Nintendo will release a new version of the Nintendo Switch this October, the company announced Tuesday. The new Nintendo Switch, officially named “Nintendo Switch (OLED model),” will cost $349.99, $50 more than the price of the original Switch that launched in 2017.
The new Nintendo Switch will boast a larger, 7-inch screen and an OLED display when it launches on Oct. 8 (the same day Metroid Dread launches). The standard Switch has a 6.2-inch LCD screen, and outputs a 1080p feed when docked. The Nintendo Switch (OLED model) will feature a maximum resolution of 1920x1080 and maximum frame rate of 60 fps, according to hardware specifications listed on Nintendo’s website. As with the original Switch, that applies in docked mode; the OLED model’s built-in screen still features a resolution of 1280x720. Contrary to previous reports, the system does not appear to support 4K resolution when docked.
The new Switch will also offer an adjustable stand that is as long as the unit itself, a dock that includes a wired Ethernet port, 64 GB of internal storage, and “enhanced audio” from the system’s internal speakers. Nintendo says that existing Joy-Cons will be compatible with the OLED model, and that the new Switch will be compatible with the full library of already-released Nintendo Switch games.
The new system will come in two color variations: one with white Joy-Cons and a white dock, and the other with traditional red and blue Joy-Cons and a black dock.
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The Nintendo Switch (OLED model) will feature a slimmer bezel around the larger screen, and slightly larger overall dimensions: The new system is 0.1 inch longer and weighs 0.05 lbs more than the standard Nintendo Switch. Battery life for the OLED model appears to be identical to the standard Nintendo Switch at 4.5-9 hours.
Here are the full technical specifications for the Nintendo Switch (OLED model) from Nintendo:
Nintendo Switch (OLED model) tech specs
| Size | 4 inches high, 9.5 inches long, and 0.55 inches deep (with Joy-Con attached) *The depth from the tip of the analog sticks to the tip of the ZL/ZR buttons is 1.12 inches |
| Weight | Approximately .71 lbs (Approximately .93 lbs with Joy-Con controllers attached) |
| Screen | Multi-touch capacitive touch screen / 7.0 inch OLED screen / 1280x720 |
| CPU/GPU | NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor |
| Storage | 64 GB Users can easily expand storage space using microSDHC or microSDXC cards up to 2TB (sold separately). |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac compliant) / Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Video output | Up to 1080p via HDMI in TV mode Up to 720p via built-in screen in Tabletop mode and Handheld modes |
| Audio output | Compatible with 5.1ch Linear PCM output Output via HDMI connector in TV mode |
| Speakers | Stereo |
| Buttons | Power button / Volume button |
| USB connector | USB Type-C Used for charging or for connecting to the Nintendo Switch dock. |
| Headphone/mic jack | 3.5mm 4-pole stereo (CTIA standard) |
| Game card slot | Nintendo Switch game cards |
| microSD card slot | Compatible with microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC memory cards *Once the microSDXC card is inserted, a system update will be necessary. An internet connection is required to perform this system update. |
| Sensor | Accelerometer, gyroscope, and brightness sensor |
| Operating environment | 41-95 degrees F / 20-80% humidity |
| Internal battery | Lithium-ion battery / 4310mAh |
| Battery life | Approximately 4.5 - 9 hours The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. |
| Charging time | Approximately 3 hours *When charging while the hardware is in sleep mode |
Nintendo’s confirmation of the new Nintendo Switch comes after months of rumors and reports about an upgraded version of the hit console-handheld hybrid set to arrive this fall. Word of a new, more powerful Switch dates back to 2019.
Nintendo also sells the $199 Nintendo Switch Lite, which launched in September 2019 with a 5.5-inch screen, and includes nondetachable controllers and cannot be docked to a TV.