As long expected, Nintendo is launching a new version of its popular Nintendo Switch game console with upgraded hardware. It’s called the Nintendo Switch OLED, and the name tells you one of the key features that sets it apart from the original.

The Nintendo Switch OLED will be available starting October 8, 2021 and it will sell for $350.

The new game console will have a bigger, more vivid screen thanks to it’s 7 inch, OLED display panel, but it’s still a 720p display, so don’t expect sharper on-device visuals. Nintendo has also doubled the amount of built-in storage from 32GB to 64GB.

Like the original (but unlike the Switch Lite), the new Nintendo Switch OLED comes with a dock that allows you to connect it to a TV or other display, but it can also be used as a handheld or mobile device thanks to detachable game controllers. There also an updated kickstand that allows you to prop up the console on a table while using the controllers wirelessly.

One thing that it doesn’t seem the new model supports? 4K gaming. The Switch OLED website only mentions “HD gaming” on a TV, and the company has confirmed to The Verge that there are no changes to the processor or memory in this model. So if the long-rumored Nintendo Switch 4K is real, it’s not ready to go just yet.

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12 replies on “Nintendo Switch OLED coming in October for $350”

  1. Lazy and pointless product. Perfect time for Valve to come in with the Steam Pal handheld.

  2. Only way I’d get one is if emulators could be installed. It would be the perfect portable if it could do that. I’ve been thinking of building one out of a 7 inch android tablet and an expanding controller but 7 inch tablets never have good specs.

  3. Gross. Couldn’t bring myself to buy plastic white electronics back in 2001 and 20 years later think it still looks awful.

    Switch OLED with a black or silver dock and controllers would’ve been fine (whether in plastic or a nicer aluminum). Same goes for the hideous, giant PS5. Had cash in hand and the console in cart multiple times, but just can’t buy something that would look so out-of-place in my living room.

    1. They also have the OLED version in a Red/Blue Joycon version with black dock, so people who don’t like white can get that one.

  4. Once again, Nintendo gets to be lazy about their hardware because their unique position in the market maintains demand.

    And like all Nintendo systems, the back-half of the Switch’s lifespan is going to become less and less interesting for everyone except children.

    Nintendo’s insistence on stretching the lifespan of their hardware always results in the bigger 3rd party developers abandoning the platform, and the market gets filled with uninteresting low-budget games.

    1. Just look at the Wii, which was recycled GameCube hardware with the added gimmick of motion controls. The Switch eventually will lose its staying power. Just look at the Wii U, which carried over the features and functionality of the Wii but whose name recognition did nothing to sell. If Nintendo isn’t careful, they might just pull a Sega.

      1. Completely agree.
        Nintendo used to be a “powerhouse” in the industry, hence, stealing most of the third-party attention. This happened from the NES, GBC, SNES, GBA, and N64 era spanning over a decade.

        But something happened when Sony dominated them on their own turf (Japan) with the release of the PS2 and PSP. They weren’t really that competitive with the GameCube and DSi, but still “decent” hardware for its day. Nintendo was looking for a way out.

        They doubled-down on that route with the Wii and 3DS, compared to the likes of the powerful PS3 and PSVita…. which worked? This was mostly a fluke, since, many current staples that vie for attention/time were not established yet such as Social Media, YouTube, Apps, and Modern Smartphones. Or at least it was cheap and “fun” enough for people to buy them as gifts, or curiosities, then leave it to collect dust. This reality was confirmed with the embarrassment that was the WiiU (it still sold way more units than it should have).

        The Switch was a comeback of sorts. People who are ageing fondly remembered Nintendo, and were excited. They paid too much for the hardware to get some hit of nostalgia. And plan B was to gift it to their children. So its a short-success. What happens when these people stop buying? And marketing to children can be tricky, cause you know they don’t have money but their parents do. And the worst part?
        They missed a Golden Opportunity. The concept of the Nintendo Switch is excellent, but its execution is very mediocre. Little planning, no foresight. They could have launched the Nintendo Switch: earlier, cheaper, faster, and longer battery life. They used 2014-tech in 2017, whilst the competitor consoles were using roughly 2012-tech. They could have made it faster than the PS4, heck or even slightly slower than the XB1. It 100% would’ve gained release of all third-party titles.

        Now in 2021 while people are clutching their PS4’s, and others looking to upgrade to the Xbox SX… the Switch could easily had extended its lifetime and relevancy in the market.

  5. Pft. Unless Nintendo intends to announce another, higher spec model later this is probably fizzling all the hype people have had for over a year.
    I’m flabbergasted that after 4 years, Nintendo wouldn’t bother dropping the price of the base unit and are now charging even more for a slightly improved material revision. The Switch was already pretty overpriced back at launch and now this thing is even more so. If they do end up releasing a next gen or sub-next gen system soon, I fear Nintendo will feel safe enough selling it for upwards of $500.

    1. Yeah, this is highly disappointing.

      I bet they are counting on the Switch’s lack of retail availability to placate people who were expecting more.

      They are literally advertising slightly improved viewing angles for 350 dollars.

      1. I think it is an issue due to the chip shortage. I’d bet they are delaying the Pro upgrade until next year, while still releasing a new unit to increase sales this year. For old people, like me, I’ll get the new one for the bigger and improved screen though. I’ll hack my original unit, since I have the first one that’s hackable.

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