Celeste is one of the most celebrated indie platformers of recent years, earning widespread acclaim for its challenging yet rewarding gameplay and emotionally engaging narrative. Released in 2018 by Maddy Makes Games, it quickly became a favourite among platformer enthusiasts. The game’s blend of precision mechanics, a heartfelt story, and beautifully crafted pixel art has ensured its place in gaming history.
With the release of the Nintendo Switch OLED model, players now have the opportunity to experience Celeste on an improved display. But does this hardware upgrade truly enhance the visual experience? Does the vibrant OLED screen significantly impact gameplay, or is the difference negligible? Let’s explore how Celeste performs on the Nintendo Switch OLED and whether it’s worth revisiting.
Nintendo Switch OLED: Key Features
The Nintendo Switch OLED, introduced in October 2021, brought several enhancements over the standard Switch model. While it does not offer upgraded internal performance or increased frame rates, its new display technology dramatically improves visual quality. Key upgrades include:
- 7-inch OLED screen: A larger and brighter screen compared to the original 6.2-inch LCD.
- Higher contrast and deeper blacks: OLED technology allows for pure blacks and more vivid colours, making games feel more immersive.
- Improved speakers: The enhanced audio system provides a richer and clearer sound experience.
- 64GB internal storage: A doubling of the base storage capacity compared to the standard Switch model.
- Redesigned kickstand: A more stable and adjustable stand for better tabletop gaming.
These improvements, while not changing the fundamental performance of games, make a significant difference in visual quality. The key question remains—how does Celeste benefit from these changes?
How Does the OLED Display Affect Celeste?
Celeste features a distinctive pixel-art aesthetic that relies heavily on vibrant colours, dynamic lighting, and environmental details to create atmosphere. The OLED screen enhances this visual style in several ways:
- Deeper blacks and improved contrast: Celeste’s darker levels, such as those in the Mirror Temple, benefit significantly from OLED’s ability to produce true black tones.
- More vibrant colours: The game’s pastel-like palette appears richer and more engaging, enhancing immersion in key moments.
- Better visibility in fast-paced sequences: The clarity of the OLED display makes rapid movements and transitions easier to follow, which is crucial in a game that demands precise inputs.
While the pixel-art design remains unchanged, the enhanced screen makes the game feel fresher and more visually striking. For players who appreciate aesthetics, this is a substantial upgrade.
Gameplay and Player Experience
Celeste is renowned for its precise and responsive controls, requiring players to master jumps, dashes, and wall climbs with perfect timing. Every fraction of a second counts, and small improvements in display technology can impact gameplay fluidity.
While the Switch OLED does not increase frame rates or reduce input lag, the sharper display allows players to react more quickly to hazards and obstacles. This is especially beneficial in challenging areas, such as Chapter 9: Farewell, where split-second timing is essential.
Advantages of the OLED Display for a Platformer
For platforming games, visibility is key. The improved screen ensures that fine details, such as moving spikes, shimmering collectables, or enemy outlines, are more distinct. This can make certain sections of the game easier to navigate, particularly for those attempting a 100% completion run.
Speedrunners may also find that the OLED screen provides a small but meaningful advantage by improving visibility in high-speed sequences. The combination of sharp visuals and a fast refresh rate on the display allows for quicker decision-making, even if the game itself runs at the same 60 FPS as before.
Audio Enhancements
Beyond the visual improvements, the Nintendo Switch OLED also features upgraded onboard speakers, offering a more immersive audio experience. While Celeste’s soundtrack, composed by Lena Raine, was already exceptional, the enhanced audio makes it even more impactful.
The emotional depth of tracks like “Resurrections” and “Confronting Myself” is more pronounced with clearer mid-tones and richer bass. Players using headphones may not notice as much of a difference, but those who rely on the built-in speakers will experience a noticeable upgrade in sound quality.
Does the Improved Audio Affect Gameplay?
While Celeste is primarily a visual and mechanical experience, its soundtrack plays a crucial role in guiding players through tense and reflective moments. The improved sound quality helps reinforce emotional beats in the story, making for an even more immersive journey.
Is It Worth Replaying Celeste on Nintendo Switch OLED?
If you are a dedicated Celeste fan, the OLED model offers a fresh way to experience the game. The enhanced screen brings out the beauty of its pixel art, making environments more engaging and visually pleasing. While the core mechanics remain unchanged, the improved display clarity and contrast provide a noticeable upgrade.
For new players experiencing Celeste for the first time, the Switch OLED is arguably the best platform to play it on, offering the most visually immersive version available on a handheld system.
Ultimately, while the OLED display does not alter the gameplay itself, it enhances the overall experience in a meaningful way, making Celeste’s journey to the summit more beautiful than ever.