The Rog Ally X, Legion Go, and now the Nintendo Switch 2 are missing one important aspect: why don't more handhelds have OLED screens?

OLED screens are rare in portable gaming due to cost and technical constraints.

: James Bentley questions why OLED screens are not more prevalent in handheld gaming PCs like ROG Ally X, Legion Go, and Nintendo Switch 2. OLED offers vibrant colors and deeper contrasts, but they are costlier and risk burn-in compared to LED screens. The Nintendo Switch 2 opts for an LCD screen, despite advancements in LCD technology, due to cost and HDR support. Enthusiasts hope for more OLED adoption in future devices where screen quality is a key feature.

In the realm of handheld gaming devices, the ROG Ally X, Legion Go, and the newly announced Nintendo Switch 2 have all fallen short in one specific area noted by James Bentley: the lack of OLED screens. Bentley points out his desire for more vibrant and brighter visuals that OLED screens can provide. OLED technology, which stands for Organic Light-Emitting Diode, differs from traditional LED screens by having each pixel emit its own light, therefore not requiring backlighting. This results in deeper blacks, richer colors, and a higher contrast ratio, making visuals 'pop' more vividly.

One of the major reasons OLED screens are not widely adopted in handheld devices is due to their power consumption and cost. Although Bentley acknowledges that OLED screens consume more power and are more expensive than their LED counterparts, he mentions that the potential issue of OLED burn-in has shown promising test results, mitigating some concerns. A year-long test referenced by Bentley yielded positive outcomes regarding burn-in, suggesting improved durability over time.

When Bentley refers to the Nintendo Switch transition from the standard model to the OLED model in 2021, he describes it as a 'revelatory' experience because of the screen's impact on gameplay. This highlights how significant a screen upgrade can be for user experience. However, the Nintendo Switch 2, despite its many updates, reverts to using an LCD screen with the rationale that LCD technology advancements offer enough benefits, including HDR (High Dynamic Range) support.

The decision to continue using LCD screens can also be partly attributed to pricing strategies. Bentley discusses how the OLED version of the Steam Deck is priced at $150 more than the LCD version, yet offers double the storage. While OLED screens inherently add cost, companies seem to calculate their choices based on the perceived value and market positioning.

As Bentley hopes to see more OLED screens in future devices, it is not just about performance; it is about leveraging strategy. For devices targeting enthusiasts willing to spend nearly $1,000, the inclusion of an OLED screen can be a game changer. Bentley remains hopeful for options like the MSI Claw 8 AI+ or even speculates on the possibility of Microsoft’s upcoming handheld featuring an OLED screen, seeing it as a step forward in handheld gaming technology.

Sources: PC Gamer, IGN, Future Plc

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