Nintendo Switch OLED Screen Burn: Can the Nintendo Switch Get Burn-In or Screen Burn?


With the recent announcement of the new Nintendo Switch OLED, a lot of people are wondering whether the screen will suffer from problems such as burn-in or screen burn. We'll take a look at that particular query, and then also examine some of the other aspects of the new screen, and how it differs from its predecessor. So if you're wondering whether it's going to be worth shelling out 350 bucks for a new console, this will help. Here's what you need to know about Switch OLED screen burn.

Can the Nintendo Switch OLED get Burn-In or Screen Burn?

Let's answer the most important query first. Screen burn-in, to give it its full title, is something consumers have been concerned about with OLED televisions and phones for a while. Effectively, it is when an image remains on screen, regardless of what else is on there. It often looks like a ghostly outline in the background.

So is this going to be a problem for the Nintendo Switch OLED? Well, past experience would suggest not. Screen burn is likely to be an issue only in very extreme circumstances. According to a response to a query from CNET, Nintendo stated that:

OLED displays can experience image retention if subjected to static visuals over a long period of time. However, users can take preventative measures to preserve the screen [by] utilizing features included in the Nintendo Switch systems by default, such as auto-brightness function to prevent the screen from getting too bright, and the auto-sleep function to go into 'auto sleep' mode after short periods of time
https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/nintendo-switch-oled-why-im-not-worried-about-burn-in/

So Nintendo have tried to build-in safeguards to ensure that screen burn won't be an issue. And in the months since the Switch OLED was released, we certainly haven't seen any widespread reports of screen burn. But if screen burn is even a remote risk, why is it regarded as an improvement over LCD? Let's take a look.

Read More: Why the Nintendo Switch OLED is an exciting prospect

Why is OLED an upgrade over LCD?

There are several reasons why OLED is seen as an improvement over LCD. To start, OLED screens operate each pixel independently, so there is less light spill. Dark areas of the screen look darker, contrast is sharper, and images look sharper.

OLED is often more energy efficient as well, because energy isn't wasted lighting areas of the screen that don't need it. Nintendo state the battery life will be 5.5-9 hours which is the same as the LCD version. However, it has a larger and sharper screen, so the fact the battery life remains the same, indicates it is using it slightly more efficiently.

Does the Nintendo Switch OLED have 4k?

While a lot of rumours were pointing to a Switch Pro capable of delivering 4k visuals, the Nintendo Switch OLED is not it. Perhaps disappointingly, the resolution on the screen remains 1280x720p. When docked, it will output at 1080p, the same as its predecessor.

Read More: Nintendo Switch OLED announced: release date, price, screen, and more

Ultimately, this is more of a mid-gen refresh, than an all-out upgrade. If you currently have a Switch, you may feel this isn't worth paying for. But if you are in the market for one, then paying $50 extra is well worth considering.

For more articles like this, take a look at our How To and Nintendo page.