Nintendo Could Eventually Give the Switch 2 Its Most-Wanted Upgrade

Several years after the release of the Nintendo Switch, the company introduced a new and improved model: the Nintendo Switch OLED.

The OLED screen offers a 7-inch 720p OLED display in handheld mode and 1080p resolution while docked. It also features 64 GB of internal storage as well as some enhanced audio functions, but nothing really changed under the hood in terms of horsepower. Still, it was nice to see the Switch get a model, even if it wasn't the oft-rumored Switch Pro.

Now, a year into the Switch 2's lifespan, we're hearing rumors of a OLED-style update for Nintendo's newest console.

As first reported by ZDNet Korea, Nintendo is considering utilizing OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology to the Switch 2. "If the release of the Switch 2 OLED model is decided, there is a possibility that product development will begin at the end of this year," said an industry insider.

An update that would release as early as 2028 would feel in line with Nintendo's cadence for updating their console models on a somewhat regular cycle. First releasing in 2017, Nintendo released the Nintendo Switch Lite in 2019, followed by the OLED model in 2021.

Cost Is Certainly A Concern For A Nintendo Switch 2 OLED

The one thing on everyone's mind regarding a new Switch 2 model is how much it will cost. After all, the current Switch 2 console is getting a price increase due to economic conditions.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a Switch 2 OLED cost even more, considering it's using a better screen. Just how much more, though, is uncertain. One of ZDNet Korea's sources explains that Samsung "will strive to supply Switch 2 OLEDs to Nintendo, the extent of the price increase for the Switch 2 resulting from the application of OLED is a [unknown]."

One of the initial critiques of the Switch 2 at launch last year was the fact that the screen was as downgrade. To be honest, though, I haven't noticed it much. Above all else, I just wanted the Switch 2 to be a more powerful Switch, and that's what its been over the past year-plus.

Still, some were hoping for the OLED screen to return, and rumors of a Switch 2 OLED are surely good news for people in that department. However, things have changed drastically in the past year-plus, particularly when it comes to how much hardware costs. Everyone, not just Nintendo, is rising the price of their consoles, and there appears to be no end in sight. Is it really worth it paying a premium for a premium model?

How Much Benefit Would A Switch 2 OLED Actually Give?

Another thing to consider is that the Switch 2 already outputs at a 1080p resolution. There wouldn't be a jump up in resolution this time around like there was with the original Switch OLED.

Since we're seeing a pushback on rising prices, including when Nintendo introduced $80 games last year with Mario Kart World, I can imagine we'd see the same for what could be, in the eyes of many, a small upgrade for a new Switch model.

There was already backlash last time when the "Switch Pro" was just "the same Switch but a shinier screen." That improved screen looked nice, sure, but games like Pokemon Scarlet and Violet still ran quite poorly. We have, however, seen how much of a difference the upgraded capabilities of the Switch 2 can make; both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom look incredible, for example, as does Pokemon Legends: Arceus. They'd probably look better with an OLED screen, too, but again, if people were upset they had to pay money for the Switch 2 versions of the game, you better believe they'll be upset at paying a higher price for an OLED screen.