After months of speculation and a sea of rumors, Nintendo has officially announced the next iteration of its popular game console:the Nintendo Switch OLED model. The upcoming device serves as more of a mid-life update than anything else, a refinement of the 2019 model as opposed to the more powerful "Switch Pro" that was rumored (and may still launch).
On sale for $350 starting October 8, the aptly titled Nintendo Switch OLED model is the next iteration of what has become one of the best-selling consoles of the past two years. It features a 7-inch 720p OLED display, a new docking station with a wired Ethernet port, and an improved kickstand that appears to be directly inspired by Microsoft's Surface Pro tablets. It also offers 64GB of onboard storage, up to nine hours of battery life - the same as the current Switch - and features "enhanced audio" for handheld or tabletop play. Unfortunately, despite persistent rumors of 4K support, the OLED model only supports 1080p resolution when docked. Apparently, Bluetooth support and an improved processor will also have to wait.
Still, the OLED model has plenty to excite people, including our very own Alex Cranz. It plays all the same games, supports the original Joy-Cons, and comes with a sleek black and white finish reminiscent of next-gen consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S. It will also be available with the red and blue. Joy-Cons, if you prefer the original model.
The Nintendo Switch OLED model was initially released for pre-order on Thursday, and we've seen a few retailers allowing additional pre-orders since. However, if you're still looking to get your hands on the OLED-equipped Switch at launch and get ahead of what already seems like another console shortage, you're in luck. Right now, you can pre-order the red and blue iteration of the upcoming console for $350 at GameStop.
The white model is not currently available for pre-order, although no configuration is expected until the console officially goes on sale on October 8.
Nintendo Switch OLED model (red and blue)
$350
The red and blue version of the Nintendo Switch OLED may look similar to the original model, but it still features all the refinements found on the black and white version, including better sound, a 7-inch OLED screen, and an improved kickstand that runs the full length of the device.
