TheNintendo Switchis one of the best-selling consoles of all time, and it has a stacked lineup of games coming out in 2022. Most will agree thatthe Switch OLEDwas a solid upgrade for the Switch, or at least it is for the handheld mode of the console. When the Switch is connected to a TV, it becomes less important, but the beauty of the Switch has always been its duality as both a handheld and stationary console. Not every player will have easy access to a big TV screen, and so the OLED screen is a welcome improvement to the Switch’s display. Depending on the game, the OLED’s specific upgrades become more apparent and more important in getting the best gaming experience possible. Thankfully, Nintendo’s lineup for the next year and beyond has some games that will be perfect for highlighting the OLED’s benefits.
This month’s Nintendo Direct came with a number of updates and reveals, and some insight into what Switch players can expect over the next year. A number of these games will be especially suited to showing offwhat the Switch OLED has to offer. Specifically, the OLED has a 7-inch OLED screen, instead of the 6.2-inch LCD screen of the regular Switch, and while both screens run at 720p resolution, the OLED screen is much better at displaying vivid colors and sharp contrasts. The OLED has an improved kickstand and sound system too, which helps improve the handheld experience even more. Below are just a couple of the upcoming games that will really stand out on the OLED’s improved screen.
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Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby’s first full adventure in a 3D world will be released on Switch this March, and on the Switch OLED it looks to be a visual feast. WhileKirby and the Forgotten Landdoes certainly have the vivid colorsthat the OLED screens excel at displaying, the interesting and bizarre world Kirby will be exploring in this game will look better on the OLED screen as well. The 3D platformer is set in a post-apocalyptic city landscape, with an emphasis on overgrown nature, and is certainly a game that’s suitable to play handheld/on the go. As such, it’s one that Switch OLED owners should definitely consider.
Splatoon 3
The upcoming thirdSplatoongame was announced at last year’s Nintendo Direct, and this year Nintendo gave fans an updated look at the colorful third-person shooter. The second game in this series came out in 2017, soSplatoon 3is sure to show off some technical improvements developed over that time. As mentioned, the Switch OLED excels at displaying vibrant colors, and no game is better suited to show this off thanSplatoon.In particular,Splatoon 3offers a different genre to demonstrate the OLED’s capabilitiesand the quick, exciting action of a competitive shooter will emphasize the vivid visuals of the game. Many third-person shooters have muted color pallets and more realistic aesthetics, and so will be less suited to showing off the OLED’s display. However,Splatoon 3is not like other third person shooters, and it should look great on the OLED.
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Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2
While the recent Nintendo Direct didn’t include any new footage ofZelda: Breath of the Wild 2,the previous game was without a doubt one of the early standout titles released for the Switch. The huge and immersive world of the game, as well as the vibrant visuals, had players hooked, and the sequel is sure to build on the success of the first game to bringthe world of Hyruleeven more vividly to life.
The OLED’s larger display, improved sound system, and longer battery life should give it a slight advantage over the regular Switch for this highly anticipated game. SinceZelda: Breath of the Wildwas such an addictive game, with a huge world to explore, it’s likely players will want to play the sequel both handheld and on an external monitor. As such, the Switch OLED is perfect forimmersive play inBreath of the Wild 2.
Multiple Mario Titles
Games featuring Nintendo’s flagship plumper are generally going to look good on the Switch. As the most popular handheld console at the moment, it feels suitable that there would be plenty of Mario games to play on it. One upcoming Mario-related game,Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope,seems particularly apt for the Switch as a crossover between the two franchises on the hybrid console. Again, the OLED has an advantage as it makes it easier to have a longer and more visually impressive handheld experience.
The often vibrantly colorful world Mario titles take place is perfect for utilizing the OLED’s full capabilities, andthe upcomingMario Strikers: Battle Leagueis yet another release that will show this off. The recent Nintendo Direct also announced some DLC coming forMario Kart 8,which is undoubtedly one of the Switch’s biggest games, and the wider screen of the OLED makes it the best choice for playing the game alone or with friends while on the go.
Special Mentions
Ultimately, most of Nintendo’s upcoming titles will look pretty good on the Switch,but the OLED being better at contrast and vivid colorsmeans some titles will look more impressive on the OLED. While there’s not necessarily any onus for owners of the original Switch to abandon it and rush out to purchase the OLED, for the players who have one already or are considering purchasing, it’s definitely worth knowing what type of games will full emphasize the OLED’s enhanced capabilities.
Regardless of which Switch players own, there will be a huge amount of upcoming releases to choose from.Games likePortalandPortal 2will soonbe playable on the go through the Switch, and the OLED will be sure to make the iconic games' visuals pop. The ease of multiplayer when using the Switch should also excitePortalfans since the second game’s complex puzzles can be experienced as a team.Hollow Knight: Silksongis another upcoming game that is sure to make the Switch OLEDreally shine thanks to the game’s captivating visuals and use of light and shadow. With such a wide selection of upcoming games, Nintendo players will have their choice of genre to experience theSwitch OLED’s full capabilities.
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