Summary
- Nintendo Switch 2 will feature an LCD screen, which concerns some fans.
- The decision to use an LCD screen was explained by Nintendo exec.
- Fans express disappointment over the absence of OLED in the new console.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will feature an LCD screen rather than an OLED, and it's a decision that Nintendo Switch 2 technical director Tetsuya Sasaki has now commented on. The change has concerned some who are otherwise excited about the Nintendo Switch 2, but Nintendo seems confident in its decision.
The original Nintendo Switch launched with an LCD screen, and, for the most part, it was considered satisfactory at its time of launch. However, that was nearly a decade ago, and since then, the OLED model of the Nintendo Switch launched, offering vibrant color and deeper blacks on the display. Leaks previously indicated that the Nintendo Switch 2 would switch back to LCD, so some fans may not be surprised by the news, but some have still expressed concern over it.
Shuhei Yoshida Calls Switch 2 Direct 'Underwhelming'
Shuhei Yoshida, former PlayStation exec with over 30 years working at Sony, watches the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct and isn't overly impressed.
During a roundtable Q&A in New York, the leads behind the new console discussed a number of subjects about the system, including its use of a LCD screen. The team was asked why the change was made, since an OLED could be considered superior. Tetsuya Sasaki explained that Nintendo feels that a lot of improvements have been made in LCD technology since the original Switch's release, and that after a great deal of consideration, the team decided to go with LCD. Sasaki went on to point out that the Switch 2's LCD screen supports HDR, which should provide a visual boost to games, and that even the OLED version of the Switch lacked HDR. In all, the team seems confident in this decision.
Nintendo LCD Decision Draws Mixed Reactions
Part of the decision to use a LCD screen is likely also due to the reduced cost when compared to OLED panels. The Nintendo Switch 2's price already has some fans worried, as it's a fairly costly system at $450 USD. If Nintendo had gone with an OLED, this could have driven the price even higher, pushing it out of the realm of possibility for some fans.
Some gamers seem to be disappointed by the lack of OLED in the Nintendo Switch 2, with a few already saying that they'll wait for a presumed later OLED iteration, similar to how the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Switch released upgraded versions after a few years. Others, however, have gone so far as to say that they wish there were a screen-less, non-portable version of the device that could only be used docked if it meant getting a Nintendo Switch 2 at a lower cost. Of course, that comes with drawbacks as well, since portability has always been a part of the Switch family's appeal. There's a lot hanging in the air right now that will still determine if the Nintendo Switch 2 is successful, but Nintendo seems confident in the choice to use an LCD screen.
- Brand
- Nintendo
- Operating System
- Proprietary
- Storage
- 256GB internal / MicroSD
- Resolution
- 1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)
- App Store
- Nintendo eShop
- Wi-Fi
- Yes