The Nintendo Switch - OLED Model is the latest model of the Nintendo Switch, and noticeably improves quite a few games from the console's library. With rumors of a Nintendo Switch Pro consistently being dashed, it seems that the OLED Model is the most powerful Switch model Nintendo fans will be able to get their hands on for the foreseeable future. For fans who want to see if the upgrade is worth it, seeing some games that look better on the new hardware may be worthwhile.
The Nintendo Switch - OLED Model was released on October 8, alongside Metroid Dread. The console's main selling point is a new OLED screen. The resolution is the same as the base model's, but provides more vibrant colors, making already colorful Nintendo games pop even more in handheld mode. In addition to the new screen, the new model also boasts better battery life and an improved dock that features an ethernet port to improve online play or maximize the use of the Switch's cloud versions of games.
More Nintendo Switch games are coming in August 2022 and beyond, each looking great on the OLED's improved screen. In particular, the rebellious theming and vibrant color palette of the Persona 5 Royal will look fantastic on the Nintendo Switch OLED. However, even currently, Nintendo has developed and published several games that are already released and are perfect showcases for the new Switch model.
Metroid Dread Looks Great On The OLED Screen
Launching Metroid Dread, the first 2D game in the Metroid series since Metroid Fusion, alongside the OLED Model Nintendo Switch, was a fantastic decision by Nintendo. While there are not any overly impressive visuals fidelity-wise, the colors of the game, especially the lights from Samus' suit and the eye of the game's menacing EMMI robots look fantastic on the new model's improved screen. Some 3D environments may look better in some games on the OLED screen, but there's no denying that the characters and enemies of Dread look fantastic on the new screen.
In addition to looking great, Metroid Dread is among the best of 2021. Dread is able to draw in newcomers with its accessible mechanics, while also being a pleasing return to 2D form for the series. While some of the luster is lost by successful indie emulations like Hollow Knight and Axiom Verge, Metroid Dread is still a fantastic game that will ensure an OLED model purchase is well worth the cost.
HD-2D RPGs Are Right At Home On The OLED Model
Games with heavily stylized visuals and particle effects are some of the best games to be played on the new Switch's OLED screen. Fitting right at home in both of these camps is Square Enix's new trend of HD-2D games. This style is now Square Enix's go-to for most Switch games, and for good reason. With gameplay inspired by old-school RPGs, this look that evokes their visuals as well is a perfect fit.
Currently, there are three RPGs in this style on the Nintendo Switch, all of which look fantastic on the OLED model. Octopath Traveler was the first, a classic turn-based RPG offering eight unique stories that are each self-contained. Octopath is now available on Xbox and PC, but the game started as a Switch exclusive published by Nintendo. Next is 2022's Triangle Strategy, which is similar in graphics but not in gameplay. Rather than classic RPG gameplay, Triangle Strategy takes a more tactical route, aligning it closer to Fire Emblem or Final Fantasy Tactics rather than more traditional gameplay featured in games like the Dragon Quest series. Triangle Strategy was also published by Nintendo but is currently still exclusive to the Switch.
Finally, Live A Live is the most recent HD-2D game on the Switch. Live A Live is also notable for being the first game in the HD-2D style that is a remake instead of an original IP, and brought the formerly Japan-exclusive SNES RPG to North America for the first time ever. This ambitious RPG combines tactics and old-school RPG gameplay, along with ambitious separate stories like Octopath. It won't be the last time, though, as Dragon Quest 3 will get the HD-2D treatment in the future to bring the game to modern platforms.
Tetris Effect On Switch OLED Is The Best Way To Experience A Classic
Originally released as a launch title for the PlayStation VR, Tetris Effect: Connected has since made its way to nearly every major platform, including Switch. At its core, of course, the gameplay is still Tetris. However, there's more to this game than meets the eye, with fun modes like a single-player Journey Mode, 11 different Effect Modes, and even some head-to-head modes to play with other players locally and online.
All of these modes feature gorgeous visuals alongside the classic Tetris gameplay. These visuals' stunning colors are amplified even more when viewed on an OLED screen, with the colors and contrasts standing out even more when viewed on a small screen with the high quality expected from OLED displays. Players don't even have to fear a lesser online multiplayer experience, as Tetris Effect: Connected s cross-platform multiplayer for all platforms the puzzle game has been released on.
Kirby And The Forgotten Land Is A Delight On Nintendo Switch - OLED Model
A series known for its cute and colorful visuals, it's no surprise that the latest Kirby game, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, is a perfect showcase for the new Switch's display. Characters look great on the new screen, with the pink puffball himself being a particular standout. The game's bosses look great as well. In addition, the game's 3D environments truly pop on the OLED screen, whether players are in the overgrown cityscape of Natural Plains or soaking up some sun on the game's aquatic world, Everbay Coast.
Besides stepping it up in the visual department, the new Kirby game is overall a big evolution for the series. Bringing Kirby into 3D for the first time marks a big change in ambition for the series, which was formerly known to release formulaic installments often without taking much risk. Forgotten Land marked a change for the better in this department, making this new entry to the Kirby franchise one worth checking out for all Switch owners, but especially OLED Switch owners.
With so many Switch games always on the horizon, it can be hard to choose just a few to pick up with a new purchase of the Switch. But for new OLED Switch owners, Metroid Dread, Tetris Effect: Connected, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and HD-2D RPGs are the best choices to show off the console's improved display capabilities. All Switch games get a noticeable improvement on the new Nintendo Switch - OLED Model system, but these six are the first games any new owner of the console should grab first.
