The Nintendo Switch revolutionized gaming with its hybrid approach, seamlessly transitioning between handheld, tabletop, and docked TV play. Now, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model takes that beloved formula and refines it with key improvements, offering better visuals, audio, and user comfort—all without changing the core mechanics that made the console so successful.
In this review, we’ll explore every detail of the Nintendo Switch OLED Model with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy‑Con controllers, highlighting its standout features, performance, design, advantages, drawbacks, and who it’s best suited for.
Overview of Key Features
- Vibrant 7-inch OLED touchscreen display
- Dual Joy‑Con controllers in iconic Neon Blue and Neon Red
- 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD
- Built-in stereo speakers with enhanced audio clarity
- Full-width adjustable kickstand for tabletop gaming
- Dock includes wired LAN port for stable online play
- Three play modes: handheld, tabletop, and TV
- Battery life between 4.5 and 9 hours depending on usage
Design and Aesthetic Appeal
At first glance, the OLED model doesn’t drastically alter the silhouette of the original Switch. It maintains the same slim, rectangular design, but subtle changes make a big difference. The most visible update is the thinner bezel around the screen, allowing for a larger display area without increasing the console’s size.
The Neon Blue (left) and Neon Red (right) Joy‑Cons deliver an energetic contrast and are easily recognizable—a visual staple of Nintendo’s branding. They are detachable and can be used independently for multiplayer games or attached to the console for solo play. The Joy‑Cons retain their traditional layout with analog sticks, shoulder buttons, motion sensors, HD rumble, and support for Amiibo via NFC.
Build quality feels more premium overall, especially the wide, sturdy kickstand that replaces the flimsy one from the previous model. It offers better stability on flat surfaces and is adjustable to various angles, making tabletop gaming much more user-friendly.
Display: The Star of the Show
The defining feature of this model is its new 7-inch OLED screen. Compared to the 6.2-inch LCD screen on the original Switch, the OLED version delivers richer colors, deeper blacks, and improved contrast. This makes games appear more immersive and dynamic, especially titles with rich visual palettes.
The display still runs at 1280×720 resolution in handheld and tabletop mode. While it doesn’t increase pixel count, the OLED technology enhances the perceived sharpness through better contrast and more accurate colors. Whether exploring fantasy landscapes or racing through neon-lit streets, the visuals feel elevated.
Brightness is also improved, although OLED screens can struggle with direct sunlight. For most indoor or shaded settings, the display performs beautifully and gives handheld gaming a noticeable upgrade.
Audio: Louder and Clearer
Nintendo also updated the onboard speakers. They now produce clearer sound with deeper tones and better stereo separation. This means you can enjoy full gaming experiences without headphones when playing in handheld or tabletop mode.
While still compact, the audio quality is punchy and far superior to the original model. Music, voice lines, and sound effects come through cleaner, enhancing immersion in story-driven or competitive games.
Storage and Connectivity
One welcome change is the expanded internal storage—now 64 GB, up from the previous 32 GB. While serious gamers will still benefit from a microSD card, this increase provides more breathing room for digital game downloads and updates.
Another important upgrade is the addition of a wired LAN port built into the dock. This provides more stable and faster online gaming, especially useful in competitive titles that require low latency. The HDMI output on the dock still supports full 1080p resolution on TVs.
Bluetooth audio support is also included via a system update, allowing users to connect wireless headphones directly to the console. This helps declutter setups and matches modern user expectations.
Performance and Battery Life
Under the hood, the OLED model uses the same custom NVIDIA Tegra X1 chip as the standard Switch. This means processing power and graphics capabilities remain unchanged. Games load and run the same way, and there are no performance boosts.
In terms of battery life, users can expect between 4.5 and 9 hours depending on the game and display brightness. More demanding games with constant wireless use or bright screen settings will drain the battery faster, while simpler or turn-based games will run longer.
The cooling system appears to be slightly more efficient, keeping the console quiet and comfortable even during extended gaming sessions.
Joy‑Con Functionality
The Joy‑Cons remain largely the same in both design and function. Each includes motion controls, HD rumble, and the ability to be used independently or as a pair. While functional and versatile, one ongoing concern is Joy‑Con drift—an issue some users experience over time with analog stick accuracy. This model does not address or eliminate that issue.
However, for casual users or those who primarily dock the console and use a Pro Controller, this won’t be a significant drawback.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Gorgeous OLED display with vibrant colors
- Clearer, louder onboard speakers
- Sturdier and more adjustable kickstand
- Increased internal storage
- Wired LAN port on dock improves online play
- Still fully compatible with existing Switch games and accessories
- Same portability and flexibility across three play modes
- Signature Neon Joy‑Con colors stand out
Cons
- No performance upgrade over the base model
- OLED screen may struggle in direct sunlight
- Joy‑Con drift issue still exists
- Battery life remains unchanged
- Higher price point compared to standard Switch
Who Is It Best For?
This model is perfect for:
- Gamers who play mostly in handheld or tabletop mode and want the best display quality
- Families sharing a single console and needing extra storage space
- Competitive players who value a wired connection for online gaming
- Users who want a portable gaming device with premium visual and audio output
- Nintendo fans upgrading from older systems who don’t already own a Switch
It may not be the best choice for those who primarily use the console in TV mode, where the OLED advantages are less noticeable. For such users, the standard or even Lite version may be more cost-effective.
Final Verdict
The Nintendo Switch OLED Model with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy‑Con is a smart and satisfying upgrade for gamers who prioritize handheld play, stunning visuals, and premium features. While it doesn’t revolutionize performance or address every concern, it succeeds in elevating the overall user experience.
From its brilliant OLED screen to the sturdier kickstand and improved audio, this model feels like the most polished version of the Nintendo Switch to date. It’s ideal for both seasoned players and newcomers who want the best portable console experience available today.
If you’re looking for flexibility, fun, and visual flair, this OLED Switch delivers on all fronts.