Nintendo Switch OLED: the complete test – 01net.com – 01net.com

Launched in March 2017, the Switch, from Nintendo, is one of the most original and polymorphic consoles of recent years, the logical evolution of the post-Wii era, the successful version of what the Wii U should have been to really triumph. Once again, Big N had decided not to enter the race for power, abandoned since the GameCube, it is true.

However, at a time when the opposing consoles have marked a marked rise in power, asserting their ability to ensure the show in 4K, the temptation to see Nintendo offer more power to its hybrid console is stronger. Especially since some media have been announcing for a few months now the preparation ofa 4K Switch.

Little change, one spirit

The OLED Switch, it takes the concept of the original Switch – unlike the Switch lite in 2019, which made it a portable console only – and retains its power. We always find a version custom from the X1 chip, from Nvidia, to the controls, and apart from a rearrangement of the components, the other big internal change is the doubling of the storage capacity. We go from 32 to 64 GB. This is not a panacea, but it will give you more time before having to invest in a micro-SD card, which is always the solution of choice to increase the storage capacity of your console. up to 2 TB.

Managing game locations is pretty straightforward, if not perfect, and a quick exploration of the settings should allow you to move the games you want around the map. It is also possible to copy the screenshots there, and you can then more easily export them to a PC.

The easiest and most transparent way to manage all of this, but not the cheapest, is obviously to take out a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. This option not only allows you to access online games, but also to synchronize your backups in the Cloud, which can be useful if you change consoles, or have several. With a limit, however, the console will endeavor to verify the authenticity of your account and your rights to play a game at each launch. Which is painful in the long run. But let’s go, this is not unique to the OLED Switch.

When we said above that this Switch takes the original concept, is that it is able to offer you three different gaming experiences, each with excellent or very honest ergonomics, depending on whether or not you will tolerate playing with just one. Joy-Con.
These small removable controllers always take place on the side of the screen in mobile mode and offer amazing ergonomics. Those who found the Switch a bit heavy will have to deal with the additional 20 g of this edition. But overall, the modular ergonomics are still as good as ever, with some limitations that will make you opt for independent controllers if you play a lot, especially in TV mode. The ergonomics of the OLED Switch is even better since it benefits from two new features of choice.

Bigger, and for the better

The new Switch is experiencing two major developments. The first, which we will pass quickly, is the introduction of a crutch, which will finally allow the console to be held vertically in a stable manner – even on knees, provided you do not move too much. This novelty will be used primarily, not to say only, those who like to play in coffee table mode, alone or with others. The players then place themselves around the console. With the first generation of Switch, the foot, uninviting, did not allow any tilt adjustment. From now on, a rather powerful hinge system offers to position it slightly inclined and therefore almost vertical or almost flat. Perfect if you play more or less slumped.

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The second and main novelty is the evolution of its screen which justifies its name. The 6.2-inch HD (720 x 1280 pixels) LCD panel is replaced by a 7-inch HD OLED panel. This enlargement of the screen is obvious, and hardly imposes any change to the case, which retains the same general dimensions. In other words, the OLED Switch is as compact as its predecessor for a much larger display area. Its display / size ratio goes from 61.6% for the first Switch to 76.1% for this new model. The difference in numbers is enormous, it is more in hand.

Considering the lack of evolution of the on-board SoC, it was obvious that we could put aside the evolution of the definition of the slab. On the other hand, we can regret that Nintendo did not work to improve the brightness of its new console. It follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, which means that it can be used without worry indoors, but that it will be necessary to find some shade if you ever hear playing outside. Especially since the OLED panel and its glass coating is just as quick to take reflections as the LCD model.

On the other hand, OLED technology requires, we can only appreciate the gain in depth of blacks and contrast. We thus rediscover certain essential titles, such as Breath of the Wild, for example. We also take real pleasure with a title like Metroid Dread to observe its variations of atmosphere, its lights. The OLED screen is really at the service of the game, even if we hope that the panel does not suffer in the long run from the phantom traces for which this technology was known a few years ago.

With more contrasting, richer, deeper colors, we rediscover color palettes with pleasure. Not to mention that having a larger screen obviously ensures better immersion, we win. Another point that reinforces this effect, the speakers (always stereo) seem to have more trunk, presence. It’s really fun.

For those who are more Mario kart with friends, the 7-inch screen makes it easier to read in the action, and to play more comfortably. This is obviously not worth a large TV, but the Switch’s second game mode clearly deserves to be practiced with the Switch OLED.

Dock and let off steam …

And since we’re talking about connecting the Nintendo console to your TV, let’s take a look at its Dock. Externally, apart from the white color, it gains in elegance, rounded off. But the main thing is that there are two USB-A ports for connecting wired controllers or other accessories, which is always good news. Especially since when we find the side hatch, which no longer tilts but comes off completely, we see that the USB-A port hidden inside has been replaced by an Ethernet port.
This is not bad news for those who have a faulty Wi-Fi network, especially since it must be admitted that the network part of the Switch, both hardware and software, is not always at the top. Antennas sometimes struggle to capture a network that a competing console or a small tablet will receive perfectly. Moreover, the OLED Switch, although launched in 2021, plays it a little conservative on the Wi-Fi side with only Wi-Fi 5 compatibility (802.11ac). She remains angry with WPA 3, and that’s a shame.

The new Dock is compatible with the old models and the new Switch will work well with the old Docks, so good. Thanks to it, you will always be able to output a Full HD signal up to 60 frames per second. We told you, still no 4K.

The good news is that with this OLED Switch, Nintendo is playing the card of backward compatibility. All the Joy-Con that you have piled up during your encounters with the Joy-Con drift will be compatible, the same for the controllers and other accessories.

Of course, this backward compatibility extends to games. Those you bought in dematerialized format can be redownloaded if you use the same account. Those you buy in cartridge format can also be. Nevertheless, you will need to arm yourself with patience and a crowbar. For some reason unknown to the majority of sane people on this planet, Nintendo has changed the hatch that closes the slot in which the cartridge is slipped. It is extremely difficult to open it, especially if you have short fingernails.

However, once a game is in place, you can play it quietly, enjoy the very rich and varied game library of the Switch, which includes both great Nintendo titles as well as adaptations from large third-party publishers or excellent independent games to which we come back again and again, Dead cells on your mind.

And precisely, depending on the games you launch, you will see that the OLED Switch provides autonomy in the tradition of the classic Switch, which remains in the catalog. The most demanding titles will run out of the OLED Switch’s battery in 3 hours, lighter games, which require less of the Nvidia chip, will allow the portable console to display for up to just under 6 hours. autonomy, in the best conditions, taking care not to push too much the brightness of the screen.

Obviously, this question of autonomy only arises when playing in portable mode or on a corner of the table. Especially for the latter mode, moreover, because Nintendo has not solved the problem that prevents recharging the Switch while leaving it on its kickstand. If you are a fan of this way of playing, you have undoubtedly bought one of the accessories which allows you to raise it and therefore to solve the problem.