It seems that some media have had the opportunity to get their hands on the new Nintendo Switch (OLED model). Here we bring you the first impressions they have offered after testing it, translated into English.
Specifically, these are small impressions that members of the press have already published on their respective websites. Specifically, we have statements from IGN, who loved the screen, GameSpot, who recommends the console for those who play in handheld mode, and The Verge, who says that the handheld mode is a huge improvement. Overall, we can see that they are quite satisfied and agree that it is a major improvement for handheld gaming.
We’ll leave you with them below:
IGN – Tom Marks, Deputy Reviews Editor:
The strength of the new screen (as expected) becomes even more obvious when turned on, immediately shining brighter and clearer from almost any viewing angle I tested. Honestly, it’s not a stretch to compare its vibrancy to when the Game Boy Advance SP got an updated model with a much brighter screen, making the original Switch seem noticeably dimmer when compared directly. Its colours are also richer, and I’m not kidding when I say that the grassy fields of Breath of the Wild looked almost like green cartoons viewed side by side.
The next most exciting feature of the OLED model (somewhat surprisingly) is actually its improved kickstand. It’s no secret that the base model’s kickstand is flimsy and unreliable, but I didn’t expect this version to provide such a forceful response to its predecessor’s problems. Not only does it span the length of the Switch’s back, its hinges offer a satisfying amount of resistance so you can easily tilt it at almost any angle and be confident that it will stay that way. It’s incredibly sturdy, with the same tactile matte finish as the Switch Lite’s back. If it wasn’t for the charging port still being locked while standing upright, I’d say the need for a third-party stand is now all but dead.
GameSpot – Alessandro Fillari, editor and producer:
While people who normally play in dock mode with solid TVs won’t be surprised by the OLED model’s visuals, this still makes portable mode look better than ever. Honestly, I was interested to see how my other favourite games, like Bayonetta 2 or Smash Bros. Ultimate, would look on the new screen.
The key areas where Switch OLED sees improvements focus on the portable experience. While portable mode is convenient, it also offers less than perfect conditions to experience certain games compared to playing them in the dock. While I often prefer to play Switch games in handheld mode, there are times when I play in TV mode, which allows me to get a better sense of a game’s visuals and performance. Unfortunately, the significant improvement here is the OLED screen, which means the main benefit of the new model will be lost when playing in dock mode.
The Verge – Dieter Bohn, executive editor:
Nintendo Switch’s OLED model justifies its existence, but does it justify us upgrading from the standard model? For most people, the responsible answer is no. The improvements here won’t unlock new experiences or gameplay capabilities, they’ll just make the current experiences a little more enjoyable.
However, I don’t think I’m going to be responsible. I knew going in that it was “just” a Switch with a bigger, brighter screen. I now know that after playing it, the portable mode feels much less compromised than the current one.