Nintendo’s New OLED Switch Is Real and It’s Arriving October 8

Today, in a shock transfer from the home of Mario, Nintendo has simply introduced that the brand new Nintendo Switch (OLED model) shall be arriving this fall on October 8.

Previously, when Nintendo didn’t say something a couple of new Switch at E3, lots of people (together with myself) thought that meant Nintendo wouldn’t launch its long-rumored upgraded Switch this yr. But I can admit after I flawed, and although the brand new OLED Switch doesn’t have a “Pro” label, it does include numerous upgraded options long-time Switch followers have been dreaming about for fairly a while.

Starting at $350, the brand new OLED Switch solely prices $50 greater than the usual mannequin, whereas it includes a new, bigger 7-inch OLED show. This improve ought to handle most complaints concerning the Switch’s built-in display being considerably lackluster, although it’s vital to notice that the OLED Switch’s decision is staying pat at 720p.

Other enhancements on the brand new OLED Switch embrace extra onboard storage (64GB, up from 32GB), a redesigned wider kickstand that helps a brand new Tabletop mode, and a brand new dock with a built-in LAN port. Nintendo says the OLED Switch may also present “enhanced audio” because of its upgraded audio system, and naturally, the brand new OLED Switch is sporting a contemporary paint job that includes a two-toned black-and-white shade scheme.

Notably, by chopping down on the dimensions of the OLED Switch’s bezels, it seems to be like Nintendo was capable of embrace a bigger 7-inch display with out rising the general measurement of the system an excessive amount of, which signifies that current Switch add-ons and equipment like Joy-Con must be appropriate with the brand new OLED Switch.

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Unfortunately, Nintendo didn’t present any information on whether or not the OLED Switch will function a quicker processor, longer battery life, or assist for different options like Bluetooth audio. But hopefully, we’ll be capable to discover out extra previous to the OLED Switch’s official launch on October 8.

So although Nintendo slow-played its hand by not saying the OLED Switch at E3, the arrival of an upgraded Switch this fall is actually a nice shock. That stated, whereas OLED Switch does embrace a handful of worthy enhancements, it appears like Nintendo might have stopped barely wanting creating a really high-end Switch that many Nintendo followers have been desirous to see.

Either approach, right here’s hoping Nintendo will be capable to produce a big stock of OLED Switches, as a result of the very last thing avid gamers need to see is one more new console come out just for it to sold-out all over the place, forcing followers into the ready arms of scalpers.

[Update: 7/6 @ 10:10 AM ET] Nintendo notes that the OLED Switch is 0.1-inches longer than the usual mannequin, so it might not work as neatly with sure merchandise like Nintendo’s Labo kits. Also, Nintendo says the OLED Switch ought to final between 4.5 and 9 hours on a single cost, which is similar as the usual mannequin, although as at all times, battery life is determined by the particular sport you’re playing.