Our experiences with the OLED

It is not a fundamentally new hardware of Nintendo, but the decisive places meaningful changes were made.

At the beginning of 2017, the Nintendo Switch, which is still great popularity. Now Nintendo has already brought the second hardware vision to the Lite variant with the OLED model. With us in the editors, the device has now also arrived and after we could already throw a first look at the improved switch in late summer, now a slightly more detailed analysis follows.

The OLED model of the Nintendo Switch comes with the exact same scope of delivery as the original console. In addition to the package itself, there is two Joy-Con controllers, the holder for the Joy-CONS and their attachments, a docking station with LAN connection and all corresponding cables. Apart from the slightly larger screen, which stands out already when opening the packaging, all other changes are not immediately visible.

The Naked numbers

What are the differences?

A look at the table shows that the device is not more powerful than the original. The improvements showed only when we held the console itself in his hand. Although the 20g more weight may not appear much, but are noticeable in the first few minutes. With continuous playing time we did not perceive it anymore. In contrast, the slightly rough back and the new design of the system-relevant buttons for volume, ON / OFF as well as the changed shafts for the game modules and microSD cards. If there was a small bulge at the original to easily open the cover for the module bay, this is now drawn over the entire length of the small lid. Especially for people with a little bigger prank is a blessing.

On the back there is also the next big change. The small mini stand foot had to soften a large stand, which now pulls over the entire length, can be built up in almost every angle and offers much more stability than before. Now the console can be set up almost anywhere without first laboriously the perfect position needs to be started. Behind the stand hides like the original of the shaft for the microSD card.

The OLED screen

The most obvious and biggest change is without the question of the new and larger screen. As is already the weight: it sounds unspectacular, but the 0.8 inches larger screen diagonal is already a huge difference in handheld mode. The black frame surrounding the UR model is almost no longer available and the front is now packed in a glossy plastic. This also means that players with great hands now run the risk of touching the touchscreen unintentionally because exactly this buffer zone is missing. Especially with titles that offer both the control with the screen as well as classic via buttons, sometimes unintentional entries leads.

The screen itself is a force. Even in normal color mode, the colors act stronger and sant. The picture is really alive but then with the lively mode. Granted, it s not our first experience with an OLED display, but if you are used to a different picture for 3.5 years, it s a difference like day and night. The colors vibrate literally and are so strong and full that we would like to touch the events on the screen. However, one has to say that particularly colorful titles may be a little too poor. For some games we therefore recommend the standard mode. But if it comes to a little gloomy games such as Metroid Dread, Dark Souls, Resident Evil or Doom, the screen shows its true strengths. Black remains deep black, even if there is a dynamic light source nearby and that promotes the atmosphere immensely. Most likely, the difference can be compared to the change from SDR to HDR.

Speaker and docking station

The new speakers of the switch also have a better sound. The entire acoustics sounds a bit full and round, but the difference is not as powerful as, for example, the screen. It is best to hear the differences when played in a quiet environment. Anyone who wants to enjoy the right sound in handheld mode continues to close an external headphone.

We only have a look at the docking station to throw us. The dock is now a bit more rounded and has a slightly different opening mechanism to get the connections of HDMI, electricity and the new LAN access. The latter is just a useful for players who play a lot and above all competitive with friends and strangers online. Thanks to the wired connection, significantly fewer data packets are lost, which has a very positive effect on the play flow. Even someone who does not play so much online should be noticeable. We have tried for our test Splatoon 2 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and just reluctantly back to the pure wireless connection.

Data transfer and Co

Why Nintendo definitely still needs to work is the user comfort. For example, you get a new system of another manufacturer and wants to use its old data on the new console, usually the input of the user data and the rest happens almost alone. As far as it works on the switch. If there are some data on an external hard disk in such a case, they can be used directly in the competition. On the other hand, all games that were located on the microSD card must be downloaded again. Only recorded screenshots and videos can also be used on the new console. This eats time and is much easier to solve today thanks to DRM. In particular, Animal Crossing New Horizons we have to mention as a negative example, as a special software must be downloaded here for the transfer of the data.

Conclusion:

The OLED model of the Nintendo Switch is the definitive model of the console. Nintendo has eliminated the vulnerabilities of the original almost everyone. Through the structural changes we had to get used a little, but at the latest after a few hours we were full. Owners of the original switch should, however, consider whether the better screen, a slightly full sound and a LAN connection in the docking station (which is also available separately) is worth a new purchase. If you play mainly on the TV, the device does not need. However, who mostly plays in handheld mode, benefits unemployed from the innovations. Alone the fact that dark games are displayed thanks to the screen a lot of color-intensive and high-contrasts, sometimes produces a new fame.

Now buy the Nintendo Switch (OLED)!