Nintendo Switch OLED: Neon Red & Blue Edition
Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the Nintendo Switch OLED Neon Red & Blue Edition. This console isn't just a minor upgrade; it's a significant leap in handheld gaming, offering a dramatically enhanced visual experience and a few other notable improvements. If you're on the fence about upgrading or considering joining the Switch family, stick around – we'll cover everything you need to know.
What Makes the OLED Model Special?
Let's get right to the heart of the matter: the OLED screen. The original Switch had a decent LCD screen, but the OLED model's display is absolutely gorgeous. Colors are more vibrant, blacks are deeper, and the overall picture quality is simply stunning. This makes a huge difference in games like Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and even indie titles with stylized visuals. Imagine exploring Hyrule with richer, more lifelike colors or zipping through the Mushroom Kingdom with brighter, more dazzling landscapes. The OLED screen truly elevates the gaming experience, making it more immersive and enjoyable. Beyond the visual upgrade, the OLED model also boasts a larger screen size (7 inches compared to the original's 6.2 inches) within roughly the same overall console dimensions. This means you get more screen real estate without sacrificing portability. It’s a win-win!
Another key improvement is the enhanced audio. The OLED model features redesigned speakers that deliver clearer and more powerful sound. While it might not replace a good pair of headphones, the built-in speakers are noticeably better than those on the original Switch, providing a more immersive audio experience when playing on the go. Then there's the wider, adjustable stand. The original Switch's kickstand was notoriously flimsy and offered limited adjustability. The OLED model features a much sturdier and wider stand that spans the entire back of the console, allowing for more stable tabletop play and a greater range of viewing angles. This is a welcome improvement for anyone who enjoys playing multiplayer games or watching videos on their Switch in tabletop mode. Finally, the OLED model comes with 64GB of internal storage, double the amount offered by the original Switch. This provides more space for downloaded games, screenshots, and videos. While you can still expand the storage with a microSD card, having more built-in storage is always a plus.
Neon Red & Blue: A Classic Color Combination
The Neon Red & Blue color scheme has become iconic for the Nintendo Switch. It’s instantly recognizable and adds a playful touch to the console's design. The vibrant colors make the Switch stand out, and they're a great way to express your personality. Whether you're a long-time Nintendo fan or new to the Switch, the Neon Red & Blue edition is a classic choice that never goes out of style. The colors are bright and cheerful, making the console visually appealing and fun to use. They also evoke a sense of nostalgia for many gamers who grew up with Nintendo's colorful consoles. The Neon Red & Blue Joy-Cons are also interchangeable with other Joy-Cons, allowing you to customize your Switch and create your own unique color combinations. This adds another layer of personalization to the console and allows you to express your individual style.
Setting Up Your New Switch OLED
Okay, you've got your shiny new Nintendo Switch OLED Neon Red & Blue Edition. What's next? Setting it up is a breeze, even if you're not a tech whiz. First, unbox everything carefully. You should find the Switch OLED console, the Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Cons, the dock, the AC adapter, and an HDMI cable. Connect the AC adapter to the dock and plug it into a power outlet. Then, connect the HDMI cable to the dock and your TV. Slide the Switch OLED into the dock. It should click into place. Turn on your TV and select the correct HDMI input. You should see the Nintendo Switch logo on the screen. Now, attach the Joy-Cons to the sides of the Switch OLED console. They'll click into place. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your console. You'll need to select your language, region, and connect to your Wi-Fi network. If you already have a Nintendo Account, you can sign in. If not, you can create a new one. Once you've completed the setup process, you're ready to start playing games! You can download games from the Nintendo eShop or insert a game cartridge into the slot on top of the console.
Transferring Data from Your Old Switch
If you're upgrading from an older Switch model, you'll probably want to transfer your data to your new OLED console. Nintendo makes this process relatively straightforward, but it's important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any data loss. Before you start, make sure both your old and new Switch consoles are connected to the internet and have the latest system software installed. You'll also need a Nintendo Account. On your old Switch, go to System Settings > User > Transfer Your User Data. Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the transfer process. You'll need to have both consoles nearby each other. Your old Switch will guide you through the steps, which involve transferring your user profile, save data, and some game data to your new OLED Switch. Keep in mind that some game data cannot be transferred, such as save data for certain games that use cloud saves. Once the transfer is complete, your user profile and most of your save data will be available on your new OLED Switch. You'll need to redownload any digital games you own from the Nintendo eShop. And that’s it! You’re all set to enjoy your games on the vibrant OLED screen.
Games That Shine on the OLED Screen
Alright, let's talk games! The Nintendo Switch OLED Neon Red & Blue Edition truly shines when playing games with vibrant colors and detailed visuals. Here are a few titles that look especially amazing on the OLED screen:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: Exploring the vast and colorful world of Hyrule is even more breathtaking on the OLED screen. The vibrant landscapes, detailed character models, and stunning lighting effects truly come to life. From the lush forests to the snow-capped mountains, every detail is enhanced, making the game more immersive than ever before.
 - Super Mario Odyssey: Mario's globe-trotting adventure is a visual feast on the OLED screen. The bright and colorful kingdoms, detailed textures, and charming character animations look absolutely stunning. Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of New Donk City or the sandy beaches of Seaside Kingdom, the OLED screen brings the game to life in a way that the original Switch simply can't match.
 - Metroid Dread: The dark and atmospheric world of Metroid Dread is perfectly suited for the OLED screen. The deep blacks and vibrant colors create a sense of dread and suspense, making the game even more immersive. The detailed environments, creepy enemies, and intense action sequences look absolutely stunning on the OLED display.
 - Hollow Knight: This indie darling's hand-drawn art style looks incredible on the OLED screen. The deep blacks and stark whites create a striking contrast, highlighting the game's intricate details and haunting atmosphere. Exploring the desolate kingdom of Hallownest is a truly mesmerizing experience on the OLED display.
 - Ori and the Blind Forest/Ori and the Will of the Wisps: These visually stunning platformers are a perfect showcase for the OLED screen. The vibrant colors, lush environments, and breathtaking special effects look absolutely gorgeous. Guiding Ori through the beautiful forests and treacherous landscapes is a truly unforgettable experience on the OLED display.
 
These are just a few examples, of course. Any game with vibrant colors and detailed visuals will benefit from the OLED screen. So, whether you're a fan of action-adventure games, platformers, RPGs, or indie titles, you're sure to find plenty of games that look amazing on the Nintendo Switch OLED Neon Red & Blue Edition.
Is the Upgrade Worth It?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? If you already own a Nintendo Switch, is it worth upgrading to the OLED model? The answer depends on your priorities and how you use your Switch. If you primarily play your Switch in handheld mode, the OLED screen is a game-changer. The improved visuals make a huge difference, and the larger screen size is also a nice bonus. The enhanced audio and wider stand are also welcome improvements. However, if you primarily play your Switch docked on your TV, the OLED screen won't make as much of a difference. The image quality on your TV will depend more on your TV's capabilities than the Switch's screen. In that case, the other improvements, such as the enhanced audio and wider stand, might not be enough to justify the upgrade. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade is a personal one. If you value visual fidelity and play your Switch primarily in handheld mode, the OLED model is definitely worth considering. However, if you primarily play your Switch docked on your TV, you might be better off sticking with your original Switch or waiting for a future model with more significant improvements.
Final Thoughts
The Nintendo Switch OLED Neon Red & Blue Edition is a fantastic console that offers a significant upgrade over the original Switch, especially for handheld players. The OLED screen is stunning, the enhanced audio is a welcome improvement, and the wider stand is a practical addition. While it might not be a must-have upgrade for everyone, it's definitely worth considering if you value visual fidelity and play your Switch primarily in handheld mode. So, should you buy it? If you're new to the Switch family, absolutely. If you're an existing Switch owner who loves playing in handheld mode, it's a worthwhile upgrade. And if you're a collector, the Neon Red & Blue Edition is a classic that will look great in your collection. Happy gaming, folks!