PGC NEWS

The rumor mill surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 has been churning, with whispers of its imminent release and hundreds of developers working on titles slated for later this year. One persistent rumor, however, has been debunked: the Nintendo Switch 2 will not feature an OLED screen at launch.

This confirmation comes from display experts at Omdia, who have been closely monitoring the supply chain of industrial components. Their findings point to Sharp supplying a significant quantity of high-resolution 8-inch LCD panels to partners involved in the production of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 with an LCD screen

Several factors contribute to this decision. Primarily, the stable and abundant supply of high-quality LCD screens at lower costs compared to OLED counterparts helps offset the research and development expenses for the new console. This cost-effectiveness allows Nintendo to potentially keep the launch price below $500, a rumor that has circulated alongside the LCD screen speculation.

The availability of 8-inch high-quality OLED screens remains limited and expensive. This is evident with Valve, another major player in the handheld gaming market, struggling to meet the demand for the Steam Deck OLED. Many retailers worldwide continue to experience stock shortages, while the Steam Deck OLED’s price point remains at $549.

Furthermore, opting for an LCD screen doesn’t hinder the potential for the Nintendo Switch 2 to incorporate AR gaming capabilities. Current high-end LCD screens offer the necessary speed and resolution to support such applications. The move to LCD also opens the door for future OLED iterations, similar to the original Switch’s trajectory.

In conclusion, the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to launch with an LCD screen, a strategic decision based on cost, availability, and performance capabilities. While some may be disappointed by the absence of OLED technology at launch, the use of LCD allows for a potentially more affordable console and doesn’t preclude future OLED models. Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available.