New Nintendo Switch model announced

The Nintendo Switch was originally released in 2017, and gamers have been wondering when the next version of this wildly successful hybrid console would release. Rumors of a Switch Pro have been floating around for at least two years now, and Nintendo finally announced a new version of the Switch … but it’s not the upgrade everyone wanted and expected.

The Nintendo Switch - OLED Model is exactly what it sounds like: A Nintendo Switch with an OLED screen rather than an LCD one. 

For reference, the PlayStation Vita had an OLED screen ... and that was released in 2011. While the Switch is infinitely more successful and popular than the Vita, it is baffling to me that Nintendo thinks they can slap an OLED screen on their console in 2021 and people will be fine with that. 

That being said, it’s still going to sell extremely well. This reminds me of when they put Super Mario 64 in the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection on the Switch without updating it at all; people were outraged, but it still sold extremely well.

Other than the upgraded, 7-inch screen, the Switch OLED Model has a white dock with white Joy-Cons; a wide, adjustable kickstand; enhanced audio; and a wired LAN port on the back. 

If you play the console docked, there will literally be no difference.

 In handheld mode, you will have a prettier screen with better audio, but your games will run exactly the same as they do on the base Switch. 

Some of the top comments on Nintendo’s YouTube video announcing this new model sum up how many are feeling:

“Would’ve been great if WE HAD THIS FROM THE START.”

“This is cool if you don’t have a Switch, but I see no reason to get this if you have one already. I would’ve loved a hardware upgrade.”

The Switch OLED Model will launch Oct. 8 alongside Metroid Dread for $349 USD. As much as I hate to admit it, part of me really wants this. 

I mean, it wouldn’t hurt to have a third Switch in our house, right? 

What are your thoughts? Let’s talk on Twitter: @pixelsnplanners.