It's a rather exciting week in the world of Nintendo, with Metroid Dread arriving alongside the Nintendo Switch OLED Model this week. That's a bumper line-up at any time, and you can see our reviews of both below.
At the top of this page, though, you can check out Digital Foundry's technical review of the system, which looks at multiple iterations of hardware and even takes a look at the original PS Vita's OLED as a comparison. If you prefer reading to video you can check out the write-up on Eurogamer.

Overall, and focusing on the OLED model upgrade in terms of that all-important screen and the build quality, it's a very positive assessment.
Ultimately, the Switch OLED model really is all about the screen and while some may be disappointed with Nintendo's approach to this machine, the new machine delivers the premium quality I've always wanted. It addresses every major weakness in the physical design of the existing unit while greatly enhancing the screen. It looks so much better that it makes me want to use the system in portable mode more often - especially when you see just how beautiful a game like Metroid Dread looks running on the revised system. But of course, if you only play in docked mode, you will not see any real differences. Yes, it has a new modified dock with a more pleasing design and an actual LAN port, but beyond that, this is truly is the same system as before.
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.
Let us know what you think, and if you're planning to pick up an OLED either at launch or into the Holidays.
[source eurogamer.net, via youtube.com]
Comments 60
No, Grail. You do NOT want one. Step away from this article.
Yet...pointless in docked mode.
Next year baby!
@GrailUK LOL.. You got this!!
DF videos are cool and definitely gonna watch this one.
Do not let me spend 300+ on this one, wallet. Do not let me do that. Keep your zipper closed.
Should have put the Oled on the switch mini. At least it would be used 100% of the time.
@Zag_Man You've probably never played a game or watched a movie on an OLED before. It's as big of a jump as HD over standard definition.
I upgraded.
Had my Switch since launch and it was getting tired.
I play 99% handheld so it was a great shout for me.
Can't wait 😁
I play my switch for the most part in handheld mode so this sounds amazing for me. The only problem is Nintendo's data transfer program for my game on my original. I'm still not quite sure how they've been with that recently
I so want one but my launch day switch is still doing ok except for the low battery life I just can’t help but think the original switch should have been oled from the beginning
Meh. The best thing about the Switch Oled is that I don't feel any temptation to upgrade. I'll save my money for a new set of joy cons.
@GrailUK be strong! I mentally caved over the past 72 hrs and am in haha
@GrailUK mines on route, due to arrive tomorrow. Give in... we both know our flesh is what weakens us...
@CammyUnofficial hahah
(I'm not looking. I'm not looking...)
@AhabSpampurse Shhh! You aren't helping lmao!
Sadly, I actively avoid using the Switch in handheld mode nowadays. My vision is not what it used to be.
I'd love to see one in person, though, to see the difference for myself.
Ugh I’ma need to stop reading these before I spend money I don’t need to. Please Nintendo, make one in Zelda Gold. Tempt me.
Such a good video. I was so glad to hear the new OLED screen helps with motion clarity. I can't wait to see it and test it for myself. Increasing motion smoothness, aka reducing motion blur, is an excellent way to improve graphics that costs nothing in terms of CPU or GPU budget. The closer we can get to all those old CRTs, the better!
Temptation is real
I haven't seen this addressed anywhere but does the new kickstand allow it to stand in tate mode?
Great for new adopters. I'm happy with my 2017 Switch for now though. Does the job and does it well.
The best display on a handheld.
But it's a home console right?, right!?!!
Now that you've looked after those handheld players, how about you throw us docked players a bone Nintendo.
The best display is on my large screen tv.
I'm old, my eyes are old, no matter how good the screen is it is too small.
HD means nothing when all you see is in SD.
😁
I always listen for DF’s assessment, and they convinced me to make the upgrade. This is just what I’ve been waiting for since I really don’t like playing in handheld with the current Switch’s screen size. I think this upgrade will make the experience on an airplane much better too as I always find myself squinting to see the screen when it’s sitting on the food tray on the seat. Come on Nintendo, don’t let me down! My $350 is at stake and I’m willing to give it a shot! 😁
I'll wait until my launch Switch bites it, or I have a lot of disposable cash. Glad it's a quality unit. I play mostly docked, but still appreciate playing handheld.
"It's the best display on any handheld games machine we've used"
That's a BIG statement, glad I'm getting one!
@Zag_Man yeah, I recently got a phone that's OLED and it's not a huge jump. But having a larger TV it is amazing. I imagine with something like the Switch though it would be a big jump as well.
Considering the price and the fact it offers zero enhancements to performance or even offers stuff like HDR then i highly disagree its a must have if you already own a Switch. Sure if my Switch dies then i will buy one but i'm not paying whatever it costs for a new screen when my 2 year old Switch still works like it did when i first got it.
@Cheez Disagree, OLED is nice very nice but its no where near the jump from standard to HD in my opinion, also i would say 4K>OLED.
@Thatsalie I play 99,99% handheld so, yeah. I can't wait!
I'm hoping to trade in my Switch Lite for one in December from Gamestop to get $120 off. That is if any Gamestop has them in stock, lol
@LocalPenguin Have you found any place that sells a grip controller for this? I only play in handheld and I want to get the controller deck before I get the system.
@WallyWest I didn't think that's even close to true. There's videos of professional AV technicians saying 4k OLED looks better than 8k non OLED. I'd also 1080 to 4k was a pretty small jump. But I've only seen TVs that are 65inch and smaller that aren't OLED.
@GrailUK oooh! It just might, now that you mention it. It's going to be the first thing I try . Good call!
I play mostly docked, so pass.
@Nin10dood
Old people can use reading glasses and stuff too, right?
@Cheez
As someone who owns an oled tv, I disagree on this point. There is a wide variety on the quality of tvs from something of the $200 black friday deals to some lcd tvs that cost >$2,000. I have a nice lcd tv and a nice oled tv. The Oled is slightly better because it's dark room performance is amazing.
That said a good lcd tv will be much brighter than an oled tv and the colors will be very close. If you were looking to put a tv in a bright room, an lcd will probably be the better choice.
This oled screen is brighter than the original switch, but that's only because nintendo cheaped out on the original screen making the comparison more staggering.
If Nintendo upgraded the SoC and use the same LCD screen, people will say the games look the same in portable mode, only docked players should buy it for the upscaled 4K.
I am surprise DF said the OLED improved the screen latency, they claimed there's less ghosting than the LCD - this makes the screen looks like 120hz ones.
For those with a launch Switch that might be a bit worn out from years of use, this upgrade seems like a nice alternative. I have a launch day Switch that is a bit beat up, and I'd love to get this, but knowing Nintendo, the Super Switch will probably release next year.
@RasandeRose
We can, but we prefer to ignore it and squint.
😜
That doesnt say much
@Nin10dood LOL, I'm in this comment and I don't like it.
(Typed on phone while squinting and pretending it's all good, while my reading glasses that would grant me perfect clarity are LITERALLY two feet away from my chair).
I preordered one because I need the bigger screen . I'm getting old and its harder to see. The difference between my iPhone X and my wife's 11 pro max makes all the difference in the world. I imagine the switch will do the same. Maybe I'll finally be able to read print in games 🤷♂️
@JasmineDragon
Lol.
Exactly how I typed my first 2 comments, and yes, my glasses were on the table but just out of reach.
It's all good.
🤣
I’ll just wait for the new version next year. There is literally no reason to buy this if you already have the second gen model.
I would love to have it, but I don't need it! Therefore I'm reasonable and just buy one... Kidding, hard pass for me until we get a completely revised model, also in terms of performance!
@JRJalapeno my eyes are a-ok and i'm looking forward to the same, especially during casual tabletop play. Hope it's a winner!
Only get it if you want the best handheld experience. Got it. Getting it!
I'm still waiting for confirmation of delivery of my Oled. Metroid dread has been dispatched though 👍👍
@GrailUK i believe tabletop tate mode is possible with Switch OLED, just that the angle will be very vertical, almost 90 degrees
So excited for my OLED Switch! So close to getting it.
I can’t believe there are people that are willing to THROW their lives away.
You have one life. No repeats. Yet people waste it not owing the best things this life has to offer. I’ll be playing my Oled switch on Friday, playing Metroid Prime Dread or whatever it’s called, using Apples AirPods Max (that cost the same as 2.25 Oled Switches lol). Gen 6 Apple Watch Titanium complaining at me for spending the whole day sedentary like a fat person usually would lol. Golden iPhone 13 pro max and Apple iPad Pro 13” too.
Yet some people use bad quality phones. Imagine not getting the most out of life? It makes no sense. Truly had.
@Cheez
If you rarely play handheld and already own a V2 Switch there’s not much point.
I’m not going for it because 95% of my playtime is docked. I’d never really get to use it.
Now if you don’t own a switch or you play handheld almost exclusively, it’s a good buy.
@Zag_Man well you can look at it like this.
If you ask any one in the Postproduktion if they can choose between 4K and HDR for delivery. They will say better pixels over more pixels.
In guess the Switch OLED is the HDR model.
@JustMonika I've not no.
Having said that, I haven't ever looked. I've always found the Switch perfectly comfortable as it is ☺️
This looks like the definitive edition of Switch, and shows why I'm ready for next-gen Nintendo too. I plan to get it to replace my current Switch soon.
@JustMonika I saw an ad on fb for either skull or satysfye grip so they are available
I'm perfectly happy with my base Switch from 2018. I take very good care of it so it still looks and plays like new! No need to upgrade especially since most of my playing is in docked mode. Hockey season is starting so that means there will be definitely more handheld playing If anything though this OLED model makes me most excited for the the next/future Switch (i.e the inevitable "Switch 2") because at the very least it should have all these bells and whistles from the get go. If I break my current Switch or something then I'll most likely upgrade to this one.
@Cheez OLED is just very unnatural in my opinion, its very overkill and just makes everything look fake.
@Ragdoll72 Thank you! Skull has one that I'm planning on buying!
@WallyWest that's interesting since it doesn't have unnatural light bleed and is the only way to show true black on a video display.
@Zag_Man and hoping to my comment people still upgrade from HD to 4K TVs... 🙈
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