Perhaps not the 'Switch Pro' that you were expecting, but Nintendo has finally lifted the lid on the latest hardware to enter the Nintendo Switch family, the OLED Model.
From the name itself it's clear Nintendo wants to draw attention to the larger OLED screen along with the other smaller updates such as the improved stand and dock features.
We've got the high resolution images that show everything we know so far about the refresh so let's take a closer look.
What do you make of the subtle design changes, such as the white dock or the more refined corners? Let us know in the comments below.
Comments 97
The White bundle looks so BEAUTIFUL !! 😍😍😍
It is kind of funny that it's taken them over 4 years to work out that stand was next to useless
I just sold my 2017 Switch and bought Nintendo Switch Lite, so my timing was perfect! 😏
looks really nice, always loved the vibrant colors on the PS vita OLED, so will look forward to this as well.
Cue all the fans being annoyed at Nintendo about this not living up to the hype rather than blaming those coming up with the rumours...
It still looks nice, but this system offers absolutely no advantages to people who play primarily or entirely in TV mode.
And at an added cost that's more than the cost of a USB-LAN adapter.
It's hardly a dramatic change..
The white is a sleek look, but I don't think I'll be springing for this purchase. I can't justify spending $350 for a bigger, better screen, a functional stand, and an ethernet port when my current Switch has no problems.
Will laugh so much if they release an OLED model, all the while boasting about the improved colours and contrast, only to still limit the home menu to black and white.
You do you, Nintendo.
As a primarily TV player this is essentially useless to me.
I like the white/black and it reminds me of the PS5 in lots of ways... great that they've fixed the stand too, that looks a good improvement.
Ok, be honest, who’s buying this for the additional joy-con color option?
@Savino battery life is identical to current models according to the tech specs
@lighteningbolt79 EXACTLY! Rumors are rumors, they're made to be too good to be true in order to spice up hype for something that doesn't exist.
As a Switch gamer who l o v e s handheld and tabletop mode, the screen alone is worth upgrading over my launch model, plus I've waited years already to get a new one. White looks great, and the dock looks much improved.
I'm just hoping for a weight reduction between the OG and OLED models.
Looks like a squat PS5.
Oled to better display a wider color palette, but no HDR to better display a wider color palette?
We need to know what version of HDMI port the dock has.
It might have it.
I’ll believe it when I see it.
Scrolls through long list of official high resolution images
Okay, I believe it. Maybe. I’ll still have to ask my uncle if it’s really a thing.
The new box looks great.
The dock looks different though. Two rounded corners inside it instead of one.
ITS BEAUTIFUL! LOVE IT
Team XL wins! No pro for us, the rumours were definitely for the next hardware.
The Switch XL
It looks really sleek. I have a Lite and will stick with it for the foreseeable future but if I wanted to upgrade, this is the one.
This isn’t much of an upgrade to justify for me
People are really gonna blame all the disappointment on rumors as if the last 2 portable revisions (DSi and New 3DS) didn't feature processor upgrades, huh?
@Friendly i'm incredibly tempted but really hoping they sell those white joycon seperately, they're so clean
For someone who always plays docked, this is a no-buy, unfortunately. And it still doesn't look like they've improved on the Joy-Con sticks
@lighteningbolt79
This isn't even about reacting to leaks not being fulfilled.
This is about failing to satisfy demand for an upgrade with improved performance.
That white dock looks cleeeaaan.
Pointless.
But it does look nice.
@BLD who would have guessed a smaller handheld only version of the Switch would end up being stronger? It didn't make sense then, but it makes sense now since the Switch is aging really badly.
@Dragwhite yeah, I’m feeling the same!
@RupeeClock I say this is the proof that Nintendo is targeting more the mobile then the home console marketing.
Still way too much bezel, if they were going for an Apple style design. I would have bought that at launch, gladly paying a premium for dat OLED screen, as I'm really used to OLED TVs by now, but upgrading now .... I dunno, feels like a cop out.
I probably won't buy, as I was hoping for more frames and RAM, but it's really cool that people can finally shut up about it now!
@4thHcier Yes it does until the Cheetos eating kids get his hands on it. 😂
@RupeeClock I think people really overestimate the demand for a more powerful Switch. You might see it a lot on the Internet but that is from the "hardcore" (lack of a better word) fans. The average consumer doesn't really care and that can be seen in the fact the Switch is still selling incredibly well.
@SpaceboyScreams
I've edited my comment since it was apparently confusing.
This will look nice next to a ps5
This is a repeat of 2012: Nintendo released 3DS XL after E3 in July all of a sudden without saying anything. Only Nintendo will do something like this.
@Scrubicius
You're not wrong, I'm pretty sure that Nintendo have data that handheld mode is significantly more popular than TV mode.
And Switch Online will still suck 😄
@WillQuan
Yes, but it is in no way unreasonable to expect a performance upgrade for a system that now launched over 4 years ago!
As my family uses our Switch consoles nearly 100% of the time docked, the only thing I see as a benefit is the the built in Wired LAN port. But that should have been the standard since the Wii era.
But at this point I have so many Nintendo USB to LAN dongles, it is hard for me to justify buying this.
My Alienware Laptop, Oculus Quest 2, PS5 and this new Switch looks good together with white plastic.
This is really lame.
I would have jumped on something with new specs, but this isn't for me as I play docked mostly. With that said I don't really care, but I think many people who follow the industry are wondering how next generation games are going to still be portable to the same old Switch with how resource heavy games are getting because of the monstrous gap created with the release of the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Pro coming next year no doubt... Ok I have doubt.
Looks like chip shortages has left 4K out of the picture. This Switch seems to use the same Tegra chip.
@RupeeClock I wouldn't say unreasonable but I would say that if you've followed Nintendo for a long enough time, that it wouldn't really be expected. Outside of the New 3DS, have Nintendo ever significantly upgraded a system within 4 years of its release?
Any sign of pre-order go live?
I will be selling my Switch to get this beauty day of release as I mostly play handheld.... mostly
Can we still not connect wireless headphones to this thing??
That kickstand is quite nice. It certainly looks like it would be more reliable on uneven surfaces than the original kickstand was.
No 4K output, no boost in performance. Pass.
@RupeeClock Completely agree. I only play in docked mode on the TV, so as sharp as the new Switch looks in its white suit, I’ll be sticking with my existing V2 model. Especially as I have a 512GB SD card, so the I don’t need the extra 32GB either. Looks a decent purchase for handheld players though.
@WillQuan
Yes, the Nintendo DSi.
Original DS was 2004, DS Lite was 2006, DSi was 2008, and DSi XL was 2009.
@BLD I had to assume you meant the Switch because actually both consoles you mention did receive processor upgrades.
Nope, this is just a money grab.
Looks like the strap line for this year should be
2021, if you like disappointment, be a Nintendo Fan
It looks the same as the old one but in a different colour.
@SpaceboyScreams
Right, that's what I said - "As if they didn't"
I will get one, but I won't camp out or work hard for it.
They missed the boat to get a 4k option that would boost sales even more. Gimmick upgrade doesn't equate to better.
@Savino Indeed. Double the battery life, that would get me more excited than 4K.
I really love the look of the white joy-cons. Although this isnt the “Pro” leakers kept hyping up, it’s still an awesome refresh. I’ve had my Switch since launch & if the trade-in deals are good, I’ll 100% upgrade to this in October.
I think this is a strange move by Nintendo. These changes are too minor for (I would think) most people to care about.
All I want to know is if the screen is glass or plastic.
@RupeeClock yeah but they weren't significant hardware upgrades. DS Lite was better form factor/size and screens, DSi added some storage and DSiware which didn't require more powerful hardware and the DSi XL was literally a big DSi. All of them upgrades have more in common with the OLED Switch than they do if there was a more powerful Switch Pro.
It looks pretty, but there's just... not enough reason for me to upgrade to this. Not yet anyway. I'm gonna wait for about a year to see if they'll come up with a fun special version (Yoshi version please!), before I purchase this thing. Saying that as someone who's been eagerly awaiting the Pro model if only for better battery life and improved joy-cons. That last one doesn't seem to be happening, so that's gonna keep me from buying right away.
Sorry but no. I'm not putting down another $350 for the same drift-bound joy-cons that are currently being used on the current model when third-party companies like bin-bok not only make superior joy-cons but charging docs that don't scratch the screen when placed; and 64 gigs of storage? well whoop-dee do, what a huge improvement. Not like Ps3 and XBox 360 didn't have that right from the start.
And also, if anyone still believe the fantasy that Nintendo is incapable of creating a more powerful console like the ps4 or Xbox One or that they don't have as much money as Sony or Microsoft, let me remind you that Nintendo is the most wealthy game developer in Japan and are more that capable of making a console that's just as powerful as the Ps5 and the Series X if they wanted to, but won't since their board of directors in Japan are so tight fisted with the companies spending as well as a lack of vision to see Sony or Microsoft as competition, which would force them to do better.
I like the looks of this! Though I'm still glad I invested in a Switch (V2 model) during the holidays in 2019; it REALLY came in handy last year. It doesn't do much for me since I play docked most of the time, but I'll certainly consider upgrading in the future.
Also, I'm really digging those white joycons for some reason.
@BLD ah I see now, my apologies
Will it have folders?
I’m done buying Nintendo consoles until they re-implement folders.
@SeantheDon29 I don't think it's a case that Nintendo can't make more powerful hardware just that historically when they have, it hasn't panned out for them. Nintendo 64 was the most powerful console when released, sold less than PS1. Gamecube was more powerful than PS2, PS2 sold 5x the number of consoles. Wii U was on par with current systems when released, sold awfully. Whereas Wii weaker than competition, sold more, Gameboy, DS and 3DS weaker than competition sold more. Its simply that weaker hardware has worked for them and the Switch is currently selling ridiculous numbers still, why change now when it works for them?
I would have been satisfied with longer battery life, a more ergonomic design for handheld mode, and a 1000000% assurance my joy-cons don't go coo-coo in under a year. As this doesn't really address any of that, I'm not in the "insta-buy" camp.
Will the new switch work with old docks? It seems like they redesigned the dock.
@WillQuan
The main thing to examine here is the timeline.
As you say, from DS Phat to DS Lite, the key changes were the improved design with brighter screens, lighter weight, etc.
That was in two years.
DSi which came 4 years later does actually have improved performance, but not every game took advantage of it.
The Switch OLED comes 4 years later and doesn't offer a performance improvement. I would say that they probably planned to do this sooner, but things like silicon shortages and the pandemic delayed this launch.
Nintendo did Nintendo again.
Excited for the Switch that comes out after this new model.
@RupeeClock It has 64GB built in now, but that's really the only advantage for us who play in docked only
@RupeeClock That's news to me, are there any games that actually take advantage of the additional power outside the camera and using homebrew? You've piqued my interest now haha
Also very strange, just googled it and the first thing to come up was a GBAtemp forum post and you were one of the first comments, weird coincidence!
@RupeeClock the website says that both switch models are interchangeable with a dock so if there is a way to do it, you could just buy the screen.
The fact that this will be out two days before the Intellivision Amico launch isn't a good sign for Tommy Tallarico and his company. The Amico needs to be delay for Christmas if they want sales as October will be Metroid Dread and Switch OLED month.
@WillQuan
Some games launched later in the DS system's lifespan were DSi enhanced, though this wasn't necessarily advertised too well.
Games such as Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, Pokémon Conquest, and Sonic Classic Collection would run in DSi mode and enjoy improved performance as a result.
They could also take advantage of unique DSi features such as accessing the front and back cameras, the internal/SD storage, or connecting to WPA secured wifi access points (original DS was limited to WEP secured connections).
One downside of these DSi enhanced games was that they were region locked when you played them on DSi systems, but this wouldn't apply to DS or DS Lite.
So your US Copy of Pokémon Conquest, would not run on an EU DSi but would run on any DS or DS Lite.
@SMH88 Same thing they did with every one of their past handhelds. It's just another option so it doesn't matter.
They should have made the tablet white.
Then I'd buy it.
@LXP8
A 32gb increase in internal storage space is not that exciting of an upgrade.
Not when microSD cards are so inexpensive these days. You can get something like 256gb for just £32 now.
Of course there are the official Nintendo branded microSD cards, but they are needlessly overpriced and only exist to convince the uninformed consumer.
@RupeeClock Thanks for the information, good to know. Looking into the titles you've listed the enhancements mainly seem like gimmicks using the camera or very minor performance improvements e.g. menus are slightly quicker on B/W2. Doesn't seem like a huge improvement and for such a small number of games, the DSi really doesn't strike me as much of an improvement vs the DS Lite. The DSi also removed one of the DS' best features in backwards compatibility, so overall I'd even say the DS Lite was probably the better purchase even after the DSi's release. Don't think you can say that about the original Switch vs OLED. It's clearly going to be the best option if you are purchasing a Switch for the first time.
I do think this new Switch is a bit of a stop gap between the original and a new console which I'd imagine would be revealed next year at somepoint, maybe the year after.
I do like the rounded edges on the dock.
Switch has been out for 4 1/2 years, they originally sold the dock separately, can't they sell these docks for people w/ the OG Switch to get LAN ports? Preferably not $89. $69 has a nice ring to it.
@Scrubicius It's nice to know that I'm not the only one thinking it won't stay that white.
This is about as good as we could hope for without Nintendo fracturing the user base with a more powerful model. That’s better kept for switch 2 imo…
Will the dock work with the current model or no
Looks like a new color of the existing switch. I'm disappointed but might still get it because I've been kicking around the idea of getting a second switch for awhile now.
@BLD The DSi actually remove hardware processor which is disappointing. The GBA cartridge slot isn't just for GBA games but also for ram expansion as well for select DS games.
@SeantheDon29 They do whatever they want, not whatever you want. Remember that. Besides if we want better specs we would had stick to the other two or PC anyways.
There is just enough on offer here for me to upgrade:
The price increase is a touch off-putting, but it's being released so close to the holidays that retailers are likely to be competitive. I'm tossing up between grabbing this on day one or holding out for a holiday/Black Friday bargain.
This is arguably a better upgrade than most Nintendo handheld revisions as EVERY game will benefit from the larger/superior screen whereas only few games took advantage of the enhanced capabilities of the DSi/New 3DS systems.
Of course, those who play docked need not apply.
The new PS5 Slim looks awesome.
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