Bloomberg: Nintendo’s ‘Switch 2’ is expected to launch this year with 8-inch LCD screen

According to analyst Hiroshi Hayase from analyst firm Omdia, we should be getting the replacement for the Nintendo Switch sometime in 2024. The new console from Nintendo is rumoured to feature an 8-inch screen, which is larger than the outgoing model. This is based on a report from Bloomberg.

The seven-year-old console is due for a new model after the recent OLED screen refresh that came in 2021. Bloomberg noted that Hayase claimed the Nintendo will be “reliable for doubling in production of so-called amusement displays” in 2024.

Bloomberg: Nintendo’s ‘Switch 2’ is expected to launch this year with 8-inch LCD screen

Sharp Corp revealed that they have been supplying Nintendo with new LCDs as early as May last year. That partnership in particular revolves around them supplying Nintendo with LCD panels, as well as contributing to the R&D phase of the upcoming console. Sharp is one of the major parts suppliers for Nintendo’s 1st generation Switch and was pivotal as one of the Switch assemblers during the global pandemic.

Why LCD for the new Switch? Why not OLED?

For many, the question needed to be asked is why Nintendo sticking with LCD for the panel? Since its launch way back in 2021, the OLED model has been lauded as a great step taken by Nintendo to deliver a better gaming experience for its customers. The OLED screen delivers better colour reproduction as well as inkier blacks – so it is a surprise that the next Switch may go back to the inferior LCD screen display.

The screen size increase is also something to ponder as the 7-inch handheld display market is has matured and been adopted by many, including names like Asus ROG Ally and AYANEO. Only Lenovo took a different tangent and picked an 8.8-inch display for the Legion Go.

As of right now, no concrete information for the upcoming Nintendo Switch replacement are available – not even for the internals. While rumours of the chips are rife, such as DLSS and ray-tracing support , it is still unconfirmed if Nintendo will stick with NVIDIA for its consoles, or will find a new supplier.

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