Nintendo Switch Pro is officially announced as ‘OLED model’
New system features a larger screen and enhanced audio, but similar hardware specs
Nintendo has officially announced the Nintendo Switch OLED model, the hardware upgrade previously called ‘Switch Pro’ by industry analysts.
In an announcement video published on Tuesday, the company confirmed that the new model will release on October 8 (the same day as Metroid Dread) in two colour sets (white and red/blue) for $349.99.
Nintendo Switch OLED model has a similar overall size to the standard Nintendo Switch system, but with a larger 7-inch OLED screen (compared to 6.2-inch on the standard model).
The system also features a wide adjustable stand for tabletop mode, a new dock with a wired LAN port, 64GB of internal storage (compared to 32GB previously), and enhanced audio for handheld and tabletop play.
However, there’s no mention of 4K resolution support or increased hardware power, as had been heavily reported before the system’s announcement.
According to Nintendo’s hardware specs for the OLED model, it will not be able to output a resolution higher than 1080p docked and 720p portable, which is the same as previous Switch systems.
The specs also list the console’s CPU/GPU as a “NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor”, which could be the same chip as featured in previous models.
UPDATE: Nintendo has confirmed that its new Switch OLED model features “no major internal changes” compared to previous Switch models.
Nintendo confirms Switch OLED has ‘no major internal changes’
ORIGINAL STORY CONTINUES: All previously released Joy-Con controllers are compatible with this new model, Nintendo said, as well as the full library of Switch games.
Nintendo Switch OLED Hardware Specs
Size 4 inches high, 9.5 inches long, and 0.55 inches deep (with Joy-Con attached)
Weight Approximately .71 lbs (Approximately .93 lbs with Joy-Con controllers attached)
Screen Multi-touch capacitive touch screen / 7.0 inch OLED screen / 1280×720
CPU/GPU NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor
Storage 64 GB
Wireless Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac compliant) / Bluetooth 4.1
Video output Up to 1080p via HDMI in TV mode. Up to 720p via built-in screen in Tabletop mode and Handheld modes
Audio output Compatible with 5.1ch Linear PCM output. Output via HDMI connector in TV mode
Speakers Stereo
Buttons Power button / Volume button
USB connector USB Type-C. Used for charging or for connecting to the Nintendo Switch dock.
Headphone/mic jack 3.5mm 4-pole stereo (CTIA standard)
Game card slot Nintendo Switch game cards
microSD card slot Compatible with microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC memory cards
Sensor Accelerometer, gyroscope, and brightness sensor
Operating environment 41-95 degrees F / 20-80% humidity
Internal battery Lithium-ion battery / 4310mAh
Battery life Approximately 4.5 – 9 hours
Charging time Approximately 3 hours
further reading
Gallery: Here’s the new Nintendo Switch ‘OLED model’
“The new Nintendo Switch (OLED model) is a great option for players who want to experience the new vibrant screen when playing in handheld and tabletop mode,” said Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser in a statement.
“With the addition of this new model to the Nintendo Switch family of systems, people have an additional choice of a system that best fits the gaming experience they desire – whether it’s Nintendo Switch (OLED model), Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch Lite.”
Multiple outlets had reported that Nintendo was preparing to launch new Switch hardware in 2021 and that it might feature upgraded computing power and support for 4K graphics.
According to a Bloomberg story last September, Nintendo had reportedly asked game developers to make their existing games 4K-ready, in preparation for the new hardware.
