Nintendo is reportedly in the early stages of considering an upgraded Switch 2 model that would feature a 1080p OLED display. However, significant concerns about the increased cost of such a device are tempering these internal discussions, according to industry sources.
OLED screens are generally regarded as superior to the LCD technology used in the current Switch 2, offering better contrast and color reproduction. Nevertheless, they come with higher manufacturing expenses, which would inevitably be passed on to consumers. This potential price increase is further compounded by the ongoing global rise in semiconductor and electronic component costs, a factor that has already led Nintendo to implement a $50 price hike for the Switch 2 shortly after its launch.
Should Nintendo proceed with plans for a Switch 2 OLED model, development could commence by the end of this year. Mass production is then tentatively scheduled for late 2027 or 2028, aligning with a potential release approximately three to four years after the main Switch 2 console's debut.
This potential move mirrors Nintendo's strategy with the original Switch, which eventually received an OLED model over four years after its initial release. Some players had anticipated that the Switch 2 might launch with an OLED screen as a standard feature, but Nintendo previously confirmed it opted for an LCD panel to maintain a lower price point.
There has been no official announcement regarding a Switch 2 Lite model, despite the success of the more affordable, smaller-screened Switch Lite. In related news, Nintendo is already preparing revised versions of the Switch 2 and its controllers for the European market, set to roll out this fall with user-replaceable batteries to comply with new EU legislation. The company will not be updating the original Switch hardware, which is slated for removal from sale by mid-February next year. Reports also suggest a minor screen improvement for the Switch 2 is in development, potentially addressing ghosting issues, though no official confirmation has been provided.
Consumers in the U.S., Canada, and Europe have until September 1 to purchase the current Switch 2 model before the announced $50 price increase takes effect.