With the holiday season fast approaching, many consumers are looking to get their hands on the recently released Nintendo Switch OLED. While this new Switch model is sure to please, searching around for one may end up becoming a challenge, much like the Playstation 5 and the Xbox Series X, which frequently go out of stock as soon as retailers place a few dozen new consoles up for sale. These elusive consoles have been so rare and hard to find, that it’s also nearly impossible to find these items at their original price. Fortunately, we’ve come up with a guide on what to consider when picking up the Switch OLED, and which sites you should check for restocks.
What is the Nintendo Switch OLED?
The Nintendo Switch OLED model is a sidegrade when compared to the original Nintendo Switch that was released back in 2017. While some of the specs have been improved, the actual performance when playing Nintendo Switch games is the same. A lot of the improvements that the newer model brings come in the form of aesthetics. As the name suggests, the new model is now sporting a very attractive OLED panel, similar to the ones used on newer smartphones and flat-screen TVs. With these OLED panels, visuals are sharper and colors will not lightly contrast when compared to the original Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch Lite. The screen size on the Switch OLED has reduced bezels, increasing the overall screen size to 7-inches (up from 6.2 inches on the original model). The Switch OLED also sports a much stronger speaker set, allowing for much more clear audio while playing in handheld or tabletop mode. Lastly, the Switch OLED has a better tabletop stand that can be adjusted to support various viewing angles, and when compared to the tabletop stand on the original Nintendo Switch, it is a lot sturdier and less prone to snapping.
Should you pick up this newer Switch model?
The answer to this question is very straightforward: Do you prefer playing your Switch with your TV or do you prefer using either Handheld or Tabletop mode more? If you prefer using your Switch with your TV, you may want to consider passing on the Switch OLED, as the original Switch model will get the job done nicely, and will be much easier to find and buy. With the new screen, improved onboard speakers, and an improved table stand, the new OLED model is geared more for players on the go. The only noticeable improvement that consumers may consider is the inclusion of a wired LAN port, now located inside the display dock that comes with the new OLED model. Even though the previous Nintendo Switch dock contained an extra USB port inside the dock, which could easily be used by a USB LAN adapter, the added convenience of having a LAN port built into your dock can be appealing.
Where can you find a Nintendo Switch OLED?
Now that you have made up your mind about purchasing the new Switch OLED, it’s time to start looking. As mentioned earlier: trying to find a new Switch OLED at its original MSRP of $349.99 will be very difficult. Most consumers are going to have to add some extra funds before searching, as the current average price for a Nintendo Switch OLED is around $529.99 or more. While there are plenty of retailers to check, keeping tabs on ones that are in stock or sold out can be tricky. But here is a list of some recommended retailers you can check frequently for restocks:
- Nintendo.com website is available for consumers to buy from Nintendo directly. Both OLED models with the white Joy-con and Neon Blue & Red Joy-con set are listed. Both listings are currently out-of-stock, but both pages have an option to add the product to a wishlist for future sales alerts.
- Amazon.com has listings for both OLED models with the white Joy-con set and the Neon Blue and Red Joy-con set. Stock directly from Amazon.com is currently listed as “Sold Out”, but available through third-party sellers on the Amazon marketplace.
- BestBuy.com is offering OLED models with both joy-con sets. Stock is currently listed as “Sold Out” with no option to sign up for a restock alert.
- Walmart.com is offering OLED models with both joy-con sets. Stock is currently only available for purchase through third-party sellers on the Walmart marketplace.
- Gamestop.com has listings for OLED with both joy-con sets, along with the option to buy a new or pre-owned model. Both purchase options are currently listed as “Sold Out”.
- Newegg.com is offering OLED models with both joy-con sets. Stock is currently only available for purchase through third-party sellers.
For those that are willing to pay a bit more for their Switch OLED, some retailers are offering bundle packages, which usually include one game and/or an accessory.
- Gamestop.com offers the OLED model bundled with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, a protective carrying case, and a screen protector. It is currently listed as “Sold Out”.
- Gamestop.com also offers the OLED model bundled with Metroid Dread, a protective carrying case, and a screen protector. It is currently listed as “Not available”.
General tips:
- Pick a retailer and stick with it: While it may be tempting to check as many retailers as possible, your chances of picking up a brand new system will be significantly lower if your attention becomes too spread out.
- Sign up for your retailer of choice. As soon as a restock is available, these items are going to sell out in seconds. It’s important to sign up and have your purchase details, such as your credit/debit card info saved and ready, so you can fly through the purchase process as fast as possible.
- Use restock trackers: Various users on Twitter such as @mattswider and @Wario64 can tip users off when restocks will be happening, so having their Twitter feeds set to give off alerts will help.
- Stay vigilant: Even with all of these tips, getting a hold of a new Switch OLED will still be very difficult, but don’t give up if you don’t get one on your first attempt. Restocks will be happening throughout the holiday season, so there will always be a chance.
That’s all the advice we have on hunting for a new Nintendo Switch OLED, and hopefully, this advice will help you secure one for the holiday season.
