Nintendo Reportedly Plans Switch 2 OLED Model
Nintendo is purportedly considering an OLED model for the Switch 2, with mass production potentially starting next year, according to a report from South Korean business website ZDNet Korea. The site cites three insider sources claiming that Nintendo is 'considering releasing a Switch 2 OLED' with an upgraded resolution. The current Switch 2 features an LCD screen, albeit a larger one than the original Switch's display.
Timeline and Development
ZDNet's sources add that development of the OLED model could start as early as the end of this year, which means mass production could then follow either in late 2027 or early 2028. This timeline would align with the Switch 1's OLED model, which launched in 2021, four years after the original. The Switch 1 OLED model was otherwise unchanged from the original, with the larger OLED screen being the only major difference.
Samsung's Role and Memory Shortages
Samsung is reportedly pushing Nintendo to prioritize the OLED model. The current memory shortages have likely forced Nintendo to re-evaluate its plans. A Switch 2 OLED model would be sold at a higher price than the current Switch 2, but with the current model seeing a price hike this year, having a more expensive model could offset costs and allow Nintendo to avoid raising the price of the regular model a second time. Nintendo admitted the increase in price 'does not fully account for all cost increases,' suggesting it is making less profit on the console than at launch.
Potential Benefits of OLED
An OLED screen would necessitate a new model and allow for even higher resolutions. It would also address complaints some people have with the current Switch 2 screen and how it displays games in handheld mode, with a ghosting issue that makes the visuals blurry. It is unclear if a Switch 2 OLED model would be larger than the current Switch 2, but if the only difference is an improved screen, it would make more sense for Nintendo to prioritize this over a Switch 2 Lite.
Switch 2 Lite Still Uncertain
While a new model of the Nintendo Switch 2 was recently announced, its only difference is that you can replace the internal battery. It is also limited to Europe and is being done purely to comply with new regulations. As such, a true revision has yet to be confirmed, although both a Switch 2 Lite and Switch 2 OLED model are widely expected to be released at some point in the Switch 2's lifecycle. The whole purpose of a Switch 2 Lite would be to make the console more compact as a smaller, handheld-only alternative. Given the ongoing memory shortages, Nintendo may struggle with compartmentalizing the hardware, which in turn would make it difficult to reduce the price tag.
Software Line-Up and Future
At the time of the price hike, Nintendo also promised 'a robust software line-up' to further encourage people to invest in the Switch 2. So far, this includes a full remake of The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time for this year and Pokémon Winds and Waves in 2027.
