Nintendo
According to a report from Bloomberg, Nintendo plans to unveil a new model of the Nintendo Switch with a larger OLED display from Samsung later this year, the in the docked State can output 4K graphics in ultra high definition.
Nintendo plans to unveil this new model in the hopes that the larger touchscreen can boost demand in time for the holidays.
Samsung Display Co. will begin mass production of 7-inch OLED panels with 720p resolution as early as June 2021, with a monthly goal of under a million units. These displays would then be sent to the fitters in July.
With a 720p resolution, the output in handheld mode does not change in resolution, only in the docked state, in which 4K is supported.
Switch comparison
For comparison: the current Nintendo Switch model has a 6.2-inch screen with a 720p resolution. This new screen would look like extending the screen on the current Switch, replacing most of the black border around it.
“The OLED panel will consume less battery, offer a higher contrast and possibly a faster response time compared to the current liquid crystal display of the Switch,” said Yoshio Tamura, co-founder of the display consultancy DSCC.
Display
The report also claims that Nintendo chose rigid OLED panels for this new model, a cheaper but less flexible alternative to the type commonly used on high-end smartphones.
This deal will benefit Samsung Display as market prices for the rigid OLED panels have fallen due to oversupply. Hopefully this will benefit Nintendo as well, as this partnership will help them at a time when semiconductor shortages are causing delays in PS5, Xbox Series X consoles and graphics cards.
Nintendo recently held its first Nintendo Direct since September 4, 2019, showcasing some of the biggest games coming to Switch in 2021 and beyond. It seems like they have some other secrets up their sleeves.