Switch 2’s LCD Screen 100x Slower Than OLED, Tests Reveal
▼ Summary
– The Nintendo Switch 2’s 7.9-inch IPS display has been criticized for its slow pixel response time, averaging 33 ms at 60 Hz, which is significantly slower than most gaming monitors.
– Independent tests show the Switch 2’s display is even slower than the original 2017 Switch (21 ms) and far behind typical high-performance PC monitors (5-6 ms) or OLED panels (0.3 ms).
– The slow response is likely due to Nintendo not implementing overdrive, a feature that speeds up pixel transitions by applying excess voltage, possibly to conserve battery life.
– Overdrive could potentially be added via a software update, but aggressive use may cause inverse ghosting, while its absence results in noticeable blurring and smearing.
– A future Switch 2 OLED model is expected to drastically improve pixel response times, making it a better option for gamers sensitive to display lag.
Nintendo’s latest handheld console is making waves, but its display performance has become a major talking point among gamers. Independent tests confirm what many users have reported, the Switch 2’s 7.9-inch IPS screen suffers from sluggish pixel response times, leading to noticeable blurring and smearing during gameplay.
Recent benchmarks from Monitors Unboxed reveal the Switch 2’s display averages a 33 ms response time at 60 Hz, far slower than most modern gaming monitors. Even budget LCD panels typically hit 5-6 ms, while high-performance OLED screens clock in at a blistering 0.3 ms, roughly 100 times faster than Nintendo’s offering. Shockingly, the original 2017 Switch LCD outperforms its successor with a 21 ms response time, raising questions about the new model’s design choices.
Japanese tech outlet Chimolog recorded slightly better results, averaging 17 ms, but this still ranks as the slowest display in their testing lineup. Most gaming monitors in their comparison fell below 6 ms, with the next slowest being an 11 ms LCD panel. While the discrepancy between test results remains unclear, both findings highlight a significant performance gap.
The root cause appears to be Nintendo’s decision to skip overdrive technology, a common feature in modern LCDs that boosts pixel transitions by applying extra voltage. Without it, screens struggle to keep up with fast-moving visuals, resulting in the smearing seen on the Switch 2. Overdrive isn’t flawless, excessive use can cause inverse ghosting, but when properly tuned, it dramatically improves responsiveness.
So why omit such a crucial feature? Battery life is the likely culprit. The Switch 2 packs a modest sub-20 Wh battery, half the capacity of the original Steam Deck. Overdrive increases power draw, and Nintendo may have prioritized efficiency over performance. Some analysts even suspect the company undervolted the display to conserve energy, further worsening response times.
There’s hope for improvement, a firmware update could potentially enable overdrive, giving users the choice between smoother visuals and longer playtime. Meanwhile, history suggests an OLED revision is inevitable, which would eliminate these issues entirely. For gamers sensitive to motion blur, waiting for the Switch 2 OLED might be the smarter move.
For now, the standard model’s display remains a weak point in an otherwise impressive package. Whether Nintendo addresses it through software or hardware revisions, one thing is clear: speedier alternatives already exist, and players are taking notice.
(Source: NewsAPI Gaming Hardware & Accessories)
