Summary
TheNintendo Switch 2will 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 theNintendo 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, theOLED model of the Nintendo Switchlaunched, 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.
During aroundtable Q&Ain 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 theSwitch 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. TheNintendo Switch 2’s pricealready 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 andNintendo Switch released upgraded versionsafter 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.
