So, it turns out the much-rumoured upgraded Nintendo Switch is not called the Nintendo Switch Pro, or the Super Nintendo Switch. Instead, it has been given the altogether less exciting title: Nintendo Switch OLED Model. And if the immediate fan reaction is anything to go by, the specs are as disappointing as the name.
After months of speculation, Nintendo finally announced the "new' console today, and it hasn't exactly been met with rapturous applause. Spoiler alert: if a slightly improved screen isn't that important to you, you might want to stick to these brilliant Nintendo Switch Black Friday deals.
Meet the newest entry to the #NintendoSwitch family! Nintendo Switch (OLED model) brings the versatility of the Nintendo Switch experience with a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen, a wide adjustable stand, and more. Nintendo Switch (OLED model) releases on 10/8.https://t.co/zRpGxakJDn pic.twitter.com/Tsc55r35ayJuly 6, 2021
So what's new? As the name suggests, it's all about the screen. At 7 inches, it's slightly larger than the standard model, which is 6.2 inches. And as opposed to LCD, an OLED display means brighter colours and sharper contrast.
The Nintendo Switch OLED model (Image credit: Nintendo)
Also new is bumped-up storage (now at 64GB), a wired LAN port, enhanced speakers and a wider kickstand. Oh, and a new (and admittedly fetching) white colour. And that's about it. There were several features rumoured for the so-called Switch Pro, including a new Nvidia chip, 4K output to TVs and improved battery, none of which have materialised. What we've ended up with is a device that's pretty much the same internally, with a better display. And it seems fans are more than a little disappointed.
Dude.**Dude.**Are you serious? After all that build-up, and after 4 years... there is not even remotely a performance increase? Nothing? Just... just a better handheld screen, a measly 32 more GB, and a better stand. And a trailer to demonstrate the wonderful casual gameplay. https://t.co/IRUAMaOgjfJuly 6, 2021
All those switch pro talking was just a switch with a bigger screen lmao.No hardware improvements.No 4K No DLSSJust Pain. https://t.co/MTCXKNwWxlJuly 6, 2021
Still, it's entirely possible that Nintendo has an actual Switch Pro up its sleeve – but today's announcement suggests that won't be arriving any time soon. In the meantime, fans will have to make do with a brighter screen. (And new kickstand. Let's not forget the new kickstand.) Thankfully, where the Switch truly excels is in the quality of its games – and at least all of the best Nintendo Switch games will look a little better on the Switch Pro, sorry, Switch OLED model.
Daniel John is Design Editor at Creative Bloq. He reports on the worlds of design, branding and lifestyle tech, and has covered several industry events including Milan Design Week, OFFF Barcelona and Adobe Max in Los Angeles.
