Nintendo Switch 2’s Display Falls Short, but That’s Probably the Plan
The long-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here-and with it, a fair share of controversy surrounding its display. According to a detailed analysis by GamingTech, the handheld console features a standard LCD panel with a peak brightness of around 450 nits, which falls well below the threshold for delivering a quality HDR experience.
In testing, games like Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Cyberpunk 2077 maxed out at 420-450 nits. That’s simply not enough brightness to deliver the visual pop associated with true HDR, especially on a panel that can’t produce deep blacks due to its backlight limitations and 0.5 nits black level rise.
Things improve slightly when docked. System-level calibration allows the Switch 2 to produce a decent HDR-like effect in certain titles-Cyberpunk 2077 being a standout. However, in others like Zelda, the display still looks washed out due to the game’s stylized aesthetic and the panel’s lack of contrast.
So why did Nintendo stick with LCD instead of switching to OLED, which is increasingly common even in budget smartphones? Simply put-business strategy. OLED displays are more expensive, and Nintendo appears to be reserving that upgrade for a future “Pro” or “Refresh” model. As some tech-savvy users have pointed out, the company has a track record of re-releasing enhanced hardware mid-cycle, and the original Switch’s OLED variant came years after launch.
Critics argue that with Nintendo’s significantly higher profit margins-reportedly more than double those of Sony and Microsoft in gaming-they could’ve easily included a better panel without hurting the bottom line. But Nintendo has historically chosen to maximize profit margins over cutting-edge specs, knowing full well that the strength of its game library will sell units regardless.
That said, not everyone is disappointed. Many influencers praised the screen’s clarity and brightness for non-HDR use. And in fairness, 450 nits on a handheld screen used only inches from your face isn’t as dire as it sounds-especially for casual gamers who prioritize gameplay and battery life over pixel-perfect visuals.
Still, if you’re an enthusiast expecting next-gen visuals or proper HDR, this iteration of the Switch 2 might feel underwhelming. But if history is any indicator, an OLED version with better display performance is probably already in the works.
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