I’ve been using the Switch 2 and the Switch OLED side-by-side for a week — here’s what surprised me
Nintendo Switch 2 is it the fastest selling console ever-Imagine waking up to that article and kicking yourself for not finding it. But is it all hype?
I just reviewed the Nintendo Switch 2and I can tell you it isn’t just hype, but there are a few caveats. If you’re rocking a Nintendo Switch OLED or considering buying one despite the Switch 2’s $450 price tag, there are some advantages over the Switch 2.
So, how much has Nintendo really changed with the Switch 2? Let me tell you why you shouldn’t count out the Switch OLED just yet, and why you might need to upgrade depending on your needs.
What is the same?
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Aside from the big change from the remote, there are a few similarities between the Switch 2 and the Switch OLED (better again even worse).
Thankfully, most Nintendo Switch games are compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2, including game cartridges. However, others are inconsistentbut it won’t in full count that against the Switch 2 for now, as both Nintendo and the developers are working to resolve that with future updates.
One of the most important and disappointing similarities is The ergonomics of the Joy-Con controllers. For the most part, the design of the Joy-Con 2 and Joy-Con controllers is the same. Not improving on the ergonomics of the original Switch is a wild decision from Nintendo. If you use third-party Joy-Con controllers like I do, you know they are very ergonomic. Now, it’s great that Nintendo has improved the process of attaching the Joy-Con to the Switch, but that means you’ll need to make a purchase. another one third party controller.
Most of the operating system and UI are the same. I think so good. It’s frustrating to learn the new UI, but at least the Nintendo eShop is being improved on the Switch 2. However, my criticism of both consoles is that the home themes are limited to white and black. Where are my cool PlayStation-esque backgrounds? Come on, Nintendo, get a plan.
Virtual Game Cards aren’t a big new addition to the Nintendo Switch 2 launch, but they also work on the Switch OLED. Basically, you can let your friends borrow one of your games for up to two weeks. I have some issues with how this process works when trading yourself (why is it a thing?), but overall, it’s a great feature.
The difference: Where the Switch OLED wins
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I made it clear in my Nintendo Switch 2 review – no OLED is a perfect seller. Nintendo can’t just give us the biggest handheld display ever and rip it out of our hands.
Color depth and contrast surpass all other LCD/LED displays, and that’s because OLED panels feature self-emitting pixels — when you see black, you’re looking at a pixel that’s off, thus getting infinite contrast. The bezels are also very small.
Running through Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom it looked amazing, from the sweet grass to the blue sea. It felt like I was staring into the window of one of Nintendo’s iconic worlds. It’s playing Echoes of Wisdom on the Switch 2 it looks clear, and while the screen shows a lot of brightness, the color depth doesn’t capture the natural environment as well as the Switch OLED. It still looks good, but on the side? Change the OLED win.
For those with long journeys, the Nintendo Switch OLED is rated for longer battery life – 4.5 to 9 hours, compared to the Switch 2’s 2 to 6.5 hours.
Speaking of portability, the Switch OLED is small and light, coming in at 9.5 x 4 x 0.55~1.12 inches (Joy-Con attached) and 0.71 pounds (0.93 pounds with Joy-Con attached). Meanwhile, the Switch 2 measures 10.7 x 4.5 x 0.55~1.2 inches (Joy-Cons 2 attached) and weighs 0.88 pounds (1.18 pounds with Joy-Con 2). That’s a lot of weight to hold if you’re using the Joy-Con controllers that aren’t properly aligned.
Speaking of Joy-Con controllers, I use the Hori Split Pad Pro with my OLED Switch, which means I feel very comfortable playing games for hours. The Switch 2 may get third-party controllers in the future, but we’re not there yet. At the very least, I would wait until the Hori Split Pad Pro 2 is released. (Hori will hopefully add haptics this time.)
The difference: Where the Switch 2 wins
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Performance is where the Nintendo Switch 2 shines. With its new Nvidia T239 chip, Nintendo is introducing frame production to the Switch. That gives this comparatively small portable gaming console with the power to run popular taxing games like Cyberpunk 2077. The Nintendo Switch OLED can’t handle the most in-demand AAA titles, as we’ve seen with its cloud-based ports of games like Take control again Resident Evil Village. Yes, it also has 4x the storage.
Then there is the display. Yes, I know I complained about the Switch 2 ditching OLED, but the overall specs on its display and connectivity are a huge improvement. It has a larger 7.9 inch display with a resolution of 1080p with a refresh rate of 120Hz. And if you connect it to a dock, you can get 4K/60Hz. That puts the Nintendo Switch 2 in the ring more competitive with its rival consoles, which have offered these features for years. It also beats the Switch OLED’s 7-inch, 720p (1080p when docked), 60Hz display.
I’ve mentioned before that the design of the Joy-Con 2 controller is the same, which is true, except when used individually. The Switch 2 greatly improves on its internal Joy-Con controls by carving out larger buttons that provide smooth, satisfying clicks. The original Joy-Con controls made me feel like I needed to fight just to click the buttons. Additionally, the Joy-Con 2 controllers being larger in general help with comfort, even if they are still difficult to use.
Of course, one of the biggest additions to controllers and the console itself is GameChat. Pressing the C button brings up GameChat, which is exactly what it sounds like. Surprisingly, the previous Nintendo Switch did not have the ability to chat in a party. So while it is not a revolutionary feature, it is very much needed. And you can broadcast your game to your friends, very sick.
I The switch dock is also nice – it looks and feels premium, but that feels like a cherry on top of the competition’s quality, despite its performance advantages.
Which one should you buy?
I still think most people can wait.
There is no denying that Nintendo Switch 2 is the highest price compared to the Switch OLED. Yes, I’m frustrated with the OLED display, but it is what it is. However, the Switch OLED may still be the best Switch for you.
Why? Well, the OLED replacement is $350. That’s $100 cheaper than the Switch 2, and $150 cheaper when you think about it Mario Kart World a lot. The truth is: There aren’t many exclusive games for the Nintendo Switch 2 yet (although, Donkey Kong Bananas looks great). Even some of Nintendo’s blockbuster titles are popular Metroid Prime 4: Out will be available on the original Nintendo Switch. Will the new games also work? Probably not. But if you’re not interested in Nintendo exclusives, you probably don’t need to upgrade.
However, if you want all the latest games from Nintendo, and especially the AAA games that are most wanted on launch day, you’ll want to jump on the Nintendo Switch 2. But I still think most people can wait. I am planning to buy a Nintendo Switch 2… the OLED model, Nintendo will hopefully launch it soon. Sure, it’ll be more expensive, but I’ll get my shiny new display. And if it seems too far, I’ll try to sell the Switch 2 at least.
