With the Nintendo Switch 2 still awaiting its official unveiling, new industry reports suggest Samsung is already positioning itself to play a key role in a future refresh of the console—this time by providing OLED display technology.
While Nintendo has not yet announced its next-generation console, widely referred to as the “Switch 2,” multiple reports and leaks have pointed to a 2025 launch window. The upcoming device is expected to debut with an LCD screen, a choice likely made to keep manufacturing costs low and ensure an ample supply at launch. However, according to a video report by IGN, Samsung is reportedly eager to supply OLED panels for a potential premium model to be released later in the console’s lifecycle.
This would not be the first time Nintendo has revised a console mid-cycle with upgraded display technology. In 2021, the company launched the Nintendo Switch OLED model, a higher-end version of the original 2017 console. That revision introduced a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen—manufactured by Samsung—alongside improved speakers, enhanced build quality, and a redesigned kickstand. Though the core internal hardware remained the same, the display upgrade was widely praised and helped reinvigorate interest in the aging system.
Samsung, a global leader in OLED technology, appears to view its previous collaboration with Nintendo as a success and is now reportedly lobbying to repeat the partnership. By aligning itself with what is expected to be one of the gaming industry’s most anticipated hardware releases, Samsung would further cement its presence in the console space, while also expanding the reach of its OLED technology into more portable gaming platforms.
From a strategic standpoint, the timing makes sense. OLED displays continue to grow in popularity across devices—from smartphones to laptops to handheld gaming systems—thanks to their superior contrast, faster response times, and improved energy efficiency compared to traditional LCDs. As competitors like Sony and Valve push into the handheld gaming space with high-end displays (seen in devices such as the PlayStation Portal and Steam Deck OLED), Nintendo may face increasing pressure to offer a visually upgraded version of its own.
Still, there are several variables at play. Nintendo is known for its cautious approach to hardware transitions and has yet to publicly comment on the specs of its next console. It’s also unclear whether the company has finalized any long-term supplier agreements, or if Samsung is merely one of several potential partners under consideration for a future model.
The potential for a future OLED-based revision also raises questions about Nintendo’s hardware strategy. Would it follow the model established by the original Switch and its OLED counterpart? Or will the company explore a more substantial upgrade path, possibly with improved performance or battery life alongside the display changes?
For now, the focus remains on the base model of the Nintendo Switch 2, which is expected to emphasize backward compatibility, updated internals, and continued support for the hybrid console experience that has defined the platform’s success. But if past patterns hold—and if Samsung gets its way—players may have an OLED option to look forward to shortly after launch.
As both fans and analysts await official word from Nintendo, suppliers and manufacturers appear to be preparing for a product lifecycle that mirrors the iterative, multi-model approach the company employed so effectively with the original Switch.
Video Source: IGN