Does switch OLED have less input lag?

Yes, the Nintendo Switch OLED model does have less input lag compared to the original Nintendo Switch model, but the difference is relatively small and may not be noticeable in every scenario. Here's an analysis of how it affects gaming and what you should consider:

Why Does the Switch OLED Have Less Input Lag?

  1. Improved Display Technology: The OLED model uses a more advanced OLED screen, which provides faster response times and potentially reduces input lag compared to the LCD screen on the original model. OLED displays are known for their quick response times, which contributes to a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.

  2. Better Processing: The OLED model features an updated OLED display technology, which can improve refresh rates and pixel response times compared to the original Switch's LCD display. However, it's important to note that both models run on the same hardware, meaning the processor and graphics performance remain the same. Therefore, the reduced input lag mainly comes from the display's faster refresh and response rates rather than any significant performance changes in the hardware.

  3. Docked and Undocked Mode: While input lag in handheld mode is slightly reduced due to the improved display, the difference in docked mode is not as noticeable. In docked mode, the TV or monitor you are playing on will have the most significant impact on input lag, and any improvements in the OLED Switch itself would be minimal in comparison.

Does It Matter for Gaming?

  • For casual gamers, the difference in input lag between the original Switch and Switch OLED may not be very noticeable, especially for slower-paced games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

  • For competitive gamers, especially those playing fast-paced games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Fortnite, or Splatoon 2, every millisecond of input lag counts. While the OLED model offers some improvement, it still might not reach the ultra-low input lag that you would find on gaming monitors or TVs with gaming-specific features like 1ms response time and high refresh rates.

Is It Worth the Upgrade for Input Lag?

If your primary concern is input lag and you already own a regular Switch, the OLED model's reduction in input lag might not justify an upgrade unless you're particularly sensitive to these small differences in performance. The real benefits of upgrading to the Switch OLED are the improved display quality, better contrast, richer colors, and larger screen size, making handheld gaming a more immersive experience.

However, if you're looking for a better handheld experience with sharper visuals and less motion blur, the Switch OLED does provide a noticeable upgrade in terms of display quality, even though the input lag is not drastically reduced compared to the original model.

Where to Buy the Nintendo Switch OLED?

The price of the Nintendo Switch OLED model is typically around $349.99 USD, though prices may vary depending on the retailer or ongoing promotions.

Conclusion

In summary, while the Nintendo Switch OLED model does offer slightly less input lag compared to the original Switch, the improvement is not substantial enough to be a deciding factor for most gamers. If you're upgrading for a better display, faster response times, and improved visual quality, the OLED model is a great choice. However, for competitive gaming, the difference in input lag might not be as noticeable as improvements in refresh rate or screen quality.

Back to blog

Here's something you might find interesting：

View all
NaN -Infinity
View all

guess you might like

View all