Nintendo Switch 2021 Version: Your Complete Guide
Hey there, fellow gamers! If you've been wondering what all the buzz was about the Nintendo Switch 2021 version, you've landed in the right spot. Back in 2021, Nintendo dropped a pretty significant update to its popular console, and no, it wasn't the rumored Switch Pro that everyone was speculating about. Instead, we got the amazing Nintendo Switch OLED Model, a console that truly enhances the handheld and tabletop gaming experience. This new iteration brought some serious upgrades that, while not boosting raw processing power, definitely made playing on the go or with friends around a table feel much more premium. We're talking about a dazzling new screen, better audio, a much-needed kickstand overhaul, and even some internal improvements that seasoned Switch owners had been wishing for.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's set the stage. The original Nintendo Switch, released in 2017, was a revolutionary hybrid console, allowing you to seamlessly switch between TV mode, tabletop mode, and handheld mode. It was a game-changer, literally! Then came the Switch Lite in 2019, a handheld-only version perfect for personal, portable gaming. But many fans, including us, felt there was still room for improvement, particularly regarding the display and the overall build quality for those who spent a lot of time playing undocked. So, when the Nintendo Switch OLED Model was announced, it quickly captured the attention of both new buyers and existing Switch owners considering an upgrade. It wasn't just a slight refresh; it was a targeted enhancement designed to elevate the most popular aspects of the Switch experience. Throughout this guide, we’ll break down exactly what makes the 2021 version stand out, who it’s best suited for, and whether it’s the right console for your gaming needs right now. So, grab a snack, settle in, and let's get into everything you need to know about the Nintendo Switch OLED Model.
What's the Big Deal About the 2021 Nintendo Switch?
The 2021 Nintendo Switch, officially known as the Nintendo Switch OLED Model, truly made waves when it launched. For many of us, it was the answer to some of the most common critiques of the original console, especially for those who spend a significant amount of time gaming in handheld or tabletop modes. The biggest deal about this particular version, guys, is undoubtedly its stunning 7-inch OLED screen. This isn't just a minor tweak; it's a complete game-changer for visual fidelity when you're not docked to a TV. We’re talking about vibrant colors, incredible contrast, and true blacks that make your favorite games pop like never before. Imagine playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Metroid Dread on a display that truly shows off their artistic beauty and atmospheric depth – it’s a completely different experience.
Beyond the eye-catching display, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model also introduced a much-improved kickstand. If you've ever tried to use the flimsy, narrow kickstand on the original Switch, you know the struggle is real. It often felt unstable, making tabletop gaming a precarious endeavor. But with the 2021 version, Nintendo delivered a wide, adjustable kickstand that spans the entire width of the console. This simple yet effective design change makes tabletop mode incredibly stable and versatile, allowing you to adjust the viewing angle to your liking. It’s perfect for those impromptu multiplayer sessions with friends or just enjoying a solo game during your lunch break. Additionally, the new model boasts enhanced audio from its integrated speakers, providing a clearer and more robust sound experience when you’re playing in handheld or tabletop modes. This means that even without headphones, you’ll get a richer soundscape that further immerses you in your games. Nintendo didn't stop there; they also doubled the internal storage from 32GB to 64GB, giving you more room for your downloaded games and save data right out of the box, which is a huge convenience. And for the competitive online players among us, the inclusion of a wired LAN port in the new dock was a welcome sight, promising more stable online connections than Wi-Fi alone. These collective enhancements weren't about raw power, but about refining and elevating the core Nintendo Switch experience, making the 2021 version a genuinely premium option for players who value presentation and convenience.
Diving Deep into the Nintendo Switch OLED Model's Features
Alright, let’s peel back the layers and really dive deep into what makes the Nintendo Switch OLED Model such a significant iteration. This isn’t just a new coat of paint; Nintendo focused on key areas that truly enhance how we interact with the console daily. From the display to the dock, every major feature received a thoughtful upgrade designed to improve your gaming sessions, whether you're at home or on the go. These improvements might seem subtle on paper, but in practice, they collectively transform the user experience, making the 2021 version feel like a genuinely premium device that justifies its position in the Switch family. Let’s break down the most impactful features that set this model apart from its predecessors.
That Stunning 7-inch OLED Screen, Guys!
Seriously, guys, the 7-inch OLED screen is the star of the show for the Nintendo Switch OLED Model. If you've ever seen a game running on this display, you know exactly what we're talking about. The difference from the original Switch's 6.2-inch LCD screen is immediately noticeable and genuinely breathtaking. OLED technology means each pixel can light up or turn off individually, resulting in perfect blacks, incredibly vibrant colors, and unrivaled contrast. When you’re playing a visually rich game like Metroid Dread, the dark corridors of ZDR are truly black, making the bioluminescent creatures and environments pop with an intensity that an LCD simply cannot replicate. The colors are richer, more saturated, and have a depth that draws you further into the game world. It's not just about brighter colors; it’s about a more nuanced and dynamic visual presentation. This larger screen, while not changing the console’s overall footprint dramatically, offers a much more immersive experience in handheld mode. It fills more of your field of view, making the game world feel grander and more detailed. For games with intricate artwork or detailed textures, the OLED screen truly allows those artistic visions to shine. This upgrade alone is a massive win for anyone who primarily plays in handheld mode or frequently uses the console in tabletop mode. It's not an exaggeration to say that once you game on an OLED Switch, going back to an LCD feels like a significant step down in visual quality. The clarity, the color accuracy, and the sheer vibrancy elevate every game, making old favorites feel new again and new releases look absolutely spectacular. It’s an investment in your visual gaming pleasure, and frankly, it’s one of the best reasons to consider the 2021 model.
Enhanced Audio and a Kickstand That Works!
Moving beyond the visual feast, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model also brings some much-needed love to the audio and ergonomic departments. Let's talk about the enhanced audio first. While it won't replace a high-end gaming headset, the improved integrated speakers deliver a noticeably clearer and richer sound experience when you're playing in handheld or tabletop mode without headphones. Nintendo upgraded the internal speakers, and the difference is palpable. You'll hear more distinct highs and lows, and the overall sound profile is fuller, adding another layer of immersion to your gaming. Explosions have more punch, environmental sounds are more detailed, and dialogue is crisp. This is a huge plus for those quick gaming sessions on the couch or during travel when you might not want to bother with external audio gear. It means you can still get a pretty good audio experience directly from the console, which is something we couldn't always say about the original model. But perhaps one of the most celebrated quality-of-life improvements is the new kickstand. Oh, how we've longed for this! The original Switch's kickstand was notoriously flimsy, narrow, and often felt like an afterthought. It barely held the console upright and offered limited viewing angles, making tabletop gaming a bit of a balancing act. The 2021 version, however, features a wide, adjustable kickstand that spans the entire width of the console. This robust design provides incredible stability and allows you to tilt the screen to a wide range of angles, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience no matter where you are or what surface you’re using. Whether you’re playing with a friend on a small café table or watching a video during a commute, this kickstand holds strong and makes the tabletop mode genuinely enjoyable and practical. It’s a testament to Nintendo listening to player feedback and making a fundamental design correction that greatly improves the console's versatility and user experience. This might seem like a small detail, but for anyone who regularly uses tabletop mode, it’s an absolute game-changer, elevating the console’s functionality to a new level of convenience and reliability. It means more comfortable multiplayer sessions and less worry about your console toppling over during an intense moment.
More Storage and a Wired LAN Port – Finally!
Beyond the dazzling screen and the rock-solid kickstand, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model also tucked in a couple of incredibly practical improvements that make a world of difference for daily use. First up, let’s shout out to the increased internal storage. The original Switch came with a somewhat paltry 32GB of internal memory, which, let’s be honest, filled up incredibly fast, especially if you enjoy downloading digital games or even just many game updates. The 2021 version doubles that, offering a generous 64GB of internal storage right out of the box. This means more room for your games, more space for those hefty updates, and generally less hassle worrying about constantly managing your storage or immediately needing to buy an expensive microSD card. While many of us will still grab an SD card eventually for our ever-growing digital libraries, having 64GB as the baseline is a fantastic improvement that makes the console much more user-friendly from day one. It just gives you more breathing room and less friction, which is always a welcome change in any modern gaming device. But perhaps one of the most unanimously praised additions for serious gamers is the built-in wired LAN port on the new dock. For years, gamers have pleaded for more stable online connections on the Switch. While Wi-Fi is convenient, it can often be unreliable, especially in crowded networks or over long distances, leading to frustrating lag spikes or disconnects during critical online matches. The original Switch dock required a separate, often clunky, USB-to-Ethernet adapter to get a wired connection. With the Nintendo Switch OLED Model, the dock comes with a dedicated wired LAN port, making it incredibly easy to plug in an Ethernet cable and enjoy a rock-solid, stable internet connection when playing in TV mode. This is a huge win for competitive online games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Splatoon 3, where every millisecond counts. It ensures a smoother, more reliable online gaming experience, reducing latency and virtually eliminating connection drops. This seemingly small addition makes a profound difference for anyone who takes their online gaming seriously, elevating the Switch's capabilities as a viable platform for competitive play. It's a clear indication that Nintendo paid attention to the feedback of its most dedicated players, delivering a feature that genuinely enhances the core online experience without any extra accessories needed.
Who is the Nintendo Switch OLED Model For?
So, after hearing about all these awesome upgrades, you might be asking yourself,