Lots of rumblings of a new Nintendo Switch model swirled around E3 2021. The new Nintendo Switch OLED model was finally been announced back in July. It will hit store shelves on October 8, 2021.
Nintendo Switch OLED Release Date: October 8, 201
Here are the new model's updated features, as detailed on the Nintendo Switch official website:
- A 7-inch OLED screen
- Wide adjustable stand
- Dock with built-in LAN port
- 64-GB internal storage
- Enhanced audio
The new 7-inch OLED screen has a maximum resolution of 1920×1080. It will output a 1080p feed when docked. However, the new model will also cap framerates at 60 fps. It weighs around 0.71 lbs, 0.93 lbs when Joy-Con controllers are attached. Existing Joy-Cons will also be compatible with the OLED model, alongside the Switch's full library of games.
These features seem quite underwhelming compared to the rumors from earlier this year. The supposed 4K screen and new NVIDIA Graphics card are nowhere to be seen. It will also be using the same NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor as the previous model. It seems like the only real upgrade here is the OLED screen, which might not be convincing enough, especially for players who already own a regular Nintendo Switch.
The Nintendo Switch OLED model will release at $349.99. This costs $50.00 more than the price of the regular switch model. Overall, the new Switch model seems to be a marginal upgrade at most. It seems like it might get the most mileage for first-time Switch owners. People who already own a Switch will probably be harder to convince to avail of the upgrade.
Additionally, the release date of October 8 also coincides with the release of Metroid: Dread. This will be the first fully original 2D Metroid game since 2002's Metroid Fusion. For more upcoming Nintendo Switch exclusives, you can check out our Top 10 list right here.
However, if you're not 100% sure whether you're grabbing the new Nintendo Switch OLED model on its release date, maybe reading up a bit on its upcoming competitor, the Valve Steam Deck, will help you come to a more informed decision. You can check out our Nintendo Switch OLED vs. Valve Steam Deck comparison article here.