
Forget 4K and all those cutting-edge features you might expect to be included in a gaming system in 2021, Nintendo knows exactly what you want: "softer" HDMI cables.
In the company's latest volume of 'Ask the Developer', Ko Shiota and Toru Yamashita of Nintendo's Technology Development Division highlighted some of the "invisible changes" to the Switch OLED model. Perhaps the standout was a comment about how the included HDMI cable is now "softer" and more flexible. Here's the full exchange:
The HDMI cable is also different. I quite like this change; please feel how flexible it is.
(Touching) Indeed, softer than the one that was previously included.
Yamashita: Improving cables has been considered for a long time, and some of our staff had been working on it, and it happened to align with the release of Nintendo Switch – OLED Model.
In all seriousness, a more flexible cable is likely to be quite handy when it comes to cable management.
If this hasn't already sold you on the Switch OLED, there are a few other minor things Nintendo wants to point out. The central logo on the Joy-Con grip provided with the new system is engraved, not printed. And in addition to this, the Joy-Con strap now has white dots on it (at least on the white model):
"we changed the design of the Joy-Con strap as well, with white dots"
The dock's lid is now also easier to remove:

Nice work, Nintendo.
Earlier this week, a teardown of the new OLED model suggested Nintendo might have upgraded from HDMI 1.4 to HDMI 2.0. If it has though, there's still no official confirmation.
[source nintendo.com]
Comments 26
The softer, gentler side of HDMI 🤗
that's neat I guess?
Been complaining about this since day 1
How long is it though? The original Switch HDMI cable is short as ****. I get those cables are as common as common can be these days, but whose idea was it to make it that short?
But why though?
@Kinoen I remember hearing that the Switch OLED was supplied with HDMI 2.1, so maybe 2.1 cables are softer? IDK.
To be fair, the cable being quite rigid meant the supremely light Dock can move easily. When the switch isn't docked the rigidity literally made my Dock fall on its side.
@BorderlineJon same… honestly it’s kind of funny in context but in reality the softer HDMI cable actually does improve things.
Yes, that's the biggest difference, not the fact that the new cable supports HDMI 2.0 rather than just HDMI 1.4
Lol big news 😂
Means nintendo is softening up after all the complains about drifting lately 😂
@theiRiS No the opposite, it's Switch OLED day so milk milk milk....
I don't think my teddy is going to appreciate me trading up to a soft and squishy new HDMI cable, but urges are urges...
System seller right there.
Softer cables than the competition, Nintendo are onto a winner
Who needs a Pro when you get updates like this.
🙄
"I'LL TAKE YOUR ENTIRE STOCK!"
This is actually very welcome. I hate when HDMI cables are so thick you can't properly place your systems (especially my Playstation mini).
"Improving cables has been considered for a long time, and some of our staff had been working on it".
Nintendo, why would you consider improving the joy-cons, right? The softness of the cables is more important. Your staff had to work on that.
Not a lotta people know that .....
@HammerGalladeBro Well, I'd rather keep the cables short. The Switch dock is sitting right next to my TV, so too long cables will only make it look messy, as there are already way too many devices connected to the TV.
I think I understand the logic here. After the new OLED pops the visuals straight into your retinae you might need something soft to soothe your overstimulated brain. Very considerate.
I have always noticed that the switch’s hdmi cable was really stiff
Good! it's a small, silly thing, sure, but I've had cables in the past that were waaaay too stiff and chunky feeling. I think the one with the Switch is fine, but softer is always better.
Aw yeah! I'm so happy for the new HDMI Cables! I even gaave Nintendo 20 e mails for this new and improved HDMI cable! Jokes aside- why doe
Mine just arrived. ironically, docking the joycons is way stiffer
Knowing Nintendo its probably means there is less shielding in the cable.
FYI the cable is slightly shorter than the original HDMI. Probably because it's softer.
Update: Sorry, meant the power cable. Didn't have to measure the HDMI cable.
"please feel how flexible it is."
-Nintendo
I read this paragraph and instantly knew it was Iwata Asks/Ask the Developer. I love the odd phrasing their translations always end up having.
This is like Nintendo PR's own version of an NL "Slow news day"
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