• Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.

I am not blown away by the OLED Switch nearly as much as I had expected!!

ahtlas7

Member
yup, just connect to an OLED Tv... voilà

Happy Season 8 GIF by Curb Your Enthusiasm
 

Deerock71

Member
The fact that the kick stand is a prime selling feature here should tell you all you need to know about the value of the offering.
Yes. There's improvements everywhere on the handheld/porrable side. If that's how you play, fifty bucks is peanuts; there is now no better portable Switch experience. Full stop.
 

01011001

Banned
Yes. There's improvements everywhere on the handheld/porrable side. If that's how you play, fifty bucks is peanuts; there is now no better portable Switch experience. Full stop.

yeah but the upgrade even with all that is small, especially after 4 years of the original model being a thing.
there was literally a bigger difference between the PSP 1000 and the PSP 2000 models and the 2000 model released about 2 years after the original one.

Differences between PSP 1000 and 2000:
- double the RAM for faster load times
- smaller and lighter
- faster UMD drive
- Component cable TV out functionality
- better screen with better pixel response time

Differences between Switch Mariko and Switch OLED:
- Bigger storage
- Bigger OLED Screen
- heavier
- slightly bigger
- 1 less USB port on dock, replaced by LAN port
- better kickstand



I think that's what is the disappointing part. after 4 years you'd expect more from a hardware refresh than a slightly better screen and more storage and a better kickstand for the 2 people that use tabletop mode regularly

4 years after the launch of the Xbox One is when the One X released, and the One X released at the same launch price as the original Xbox One fat
- 4.5x more GPU power
- 1.3x more CPU power
- 12GB GDDR5 compared to 8GB DDR3
- 2x more storage
- UHD drive
- way smaller (smallest Xbox ever at the time)

so the 4 year refresh of the Switch as compared to the 4 year refresh of the Xbox One is a bit underwhelming to say the least. even the PS4 Pro (which released 3 years after the original system) is a huge jump in comparison to the Switch OLED
a better screen and a better kickstand, both of which people that mainly use it on the TV will be basically invisible upgrades, is just... weak... and it is more expensive THAN THE LAUNCH PRICE of the original system ontop of all that... 4 years later! with a tiny hardware refresh they want 50 bucks more than the launch model was released at 4 years ago
 
Last edited:

Deerock71

Member
The PSP didn't break records around the world for sales, either. Nintendo didn't iterate as much, because they built a world-beater that's only recently seen one minuscule price cut in Europe. I honestly think the chip shortage was the only thing that prevented a full-blown Switch Pro, however.
 

THE DUCK

voted poster of the decade by bots
Definitely not a myth. I don't think you could ever NOT scratch the Switch, no matter how careful you were.

This new dock seems better for that, but time will tell.

I actually don't understand the whole switch scratching thing, myself an my kids have had 2 different switches in 2 different docks hundreds of times and no scratches. It's not that I don't believe it has happened to people, because it clearly has, but I don't get why if you just put it in straight. Maybe some docks where manufactured crooked.
 
Last edited:

Kappa

Member
While I agree with you in principle...I still have all my old Switches lol. They're stacking up like cars in a junkyard. And whether or not you think it's worth 350 bones...other poster...it's entirely the consumer's decision. But your mileage may vary. I'm loving it so far.
Haha dont worry im the same way, that was more for the normies.
Have my og and switch lite right next to me too
 

MiguelItUp

Member
It's a step up, but in the slightest way. Though I guess it just really depends on what you want and what you're interested in. I personally didn't see a point in going for it.
 

nikos

Member
This will probably sound like hyperbole, but the difference is night and day for me. Before I begin to explain why, aside from the display being way better quality than the original, I should mention that I'm very particular about display and image quality.

The original Switch's poor quality display was one of the reasons I didn't like using the console. When connecting to a 4K display, image quality was arguably worse since it was sub-native resolution.

I feel like I haven't played a Nintendo console on a proper display since the GameCube. After that, all of my displays ran at a higher native resolution than their consoles were able to output, so I never had a crisp image. The 3DS displays were horrific as well. I own(ed) them all.

With the Switch OLED, I finally feel like I'm playing Nintendo games on a good display. It has breathed new life into my Switch library. I've gone back to play a ton of games, and it's a much more enjoyable experience now.

Hopefully we get a more powerful model soon, and hopefully Nintendo will finally keep up with current display technology. I find it hard to believe anybody who actually upgraded to the OLED would say it's hardly an upgrade, unless they really don't care bout display quality at all.
 
Last edited:
Yeah, as long as you play it handheld only. Docked mode you see zero difference. And Im pretty sure there wont be a more powerful model. Soon the Switch will be 5 years old, they are probably preparing for a new console which considering the success of the switch it will be somewhere along the same lines idea-wise.
 

THE DUCK

voted poster of the decade by bots
It's a upgrade, but if you already own a Switch it's not worth it.

It's a step up, but in the slightest way. Though I guess it just really depends on what you want and what you're interested in. I personally didn't see a point in going for it.

All of you commenting like this, do you own a current gen/lcd switch and have actually had your hands on an oled switch to compare?
 

TLZ

Banned
All of you commenting like this, do you own a current gen/lcd switch and have actually had your hands on an oled switch to compare?
I have a Switch, both OLED and LCD Vitas and an OLED TV. It's a very slight upgrade. It's not worth selling/trading in my Switch for. In fact I never once complained about my Switch's LCD. It never was the issue. It looks good enough for a portable. It's the dated hardware that needs an upgrade and the joycons.
 

THE DUCK

voted poster of the decade by bots
I have a Switch, both OLED and LCD Vitas and an OLED TV. It's a very slight upgrade. It's not worth selling/trading in my Switch for. In fact I never once complained about my Switch's LCD. It never was the issue. It looks good enough for a portable. It's the dated hardware that needs an upgrade and the joycons.

Wait, so you do or you don't have an oled switch? Sounds like you don't, and your just basing your comments on other stuff you own. This is conjecture, vs actual hands on use - you don't actually know how big of a difference it is. The value of said statements is greatly diminished.
 
I am fucking shocked at the sheer amount of you that need to post the same exact reply over and over again, paraphrasing each other or not. FUCK, this site is becoming braindead...
 

Nitty_Grimes

Made a crappy phPBB forum once ... once.
I actually don't understand the whole switch scratching thing, myself an my kids have had 2 different switches in 2 different docks hundreds of times and no scratches. It's not that I don't believe it has happened to people, because it clearly has, but I don't get why if you just put it in straight. Maybe some docks where manufactured crooked.
That’s what I meant about putting the thing in and out if the dock with the precision of a heart surgeon.

In sloooooooooooowwwwww motion almost making sure you have it lined up perfectly otherwise your scratching the screen.
 

MiguelItUp

Member
Wait, so you do or you don't have an oled switch? Sounds like you don't, and your just basing your comments on other stuff you own. This is conjecture, vs actual hands on use - you don't actually know how big of a difference it is. The value of said statements is greatly diminished.
His first sentence says he owns one...

All of you commenting like this, do you own a current gen/lcd switch and have actually had your hands on an oled switch to compare?
There's plenty of videos and images out there that do enough justice for myself, and the ones that surely feel that way as well.

It's why I said, "it just really depends on what you want and what you're interested in", for some the slightly increased size and OLED is more than enough. But not for me. Besides, I don't even use my Switch that often, especially in undocked mode.
 

STARSBarry

Gold Member
I am honestly confused why anyone would expect to be blown away by the Switch OLED... unless they put a faulty lithium ion battery prone to detonation in it.

It's a switch with a better screen, we have known this for some time, arguably the biggest change to switch was the first unmarked refresh which improved the processor, doubling the battery life over the launch model, only way to tell is the serial number though.

I think if you don't have a switch getting the OLED model makes sense, largely down to the potential joycon reliability improvements. However if you already have a switch, unless you use it in handheld all the time there is no reason to buy this... and honestly even then not much of one.
 
Last edited:
I am honestly confused why anyone would expect to be blown away by the Switch OLED... unless they put a faulty lithium ion battery prone to detonation in it.
There's the hardcore Nintendo guys here claiming to be blown away. I think they're lying to themselves, honestly. I got mine and it is definitely just a minimal upgrade. For as much as I play Switch, it was worth it, but anyone making claims that say stuff like, "how did I ever play the old Switch? This is amazing!", are drinking dangerous quantities of Kool-Aid.
 
Last edited:
  • Thoughtful
Reactions: TLZ

REDRZA MWS

Member
But 2 generations ahead in market share and sales. They ain't gonna change their path, the shareholders love it.
And their sales effect you, I, or any other gamers exactly how? What a ridiculous take on this. Their hardware is shit, I don’t cRe how much money they make. They may sell consoles to 10 ur olds but both Sony and MS are raking in software and services, but again, wtf cares about that? I want to play my game on modern hardware on my 4K OLED. They can buy
It's not a take, it's facts, nothing to do with my or your or anyone's opinions. The last time Nintendo cared about tech was the GC, which failed. Since then it's all about minimum cost and maximum profit.
Exactly, they don’t care about tech, hence the OP entire point of this this thread. He’s not impressed. You brought up sales, which has zero to do with this thread.
 

Aroll

Member
I was shopping with my kids today and happened upon the last OLED Switch at Meijer. I have had the Switch since launch and decided why not upgrade.
I brought it home and watched a few youtube vids on it first to see how the setup process would be to transfer all my stuff, and I watched some unboxing vids as well.
In all the vids watched, they are gobsmacked by the screen. Just floored by the quality over the original's LCD. Boy, did I think I was in for a treat!!

When I finally turned it on and was going to transfer all my shit from OG to OLED, I just wasn't all that impressed. Granted, it defaults to auto-brightness, so once I got through setup, I turned that off and put the brightness up to around 85-90%.

It is for sure an improvement. The colors are saturated and there is an almost 3d quality to the image - 2D games seem to benefit most so far. I guess anyone with an OLED phone knows this look.

All that said, it's just not nearly enough for me to bother selling my OG unit, buying new peripherals, redownloading all 300 GB's of games I have.

I'm going to think it over for a day or so, but I am pretty sure I'm taking it back. I play almost exclusively handheld, so I was very excited for this, but if I had to quantify the upgrade, I would say it's a 20-25% improvement over the OG unit.
I am also considering getting my son a Switch for Xmas, so I could just give him my unit and call it a day. Who knows, I might change my mind - just expected my jaw to be on the floor based on what I was seeing on youtube.
If you do think it's better - do you think it's worth $90?

Here is why I ask: If you live in the US right now and are a Pro member at GameStop, they will hand you $260 to put towards games and other future stuff. $220 without. That's a hell of a trade in deal for a system that's only $40 brand new. You can then KEEP the new one you do feel is a little better and get huge value on your old.
 

Panajev2001a

GAF's Pleasant Genius
I have a Switch, both OLED and LCD Vitas and an OLED TV. It's a very slight upgrade. It's not worth selling/trading in my Switch for. In fact I never once complained about my Switch's LCD. It never was the issue. It looks good enough for a portable. It's the dated hardware that needs an upgrade and the joycons.
True, it should have been how the Switch launched but for me it begrudgingly is what I would have wanted in my launch unit.

Switch needs to be good enough in all modes: docked, tabletop, and handheld (battery life is important for the latter two modes). Comparing the launch model and this one shows deficiencies in the launch Switch better.

Bigger, contrasty, and bright enough screen coupled with better battery life makes the handheld mode quite better, and the new kickstand make tabletop mode practical for me finally. This release does not do much if anything at all (beyond an Ethernet port built-in the dock) for docked mode, I agree… it sucks this was not the launch Switch.
 
  • Thoughtful
Reactions: TLZ

Deerock71

Member
I've noticed an interesting development in my house. I HAVEN'T EVEN SET UP THE DOCK YET!!! Keep in mind, I actually purchased an 8K HDMI cable and a Marseille gaming dongle prior to picking this thing up just so I could maximize my picture on my 1080p projector. I'm setting this thing down on any flat surface and watching tv in the background. I honestly think the combo of the screen and the actually functional kickstand is going to push playing on my tv to the brink of irrelevancy.
 

Billbofet

Member
If you do think it's better - do you think it's worth $90?

Here is why I ask: If you live in the US right now and are a Pro member at GameStop, they will hand you $260 to put towards games and other future stuff. $220 without. That's a hell of a trade in deal for a system that's only $40 brand new. You can then KEEP the new one you do feel is a little better and get huge value on your old.
I think it is better, and if this is a first time Switch buyer, I would for sure get the OLED.
I would also say it's worth $90 if you play handheld a ton. The other upgrades like the kickstand and the overall quality of the unit is nicer.
It just wasn't enough for me, that's all.
 
Well, almost expected. It's all in price - like 50$ better + twice the storage + good kickstand.

Old Switch have IPS display which is already not bad display type.
But OLED is better in everything:
1. Wider color gamut (that's why it have "standard" and "vibrant" settings)
2. Unlimited contrast
3. Faster response times
4. Even wider viewing angles
5. It will die much faster, lol
 

Beer Baelly

Al Pachinko, Konami President
Store over here still had two OLEDS laying around. Had one in my hands but thought nah, fuck that. I dont play handheld.
 

MacReady13

Member
I purchased the OLED Switch on Saturday and gave the kids the "old" Switch. From starting it up to transferring everything across you can tell instantly the screen is so much better/brighter. I love the look of it and i'm very pleased with the purchase BUT, I wish it was a more powerful unit...
 

THE DUCK

voted poster of the decade by bots
His first sentence says he owns one...


There's plenty of videos and images out there that do enough justice for myself, and the ones that surely feel that way as well.

It's why I said, "it just really depends on what you want and what you're interested in", for some the slightly increased size and OLED is more than enough. But not for me. Besides, I don't even use my Switch that often, especially in undocked mode.

Actually if you read it carefully, it says he has "a switch" and both versions of vita and an oldd tv like that somehow qualifies him as hands on the new oled switch.

Agreed, if mostly used in dock mode the arguement to buy oled if you already have one is mostly gone. I would say though 27% increase in size isn't slight in a mobile.
 

MiguelItUp

Member
Actually if you read it carefully, it says he has "a switch" and both versions of vita and an oldd tv like that somehow qualifies him as hands on the new oled switch.

Agreed, if mostly used in dock mode the arguement to buy oled if you already have one is mostly gone. I would say though 27% increase in size isn't slight in a mobile.
My bad, reading I have "both" threw me off, lmao. Fortunately I can blame that on still waking up. :)

Yeah, I would like to see how it actually looks in person, but the size increase is immediately noticeable in side by sides.
 

ManaByte

Member
Still have 2 launch Switches (one for me and one of the wife). Not buying a new one until Nintendo unveils the Super Switch next year that will also have an OLED screen.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TLZ

Clintizzle

Lord of Edge.
I bought my girl a switch a while ago and we've always sort of shared it so never really had a problem. Only recently with more good games coming to the switch, I'm finding it hard to share it as I feel like I'm playing it more than she is - even though I bought it for her haha.

My dilemma is if I should buy the new OLED switch because I like to have new things or should i wait for a potential pro model in the next year...
 

jshackles

Gentlemen, we can rebuild it. We have the capability to make the world's first enhanced store. Steam will be that store. Better than it was before.
Still have 2 launch Switches (one for me and one of the wife). Not buying a new one until Nintendo unveils the Super Switch next year that will also have an OLED screen.
I upgraded from a launch Switch, and it's a tremendous upgrade over the original hardware.

Anecdotally, I'd say the biggest thing is that the battery life is probably double. Either from my launch Switch having a smaller battery (fact) or that it's just been used considerably over the last 4 years and has worn out. The battery life in the OLED seems to be on-par with the Switch v2 (Mariko, with the larger battery) which for me was just as cool of an upgrade as the larger OLED screen was.

The kickstand is also massively improved. It's a good bit of mobile gaming tech really.
 

Aurelius

Member
After trading in my old Switch I only had to pay 149 euro for the OLED. It’s worth it for me since I have a long wishlist and backlog of Nintendo games, and I mostly play in handheld mode. It arrives tomorrow! Really excited.
 
Last edited:

ManaByte

Member
I upgraded from a launch Switch, and it's a tremendous upgrade over the original hardware.

Anecdotally, I'd say the biggest thing is that the battery life is probably double. Either from my launch Switch having a smaller battery (fact) or that it's just been used considerably over the last 4 years and has worn out. The battery life in the OLED seems to be on-par with the Switch v2 (Mariko, with the larger battery) which for me was just as cool of an upgrade as the larger OLED screen was.

The kickstand is also massively improved. It's a good bit of mobile gaming tech really.

My Switch is used docked 99.999% of the time. So I don't really have use for it yet. When they upgrade the hardware, I'll pre-order Day 1.
 
Top Bottom