After months of rumors and reports, Nintendo has confirmed a new Nintendo Switch model. The "OLED Model" is coming on October 8.
After months of rumors, Nintendo has surprise-announced a new Nintendo Switch model. The Nintendo Switch OLED sports a 7-inch screen (up from 6.2 inches) and a wider adjustable stand, but it will not feature performance improvements or 4K support. It will sell for $350 when it's released on October 8, the same day as Metroid Dread.
The announcement notes it includes 64 GB of internal storage, enhanced audio, and a wired LAN port built into the dock; battery life is unchanged from the current Switch model, lasting 4.5-9 hours by Nintendo's estimate. The Switch OLED model will come in two color configurations: a white-and-black finish with a white dock (shown in the trailer), and a neon red/blue set with a black dock. The dock itself features a slightly different design but output in TV mode remains 1080p. All previous Joy-Con controllers will be compatible with the new unit, as Nintendo says the new model will use the same Joy-Cons.
Prior to the announcement, reports widely suggested a new Switch model would have a 7-inch OLED screen and a faster Tegra chip from Nvidia, capable of outputting at 4K in docked mode. Nintendo confirmed to The Verge that this model "does not have a new CPU, or more RAM, from previous Nintendo Switch models." You can check out the full technical specs below for a full look--the new model weighs slightly more at .93 pounds with Joy-Cons attached (up from .88 pounds) and is ever so slightly longer at 9.5 inches (versus 9.4 inches). The minor difference still allows for a significantly larger screen, thanks to a smaller bezel, though the screen remains a 720p display.