The Hidden Truth: Why an LCD Screen Mask Isn’t the End of the Road for Swap 2
By The announcement regarding Swap 2 in January addressed some pressing inquiries, yet primarily verified previously speculated aspects and leaked information concerning the dimensions, design, and magnetic Joy-Con of Nintendo’s upcoming console. Frustratingly, many questions still remain, and the company is remaining tight-lipped until April 2nd.
One significant question revolves around the display: Will Swap 2 feature an LCD screen resembling the current Switch, or a brilliantly vivid OLED panel like the aptly named Switch OLED Model?
Speculations indicate that Nintendo might be opting for a budget-friendly LCD display this time, which is disappointing for those who have been enjoying enhanced contrast and richer colors since October 2021. It’s hard to believe that the new Switch may have a display that is technically inferior to the console we’ve been enjoying for three and a half years, yet it remains a distinct possibility!
But is it truly as grim as it sounds? Once we have the device in hand, will we find ourselves focused on the absence of individually lit pixels? Do we yearn for them on our other devices? As we await official confirmation of the Swap 2 display specifications and more, Team NL gathered to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of nOLED.
Nintendo Life Team: Gavin Lane (editor), Alana Hagues (deputy editor), Jim Norman (group writer), Ollie Reynolds (group writer).
GAVIN: So, while we await official confirmation, we’ve been operating under the assumption that Swap 2 won’t feature an OLED display for a while now. First question then: Is it possible to enjoy a Switch OLED, and is there anything not to appreciate about it?
OLLE: Yes and no. No, meaning there’s nothing not to applaud about it. As far as displays go, it’s quite satisfying as one could hope for. Yes, the resolution is slightly limited, yet even with the increased size over the original Switch, it still appears impressive. It’s rather remarkable.
JIM: Same here. I delayed getting an OLED for a couple of years because the marketing didn’t really strike me with an ‘You need this.’ However, when I saw one in person, I was completely sold. I’m a big fan; no complaints here.
ALANA: I also didn’t acquire an OLED initially because I was spending more time playing docked than handheld for a good while. Then I tried one out and quickly invested in it. Now, I almost exclusively play handheld for that reason. It’s astonishing to think about how poor some of Nintendo’s earlier handheld displays used to be; the Game Boy, the original non-backlit GBA, the first 3DS, and so on. Oh, how far we’ve come.
GAVIN: Nintendo does have a history of… let’s say, less than optimal display experiences with the first iterations of their hardware. However, reflecting back, I don’t recall being incredibly let down by the Switch’s display – not until I saw the OLED Model, which made the original look like a dull grey post-it note. Does anyone recall the display being a problematic aspect in 2017?
I have a PS Portal now, which is a ‘nOLED’ device, and I’ve got to say, I find the display satisfactory.
ALANA: Nope, definitely not. I was simply too enamored with all the ‘Switch’ excitement at the time, and the display was good enough. Not quite a PS Vita, but you know, good enough.
OLLE: Same here; display quality didn’t cross my mind in 2017 because I was just too captivated by the hybrid concept. I also didn’t rush to get the OLED initially because I was convinced the original was adequate. Only when I got hands-on did I realize just how significant of an upgrade it was.
GAVIN: I happened to spot a Switch OLED on a store shelf a few days after launch and used that opportunity to grab it right then and there. I got a deal on a few LG OLED TVs back in 2018 or 2019 and immediately couldn’t ignore the dull greys in handheld mode. Since then, I’ve become a bit of a display snob! Is anyone else using an OLED television?
OLLE: Yes indeed, I picked up the LG C3 last year; 65 inches. It’s fantastic.
ALANA: We’ve come very close a few times, but the one someone is adamant about acquiring is a bit pricey…
JIM: I dream of affording an OLED TV, but other expenses have always gotten in the way. Someday, mate.
GAVIN: Having owned the TV, that’s the main reason I was so disheartened to hear that the Swap 2 likely won’t feature an OLED panel. It feels like such a significant regression from the beautiful, deep blacks and the vibrant colors of the current model. Do you have any other devices that do or don’t have OLEDs? Do you wish they did?
JIM: I’ll admit that I’m not always up to date with tech specifications, so when I first saw the Switch OLED, the main selling point was that larger display and smaller bezel. I have a PS Portal now, which is a ‘nOLED’ device, and I’ve got to say, I find the display satisfactory. Sure, the colors (or lack thereof) don’t always pop as much, but it’s still very crisp.
ALANA: I don’t own a PS Portal, but I do possess an older Steam Deck. I understand that the older display is considered just ‘okay’ in many people’s opinions, and…
The bezel is somewhat wide, but I don’t mind it. This display is a superior-quality LCD compared to the original Switch, so I can deal with it. Moreover, a Steam Deck OLED is significantly more expensive than a Switch OLED, so I’m not particularly interested in the hassle of swapping and upgrading.
GAVIN: The bezel is an intriguing point we’ll address, but the PS Portal serves as a significant comparison since it seems to closely match what the rumored Switch 2 is expected to offer in terms of display: a 1080p, 8-inch LCD. You’ve got a PS Portal as well, right Ollie? When you use it, do you ever think, ‘If only this had an OLED screen!’?
OLLIE: Absolutely not. It’s clear that LCD technology has made great strides since 2017; improved resolution, better viewing angles, enhanced backlighting, all that great stuff. The difference between the PS Portal and the Switch OLED becomes a bit more noticeable when placed next to each other, but when I’m simply enjoying it on the couch without anything to compare it against, the Portal is a beautifully crafted device with an impressive display. I never thought, “Oh no, these blacks could be deeper.”
GAVIN: Yes, we have come a long way from the older TN panels of years past, which had poor colors that were hard to see from an angle. I haven’t seen the Portal performance in person, but the images you shared really showcase it positively.
Overall, it seems we’re not too worried about the Switch 2 not featuring an OLED display at launch, correct?
OLLIE: I mean, it would be fantastic if it launched with an OLED panel, but I’m not going to lose any rest over it.
JIM: I’ll be so happy to have the device in my hands that I doubt I’ll even think about missing any vividness.
ALANA: The initial rumors had me concerned, but now I’m no longer anxious. A lot of reflection and discussions with everyone here over the past few months have reminded me that yes, an LCD could indeed be acceptable right now.
GAVIN: It’s quite ironic that the Vita introduced so many of us to the idea of an OLED handheld display.