Nintendo’s next Switch 2 refresh may feature a much better OLED screen

Nintendo may already be planning the next revision of the Switch 2, with a new report suggesting the company is evaluating an OLED model for release in 2028. According to ZDNet Korea, development on the refreshed handheld could begin before the end of this year, paving the way for mass production sometime in late 2027 or during 2028.

The report claims Nintendo is considering Samsung as the supplier for the new OLED display. Given that one of the biggest criticisms of the current Switch 2 is its LCD screen, an OLED upgrade would likely be welcomed by many players. The technology offers deeper blacks, improved contrast, better HDR support, faster response times, and reduced motion blur, all of which would help games look more vibrant and responsive.

Don't expect a Switch 2 Pro, however. According to the report, Nintendo isn't planning any major hardware upgrades beyond the display itself. That means the same CPU, GPU, and memory configuration should carry over, with the OLED panel serving as the headline improvement rather than increased performance.

That timeline does raise some questions. Nintendo waited almost five years before launching the original Switch OLED, so following the same strategy would point to a release closer to 2029 rather than 2028. On the other hand, the market has changed considerably. OLED displays have become one of the most requested features for handheld gaming devices, and the Switch 2's LCD panel has received far more criticism than the original Switch's ever did.

Nintendo also faces much stronger competition than it did in 2017. Handheld PCs such as the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and other portable gaming systems have raised expectations, with several already offering OLED screens or premium display options. An earlier OLED refresh could help Nintendo keep pace without needing to redesign the console's core hardware.

The biggest question may end up being the price. While an OLED panel would undoubtedly improve the experience, display costs aren't the only factor Nintendo has to contend with. Ongoing increases in memory and storage pricing have pushed up hardware costs across the industry, meaning a Switch 2 OLED could end up carrying a noticeably higher price tag than today's LCD model if those trends continue.

For now, the report remains unconfirmed, but an OLED-equipped Switch 2 certainly feels like a matter of when, not if. As always, for the latest news on Nintendo hardware, console updates, gaming regulations, and developments across the gaming industry, be sure to follow our dedicated hardware coverage.