Wondering why Nintendo skipped OLED for the Switch 2 and stuck with LCD? We finally got the answer.
According to IGN, Nintendo reps were asked about the move during a hardware Q&A in New York. Some fans see it as a downgrade from the OLED Switch, but Nintendo’s Tetsuya Sasaki (General Manager, Technology Development Division and Senior Director, Technology Development Department) said the decision wasn’t made lightly.
He explained that LCD tech has improved a lot since the original Switch, and after weighing their options, they decided LCD was the way to go.
The Switch 2 supports HDR—something the OLED model doesn’t have. Sasaki pointed out, “Even with the OLED version of Nintendo Switch, we didn’t have compatibility support for HDR, but that’s something we have the support for now.”
The Switch 2 packs an 7.9-inch LCD screen with 1080p resolution, HDR10, and VRR up to 120Hz—meaning smoother and screen-tearing free gameplay if the games support it.
Honestly, we think there’s another big reason Nintendo skipped OLED—and it’s not just about HDR. OLED on smartphones handle HDR perfectly fine, so that excuse doesn’t totally add up. The real deal? Cost.
If the Switch 2 launched with an OLED screen, that starting price would easily shoot past USD449.99 (~RM2,011). And Nintendo’s all about keeping things affordable (well, sort of). So, LCD it is.