Teardown of revised Switch 2 console confirms lack of anticipated upgrade

The Switch 2 console with an easier-to-replace battery has appeared in Europe. While it’s simpler to service the handheld, there was hope Nintendo would introduce a new part. Unfortunately, a teardown of the system didn’t find the recently surfaced Sharp LCD screen.

What's new in the Switch 2

Technician modyfikatorcasper disassembled the hardware, which meets EU right-to-repair regulations. He also compared the OSM-CPU-01 motherboard to the existing BEE-CPU-01 alternative. Not surprisingly, gamers are unlikely to see a meaningful performance upgrade.

The updated Switch 2 console’s revised motherboard houses the same Nvidia system-on-chip (SoC). Games and the Nintendo OS again have 12 GB of RAM to consume, though the memory comes from a different manufacturer. A new fan may slightly impact cooling. Other than the revamped battery compartment, changes were minor.

Innolux makes the current screen, even though Sharp already provides the glass. Games often exhibit smearing and ghosting, and HDR looks lackluster. Without an OLED upgrade on the horizon, an improved LCD display could have partially addressed these shortcomings.

A holdover until OLED arrives

In late June, Nintendo Patents Watch discovered an unfamiliar 7.9-inch screen on a Chinese marketplace. Identified as LS079T1SX10P, it would still support a 1080p resolution. Meanwhile, altered circuitry hinted it could deliver faster pixel response times. Sellers soon listed a similar component, labeled LS0DAS7081 and V2, in larger quantities.

This teardown wasn’t the first detailed look at the EU-version of the handheld. However, wasmodyfikatorcasper finally settled a debate about whether the new screen was installed. His unit lacks the Sharp LCD display. Since it’s not in the console with an easier-to-swap Switch 2 battery, it’s unclear when Nintendo will use the part.

Buyers will still benefit from a battery that doesn’t require removing adhesive before replacement. Signs also suggest the Switch 2 console will roll out in other regions. Patents Watch found the BEE-001(-01) model listed at the FCC.