Rumors suggest Nintendo is developing an OLED version of the Switch 2, with reports indicating a potential release in late 2027 or early 2028. This follows a pattern established by the original Switch, which received an OLED model four years after its initial launch.
According to ZDNET Korea, citing three sources, Samsung would once again be responsible for the screen technology. The new display is expected to retain the Switch 2's native 1080p resolution, but offer enhanced brightness. While the original Switch OLED saw its screen size increase from 6.2 inches to 7 inches, the Switch 2's current 7.9-inch display, featuring minimal bezels, may offer less room for a significant size expansion.
An OLED iteration could provide a much-needed boost to the console's lifecycle, particularly in a challenging economic climate. The interval between the assumed development timeline for the new model—active development by late 2026 and mass production by late 2027—would be just under three years, potentially incentivizing upgrades for those with the means.
However, the move faces headwinds. Global component shortages, exacerbated by factors like the generative AI boom, are driving up hardware production costs. Nintendo itself recently increased the price of the Switch 2 less than a year after its debut, making the introduction of a more expensive variant a potentially risky proposition. Furthermore, the Switch 2's current screen is already considered a significant improvement over the original LCD model, offering a less muddy and more vibrant picture, which could lessen the perceived need for an OLED upgrade.
Details regarding pricing for a potential OLED Switch 2 remain unavailable, as the reports suggest it is not yet in active development. Nintendo has not commented on the rumors, a typical response given the company's stance on leaks. Historically, Nintendo announced the Switch OLED model just three months before its release, suggesting a similar timeframe for any future announcements.