In a post by Nintendo Patents Watch yesterday, it’s been reported that an updated Switch 2 model with a new LCD panel has appeared on a Chinese resale site. While hardly something like a Nintendo Switch 2 OLED or even a major redesign, the new LCD panel is purported to be manufactured by Sharp and is possibly being integrated to address ghosting issues with the current model.
A lot of this is mere speculation on the part of Nintendo Patents Watch, which is why we’ve labeled this as a rumor. It’s not uncommon for snags in supply chains to necessitate changing component manufacturers without updating the overall design of a console. Nintendo did this a few times with the original Switch, with different variants having either slightly updated components or decreased power draw while otherwise keeping the specifications the same. It could be that this new LCD panel is a way for Nintendo to manufacture more units without changing much else.
Nintendo of Europe recently revealed it would be developing a new Switch 2 variant with a removable battery, however. It could be that this change in panel is a way to get ahead of the swappable battery pack, which will need to have some of the internals rearranged to accommodate. As Nintendo Patents Watch shows in its post, the connectors and even circuit boards are wildly different, so it’s a possibility.
At any rate, I don’t believe this to be a “better” Switch 2 in terms of display capabilities. The Switch 2 panel is still specced for 1080p output, HDR10 compatibility, and 120 Hz VRR. This new version might have less ghosting, but it’s not going to change much else.
Check out more Switch 2 content
Original Tekken coming to Nintendo Switch 2 this week as the latest Arcade Archives release
Square Enix seemingly replaces Kingdom Hearts Collection box art for Switch 2 after fan outcry
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is coming to Switch 2, though seemingly without an upgrade path
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Written by Peter Glagowski
Peter has been a freelance gaming and film critic for over seven years. His passion for Nintendo is only matched by the size of his collection.
