Nintendo Switch OLED
Image: Nintendo

This Friday, Nintendo will launch its latest gaming system into the wild – the Nintendo Switch OLED model. You probably already know about the new model's more obvious tweaks like its gorgeous OLED screen (all the info you could ever need on these changes can be found here) but how does it feel? What is it like to actually play? And is it worth your money?

We've been checking out the new OLED model over the past week or so and shared our full review on the site earlier today. We described it as a worthy upgrade to the standard Switch, praising the new screen, improved audio, better dock and improved kickstand, but warned that those who only play their console in docked mode really won't see much benefit here.

Our review covers all aspects of the system, including its overall design, the screen, and the new dock, so we'd urge you to give that a read (or a watch, below) before we dive in.

All done? Nice. Now that you've seen what we've had to say, let's see what a handful of other critics have noted:

The Verge described the new system as "the more premium portable experience" within the Switch family of systems:

"The Switch Lite is the obvious entry point, a cheaper model and one designed explicitly for portable play with its small size and sturdy construction. The base Switch, meanwhile, is decent on the go but best for those who will primarily use it as a home console, which makes the newest model the best of both worlds. For $50 more it works like a typical Switch at home, but its excellent OLED display and finally functional kickstand also make it the more premium portable experience."

Eurogamer called the OLED a "must-have upgrade" for portable mode fans:

"We don't know when Nintendo will deliver a next-generation Switch console but until that time, the new OLED Model is the absolute best way to enjoy the machine's excellent library of games. If you don't own a Switch and you're looking to buy one, this is the one to get. And if you're already a Switch owner and display quality in portable mode is important to you, this is a must-have upgrade."

The Independent says the Switch OLED is "the best version of the console yet":

"...If you’re new to Nintendo Switch and have never bought one before, this is absolutely the best version of the console yet. Sure, it might not be the pro model we were all hoping to see, but its colourful display, better build quality and bigger storage makes it a no-brainer. New to Nintendo? Buy the Switch OLED console and never look back."

IGN called it "an easy recommendation" for those who don't own a Switch already, but a "tougher sell" for those who do:

"After playing with it for a week, I’ve found that the Nintendo Switch OLED Model’s brighter, more vibrant, and slightly larger screen has made me want to take it out of docked mode much more often – and not just when I am about to travel. I feel more encouraged to lounge around on the couch or even in direct sunlight in the yard and play games handheld. The revised kickstand makes playing on any flat surface easier, and the Ethernet-enabled dock makes downloads quicker. While it’s a tougher sell for current Switch owners, particularly those that mostly keep their console docked, there are enough revisions to make it an easy recommendation for anyone who doesn’t own a Switch already."

And finally, ArsTechnica called it "Nintendo’s nicest, most nonessential upgrade yet":

"The pricier Switch OLED will appeal to people who want to feel like they did when the PlayStation Vita first launched. This new, beautifully calibrated Switch screen is as good as I've ever seen in a dedicated gaming handheld, even exceeding the handsome Vita. And unlike the smartphone world, nobody's butting in with higher refresh rates or panels bright enough to add HDR to the mix."

So, what do you think? Have you been persuaded to pick one up? Or do you think it wouldn't be worth it based on the way you like to play? Make sure to let us know in the comments below.

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Nintendo Switch OLED Model (White)
Nintendo Switch OLED Model (White)
Nintendo Switch OLED Model (Neon Red & Blue)
Nintendo Switch OLED Model (Neon Red & Blue)