Technology

Nintendo Switch with improved battery life is finally on Amazon

Published

5 years ago

August 14, 2019

Leah Stodart

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The upgraded Switch comes in a red box and has a battery life of up to nine hours.

By Leah StodartMashable Deals2019-08-14 16:04:24 UTC

TL;DR: The upgraded Nintendo Switch console has a better battery life and is officially available on Amazon for $299.99.

Since 2017, gamers have been unceasingly trying to find life hacks to extend the battery life of the Nintendo Switch, which is technically 2.5 to 6.5 hours (but let’s be real — closer to the lower half). There are numerous Reddit threads on the matter, battery cases, external chargers, and all expected tricks like playing in airplane mode or turning off vibration.

Nintendo heard your bitching — and unlike when iPhone batteries go kerflooey, Switch users won’t have to buy some fancy new version of the device for $200 extra. The improved Nintendo Switch (model number HAC-001(-01) officially) is available on Amazon for $299.99, the same price as the older model.

Out of the box, the older and newer Switch models are identical. The only difference is that upped battery life, which is said to last anywhere from 4.5 to 9 hours. How long it actually lasts varies with what and how much you’re playing, but Nintendo has estimated that the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Games with less-heavy graphics, like Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, may last longer.

This upgraded model is not to be confused with the Nintendo Switch Lite, which has a battery life of 3-7 hours and does not have removable joysticks. And, while the Switch Lite is available for pre-order and doesn’t officially ship until Sept. 20, this one can be purchased immediately.

How to make sure you’re actually getting the upgraded Switch

Though the consoles are physically indistinguishable, taking a look at the packaging and numbers can decipher between models. The new Switch will come in a box with a bright red background. The improved Switch’s model number is HAC-001(-01) and the serial number will start with “XKW” while the old models start with “XAW.”