Is The Nintendo Switch Oled Touch Screen?

Content Menu

● What Is the Nintendo Switch OLED Model?

>> Key Specifications

● The OLED Touch Screen: What Makes It Special?

>> OLED vs. LCD Technology

>> Screen Size and Resolution

>> Touchscreen Capabilities

● Visual and Gaming Experience on the OLED Screen

>> Enhanced Visuals

>> Brightness and Outdoor Use

>> Impact on Gameplay

● Other Hardware Improvements

>> Storage

>> Dock and Connectivity

>> Audio

● Limitations and Considerations

● Conclusion

● Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

>> 1. Is the Nintendo Switch OLED screen a touchscreen?

>> 2. How does the OLED screen compare to the original Switch's LCD?

>> 3. Does the Nintendo Switch OLED have better battery life?

>> 4. Can the Nintendo Switch OLED screen be used outdoors?

>> 5. Does the Nintendo Switch OLED support HDR?

● Citations:

The Nintendo Switch OLED Model, released in late 2021, brought several upgrades over the original Nintendo Switch, with the most notable being its 7-inch OLED touchscreen. This article explores the features, advantages, and limitations of the OLED screen, alongside other hardware improvements, to help you understand whether this model is the right choice for your gaming needs.

What Is the Nintendo Switch OLED Model?

The Nintendo Switch OLED Model is an enhanced version of the original Switch console. It features a larger 7-inch OLED touchscreen, increased internal storage of 64 GB, a redesigned wide adjustable kickstand, and a dock with a wired LAN port for more stable online gaming[1][4][7].

Key Specifications

Feature	Nintendo Switch OLED Model	Original Nintendo Switch
Screen Size	7.0-inch OLED capacitive touchscreen	6.2-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen
Screen Resolution	1280 x 720 pixels (720p)	1280 x 720 pixels (720p)
Internal Storage	64 GB	32 GB
Weight	Approx. 420 g (with Joy-Con attached)	Approx. 398 g (with Joy-Con attached)
Kickstand	Wide, adjustable stand	Small, single-angle stand
Dock	Includes wired LAN port and two USB ports	No wired LAN port, fewer USB ports
Audio	Enhanced stereo speakers	Standard stereo speakers

The OLED Touch Screen: What Makes It Special?

OLED vs. LCD Technology

The OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) screen differs fundamentally from the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) used in the original Switch. Unlike LCDs, which rely on a backlight illuminating all pixels uniformly, OLED screens illuminate each pixel individually. This allows for:

- Deeper Blacks: Pixels can be turned off completely, producing true black instead of the greyish blacks seen on LCDs.

- Higher Contrast: The difference between dark and bright areas is more pronounced.

- Vibrant Colors: Colors appear richer and more saturated.

- Power Efficiency: OLEDs use less power when displaying darker images, potentially improving battery life[8].

Screen Size and Resolution

The OLED screen is 7 inches diagonally, larger than the 6.2-inch LCD on the original Switch. Both screens share the same 1280 x 720 resolution, meaning the OLED model has a slightly lower pixel density. However, the superior contrast and color vibrancy of OLED technology compensate for this, resulting in a visually sharper and more immersive experience[1][8].

Touchscreen Capabilities

The OLED screen is a multi-touch capacitive touchscreen, similar to the original Switch, supporting intuitive touch controls for compatible games and menus[3][5].

Visual and Gaming Experience on the OLED Screen

Enhanced Visuals

Games look noticeably better on the OLED screen. Dark scenes have richer blacks, and colors pop more vividly, making titles like Metroid Dread, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Super Smash Bros. feel more atmospheric and true to the developers' intentions[1][8].

Brightness and Outdoor Use

Despite the OLED upgrade, the screen brightness is comparable to the original Switch. This means that using the OLED model in bright outdoor conditions can still be challenging, with reflections and glare affecting visibility[1].

Impact on Gameplay

The larger screen size combined with OLED technology enhances handheld and tabletop gaming modes. The wide adjustable kickstand allows for comfortable viewing angles during tabletop play, and the enhanced audio complements the immersive visual experience[1][4].

Other Hardware Improvements

Storage

The OLED model doubles the internal storage to 64 GB, allowing more games and data to be stored without immediate need for a microSD card[4][5].

Dock and Connectivity

The dock now includes a wired LAN port, improving online play stability, especially for competitive multiplayer games. It also features two USB ports for additional accessories[4][7].

Audio

Nintendo upgraded the onboard speakers for enhanced audio quality in handheld and tabletop modes, delivering richer sound without headphones[1][4].

Limitations and Considerations

- Resolution: The OLED screen maintains the same 720p resolution as the original Switch. While the larger screen size slightly reduces pixel density, the OLED's contrast and color improvements help maintain image clarity[8].

- No HDR Support: The OLED model does not support HDR (High Dynamic Range), which could have further improved color and contrast on compatible games and TVs[8].

- Joy-Con Controllers: The OLED model uses the same Joy-Con controllers as the original Switch, which means it does not address the Joy-Con drift issue or add a dedicated D-pad (available only on the Switch Lite)[2].

- Battery Life: The OLED screen's power efficiency is offset by its larger size, resulting in battery life similar to the original Switch (approximately 4.5 to 9 hours depending on usage)[8].

Conclusion

The Nintendo Switch OLED Model offers a significant upgrade in screen quality with its vibrant 7-inch OLED touchscreen, delivering deeper blacks, richer colors, and a more immersive gaming experience compared to the original LCD screen. Additional hardware improvements such as increased storage, a wide adjustable kickstand, enhanced audio, and a dock with a wired LAN port make it a compelling choice for gamers who prioritize handheld and tabletop play.

However, the OLED model retains the same 720p resolution and battery life as the original Switch and does not include HDR support or improvements to Joy-Con controllers. If you primarily play docked or are satisfied with the original Switch's screen, the upgrade may be less impactful.

Overall, for those seeking the best portable Nintendo gaming experience with a premium screen and improved hardware features, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model is worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Nintendo Switch OLED screen a touchscreen?

Yes, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model features a 7-inch multi-touch capacitive touchscreen, allowing for touch controls in compatible games and menus[3][5].

2. How does the OLED screen compare to the original Switch's LCD?

The OLED screen offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors due to its pixel-level illumination, whereas the original Switch uses an LCD with a backlight that can cause washed-out blacks and less vivid colors[1][8].

3. Does the Nintendo Switch OLED have better battery life?

Battery life on the OLED model is similar to the original Switch, ranging from approximately 4.5 to 9 hours depending on usage. The OLED screen is more power-efficient, but the larger size offsets this advantage[8].

4. Can the Nintendo Switch OLED screen be used outdoors?

While the OLED screen has improved color and contrast, its brightness is similar to the original Switch, so visibility in bright sunlight can still be challenging[1].

5. Does the Nintendo Switch OLED support HDR?

No, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model does not support HDR (High Dynamic Range) for games or TV output[8].

Citations:

[1] https://www.wired.com/review/nintendo-switch-oled/

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d935gH_nlLc

[3] https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/tech-specs/

[4] https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Hardware/Nintendo-Switch-Family/Nintendo-Switch-OLED-Model/Nintendo-Switch-OLED-Model-2000984.html

[5] https://www.nintendo.com/sg/hardware/switch/modal/specs/body_oled.html?width=960

[6] https://www.nintendo.com/au/nintendo-switch-family/switch-oled/

[7] https://newatlas.com/games/nintendo-switch-oled-model/

[8] https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/nintendo-switch-oled-screen-why-is-oled-better-than-lcd

[9] https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/oled-model/

[10] https://www.nintendo.com/my/hardware/detail/switch-oled/index.html

[11] https://www.reddit.com/r/Switch/comments/15znabp/ive_had_my_switch_for_months_and_just_realized_it/

[12] https://www.theverge.com/games/22711889/nintendo-switch-oled-review

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[16] https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Support/Nintendo-Switch/Touch-Screen-Is-Not-Responding-1500176.html

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[20] https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/oled-model/

[21] https://www.tronicsfixforum.com/t/switch-oled-screen-shows-no-display-but-touch-works/7875

[22] https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OGlpt0YFHew

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[26] https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Support/Nintendo-Switch/FAQ/How-to-Capture-and-Edit-Gameplay-Video-1294570.html

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[30] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LiBj_0yS3o

[31] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxmHk2zvqMk

[32] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUMiuJS_KEQ

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[34] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXWuqm5hRFE

[35] https://www.ign.com/wikis/nintendo-switch-2/Nintendo_Switch_2_vs_Nintendo_Switch_Comparison_Chart

[36] https://fichastecnicas.pchmayoreo.com/4902370548501-N.pdf

[37] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njixxeFWk_M