When it was first revealed, there were a lot of questions surrounding the Nintendo Switch OLED Model, but most of them were regarding why it wasn't the rumored Switch Pro. While a more powerful Switch model that can display at 4K resolution would certainly be nice, the Switch OLED brings a lot to the table that it seems like some fans are forgetting about. The new Switch model features louder speakers, a better TV docking station, and an improved kickstand, but the biggest draw for the home console/handheld hybrid is definitely the 7 inch OLED screen.
Because the Switch OLED Model uses an OLED screen instead of the original Switch's LCD one, it's able to feature much crisper colors and make the games "come alive" in a way not previously done on Nintendo handhelds. While it doesn't inherently change anything about the way that the Switch's games are played, the new OLED screen offers a much more colorful experience than the base Switch model. As a result, some games will pop off the screen in a new way and are best experienced on the Switch OLED Model.
Metroid Dread
Metroid Dread and the Switch OLED go together hand in hand because they were released on the same day. That's not the only reason that Switch OLED owners should check out Metroid Dread, however, as its intricately designed world will make the most out of the OLED screen. Metroid Dread is a 2D Metroid game and, as a result, has a lot going on in the background that would be enhanced with a crisper screen. What's more, the game uses a lot of darker colors that get washed out in XRT screens, but, when played on an OLED, stand out in a seemingly higher definition. Switch OLED or not, Nintendo fans should still give Metroid Dread a try as it's one of the best in the series and a strong addition to the Switch's lineup.
Tetris Effect
There's a lot to like about Tetris Effect from its memorizing audio to its addictive puzzle gameplay, but it's the game's stark contrasting colors that make it a must-play on the Switch OLED. The contrast between the deep-space black backgrounds and the colorful tetromino is beautiful enough on a regular Switch but becomes downright striking on the Switch OLED. As the levels begin changing, Tetris Effect really starts to show off its character by introducing new, ever-changing backgrounds that pop off the screen when viewing them on an OLED.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was released alongside the original Switch back in 2017 and was a beautiful game to look at back then, but, when played on the Switch OLED, seems to truly transport the player to the land of Hyrule. On an XRT screen, Breath of the Wild looks a little bit washed out in the many dark challenge Shrines that Link visits, but they become crisp and clear when experienced on the OLED. Additionally, Breath of the Wild features a lot of muted and pale colors in its expansive wilderness that lose a little bit of their clarity when viewed on the base Switch, but truly stand out on the Switch OLED. The game has a unique color pallet that, while enjoyable on the original Switch, is best realized on the newest edition of the system.
Persona 5 Strikers
One of the main advantages that OLED screens have over XRT screens is the amount of contrast the OLEDs can show between colors. Persona 5 Strikers features plenty of contrasting colors that lose a little bit of their clarity when viewed on an XRT. Persona 5 is known for its stylish presentation and Strikers features similarly styled menus, animations, and characters that really come alive on an OLED screen. Now that the Persona series is on the Switch, Persona 5 Strikers would be a great title to try for anyone looking to see the vast array of colors that their OLED Switch can produce.
Bowser's Fury
Bowser's Fury feels like it's the next step towards where the Mario series is going in the future and was an early contender for Game of the Year 2021. Although it's a relatively small standalone expansion, the game features a lot of interesting mechanics, but, perhaps most importantly when playing on a brand new OLED Switch, features a wide range of colorful locations. From lush temperate regions to icy castles, Bowser's Fury serves as something of a taste test for the Switch OLED's capabilities. Paired with the fact that the game frequently turns to night as fireballs pelt Mario and friends, the OLED seems like the perfect place to experience Bowser's Fury.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
There's a lot on the horizon for Animal Crossing: New Horizons making it an easy recommendation for anyone with a Switch, but its colorful art style is what really sells it as a must-play on the Switch OLED. Whether the player is navigating through menus or through the uninhabited parts of their islands, there's always going to be something onscreen that's colorful and fun to look at. Because the Animal Crossing series places a lot of emphasis on style and intricate details, the game can only be enhanced by viewing it on a more detail-rich screen.