Nintendo has finally announced a new Nintendo Switch model. However, the mid-gen Switch refresh isn't exactly the Nintendo Switch Pro that most people were expecting. It's not even of the same name. Rather, the new console will be called the Nintendo Switch OLED and its specifications are interesting, to say the least.

Scroll down below to learn more about Nintendo's latest handheld console in our Nintendo Switch OLED preview.

When is the Nintendo Switch OLED release date?

The Nintendo Switch OLED will start shipping on October 8, 2021, the same date as the new Metroid game arrives.

How much is the Nintendo Switch OLED?

Surprisingly enough, the Nintendo Switch OLED isn't too expensive when compared to the current Nintendo Switch.

At $349.99, the Nintendo Switch OLED is priced just $50 more than the standard Switch model at $299.99. It's also less than twice the price of the handheld-only Nintendo Switch Lite, which currently sells for $199.99.

Considering the competitive pricing of the Nintendo Switch OLED, we shouldn't expect Nintendo to lower the prices of the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite once it arrives.

What are the Nintendo Switch OLED specifications?

Here's a complete breakdown of the Nintendo Switch OLED specifications:

• Size: 9.5 inches x 0.55 inches x 4 inches ( width x depth x height )
• Weight: Roughly around 0.71 pounds or 0.93 pounds with Joy-Con controllers
• Screen: 7-inch multi-touch capacitive OLED touch screen
• Resolution: 1280 x 720 (720p)
• CPU/GPU: Customized Nvidia Tegra processor
• Storage: 64GB  (expandable up to 2TB with MicroSDHC and microSDXC cards)
• Wireless: Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac compliant)
• Video output: Up to 1080p using HDMI cord (TV mode) and 720p (Handheld mode)
• Audio output: 5.1 Linear PCM
• Speakers: Stereo
• USB connector: USB Type-C for charging
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• Battery life: up to 9 hours
• Charging time: up to 3 hours

How is the Nintendo Switch OLED different?

OLED isn't a word that Nintendo tacked on just like that. The Nintendo Switch OLED is named so for its Organic Light Emitting Diode Display (OLED). It's a significant step-up compared to LCD screens as it uses the light emitted by each pixel to display images that result in better blacks and higher contrast.

At 7 inches, the Nintendo Switch OLED also has a much larger screen compared to the traditional Nintendo Switch.

Perhaps it comes off as no surprise that Nintendo is launching the Nintendo Switch OLED with Metroid Dread. As the first Metroid game to release in years, Metroid Dread will benefit from the added real estate as gamers become much more immersed in its gameplay once it launches in October later this 2021.

A surprising but welcome addition is the wider and adjustable stand. Also, the Nintendo Switch OLED will enjoy better audio quality. It won't have Dolby Atmos, but the speakers have been upgraded for a better listening experience while gaming.

LAN support will also be added to the Nintendo Switch OLED. This should be a great help for those who prefer playing Apex Legends on the Nintendo Switch, as well as other titles that need a more reliable connection.

The larger internal storage is also a big deal. With 64GB of storage, the Nintendo Switch OLED has twice as much internal storage compared to the original Switch model that only has 32GB of internal storage.

Nintendo also upgraded the Nintendo Switch OLED dock. It's not noticeable at first glance, but it sports a more rounded edge compared to the standard Nintendo Switch. The more modern design of the Nintendo Switch OLED dock comes in off-white, which is a new white color scheme, on top of the classic Neon Blue/Red color combo that comes with a black dock.

Will the Nintendo Switch OLED have exclusive games?

Nintendo confirmed that the Nintendo Switch OLED will play all the Nintendo Switch titles and will be compatible with existing Switch accessories. However, Nintendo did note that some game experiences might differ on the Nintendo Switch OLED on the account of its larger screen.

As for whether it will have exclusive games that won't be available on the standard Nintendo Switch, we highly doubt it.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus and the next Breath of the Wild game have been confirmed to release on the Nintendo Switch. These two games would've been perfect as launch titles for the larger and prettier Nintendo Switch OLED, but both will be available on the standard Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite as well.

Of course, this isn't to say that exclusive Nintendo Switch OLED games won't happen in the future.

Is the Nintendo Switch OLED the Nintendo Switch Pro?

No. It's not. The Nintendo Switch OLED might have some of the features that were leaked for the rumored Nintendo Switch Pro, but it doesn't represent a significant upgrade. Case in point, the Nintendo Switch OLED can't output 4K when docked. The mid-gen Nintendo Switch upgrade maxes out at 1080p, which makes it a bit more difficult to justify purchasing as an upgrade.

Other features that were supposed to come to the Nintendo Switch Pro like Nvidia DLSS support and 1080p output in Handheld mode are not coming to the Nintendo Switch OLED either.

Everything else outside of 4K resolution when docked and 1080p resolution in handheld mode seems to line up with the specifications for the Nintendo Switch Pro. So, while the Nintendo Switch OLED isn't the Nintendo Switch Pro, it is Nintendo's mid-gen upgrade that's long been a part of the rumor mill. Because of this, we shouldn't expect Nintendo to release a new and more powerful Nintendo Switch model anytime soon.