Nintendo Switch OLED release date: When is the new console coming out in the UK and US?
NINTENDO is releasing a new Switch model this week, just in time to add to your Christmas wish list.
The Nintendo Switch OLED has had a display upgrade and a few other improvements over the original Switch, but we're still not getting 4K gaming.
Nintendo Switch OLED release date and price
The new Nintendo Switch OLED Model launched on Friday, October 8 and you can pre-order now for £309.99 / $349.99.
It's the third and most expensive Switch model; the handheld-only Nintendo Switch Lite comes in at £199.99 / $199.99 while the original has recently had a permanent price drop down to £259.99.
The US is still paying $299.99 but that works out cheaper than Europe – even after the price cut.
What is Nintendo Switch OLED?
The Nintendo Switch made its debut in 2017, filling the hybrid handheld-home console shaped hole in our entertainment centre we didn't know we had.
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With sizeable screen real estate for portable gaming and the ability to play on your TV in docked mode, it was an instant hit.
Raw power isn't at the forefront of the Switch's specs, but you won't be missing out on AAA tiles, with ports of games like Skyrim, and The Witcher 3 available to play.
So what does the new OLED model bring to the table? In short, it has a bigger display that switches the LED panel for an OLED one.
It offers more storage, a new off-white colourway for the doc and Joy-Cons (both compatible with the OG Switch), and a wired LAN port.
There are some other new features that aren't as significant, but still improve on the original model nonetheless.
Nintendo Switch OLED design, specs and features
The Nintendo Switch OLED has a slightly larger form factor than the original, and weighs a touch more – 23g if we're not counting the Joy-Cons.
The thin, flimsy kickstand of the original model has gone, replaced by a piece of equally thin-looking plastic that runs the length of the device.
We'll have to wait until we get our hands on it to judge how robust the revised kickstand is.
Another added bonus with this design is that you can position it at different angles to suit whatever it is you're doing.
Over on the rear of the dock, the hinged flap masking the ports has been scrapped, giving way to a removable panel.
The outputs on the dock have been shuffled a bit too; the USB port on the back has gone, while a wired LAN port has appeared in its place. So no more relying on just the WiFi for online gaming.
The expandable storage as also been bumped up from 32GB to 64GB.
But it's the new 7-inch OLED screen with a thinned-down bezel that's the real draw.
Nintendo has done away with the 6.2-inch LCD Screen, but it's worth noting that the resolution (docked and handheld) is still the same.
You can get the Switch OLED in the classic red-and-blue colourway, or the new off-white. Joy-Cons come in a white colour, which is matched by the dock.
The new dock is compatible with the original Switch model and is being sold separately, so you can get the upgrade regardless.
You can check out a specs list below.
Nintendo Switch OLED specs:
- Screen: 7-inch OLED touchscreen
- Resolution: 720p handheld / 1080p docked
- CPU/GPU: Custom Nvidia Tegra X1
- Storage: 64GB
- Connectivity (console):
- 3.5mm audio jack
- microSD
- USB type C
- Connectivity (dock):
- USB type A (USB 2.0 compatible) x2 on the side
- System connector
- AC adapter port
- HDMI port
- Wired LAN port (LAN cable sold separately.)
- Battery life: Approx. 4.5 - 9 hours
- Charging time: Approx. 3 hours
- Size: 102mm x 242mm x 13.9mm / 4-inches x 9.5-inches x 0.55-inches (with Joy-Con attached)
- Weight: Approx. 320g / 0.71 lbs (with Joy-Cons attached: 420g / 0.93 lbs
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Don't miss the PS5 restocks this week if you're in the UK!
Over in the US, GameStop will be stocking Xbox Series X Far Cry 6 bundles.
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And we've got th4e Battlefield 2042 beta to look forward to this week too.
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