It is bright. Really, really bright. When Nintendo first pulled the curtain back on the Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Edition (officially known as the Mario Red Edition), the immediate reaction from most of the gaming community was a collective "Again?" We had already seen a Mario-themed version of the original V1/V2 hardware back when Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury launched. But this one felt a bit more deliberate. It wasn't just a bundle with a carrying case; it was a design statement for the OLED era.
Most people see a red box and move on. They shouldn't.
If you’ve ever held the standard White or Neon OLED models, you know the premium feel of the glass screen and the refined kickstand. But the Mario Red version does something weird with the light. It’s a deep, saturated carmine that looks significantly more "premium" than the plasticky red of the 2021 non-OLED Mario console. It’s basically the Ferrari of handhelds. Honestly, it’s the most striking piece of hardware Nintendo has released since the atomic purple Game Boy Color, even if it lacks the transparency.
The Design Touches Everyone Misses
Nintendo is usually king of the "Easter Egg," but they were surprisingly subtle here. You have to really look for the magic. On the back of the dock—specifically the corner where the cables tuck away—there is a tiny, silhouette of Mario mid-leap. It’s small. If you aren't looking for it, you’ll miss it.
Then you open the back panel.
Inside the cable management area, tucked near the ports, are rows of hidden coins. This is peak Nintendo. Nobody sees this while they are playing Wonder or Odyssey. It’s a secret for the person who actually sets up the tech. It’s a "thank you" to the fan who spent the extra cash.
The Joy-Cons are color-matched perfectly to the console and the dock. This sounds like a small feat, but getting the dye-lot to match across different materials—the matte plastic of the controllers versus the glossier finish of the dock—is a manufacturing headache. Nintendo nailed it. You’ve got the black buttons providing a sharp contrast, which keeps the whole thing from looking like a giant blob of tomato soup. It’s balanced.
Is the OLED Screen Actually Better for Mario?
Let's get technical for a second. The Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Edition features a 7-inch OLED panel. The standard Switch uses an LCD. The difference isn't just "brightness." It’s about the black levels. In a game like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, when you’re racing on Rainbow Road, the space behind the track is actually black. On an LCD, it’s a muddy, glowing charcoal gray.
On this OLED, the colors pop with a vibrance that LCD simply cannot replicate.
- Contrast Ratio: Basically infinite.
- Color Gamut: Noticeably wider.
- Power Consumption: Efficient when displaying dark images, though Mario games are notoriously bright, so don't expect a massive battery boost there.
When you’re playing Super Mario Wonder, the psychedelic colors of the Wonder Effects feel almost like they are bleeding off the edge of the glass. It’s immersive in a way the older 6.2-inch screen never was.
The Controversy of the "Empty Box"
We need to talk about the elephant in the room. This console does not come with a game.
When the original Mario Red & Blue Edition launched, it came with a carrying case and a screen protector. The Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Edition? It’s just the console. No Mario Wonder. No Mario Kart. Just the hardware. For many collectors, this was a bit of a letdown. You’re paying the standard MSRP—usually around $349.99—and getting a beautiful box, but the "Edition" part of the name really only refers to the paint job.
Is it a dealbreaker? Probably not if you’re a collector. But if you’re a parent buying this for a kid, you need to remember to buy a game separately. It’s a "BYOG" (Bring Your Own Game) situation.
Why This Version Matters in 2026
With rumors of the "Switch 2" or whatever the successor is called constantly swirling, buying an OLED now feels like a mid-gen (or late-gen) gamble. But here is the thing: the Switch library is arguably the greatest in gaming history. Having the "definitive" version of the hardware to play that library is worth something.
The OLED model fixed the biggest gripe with the original: the kickstand. The Mario Edition inherits that wide, sturdy, adjustable stand. It’s not that flimsy plastic strip that feels like it’s going to snap if you sneeze. You can actually use this on a plane tray table without it collapsing.
Real-World Durability
People worry about the red finish chipping. I've seen these units after six months of heavy use. The Joy-Cons hold up well, but like all Switch controllers, they are prone to "shiny spots" where your thumbs rub the matte finish away over time. Because the red is so vibrant, those shiny spots show up a bit more than they do on the grey or white versions.
Clean your hands. Seriously.
The dock is also a fingerprint magnet. Since it’s a flat, matte red, oil from your skin shows up easily. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth fixes it, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re a stickler for aesthetics.
Finding One Now
Availability fluctuates. Nintendo tends to do "drops" of these special editions rather than keeping them in permanent production like the White OLED. If you see it at a major retailer like Best Buy or Target for the standard price, grab it. Don't pay the $500 markup to scalpers on eBay. It isn't that rare yet.
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What You Should Do Next
If you are sitting on an original 2017 Switch, the upgrade to the Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Edition is massive. The screen alone justifies the jump. However, if you already own a White or Neon OLED, you’re basically paying for a paint job and a hidden silhouette of a plumber.
- Check the Screen: Before you buy, ensure you actually value handheld play. If your Switch never leaves the dock, the OLED screen provides zero benefit to you.
- Inspect the Joy-Cons: If you’re buying used, check the rail connection. The red Joy-Cons are specific to this set; replacing them with "official" matches is expensive and difficult if you don't buy the whole console again.
- Screen Protector is Mandatory: The OLED screen is glass, but it has a "scattering anti-reflection film" on it. If you scratch that film, you’ve ruined the look. Put a tempered glass protector on it the second it comes out of the box.
The Mario Red OLED is a celebration of a character that has carried Nintendo for decades. It’s flashy, it’s loud, and it’s arguably the best-looking piece of hardware the company has ever made. Just don't expect a free game in the box.