It looks like a new Nintendo Switch is on the horizon. As we've reported, a Switch with an OLED display is rumored to be in production, due for release in late 2021.
While the Nintendo Switch is a great console, it has room for improvement. Here are all the things that we expect the next iteration of Nintendo's handheld hybrid to offer.
1. Bigger Screen
Currently, the Switch Lite has a 5.5-inch screen, while the main Switch has a 6.2-inch screen.
The new Switch will apparently have a 7-inch OLED display made by Samsung. That's certainly welcome, since a larger screen will let you better appreciate the beauty of games like Breath of the Wild when in handheld mode.
It seems the screen will keep its existing 720p resolution. That means the same amount of pixels are being stretched to a larger space, which could cause a less sharp picture.
That said, considering how far you hold the Switch from your face, it won't be that noticeable. Bumping the display up to 1080p would drain more power, and that's not worth it if the battery capacity isn't changing.
2. High-Contrast Colors
While reports claim that Nintendo will use Samsung's rigid OLED displays for the new Switch, we don't know the exact specifications. Nevertheless, we can hope for some of the traditional benefits that OLED brings.
OLED screens are great because they are high-contrast. It means that whites are bright and blacks are rich and dark. Since there's no backlight, the screen gives natural and authentic colors.
They also have good response times, so gaming will feel smoother.
3. Thinner Bezels
The Switch has some pretty chunky bezels—the black bars that frame the screen. It's essentially wasted display real estate.
If a larger screen is coming, that most likely means thinner bezels and therefore a more immersive experience.
The only other option would mean increasing the size of the Switch itself, which would therefore require redesigned Joy-Con controllers, and that's unlikely.
4. Longer-Lasting Battery
OLED screens use less battery power than LCD, which is what the Switch currently has.
A current model Switch gives around 4.5 to 9 hours battery life, while a Switch Lite offers 3 to 7 hours. The range is wide because it depends on the game you play.
While those figures aren't bad, a longer-lasting battery would be good. It'd mean you could take your Switch out on a day trip and not worry so much about charging it.
5. 4K Resolution
While the Switch recently celebrated its fourth birthday, Sony and Microsoft have both released new consoles. One way that the PS5 and Xbox Series X are superior is that they support 4K resolution.
Apparently, the new Switch will support 4K output on a TV. This doesn't mean the games will run natively at 4K, since it's unlikely that Nintendo will start using a new chip inside the Switch, but that they will be upscaled.
One advantage is that developers can use this to make UI elements look crisp, though there is a concern that it'll make existing low-resolution textures look bad.
More importantly, it'll be great for the (admittedly limited) streaming apps that the Switch supports.
6. Software Improvements and Streaming Support
It doesn't take a new hardware model to achieve this, but it would be a great time for Nintendo to improve the Switch's software and app support.
Compared to other consoles, the Switch is lacking. You can't send messages to friends, download or customize themes, or run apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
There's no excuse for a modern console to lack these features. Sure, the Switch has brilliant games, but wouldn't it be great if the experience around that was better?
The Existing Switch Isn't Going Anywhere
At the time of writing, Nintendo hasn't confirmed the reports of a new Switch. It may never happen, though it's not unlike Nintendo to release a different hardware iteration during a console's life cycle.
Until then, the existing Switch isn't going anywhere, and you won't regret buying one. Nintendo recently released a Mario-themed Switch, so the company clearly isn't dropping it any time soon.
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