Nintendo is considering the release of a Switch 2 handheld console with an OLED display, according to a display industry analyst in South Korea. While there has been speculation about the device, the company is currently evaluating whether this upgrade is financially feasible. If Nintendo determines that the plan makes financial sense, development will start toward the end of this year.
The current project plan targets mass production for the end of 2027, with a market launch goal in early 2028. The addition of an OLED screen would help Nintendo compete in the growing handheld console market. If the decision goes forward, Samsung Display is the likely partner to supply the rigid OLED panel.
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The main hurdle for the OLED upgrade is the price difference compared to the standard 1080p LCD touchscreen, which is much cheaper. In addition, rising prices for DRAM and NAND Flash memory are already driving up the manufacturing costs of the next-generation console. Nintendo has reportedly increased the Switch 2 base cost by about $50 (about 350 Yuan / 390 Hong Kong Dollars) to offset these memory shortages.
This initial price adjustment will take effect on September 1st of this year. If Nintendo decides to proceed with the OLED version, the extra cost of the display panel will also be passed on to buyers, potentially adding double or triple digits to the final retail price.
The first-generation Switch console received a major visual upgrade when it moved from a 6.2-inch 720p LCD to a larger 7-inch 720p OLED display. On the other hand, the upcoming Switch 2 already utilizes a 1080p resolution LCD panel, meaning an OLED version would only improve color depth and contrast without raising the pixel count. Nintendo will make a final decision on whether the added cost is worthwhile in the coming months.
Source: ZDNet Korea
