeable wobble.

[@Neothemod]

honestly really wished they did this with the switch lite instead of just a full sized switch revision :/

[@JFinns]

And added video out.

[@orlandomota6685]

I was thinking the same thing. I love my switch lite! I hardly ever use my OG switch lol

[@Hathos9]

@@JFinns Isn't video out on a Switch Lite just a Switch?

[@clementrousseau3571]

Same. Can’t really go back to the older form factor in handheld now that I’ve used the Lite for months. So I’ll pass on this one and hopefully an OLED revision of the Lite will pop up soon

[@Drstrange3000]

That would definitely sell me. I have a regular Switch and although I really love the upgrades, it feels silly to pay for basically the same thing. The Switch Lite would make more sense and it could be in a smaller form factor but have the same screen size with even smaller bezels. It could add HD rumble as well as a better ergonomics for the controls. Add in an internet browser, customizable backgrounds, In system party chat and messaging, 64gb of internal storage, 5G option, Game Pass support, and Dolby atmos for around $300 would be a nice sell.

[@Zachruff]

ok stronger joycon rails are a huge thing, my current switch just feels sad and flimsy in handheld mode

[@gamble777888]

The left Joy Con rail on my tablet has stopped working correctly as it will occasionally disconnect controller randomly... tested several different controllers with same result so gotta be the rail on the tablet. I swear I've had to do more fixes and maintenance on my switch and Joy Cons than any other piece of hardware I've ever owned. Already switched out both joysticks on either joy-con twice, had to install new locks on one of the cons and now the rail on the tablet.

[@joseabraham777]

I try to almost never pull out the joycons to prevent the movement.

[@lapis591]

The rails on the new Switch OLED are far superior, although I noticed there is some variability between individual units.

[@Zachruff]

@@lapis591 Nice to hear that they're better in general. I haven't had the chance to try yet cuz Im still being a fool holding out for the switch pro lol

[@ArchThaBoss]

“You see the original kickstand on switch is, quite frankly, terrible” 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@battyflaps5410]

I would agree i was struggling to watch youtube in bed this morning because the kickstand just closed and other times came off. just annoying af

[@jaredhayslip8014]

Nintendo Had To Start Somewhere From A kick Stand To A More Firmer Kick Stand.

[@vendettaworldwide6134]

@@jaredhayslip8014 exactly

[@humblegrind8]

@@jaredhayslip8014 They could've done better

[@mrmacross]

@@jaredhayslip8014 They had the MS Surface kickstand template available for inspiration long before the original Switch shipped. I defend a lot of Nintendo's decisions, including the minor-upgrade OLED model, but the original kickstand is not defensible.

[@thenostalgiafactor5023]

I play my Switch docked 98% of the time so this model does nothing for me. I'll wait for the eventual Switch Pro or next gen Switch 2 (or whatever) if I need an upgrade.

[@CubamusPrime]

Me too. Playing portable mode is so uncomfortable for me

[@ithiriafalls]

By that time hopefully Metroid Prime 4 will finally be released........maybe😒. Well, can't complain too much, dread will be a decent appetizer till then😏.

[@corgikun2579]

@@CubamusPrime I agree is uncomfortable to play. However, I got a skull case with grips and it's night and day. Watch some reviews and maybe you'll be interested in one

[@lapis591]

You're not getting a 'Switch Pro' considering the Switch is already a Wii U Pro. You will, however, be getting a Switch successor, though whether that will play Switch games with a performance boost or even play them at all remains to be seen. Don't get your hopes up.

[@cyrilc4858]

The video is great as usual. There’s something missing in this review though, and nobody seems to talk about it: the lower input lag on the OLED model. Another take on this from Digital Foundry would be awesome!

[@shothanshao7266]

I have to say... the display of the new Switch looks so much better than the old one... on my IPS Monitor.

[@glow4417]

Lol, and in person it's like looking at neon colors compared to pastel colors. That's the best to explain it. It's like the oled colors glow and the regular ips colors are dim and dull.

[@strawberry-vx1px]

For those who play handheld more than docked with tv.... The OLED version is VERY beautiful!! Sold my old Switch, so it was a hundred dollar upgrade. Worth every penny!! The bigger screen, and white joycons, just give everything a better look. It's really inviting to play. Love, love, love it! The games look delicious on it (lol)...:)

[@huydpchai2975]

did it got burned in yet? i'm kinda curious bcuz i'm plan to upgrade

[@shinsharonelectrons]

It does seem like a bit more of a treat than I expected. Still hoping that one day I'll be able to have a nice OLED in a stronger system that will keep games at their ideal resolution and framerate though.

[@timholloway8821]

Couple years the prices should come down I hope.

[@MegaFinalRound]

@@timholloway8821 2025 the chip issue should be resolved 👀

[@ryanm2084]

@@MegaFinalRound after biden is out? Thank goodness...

[@valexcx]

@@ryanm2084 bruh what? 😭

[@denisn8336]

@@ryanm2084 hopefully

[@dcashley303]

Wow, Streets of Rage 4 looks insane on that display, even through a camera and then my computer's display. Looks great. Can't wait to see it in person.

[@Charlymander]

It's impossible to see the real difference on a video...your screen will mess up the colors and black levels before you see. And Oled does look great in person

[@dcashley303]

@@Charlymander I have no doubt it looks weird in video but I can already tell its miles better. Have held out on getting a Switch, may have to get this Oled version.

[@robertlawrence9000]

Streets of Rage 4 is trash and not a real Streets of Rage game. They fucked it up badly

[@dcashley303]

@@robertlawrence9000 off topic but okay! I think most people enjoyed the game, but I guess not everyone. At least the originals aren't going anywhere.

[@joejoe2658]

@@robertlawrence9000 3 was already the runt of the litter...

[@Varfair]

While I appreciate the upgrade of screen, stand and such, I feel that this is how the Switch should have released in the first place. I won't upgrade my Switch until one releases that can play most games at a better resolution and framerate.

[@jackm4536]

Higher resolution just means more power drain and more money to cough up. It really isn't necessary honestly all they need is more frames

[@estyhugo]

@@jackm4536 Thats why people were hoping for a switch pro with DLSS.

[@MotoguyX5]

@@jackm4536 A more modern chip made on a smaller process node could pack more computing power while using the same or even less power. The Tegra X1 was outdated at launch, now it’s basically ancient tech

[@HondoJarrus]

@@MotoguyX5 I agree, though this OLED Switch is enough of a physical revision that I think Nintendo would have preferred a new chip but was forced to continue with the Tegra X1 due to the chip shortage.

[@TheKayliedGamerChannel-YouTube]

Hindsight.... and an healthy uptake in sales make a big difference in updated console tech...

[@Lumilicious]

I See this as a sneak peak at a Switch 2. OLED and more premium build is what I wanna see going forward.

[@XZ-III]

that sounds like a waste hate to say

[@noahsabadish3812]

here here. imagining a Switch 2.0 with the same display (maybe increased to 1080p) and beefier internals. battery improvements for lower-cost games and big performance improvements elsewhere

[@coliander4180]

*peek

[@Rogarcai]

Don't do that, don't give me hope.

[@aoikemono6414]

How about a modern CPU/GPU? The Tegra X1 was already outdated because the design cycle and lead time was so long. I wonder how many years it took to design that flimsy kickstand! If you are gonna design something that lasts for at least the next six or seven years, wouldn't you want at least the best on the market? When an average smartphone in 2017 has the same performance but is even more energy efficient and was never designed specifically for gaming, nor is it the size of a thick tablet, it's kind of a disgrace for Nintendo, which continues it's trend of woefully underpowered hardware. They don't have to be the absolute best. They just have to be reasonably comeptitive, but they never are. Other than first-party games heavily optimized with cel-shaded or simplistic designs, everything else still looks like ass, and frequently sub-720p at that. Even then, with an open world game like Zelda BotW, it constantly freezes and glitches out. Many of the speedrunning tricks done in the game involve abusing the limited Switch hardware.

[@gbbenner9382]

Stunning display, too bad I mostly place on docked mode.

[@d34th6un3]

Right and i play dock on an LG C9 which is and OLED lol…so I’ve been getting that experience

[@bradshank2186]

@@d34th6un3 no, you haven’t

[@d34th6un3]

@@michellexox4843 no, not true. It negates the Upscaling yeah but things like OLED true darks aren’t processed by the display. The display gets the color ranges in a sense and choose to turn that pixel on or off or to display the color info

[@d34th6un3]

@@bradshank2186 I’m pretty sure I’ve had my LG C9 since 2019 🤔

[@115zombies935]

@@michellexox4843 Nope

[@drizztstorm4715]

Love the depth of the review. Can't wait for Friday!

[@JKSmith-qs2ii]

Mine has never left the dock since launch 2017 and is plugged into a LG OLED tv so I would have liked a higher resolution that a pro could offer (or switch 2).

[@DiePoente]

official Switch successor is perhaps coming 2024 but a Switch Pro we might get next or one year after next. After doing New 3DS to 3DS and DSi to DS, they will probably do it. Just don't believe any stupid rumours. People just hype themselves up and then get mad when it turns out to be not true.

[@JKSmith-qs2ii]

@@DiePoente I do also think it is a little early for a successor. That bloomberg report definitely has some truth to it I believe though. Nintendo just denies it so the interest for the OLED model doesn't drop.

[@lemmy154]

Dude this is not a switch pro or whatever else

[@corgikun2579]

@@lemmy154 what are you talking about? they're talking about something else

[@BlkMac360]

I have an LG OLED too but games look like shit when docked no matter the TV.

[@jon4715]

Did you test for PWM flicker? This is a major review point for any display technology, but especially important for a lot of users/gamers.

[@NeonBeetroot]

Got mine coming next week! I only play in handheld so this is really nice upgrade!

[@megabyte01]

Random question: what is that visual novel that we occasionally see in the review? Is it Famicom Detective?

[@LoliconSamalik]

Definately not. FamiClub goes for a slightly more "realistic" artstyle. The art is more on the kawaii/moé side of things, making me curious what it is as well.

[@mememan8243]

It's Root Double. It's a very good VN.

[@megabyte01]

@@mememan8243 Got it. Thanks for the clarification!

[@babylonian]

3:28 Hell Yeah Super Monkey Ball

[@indiegamers9171]

lol

[@GoodlyPenguin]

Get out, Nick

[@anasshahid224]

The Switch OLED model is amazing, loving it 👏👏👏👏

[@ABooshCamper]

Yay! An actual more technical oriented review!

[@sharkonland36]

This is why DF is the best. Not a single mainstream youtuber brought up the PS VITA as is also came with an oled display.

[@vulcan4d]

The lite is still the winner in my books. More portable, sharper graphics due to the higher DPI and best of all solid body because there are no flimsy joycons.

[@gardhul]

As usual, an extremely detailed and deep analysis from DF. I was waiting for it! Thank you!

[@lebavu8260]

I bought switch lite first and was perfectly happy with the display since I mostly play while working in darker room. So I never pulled the trigger on the switch Oled when it came out because I’d figure if I want play serious gaming session then I would be hooking up my Oled lg c2 tv anyways. But pulled the trigger when the switch Oled TOTK version came out and now I actually prefer to play the switch Oled over my lg Oled because the switch Oled great size and weight for my casual gaming while working. And also my eyes get so tired working on monitor all day that when my shift ends I just want to rest and the switch Oled definitely made gaming after work more enjoyable

[@proesterchen]

I cancelled my preorder a couple of days ago. Personally, I think the Switch is done and requires a proper replacement.

[@Glotttis]

Same here. I just can't justify it. I know OLED screen would wow me initially, but then it's back to the same old performance problems and sub-HD resolutions.

[@WickedRibbon]

The OLED looks sick, but it's an expensive upgrade from something like the Switch Lite. The value of that system is hard to beat.

[@startedtech]

I bought a switch lite but ended up selling it after a couple months. Part of the reason was the screen quality was just bad. I can't justify the price of the OLED model though at all.

[@MyKillyy]

No value for me since I'm interested in docking mode here and there

[@nathansstuff1547]

@@startedtech Screen quality was bad? How so?

[@jefferyjones8399]

I think I might get one of these. I play in handheld way more than docked so I’m definitely the target audience for this.

[@smittyvanjagermanjenson182]

As nice as it looked in person, I'm patient. When a new model can offer the performance to match the screen I'll throw Nintendo some more cash. Not asking for 60fps on everything, just more overall stability. Locked 30, with maybe a few more polygons on screen in bigger titles. I'm happy with the switch V2 until then.

[@oaktoro]

Copped one after waiting years for a switch, im glad i waited because the OLED model had me hype to get back into the world of Nintendo.

[@Carmelox_LR]

Very good video, explained with a calm voice, thorough and professional review. Thumbs up.

[@XZ-III]

tf is this? a teacher grading an assignment?

[@TheMiddleman1997]

I feel like the addition of the OLED model makes the choice for a definitive portable switch a bit confusing. The new display looks gorgeous, but I much prefer the Lite's unibody design and dpad. I almost wish there was a switch lite OLED, but I can understand why having 4 switch models isn't really practical.

[@chatdos9]

Remember the 3ds with 6 models.

[@eskimofo9i6]

Yes the switch lite w OLED makes the most sense!

[@pipgoesthepossum]

Agree.

[@taptoplayde]

We need a Switch Lite with OLED display and two USB-C ports, one for power, one for the external display.

[@edismehmedali4666]

There wouldn't be 4 models though. They are 100% going to phase out the base lcd switch, that's why they lowered the price, to clear the remaining stock. Once the remaining stock is gone there will only be switch lite and switch oled

[@rcg38]

I think that is awesome that it is an improvement on even the Vita’s display which isn’t too surprising considering how much newer the switch oled is. That said I am more likely to just get an oled tv so that all of my game systems including switch in docked mode can look better consider how most of the time I dont play on handheld

[@martinschnabel1961]

This was the best Switch oled review I've seen so far. Thank you, well done

[@admiralfishface8750]

Literally one of the best reviews to anything I’ve ever seen.

[@testaccount4191]

I always loved the images you got from CRT monitor, i had one of the last high refresh-rate HD ones which looked as good as any OLED panel. I feel that important to mention a lot of early 2000s games where designed to run on them and do look significantly better then if it is run on monitors now.

[@MotoguyX5]

I have an original Switch and had no intention of upgrading to the OLED. That is until I saw one in person on display at my local GameStop. Ordered one first time they became available, can’t wait for it!

[@TerminatorJuice]

As a fellow OLED enthusiast I have to say very good review John! I am a little surprised that a DF review didn't go a bit more in-depth tho... I would have loved to know if the changes to the dock has had any impact on the temp of the Switch and fan noise while running demanding game in docked mode. Maybe a follow up video or a something to bring up on the next DF Direct??? Cheers!

[@coolioam8137]

God I told myself I didn't need this upgrade because I played about half and half. I am now looking at my pre-order receipt, not regretting a single thing. That screen is too huge of an upgrade. Absolutely beautiful.

[@xxargonautxx9790]

I thought the same. I pre ordered it cause i had the launch switch and needed a new one since that one done miles with it’s wear and it’s hardware hackable. But OMG this OLED model is a night and day different. As soon as i held it with the joy cons i felt a WORLD of difference. Feels so solid and actually what the 2017 should’ve been. So glad i got this.

[@coolioam8137]

@@xxargonautxx9790 it’s just a much more high quality build. The materials used are light years better and that damn screen is perfection. Personally very happy with the upgrade

[@AllTimeScary]

It just isn't enough for an upgrade, especially with the reports of a 4K Switch still on the horizon for next year. I would say if someone has the expendable income and has never owned a Switch before, this looks great.

[@AvaaSlays_Swiftie]

I wouldn’t hold my breath. Bloomberg blasted that because zynga claimed to get one. Of all companies zynga? If we ever get a 4k switch get ready for steam deck pricing that’s for sure at 500 bucks

[@vampG1]

Bro a switch that consistently hits 1080p native would be the best.. who is asking for a 4K switch? MAYBE a brand new chip with modern technology could push that many pixels with DLSS enabled. I doubt it though.

[@ZsH85]

Hey hey all time :) waiting for some new mandela effects of the switch !

[@ayushsinghchauhan9558]

@@AvaaSlays_Swiftie 500 isin't bad tbh for a 4k gaming machine.

[@hurgcat]

March 2023 methinks for the switch 2. So, a year and a half or two years for a 350$ device, IDK it seems like ok value to me. My Winter 2017 Mario edition switch has served me well for 4 years, but I have been rocking an OLED smartphone for a couple years and looking at that LCD panel makes me sad. I will upgrading this holiday.

[@anguishkid]

I'm buying the Switch OLED and will just trade in if Nintendo surprises with anything new soon. The last time I had a dedicated handheld console was back in the PSP era. Ever since I am gaming on PC / Mobile Phone and really missed playing on a dedicated handheld console.

[@Hmbs271]

Great in depth review and very helpful! I would've liked to hear more about the increased perceived judder in 30 fps games due to the instantaneous pixel response of OLED displays. This has been a very common complaint online for years regarding OLEDs. I figure that the inherent ghosting in LCDs is sort of beneficial to 30 fps games, which are quite common on the Switch, no matter good or bad frame pacing. I'm glad that 60 fps games have more clarity in motion like Sonic Mania 11:00. That's a title I would have tested myself for this. I personally have to use BFI on modern displays to enjoy playing that one, though. Would love to see someone like BlurBusters make an indepth analysis on this. Heck a collaboration with DF would be awesome since you both have much of the same interests. Especially John and his obsession with CRTs.

[@battyflaps5410]

i had it pre ordered, i received it like 2 days after it released the oled is so nice, honestly as some one who plays mostly in handheld my god its good. Even games like breath of the wild is just nicer with the size increase. I use a tablet holder that has a clamp to the desk so i can play it on handheld while i watch videos on pc.. Its a great experience.. Colours are amazing too. Don't even need to crank up the brightness on it for it to look awesome either.

[@VulturePilot]

My launch day switch still going strong, people who say theirs is breaking and falling apart must not take care of their electronics

[@VulturePilot]

@Dr. Hibbs literally look at some of the comments here even

[@KarlDelaney99]

I know people who had stick drift after less than two weeks?

[@mrpiratefox4497]

@@KarlDelaney99 some came with drift out of the box lmao

[@joesterling4299]

@@VulturePilot Some of the commenters here are quite salty about Nintendo's success with the Switch. Sour grapes are sour.

[@KarlDelaney99]

@@joesterling4299 That's fine, when you buy a product and it comes to you broken don't complain. Keep licking corporates hole, oh is that your ass Nintendo? Closer to the hole sir.

[@lanarkorras4411]

"Doom 3 is a game that absolutely shines on an OLED screen." Not sure that was the right choice of words there. 😂

[@argo117007]

Seems fine to me

[@ununbeliebt]

@@servantbyday yeah like "wooooooooosh"

[@Dr.Strangelewd]

Now we can enjoy 720p graphics with zero antialiasing on slightly bigger screen, neat.

[@ImGonnaFudgeThatFish]

*at struggling framerates sometimes far below 720p

[@SystemBD]

"If you stare into the pixel, the pixel stares back at you". Back in my day, we were happy to have 320x240 images with 256 colors, in much bigger (and unintentionally curved) monitors.

[@repeekyraidcero]

Just take off your glasses

[@RayVa0]

@@repeekyraidcero glad I am not the only one using MAA(myopia anti aliasing)

[@marioe.4400]

7:41 - Perfectly synced to the commentary.

[@TruExtentChannel]

12:25 In regards to the border with the controls, Nintendo has already updated this. About two years ago, both the NES and SNES were given a new option in the Settings menu on the main menu. Under all the display types is a "Show controls in game" box. Untick the box and you'll be good to go.

[@MadX8]

He was also talking about the horrible borders we have to deal with, instead of having full black borders. It's a terrible idea and i'm sad we still don't have the option to get full black borders

[@hugejackedman3447]

The Switch is really the realization of Nintendo ideas to connect handhelds to TVs. They've been experimenting with the idea ever since the Gameboy. I point this out because no one ever expected the Gameboy to be on par with the SNES nor the GBA with Gcube etc. End of the day, the Switch is a handheld with the option to play on a TV.

[@jimmedia10]

This is why I love Digital Foundry. They don't just parrot everyone else -they say exactly how it is.

[@lasthopelost9090]

I can just tell how much nicer this switch is to look at

[@Jarrod_Hurdle]

The boarders around the Nintendo online emulators literally make illegal emulation the better option.

[@joejoe2658]

for someone so "literal" the emulator is offline.

[@somebonehead]

Emulation is legal though.

[@MarcBR1]

@@somebonehead The roms aren't

[@keplen3073]

@@MarcBR1 they are if you own the original game as well iirc

[@MarcBR1]

@@ramonandrajo6348 Yep!

[@JonnyLin7]

Switch = Nintendo 3DS (Baseline Model) Switch Lite = Nintendo 2DS (Entry Level Model with one of the key features taken away) Switch OLED = Nintendo 3DS XL (Premium model with slight design enhancements all-around and a bigger / better screen)

[@suhdude9568]

Might have missed it, but how is the battery life. Better, the same, or worse?

[@Link0710]

Yeah I'm curious. Is it the old battery or the new battery or a newer one? I need to know how long it lasts

[@ayushsinghchauhan9558]

That's digital foundry for ya🤷🏻

[@loganrunaways]

So far the only review I have seen that talks about things I actually care about. Shout out DF.

[@loganrunaways]

Unfortunately the lack of an updated SOC means I’m out. This is the switch that should have came out five years ago.

[@noahsabadish3812]

John, this review of the OLED model is the first I watched, and it was the only one I needed to. As always, your work is comprehensive, well organized, and warmly presented. Looking forward to playing DREAD and others on this bad boy.

[@Indead]

Using the WiiU Viewing Cradle to stand up the VITA, haha, I love it.

[@Zenzuu]

Just goes to show how good the Vita really is. Although it's old and uses older OLED display. In John's word it's still equivalent to today's high end plasma TV. Which is amazing for a handheld that came out 10 years ago.

[@BaconTopHat45]

It's not as impressive as you make it sound because there is no "today's high end plasma TV", they stopped making them almost 10 years ago. Of course the new high-end display tech is at least as good as the one discontinued around the same time it came out.

[@timothybarr8241]

Just got mine today. Its one of those things where if the entire world is burning around you, holding this in your hand you're like, "im alright" lol

[@talks1c]

Too bad the Oled has terrible grey unifornity.. anything grey or near black has this god awful graininess/noise. Very noticeable on the dark theme background.. made little nightmares look terrible (dear I say unplayable) during any dark/dim scene…why Nobody is talking about this blows my mind because it effects every oled model 😢

[@LeateqOfficial]

I just bought oled and I’ve noticed it as well…it’s terrible

[@gamingwithdummies3960]

Another great video John!

[@ihaveallthecoins2785]

It would be amazing to be able to watch some Netflix on this new screen.

[@mrlozanoo]

Getting mine this friday, thank you so much for your work!! =)

[@reedscriven]

The whole vivid mode thing is kinda scammy. It's cool there's the mode but all comparisons are just showing the vivid mode vs the old switch. Wish they just added it on the old switch too for more accurate comparisons since it just feels like an easy way for them to ship and new display and say look more color!

[@DarkPhychic]

True...even in Normal lcd,Vivid mode would look much better

[@alfalfaanp]

Samsung offers two display modes on most of its AMOLED phones- the default vivid and natural. The vivid setting on Switch OLED seems to come from there, provided by the panel manufaturer. It was a nice gimmick for a day or two on my phone, then I permanently switched over to natural colors which are far more pleasing, accurate and easier on the eyes. Owners of the old Switch are not missing anything substantial by not having vivid mode.

[@DarkPhychic]

@@alfalfaanp i had xiaomi and asus zenphones which had LCD display and in both of them there were vivid color mode options,so it is nothing like OLED specific..

[@aoikemono6414]

With or without it, OLED can achieve more colors than LCDs. A vivid mode for the old Switch would not be able to achieve the same vibrancy. Why are you paying more for something if the benefits aren't made obvious? It's like buying a sports car and having it default to fuel efficiency mode to save gas...

[@alfalfaanp]

@@DarkPhychic You're right, fair point. There's a slight difference between IPS LCD and AMOLED panels though, the AMOLEDs have a wider colour gamut, and Samsung uses the vivid mode to boost saturation of some of the colors outside SRGB. Vivid mode on IPS LCD or TN panels are slightly simpler saturation boosts within SRGB spectrum.

[@Samus2400]

Great Video, but i love the background music around 8:40

[@Arc0w]

I feel it's time for Switch 2, Nintendo does know the concept works, this hardware is just too old and now 2 or even 3 Generations behind. This should already have been at least a 4k model or replace the old model for same price. One critiscm: The Switch is not a dedicated handheld, that was always made clear by Nintendo.

[@RodniDemental]

I want one to be cool like everyone else but I still and probably will always think it's an overpriced -4 year old- tablet.. Unless it becomes a reasonably priced or cheap old tablet like i think it should be,, then I'm on board.

[@JFinns]

Even worse is the software. Nintendo Online is worse than PS360/Steam was 15+ years ago.

[@MadX8]

@@RodniDemental I'll never understand this statement. The Switch is a Nintendo console, i don't care if it looks like a tablet... If i wanna play Nintendo games i need a Nintendo system, that's all. Don't give a damn if it looks like a tablet, a DVD player or nothing... If you can play BotW, Mario Odyssey or Mario kart elsewhere, go for it mate (Please don't mention PC as it's 10 times more expensive than a Switch)

[@Solosmooth]

Switch OLED my favorite handheld!!! Oled screen is so beautiful definitely worth the purchase!!! And Nintendo games are EXCELLENT!

[@teeq985]

Should have been this version when it first launched. The incremental polishing of the unit is similar in the way games are released in a rush and then patched later. It is near enough the same price since day one 2017, did it really take 4 years for a revised kickstand, lan port in the dock, and an oled panel?

[@Nathancl22]

You dummy that's like saying they should have never come out with the ps1 should have just made the ps5 from Day 1 smh.

[@Zveebo]

The original GameBoy should have been the Switch when it first came out 🙄 People are so dumb. The original Switch is one of the best selling consoles of all time - it clearly did the job from the start. Component prices have come down, and Nintendo is charging more for this - that’s the reason it’s now where it is.

[@teeq985]

@@Zveebo It still is the same console revised twice with very minimal upgrades that do not warrant the same price with QoL upgrades which everyone wanted from the start over the span of a 4 year period. To say the switch should have been the original gameboy is complete nonsense.

[@DanielLopez-up6os]

Am i crazy or is the Footage FPS different depending on if its the Screen being filmed and John talking filmed?

[@AngryMiddleAgedMan]

Great video. Me personally I loved the Oled version. Now I own the Lite, the OG and the Oled version, so believe me when I say, theres no way back once you play on the Oled. Smash ultimate looks wonderful, the colors look so clean, vibrant, luminous, and the screen is huge... Also Metroid dread has given me great expiriencie.

[@onlyamatteroftime1843]

I love this guys face its like when you take all the skyrims create a characters face points either all the way up or down someone took his eye corners and dropped them all da way fookin diagonal i love it!

[@misaeltoral508]

Can you attach other controllers like the HORI ones?

[@mightyone3914]

Yes

[@mortentranberg-hansen8432]

Any issues with green tint? Amazing video! Been reading a lot about green tint. Unsure if I should go with the V2 or the Oled, the latter seems so much Nicer with the updated dock and kickstand etc.

[@CuttinInIdaho]

No issues, I have the ToTK limited OLED and had an original white OLED and still have an original switch I am hyper sensitive to tinting as well...

[@mortentranberg-hansen8432]

@@CuttinInIdaho thanks!

[@capsel22]

Great video. Shame no mention on battery life.

[@playcubex13]

As someone who never uses dock mode. This is basically still just Game Boy 2021 to me and wow we’ve come all long way! Loading up a 1tb sd card on this thing too 🤤

[@XZ-III]

ew

[@sergeleon1163]

I wonder if they would update the Switch Lite to an OLED model as well, specially as handheld only model it would make sense.

[@TFx2TV]

Love the background music in this one mate keep it up

[@joesterling4299]

Great tech review, as always. Thank you. I must point out that you missed the doubling of internal storage, from 32 GB to 64 GB. Given that about 8 GB is never accessible to the user, that's actually quite a bump in game-install space in the best memory.

[@N.i.E.M.O]

Now you can actually have enough space to download one full typical 3rd party game.

[@danielcodoceo722]

1:26 Ah! John being a man of culture I see.

[@tsu7206]

What is the name of that game?

[@kwedl]

It's definitely not enough. It's not like OLED is anything new either. We've had OLED/AMOLED phones for years and even budget phones have them these days, not to mention the original Vita model also had it. I really wish they would release some sort of pro model with the new tegra chip, but they probably won't because it will sell millions no matter what, they could release a 240p handheld again and noone would complain. I will probably keep emulating Switch games for now, it's not perfect, but i can at least play most of them at 1440p 60 at this point even the ones usually locked to 30. I will still buy the physical games though as always.

[@dushikorsou1]

Or you know there is a huge shortage of chips atm lmao

[@DiePoente]

"they could release a 240p handheld again and noone would complain." Yeah, sure dude. Nintendo may be ancient when it comes to their hardware but they are not THAT ancient. The 3DS had 240p and the next console they did had a 480p screen (Wii U) and the Switch in 2017 with 720p. Look at Valve's Deck with hardware being close to 1000$ being sold at 400$ and they still only gave it a 800p screen. Imagine thinking they would do another handheld and give it 240p screen (why did they even bother with 240p for the 3DS, why didn't they just go again with 192p like the Nintendo DS?) and then thinking NO ONE would complain...

[@Silversaiyan500]

@@dushikorsou1 if theres a chip shortage than Nintendo should've made nothing rather than make a switch oled

[@wile123456]

this model is for people who've yet to buy a switch, like me, but even then it feels like the switch 2 is around the corner next year, so it feels like a waste buying a switch so late,e ven if it is OLED. Had this come out in 2019 it would be a different story

[@lemmy154]

yes, but if they gave you a more powerful switch and that will cost more, you would be complaining, the oled switch is not for those who already have a switch when will the delayed 4k60 understand that the switch is not a MasterñRace PC?

[@Nolasco.]

Thanks for the Review John, very informative 💕

[@phrozac]

Decent update though I'll wait for the inevitable successor in a year or two. In the meantime, I have my Switch Lite and got a reservation for the Deck, Chad model.

[@abukh86]

"Chad model" xD

[@LAlawyer]

Digital Foundry reviews are absolutely superior. The best in the business.

[@VariantAEC]

What about battery life?

[@joesterling4299]

How can he test that now? I don't think it's possible. This is the sort of thing that gets planned out over a long time, like a year--where a unit is put through many charging cycles, and compared to others.

[@VariantAEC]

@@joesterling4299 What are you talking about? He could've easily run 4 or 5 cycles through and given us those results with that of the original, Lite and enhanced Switch models (which they already have metrics for when those systems were also new). This isn't difficult.

[@jesserogalski1402]

Burn in depends on the screen. I have an LG, and have games for over 10 hours at a time, static images like the UI on screen, and have had no issues in the year and a half that I had it. I use the pixel refresher once in a while to be safe, but I don't think even that's needed.

[@thanksbetotap]

Pro tip: Keep the colors in Natural mode, because Vivid absolutely destroys the accuracy.

[@pvtcmyers87]

Awesome review John. Thank you for the great job.

[@AnitaHanjaabFR]

Need a DF Retro on the Vita now

[@Galottiful]

Nothing but love for digital foundry. You guys work hard