The Nintendo Switch Pro game has been going on for years, but the Big N never does what we would expect and therefore, in conjunction with the release of Metroid Dread, on October 8 we will have a new OLED model for the hybrid console. This is a model with a larger than standard 6.2-inch LCD screen, more powerful speakers and a better kickstand, as well as other novelties. Of course, the hype of those who expected a (we would suppose non-existent, by now) model “Pro” went to bless, but this does not prevent us from dedicating Sunday to a general review (with all due respect to Music & Video Games).
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General Information
Nintendo has confirmed that the price of the Switch OLED model is around 350 euros, and the description speaks of the vivid colors guaranteed by the new 7-inch OLED screen. In addition, the new dock (which can be purchased separately, but at the Grande N site) offers an ethernet port, while the console’s internal memory doubles compared to the base model from 32 gigabytes to 64. Official cases will also be made available, while the table-setting game will benefit from both the improved kickstand (in width) and the usual Joy-Con versatility.
In other words, therefore, the rumors about the “Pro” were nothing more than hot air, if we do not count the backlash of insider Jeff Grubb that we will mention at the end. We’ve been talking about it since January 2019, yet in the end the improvements are the 7-inch OLED screen, better speakers, an ethernet port in the dock and that’s it; no nudge to power. In principle, if we count that the Joy-Con are the same and that they are now simply available in a new white variant (if you choose the model with the white dock; otherwise, blue and red “mismatched socks” also with the new model ), the console is more aimed at those who don’t have Switch yet.
https://youtu.be/4mHq6Y7JSmg
Nintendo Switch, OLED model- the screen
Let’s move on to the flab, starting from the OLED screen of the new Nintendo Switch model. The resolution in portable mode is always 1280 × 720 as for all the versions seen so far, but the new screen technology brings with it all the benefits you already know if you have a smartphone with this type of screen. If not, in short, the lighting is spread over each pixel. In other words, therefore, each pixel is illuminated individually, resulting in more vivid colors and better contrast as far as the image is concerned. If you don’t care about the screen, Nintendo itself invites you to let it go.
Of course, OLED technology also allows the battery to last longer- energy is not “wasted” in lighting areas that do not require it. That said, the battery itself is the same; it is only used better. The estimated duration, based on various factors such as play, lighting and so on, fluctuates between four and a half hours as a minimum and nine. According to the estimates of the Kyoto giant, the greater power required will not be a problem- the distribution of the lighting on each pixel will benefit the extra inches. We can only hope for optimal efficiency, sooner or later…
Nintendo Switch, OLED model- the Joy-Con
The very versatile controllers with the very fragile levers, the Joy-Con, are the same even with the OLED model of the Nintendo Switch. The good news is that you can use the new (and admittedly, pleasing to the eye) white Joy-Con with the old models. The bad news is that the levers, when they see fit, can still start slipping like bars of soap on a sheet of ice. However, remember that, in all this, if you prefer black to white, nothing prevents you from taking the model with the black dock, including the blue and red Joy-Con. Be careful not to get confused, though!
Nintendo Switch, OLED model- the dock
The Nintendo Switch dock has received a welcome redesign with the OLED model. The biggest novelty, however, is always the port for an ethernet cable to avoid going through the LAN adapter. As with the Joy-Con, the new dock is also compatible with the base model of the console, as long as you purchase it separately at the official Nintendo website. If you wanted a white dock, then, the time has come… or rather, it will arrive in mid-autumn, on October 8th.
Nintendo Switch, OLED model- technical specifications
You can see below a summary printout for the technical specifications of the Nintendo Switch OLED model.
| Dimensions | 4 inches high, 9.5 inches long, and 0.55 inches deep (with Joy-Con on either side). Depth is calculated as 1.12 inches from the top of the analog levers to the ZL and ZR triggers. |
| Weight | About 71 hundredths of a pound (322 grams, ed), rising to 93 (about 422 grams) with the Joy-Con on the sides. |
| Screen | 7-inch OLED multi-point sensitivity touch screen, with 1280 × 720 video output in portable mode. |
| CPU / GPU | Custom NVIDIA Tegra processor. |
| Internal memory | 64 gigabytes; users can use microSD to expand it, from common microSDHCs to two terabyte microSDXCs. |
| Price | 350 euros. |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) and Bluetooth 4.1. |
| Video output | Up to 1080p via HDMI output when connected to an HD TV via dock; up to 720p native with the screen in laptop or desktop mode. |
| Audio output | Compatible with 5.1ch PCM linear output; output via HDMI in TV mode. |
| Loudspeakers | Stereo. |
| Tablet buttons | Power on / off and volume adjustment. |
| USB connector | USB Type-C for charging or connecting to the Nintendo Switch dock. |
| Headphone and microphone jack | 3.5mm 4-pole stereo (CTIA standard). |
| Compartment for game cards | Nintendo Switch Game Cards, as always. |
| Compartment for microSD cards | Compatible with microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC memory cards. Once the microSDXC card is inserted, a system update will be required and therefore an internet connection will also be. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyroscope and light sensor. |
| External requirements (temperature and humidity) | 5 to 35 degrees Celsius, and 20 to 80% humidity. |
| Internal battery | 4310mAh Li-ion battery. |
| Battery life | From four and a half hours to nine, depending on the games running (for example, about five and a half hours for The Legend of Zelda- Breath of the Wild ). |
| Compatibility with the base model | Joy-Con, dock and game cards freely interchangeable. |
| Loading time | Approximately 3 hours with the console in sleep mode. |
And what happened to the Switch Pro?
Some of the rumors over the past year alluded to the new model’s features, including a better screen and kickstand, as well as an ethernet port in the dock. However, what happened to the 4K output and the increased power? According to the ever-talkative insider Jeff Grubb, it won’t be mentioned until next year. Clearly, the Big N is working on new hardware all the time, and we’ll only know more in due course; COVID-19 was involved, we would like to remember. Grubb, however, also reminds us that the Kyoto giant has placed no less than six variants of the 3DS on the market. We gladly leave you to the tweet, but for today we finish here.
I still have only ever personally heard 2022 for a Switch Pro. And if that still happens, I’ll continue to speculate that will have 4K output with a significantly more efficient chip with DLSS.
Anyone think this is the last Switch from the company that released 6 3DS models? https://t.co/TuJJGucDdc
– Jeff Grubb (@JeffGrubb) July 6, 2021
Now it’s up to you to tell us yours- what do you think of the heap of information? Let us know below, and as always don’t forget to stay on techreen for all the most important news for gamers and beyond.
