WASHINGTON — Japanese video game company Nintendo launched a new model of the Switch that will have an OLED screen, but won’t make big changes to the RAM or CPU in other versions of the console.
“The Nintendo Switch family of systems is about to gain a new member. On Oct. 8, Nintendo Switch (OLED model) will launch at a suggested retail price of $349.99, giving people another option for how they want to play the vast library of games on Nintendo Switch,” the company said in a statement.
The Nintendo Switch (OLED model) will let players experience enhancements in all three play modes — the TV Mode, Tabletop Mode, and Handheld Mode.
According to a media report, Nintendo confirmed that its “Nintendo Switch (OLED model) does not have a new CPU, or more RAM, from previous Nintendo Switch models.”
The company didn’t mention anything about improvements to those in its announcement video on its marketing page dedicated to the new console or in its page listing the technical specs for the device, so it’s not surprising that this is the case.
Nintendo also confirmed that all Switch docks are interchangeable, meaning the non-OLED Switch can also sit in the dock included with the OLED Switch and that the OLED Switch can even slot into the older Switch dock.
As for the Bluetooth headphone support, something people really wanted from an upgraded Switch, and it sounds like that’s not in the cards, either.
“We have nothing to announce on this topic, but like the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite consoles, Nintendo Switch (OLED model) supports Bluetooth tech for the Joy-Con controllers,” the firm said.
Even though users will hear enhanced audio from the onboard speakers, Nintendo says there are no changes to the audio experience when users listen through headphones or TV speakers while using the OLED Switch.
In addition to the bigger screen and enhanced audio, it also looks to have a much-improved kickstand.
“Nintendo Switch (OLED model) launches separately on the same day as Metroid Dread on Oct. 8 for $349.99. The system will be available in both the Nintendo Switch (OLED model) white set and the Nintendo Switch (OLED model) neon red/neon blue set,” Nintendo said in a tweet.
Last month, Nintendo released the Metroid Dread report for its users to provide information and behind-the-scenes glimpses from the game’s development team.
“In this inaugural edition, we’ll be going into more detail on certain elements shown in the announcement trailer. Plus, get special transmissions from the game’s creators on how intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran’s latest adventure took form.”
(With inputs from ANI)
(Edited by Abinaya Vijayaraghavan and Praveen Pramod Tewari)
