The Nintendo Switch OLED has now been officially unveiled and, in light of the console launching now in a matter of months (October 8th, 2021), Nintendo Switch OLED pre-orders have now begun, too.
The new console has received a mixed reception so far, though, with a series of missing features leaving some commentators cold to it and existing Switch owners feeling disenfranchised.
The one big new feature the Nintendo Switch OLED does definitely deliver, though, is a larger OLED display rather than an LCD one, which is the panel type installed on both the original Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite.
- Nintendo Switch OLED revelation leaves gamers facing critical question
- Nintendo Switch OLED – the 5 lies I'll foolishly tell myself to justify buying it
- Nintendo Switch OLED warning issued by screen specialist
And, as T3 has detailed in its Switch OLED explained guide, this new OLED screen has the potential to make games, both new and old, look noticeably better than before, with enhanced color reproduction, brightness and contrast really making graphics pop.
So if the OLED panel can make Switch games look better, which ones would potentially benefit visually most from the tech? That's what I've thought about here, with me listing 5 existing Nintendo Switch games that I think could have their experiences transformed by the addition of an OLED screen.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
An obvious one for sure, but still no less valid, surely the The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild would look simply incredible running on the Nintendo Switch OLED.
Indeed, for many months plenty of gamers thought that Breath of the Wild 2 was going to be the launch game to really sell the next Switch console, and while that doesn't look like it is going to be the case, the Switch OLED should be the ideal way to replay the original.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
The cel-shading graphical style of the game, mixed with its bright and vibrant world and characters, should really pop on an OLED screen, while the larger panel size will help draw gamers into Hyrule like never before.
2. Luigi's Mansion 3
With the Nintendo Switch OLED's panel set to offer markedly improved contrast and brightness capabilities, the spooky world of Luigi's Mansion 3 should also look absolutely spectacular.
All the dark rooms will be punctured by Luigi's torch beam light like never before, with the enhanced contrast offered by the OLED panel really adding to the atmosphere. Special effects, ghostly or otherwise, should also benefit from the OLED tech, with more vibrant and bright flashes of color.
Particle effects, which there are lots of Luigi's Mansion 3, will also look better, and on-screen reflections should also be down due to the fact that the screen's pixels generate light themselves rather than being backlit.
3. Astral Chain
Astral Chain is one of the Nintendo Switch library's most underrated games and one of its best looking, too, with a distinctive art style and graphics loaded with plenty of particle effects and reflections.
The sci-fi futuristic world of the game, which is all neon lights and chrome, should also really jump out of the Nintendo Switch OLED's screen, too, with punchier colors and more realistic shadow tones.
In particular, the Astral Plane segments of the game should look incredible on an OLED panel, as too the player's various Legion weapons.
4. Crysis Remastered
Many gamers were very surprised when Crysis Remastered came to Nintendo Switch, as truth be told the console did not really have the hardware or screen to really show off its upgraded graphics.
But on Nintendo Switch OLED the gorgeous in-game graphics, for which the game is most famously known (even more so than its actual gameplay), will be able to really shine, with sunsets, water effects, particle effects, shadows and textures really popping.
The first part of the game, particularly, where the player is tasked with stalking and fighting enemies through a jungle paradise island should look simply fantastic. Crysis was always a pretty game, and Crysis Remastered on Nintendo Switch OLED should take the portable Crysis experience to a new level of fidelity.
5. Octopath Traveler
Finally, while the Nintendo Switch OLED will likely make 3D games like those above look much better, it should also do wonders for 2D games, too, and specifically those that boast top-tier pixel art.
One of the very finest examples of this in the Switch games library is Octopath Traveler, the JRPG from Square Enix. The pixel art on this game is beautiful to behold and, if anything, has been completely undersold by the Switch and Switch Lite's LCD panels.
With the Switch OLED's panel, though, all those beautiful sprites will not only look more distinctive, but their colors will really stand out on the screen, too. The player's team of heroes, and the magical beasts they have to fight, will look better than ever.
Missed the Nintendo Switch OLED trailer? Watch it here.
Rob has been writing about computing, gaming, mobile, home entertainment technology, toys (specifically Lego and board games), smart home and more for over 15 years. As the editor of PC Gamer, and former Deputy Editor for T3.com, you can find Rob's work in magazines, bookazines and online, as well as on podcasts and videos, too. Outside of his work Rob is passionate about motorbikes, skiing/snowboarding and team sports, with football and cricket his two favourites.
-
HBO's new crime drama could be your new favourite show
Get Millie Black might be quite dark
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Forget Philips Hue – these LiFX outdoor lights hide under the roof for all-year mood lighting
LiFX introduces Permanent Outdoor Lights for all-year use – but they’d be great for Christmas
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
I tried Kindle Colorsoft and it's everything I wanted – except one thing
A Kindle in colour is pretty amazing, but is it worth buying?
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
I'm glad about the Apple Watch Ultra 2 delay – and why you should be too
We might not see the second iteration of Apple's rugged outdoor watch until 2026, and it's a good thing
By Matt Kollat Published
-
I tried the new Insta360 Flow AI gimbal, and it blew my tiny little mind
Advanced target tracking, 3-axis image stabilisation, FPV mode, and compact form factor; the Insta360 Flow has it all
By Matt Kollat Last updated
-
3 mistakes everyone makes with Microsoft Surface 2-in-1 PCs
Tips and tricks to help you make the most out of your Microsoft Surface Pro or your Microsoft Surface Go
By Yasmine Crossland Published
-
Should I buy PSVR 2 today now pre-orders are open?
US and UK PlayStation VR 2 orders are now open to everybody, but should I take the PSVR 2 plunge?
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Should I wait for a PS5 Pro or just buy a PlayStation 5 now?
T3 analyses the pros and cons of waiting for the PS5 Pro and PS5 Slim before buying a next-gen Sony console
By Robert Jones Last updated
-
I really like the look of these stylish new gaming chairs
The new Boulies' Master Series look class
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
The homemade foldable iPhone is terrible, but it's a glimpse of the future
Yes, the cobbled-together iPhone folding phone is well ropy. But if you squint you can see the iPhone's future
By Carrie Marshall Published