We have already tested the Nintendo Switch console in detail. But is the console still worth it in 2021? We want to get to the bottom of this question today.
Update 07.07.2021: Nintendo Switch OLED
Nintendo has announced an update for the hardware of the Switch console later than originally expected. The new model is not called “Switch Pro”, but will be called Nintendo Switch OLED. As already announced in spring, Nintendo will now use a panel with OLED technology instead of a classic LCD display. Contrary to expectations, however, the Switch will hardly get any other updates; the display will now be 7 inches instead of 6.2 inches, with the same housing dimensions. The edge of the display is therefore significantly smaller. The stand has been significantly overhauled and is supposed to support additional angles. The docking station has also been given a new design, is now also available in white and includes a LAN connection.
Otherwise, much remains the same, the Joy-Cons are still compatible with the new OLED model, and the resolution of the display is still only 720p, although the picture should still benefit significantly from the OLED technology, 720p OLED screens are otherwise rare for good reason. In dock mode, only 1080p is supported, whereas 4K was expected. The performance of the CPU and GPU should not differ significantly from the predecessor.
The fact that the performance has not been changed will have several reasons, at the same time it has advantages and disadvantages. One reason is likely to be the still ongoing chip shortage: What’s the point of a console you can’t buy, like the Xbox Series X or PS5? Good for old-generation buyers, this should ensure that Nintendo will be counting on the Switch for years to come.
Nevertheless, the lack of a line upgrade also has major drawbacks, ports of familiar AAA PC and console games like Assassin’s Creed are likely to fail with newer games, but even with Nintendo’s own developments, the existing Switch is reaching its limits in parts.
A Switch Pro that fixes these issues could thus potentially launch in 2022. We expect the standard Switch to remain available on the market and the Switch OLED to be just an optional upgrade. It will be launched on 08.10.2021 and will cost 349.99 US dollars (Euro price not yet known).
Original article from 01.01.2021:
Is it worth buying?
The Nintendo Switch came onto the market at the beginning of 2017. At that time, there were relatively few games and the console was already relatively expensive, so the Switch had a relatively difficult start. Gradually, however, titles, especially from Nintendo itself, came to the console, which made the device more and more attractive. In 2018 and 2019, the console experienced a boom in users and the console has also been very popular in the Corona pandemic. At times, the price rose to over €600 due to supply shortages.
The price has otherwise remained almost unchanged since 2017. The console is still sold for around €320. Even the well-known games are not getting significantly cheaper. The Game Card versions have lost about ten euros in price, but games from Nintendo’s own Downloads Store still cost the RRP prices.
Nintendo Switch sequel 2021?
Of course, we cannot answer the question of whether and when a successor to the Nintendo Switch will be released with certainty. Nintendo has not yet made any official statements about the release of a new console, but there are some rumours.
According to these, Nintendo could launch a new Switch console in the second half of 2021. It is not known whether this will have a similar form factor to the current model. There is also speculation as to whether Nintendo could launch a TV-only version of the Switch. Alternatively, there is also only a new TV version.
On the functional side, Nintendo could upgrade a lot, for example, the Switch has relatively thick display edges, so it would be conceivable that a larger display comes with the same housing size. Nintendo could also work on the resolution, so far the Switch supports a resolution of 720p, i.e. HD, with the built-in display and up to 1080p, i.e. Full HD, in the docking station.
Support for 4K content is completely missing so far, whether a mobile console could get 4K support is unclear. It is conceivable that there could be a TV-only version, which would then support 4K.
At the same time, it is assumed that even with the release of a new Switch generation, the old version will continue to be supported. There is talk of a Switch Pro, for example, which could be bought as an upgrade. However, the old generation would then continue to support all games.
This would also be supported by the fact that Nintendo only launched a new product in 2019, the Nintendo Switch Lite, which will not be supported any time soon.
In summary
Yes, you can still buy a Nintendo Switch in 2021. If and when a successor might come is not known for sure. Rumours speak of a release in the first half of 2021, but it is assumed that the current console will continue to be supported. In principle, however, you should not rely on this. If you buy a Switch in 2021, you only know for sure which games have been released so far. This is a large number of games and titles that make the console attractive and unique.
