Top Nintendo Switch OLED Games In 2023
Hey guys! So, you've got yourself a shiny new Nintendo Switch OLED, huh? Awesome! That vibrant screen is just begging for some epic games to light it up. Well, you've come to the right place. In this article, we're diving deep into the best Nintendo Switch OLED games of 2023. We'll be covering a range of genres, from adventure and RPG to platformers and indie gems, so there's something for everyone. Get ready to make the most of that stunning OLED display!
Why OLED Matters for Gaming
Before we jump into the games, let’s quickly talk about why the OLED screen on the Nintendo Switch OLED model is such a game-changer. The key here is contrast. OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) screens have the unique ability to turn off individual pixels, creating true blacks. This means that dark areas in games look incredibly deep and inky, while bright areas really pop. The result? A more immersive and visually stunning gaming experience. Think of exploring a shadowy dungeon or gazing at a vibrant, colorful world – the OLED screen makes it all look richer and more detailed. It’s a significant upgrade over the standard Switch’s LCD screen, and once you’ve gamed on OLED, it’s hard to go back! So, with that in mind, let's explore some games that truly shine on this display. We’ll cover titles that make excellent use of the OLED's capabilities, ensuring you get the most out of your console. Whether you’re a fan of sprawling open-world adventures or prefer the tight, focused gameplay of a platformer, there’s an OLED-optimized experience waiting for you.
Must-Play Games for Your Nintendo Switch OLED
Okay, let's get to the good stuff – the games! We’ve curated a list of titles that not only are fantastic games in their own right but also look incredible on the Nintendo Switch OLED screen. These games take full advantage of the vibrant colors and deep blacks that the OLED display offers, providing an immersive and visually stunning experience. Get ready to add some gems to your library!
1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is an absolute must-have for any Switch owner, and it looks especially breathtaking on the OLED screen. The vibrant world of Hyrule, with its lush green fields and mysterious dark caves, comes to life with incredible detail and contrast. Imagine soaring through the skies, the bright blues contrasting beautifully with the deep blacks of the night sky – the OLED display truly enhances the sense of scale and adventure. This game is more than just visually stunning; it's a masterpiece of game design. The open-world exploration is unparalleled, with tons of secrets to uncover and puzzles to solve. The gameplay mechanics are innovative and engaging, allowing you to build vehicles, create weapons, and manipulate the environment in countless ways. You'll easily sink hundreds of hours into this game, discovering new areas, completing quests, and battling formidable foes. The story is captivating, filled with memorable characters and dramatic moments that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. Whether you're a long-time Zelda fan or new to the series, Tears of the Kingdom is an experience you won't want to miss. It’s a true showcase of the Nintendo Switch OLED's capabilities, and a strong contender for game of the year. The blend of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving is perfectly balanced, ensuring that there's always something exciting to do. So grab your sword and shield, and prepare for an epic adventure in Hyrule!
2. Metroid Dread
If you're looking for a game that truly showcases the OLED screen's ability to display deep blacks and vibrant colors, Metroid Dread is it. This game is a masterclass in atmospheric horror, and the OLED display elevates the tension and suspense to a whole new level. Imagine creeping through dark, derelict corridors, the shadows stretching out around you, while the neon lights of the E.M.M.I. robots pierce the darkness – the OLED screen makes these moments incredibly intense. Metroid Dread is a return to the series' roots, with a focus on exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. You'll navigate a vast and interconnected world, uncovering secrets and upgrading your abilities as you go. The gameplay is tight and responsive, with challenging boss battles that will test your skills. The story is gripping, filled with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The E.M.M.I. encounters are particularly thrilling, as you'll need to use stealth and quick reflexes to evade these relentless pursuers. The game's art style is stunning, with detailed environments and character designs that look fantastic on the OLED screen. The use of lighting and shadow is masterful, creating a sense of unease and dread that permeates the entire experience. If you're a fan of Metroid or just love a good action-adventure game, Metroid Dread is a must-play. It's a perfect example of how the OLED screen can enhance the atmosphere and immersion of a game, making it a truly unforgettable experience. The blend of classic Metroid gameplay with modern design sensibilities makes it a standout title on the Switch.
3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a timeless classic, and it looks absolutely stunning on the Nintendo Switch OLED screen. The vibrant colors of the tracks and characters pop off the screen, making every race a visual spectacle. Imagine speeding through Rainbow Road, the neon lights and vibrant colors swirling around you – the OLED display makes it a truly dazzling experience. This game is more than just pretty, though; it's also one of the most fun and accessible racing games ever made. The controls are easy to pick up, but there's plenty of depth for skilled players to master. You can race with friends and family locally or online, battling it out for first place in a variety of modes. The roster of characters is huge, with everyone from Mario and Luigi to Link and Isabelle making an appearance. The tracks are varied and inventive, with gravity-defying twists and turns that will keep you on your toes. The item system adds a layer of chaotic fun to the races, as you can use shells, bananas, and other power-ups to sabotage your opponents. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a game that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their skill level. It's perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a quick race on the go. The OLED screen makes the experience even better, enhancing the visuals and making the game feel more immersive. It’s a must-have for any Switch owner, and a great way to show off the capabilities of your OLED display. The constant updates and DLC content keep the game fresh and exciting, ensuring that there's always something new to discover.
4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
For a relaxing and charming experience that truly shines on the OLED screen, look no further than Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The game's pastel colors and adorable character designs look fantastic on the vibrant display. Imagine strolling along the beach, the sun setting in the distance, the colors of the sky reflecting beautifully on the water – the OLED screen makes these moments feel truly magical. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a game about creating your own island paradise. You'll build houses, decorate your island, collect items, and befriend a cast of quirky animal villagers. The gameplay is open-ended and relaxing, with no set goals or objectives. You can play at your own pace, doing whatever you enjoy most. The game is constantly evolving, with seasonal events and updates that add new content and features. There's always something new to discover, whether it's a rare fish to catch or a new villager to meet. The social aspect of the game is also a big draw, as you can visit your friends' islands and trade items. The OLED screen enhances the game's charm and visual appeal, making the experience even more immersive and enjoyable. The vibrant colors and detailed textures really pop, bringing the world of Animal Crossing to life. If you're looking for a game to unwind with after a long day, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a perfect choice. The sense of community and creativity is incredibly rewarding, making it a standout title on the Switch.
5. Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is a visually stunning and critically acclaimed Metroidvania that looks incredible on the Nintendo Switch OLED. The game's hand-drawn art style and intricate environments are brought to life by the OLED's deep blacks and vibrant colors. Imagine exploring the dark and mysterious kingdom of Hallownest, the shadows stretching out around you, while the glowing flora and fauna illuminate the path – the OLED screen makes these moments incredibly atmospheric. This game is known for its challenging gameplay, vast world to explore, and a compelling story. You'll play as the Knight, a silent protagonist who must uncover the secrets of Hallownest and stop the spread of a mysterious infection known as the Infection. The gameplay is focused on exploration, combat, and platforming. You'll need to master the Knight's abilities and learn the attack patterns of your enemies to survive. The world of Hollow Knight is vast and interconnected, with hidden areas and secrets to discover. The game's lore is rich and complex, with a cast of memorable characters and a story that will keep you guessing until the very end. The OLED screen enhances the game's visuals, making the dark and atmospheric environments even more immersive. The contrast between the deep blacks and bright colors is particularly striking, creating a sense of depth and detail that is truly remarkable. If you're a fan of Metroidvanias or just love a challenging and rewarding game, Hollow Knight is a must-play. It's a masterpiece of game design, and a perfect example of how the OLED screen can elevate a game's visuals.
Indie Gems That Shine on OLED
It's not just the big-name titles that benefit from the OLED screen. There are tons of fantastic indie games that look amazing on the vibrant display. These games often feature unique art styles and creative gameplay mechanics that are enhanced by the OLED's superior contrast and color reproduction. Let's take a look at a couple of indie gems that you should definitely check out.
1. Ori and the Blind Forest / Ori and the Will of the Wisps
The Ori games are renowned for their stunning visuals and emotional storytelling, and they look absolutely breathtaking on the Nintendo Switch OLED. The lush forests, shimmering waters, and vibrant colors of these games are brought to life in stunning detail. Imagine gliding through the air, the light filtering through the trees, the world stretching out before you – the OLED screen makes these moments feel truly magical. These games are Metroidvanias at their core, with a focus on exploration, platforming, and combat. You'll play as Ori, a guardian spirit who must save the forest of Nibel from a mysterious blight. The gameplay is challenging but rewarding, with tight controls and fluid movement. The stories are heartfelt and emotional, with memorable characters and a powerful message about hope and resilience. The OLED screen enhances the games' visuals, making the already beautiful art style even more striking. The contrast between the bright and dark areas is particularly impressive, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere that is unmatched. If you're looking for a game that is both visually stunning and emotionally engaging, the Ori games are a must-play. They're perfect examples of how the OLED screen can elevate an indie game to a whole new level. The blend of challenging gameplay and heartfelt storytelling makes them stand out in the Metroidvania genre.
2. Hades
Hades is a critically acclaimed roguelike dungeon crawler that features a striking art style and fast-paced gameplay, both of which look fantastic on the Nintendo Switch OLED. The game's vibrant colors and detailed character designs pop off the screen, making every run through the Underworld a visual treat. Imagine battling your way through hordes of enemies, the screen filled with vibrant effects and particles – the OLED display makes these moments incredibly exciting. You'll play as Zagreus, the son of Hades, as he attempts to escape the Underworld and reach Mount Olympus. The gameplay is challenging and addictive, with each run offering a different set of boons and challenges. The story is compelling, with a cast of memorable characters and a world that is rich in Greek mythology. The OLED screen enhances the game's visuals, making the already stylish art style even more impactful. The contrast between the dark environments and bright effects is particularly striking, creating a sense of depth and dynamism. If you're a fan of roguelikes or just love a challenging and rewarding game, Hades is a must-play. It's a perfect example of how the OLED screen can elevate a game's visuals, making the experience even more engaging. The replayability is incredibly high, with countless builds and strategies to explore.
Getting the Most Out of Your OLED Screen
To really maximize your gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch OLED, here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind. These simple adjustments can make a big difference in how your games look and feel on the OLED display. Let's dive in!
Adjusting Brightness
First things first, make sure your brightness settings are optimized for the OLED screen. While the OLED display offers incredible contrast, it can also be quite bright, especially in dark environments. Experiment with the brightness settings in the Switch's system menu to find a level that is comfortable for your eyes and enhances the visuals of your games. You might find that a slightly lower brightness setting provides a more immersive experience, especially in games with dark or atmospheric environments. Conversely, in brighter environments, you may want to bump up the brightness to ensure the screen remains visible and vibrant. Don’t be afraid to adjust the brightness based on the specific game you’re playing as well. Some games may benefit from a brighter setting to showcase their vibrant colors, while others might look better with a more subdued level to highlight their darker tones. The key is to find the sweet spot that works best for you and the game you're playing.
Screen Protectors
Protecting your investment is always a good idea, and a screen protector is essential for your Nintendo Switch OLED. While the OLED screen is durable, it's still susceptible to scratches and scuffs. A high-quality screen protector will safeguard your display without compromising the image quality. There are various types of screen protectors available, including tempered glass and film protectors. Tempered glass protectors offer excellent protection and a smooth feel, while film protectors are thinner and more flexible. Choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. When applying the screen protector, make sure to clean the screen thoroughly to remove any dust or debris. This will prevent air bubbles and ensure a smooth, even application. A well-applied screen protector will keep your OLED display looking pristine for years to come, allowing you to enjoy your favorite games without worrying about damage. Plus, it’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind knowing your screen is protected.
Game-Specific Settings
Many games offer their own brightness and contrast settings, so be sure to explore these options to fine-tune the visuals to your liking. Some games may have specific OLED modes or settings that are designed to take full advantage of the display's capabilities. Adjusting these settings can make a significant difference in how the game looks and feels. Pay attention to the in-game tutorials and menus, as they often provide valuable information about optimizing the visuals. Experiment with different settings to find the ones that best suit your preferences. For example, you might prefer a higher contrast setting in a game with a lot of dark areas, or a lower brightness setting in a game with vibrant colors. Don’t hesitate to tweak the settings until you achieve the perfect balance. Taking the time to adjust these game-specific settings can greatly enhance your overall gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch OLED.
Final Thoughts
The Nintendo Switch OLED is a fantastic console, and these games really showcase what it can do. From epic adventures to charming indies, there's something for everyone to enjoy on that vibrant OLED screen. So, grab your Switch, load up one of these games, and get ready for an incredible gaming experience! Happy gaming, guys!