In a recent Nintendo Direct on Wednesday, the company revealed that the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will feature an LCD screen, stepping back from the OLED technology used in the previous model. This announcement has left many fans of the OLED version feeling disappointed, but Nintendo has shared its reasoning behind the decision.
As highlighted by IGN, Tetsuya Sasaki, a representative from Nintendo’s Technology Development Department, noted during a dedicated hardware Q&A that the switch back to LCD involved considerable deliberation. He mentioned that significant advancements in LCD technology have emerged during the development phase, leading to the choice to retain this screen type. While Sasaki withheld specific details about these advancements, he underscored that the Switch 2’s display will support HDR, a feature lacking in the previous OLED model.
Disappointment Over OLED Absence, Yet Nintendo Stands by the Switch 2 Display
Exciting Functionalities in the New Screen
Though the decision to use an LCD screen for the Nintendo Switch 2 may raise eyebrows, Nintendo is confident that the LCD option will enhance the gaming experience. The new console will feature a wide 7.9-inch color gamut LCD screen capable of outputting at 1080p (1920×1080)—a substantial upgrade from the original 6.2-inch Switch and the 7-inch Switch OLED. This upgrade is further complemented by HDR10 support and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) capabilities that can reach 120 Hz, allowing certain titles to run at up to 120 frames per second—something that previous Switch models simply cannot achieve.
Fans Considering Waiting for a Potential OLED Switch 2
Speculation on Release Timing
It’s clear that Nintendo’s decision may not satisfy all consumers. For those who have grown fond of the OLED display, this change might feel like a regression. Currently, these fans find themselves in a waiting game, hoping that Nintendo might later release an OLED version of the Switch 2. Based on historical trends with previous models, this could take significant time, as the original Switch debuted in 2017 and the OLED variant only followed in 2021.
Nonetheless, for those concerned primarily with the screen, it’s essential to recognize the wealth of features the Switch 2 brings to the table. The Nintendo Direct presentation highlighted impressive internal storage upgrades, extensive backward compatibility with Nintendo Switch 1 titles, innovative new play features such as a “mouse”variation of the Joy-Con, and the introduction of GameCube games to the Nintendo Online platform. If you’re considering holding out for a Nintendo Switch 2 OLED model, you might miss out on an exciting gaming experience in the meantime.
Source: IGN