Metroid Dread on Nintendo Switch OLED - Gameplay & Review

Nintendo’s Latest Offerings: Metroid Dread and the Switch OLED Model

The past year has been significant for Nintendo, filled with exciting news. From the recent casting announcements for the Super Mario movie to the anticipated sequel to the Switch’s most popular game, numerous developments from the gaming company have emerged.

A New Metroid Adventure

Nintendo recently hosted a focused event in New York, unveiling two key products launching before the holidays. Chief among these is the first new 2D Metroid game in nineteen years, initially revealed during the virtual E3 presentation this year.

Metroid Dread was the central focus of the briefing, featuring game-themed decorations and sound effects. Nintendo emphasized that this title is not merely a temporary release while fans await the eventual arrival of Metroid Prime 4.

Introducing the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model

Complementing the new game is the updated console itself: the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model. The company consistently refers to it as O-L-E-D, a pronunciation that may initially feel unusual to those accustomed to saying the screen technology differently.

While Metroid Dread generated excitement, the initial Switch OLED model didn’t entirely meet the expectations of some fans. Given the Switch’s age of 3.5 years, many anticipated a more substantial hardware overhaul, a common practice for consoles to boost sales during their mid-life cycle.

This strategy aims to attract new customers and encourage existing owners to upgrade to a newer version. It’s worth remembering that Nintendo released updated models in mid-2019, including a revised standard Switch with improved battery life and the more affordable Switch Lite.

Prior to E3, rumors of a “Switch Pro” were widespread. However, the revealed model retained the same Nvidia Tegra X1 processor and RAM as its predecessor, featuring only a slightly larger 7-inch OLED display (0.8 inches larger). The screen resolution remains at 720p (1080p when docked), falling short of the 4K resolution some had hoped for.

Additional improvements include a wired LAN port and doubled storage capacity to 64GB, while still supporting microSD cards.

Hands-On Impressions

During the event, I had the opportunity to test the OLED model, observing demos of Mario Kart. The console’s black and white color scheme is visually striking. Holding the system, I noticed it is heavier than the original Switch, weighing 0.93 pounds compared to 0.88 pounds.

The OLED technology delivers noticeable improvements, specifically deeper blacks and enhanced contrast. It’s fitting, and likely intentional, that the console launches alongside a visually dark game like Metroid Dread. The improved audio also provides enhanced tactile feedback for in-game sounds.

The Switch OLED may not be a compelling upgrade for owners of the original model. However, Metroid Dread presents a more immediate draw. I was able to play the early sections of the game, which evoked the same sensations as the original and subsequent 2D Metroid titles.

The game features pulsating alien lifeforms and challenging encounters with the relentless E.M.M.I. robots that are present from the start.

Both Metroid Dread and the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model will be available on October 8. The new console is priced at $350.