The Nintendo Switch uses a Lithium-ion battery. The original Switch has a 4,310mAh battery that lasts about three hours when undocked, while the new Switch and the Switch OLED have a 4,210mAh battery that lasts between four and a half to nine hours. The Switch Lite has a smaller battery that lasts between three and seven hours. The battery performance can vary depending on the game and the usage. The battery can degrade to about 80% after 800 charge cycles.
Nintendo Switch Battery Life
The battery life of the Nintendo Switch varies depending on the model and on the software application and functions being used.
- For Nintendo Switch, model number: HAC-001 [product serial number begins with ” XAW “], the battery life is approximately 2.5 to 6.5 hours.
For Nintendo Switch consoles with a serial number that starts with “XK”, the battery life is approximately 4.5 to 9 hours. Some games will use more battery than others and connected controllers, screen brightness, and other functions will all play a part.
There are three core Switch models: the original, the revised original with extended battery life, and the Lite.
- The Original Switch has a battery life of approximately 2.5 to 6.5 hours.
- The new model of the original Nintendo Switch, with the HAC-001(-01) model number, gets 4.5 to 9 hours of battery life.
- The Nintendo Switch Lite has a battery life of approximately 3 to 7 hours.
Difference between HAC-001 and XK models of the Nintendo Switch?
The biggest difference between the Nintendo Switch HAC-001 (-01) and HAC-001 is definitely its battery. The new model has an approximate 4.5 to 9 hours battery life compared to the initial model’s 2.5 to 6.5 hours expected lasting power. You can identify the new Nintendo Switch by looking for the model number HAC-001 (-01) and product serial number XKW.
How to Extend Nintendo Switch Battery Life?
Here are some ways to extend the battery life of your Nintendo Switch:
- Lower your screen’s brightness: Almost any digital device with a screen will drain the battery when the brightness is jacked up. So, it’s better to lower the brightness of your Nintendo Switch screen.
- Disable Joy-Con vibrations: Nintendo’s Joy-Con controllers have vibration feedback that lets them react to the on-screen action. This feature is cool but it can also drain your battery life quickly. So, if you want to extend your battery life, you can disable this feature.
- Purchase a portable charger: If you’re going on a long trip and you want to play your Nintendo Switch for hours without worrying about battery life, then you can purchase a portable charger.
- Turn on flight mode: If you’re not using the internet or any other wireless features of your Nintendo Switch, then you can turn on flight mode to save battery life.
- Set up sleep mode: The Switch’s sleep mode makes it easy to suspend your game, set the console down, and pick up right where you left off later.
How to Check the Battery Life of the Nintendo Switch?
To check the battery life on your Nintendo Switch console, follow these steps:
- Go to your Nintendo Home screen.
- Select System Settings.
- Scroll down and select System.
- Check the right panel and select Console Battery (%).
- Go back to the Home screen to see the Battery life level of your console.
- To view the battery life for each paired controller:
- From the HOME Menu select Controllers.
- The approximate battery life will be displayed for each controller that is paired to a Nintendo Switch system.
How to Charge Nintendo Switch?
You can charge your Nintendo Switch console in two ways:
- Directly with the Nintendo Switch AC Adapter:
- Connect the USB plug from the Nintendo Switch AC adapter (HAC-002 (AUS)) to the USB connector on the bottom of the console.
- Then connect the AC adapter directly to a wall outlet with a docking station:
- Connect the provided USB-C cable to an AC outlet and to the USB-C port that is in the back of your Switch’s back.
FAQs About Nintendo Switch’s Battery
How long does Nintendo Switch Battery Last?
The Nintendo Switch’s battery life will range from 2.5 to 6 hours in use. This amount will obviously vary depending on what you’re using the Switch for. Some games will use more battery than others and connected controllers, screen brightness, and other functions will all play a part.
How long does it take to charge Nintendo Switch?
It generally takes 3 to 3.5 hours for a standard Nintendo Switch to charge fully from a depleted battery. However, this time varies depending on your Switch model, the age of your console, and the type of charger.
How to know when Nintendo Switch is Fully Charged?
- To know if your Nintendo Switch is charging, you need to look at the top-right corner of the screen.
- You will see a battery icon with a lightning symbol next to it. This means that the console is charging.
- When the console is fully charged, the battery icon will change to show a full battery.
How to know if Nintendo Switch Battery is Dying?
There is no way of diagnosing a failing battery on a Nintendo Switch. The company neglected to add a battery status option in Settings as seen on devices like the iPhone.
However, if you’re struggling with battery life seeming low, regardless of your settings and which game you’re playing, check the serial number of your Switch.
If it begins with XAW, it’s an older model. It’s important to bear in mind that Nintendo has stated that the Switch’s battery life will also decrease after 800 charge cycles.
Can you replace the Battery in a Nintendo Switch?
Yes, it is possible to replace the battery in your Nintendo Switch console. You can either replace the battery yourself or get Nintendo to do it for you. If you want to replace the battery yourself, you can purchase the required tools and replacement cells from iFixit. If you want Nintendo to replace the battery for you, you can contact your local customer service center.
Can I use any USB-C cable for charging my switch?
Yes, it is possible to charge a Nintendo Switch with a normal USB-C cable. However, you’ll receive less efficient charge times than with the official AC adapter. Nintendo-branded Switch chargers are your best bet.
As far as cables go, any well-made USB-A-to-USB-C cable will work with a sufficient power source to charge the Switch. However, this method limits the maximum power to 7.5 watts due to the Switch’s design. That’s enough to play and charge simultaneously—but not at the fastest rate.
Can I use my phone charger for charging the switch?
It’s not bad or harmful for you to use a phone charger with your Switch, per se. The problem is that phone chargers are not efficient for charging your Switch. You can charge your Nintendo Switch with any USB-C type phone charger.
However, using a phone charger brings some downsides, such as slow charging speed and dock incompatibility. Nintendo recommends using their Switch-specific AC adapter, but phone chargers remain a solid backup option.
Can I use a power bank to charge my switch?
Yes, you can use a power bank to charge your Switch. However, the console may charge slowly if the power bank is unable to deliver sufficient power. You should keep a couple of features in mind when buying a power bank. First, be sure it works with USB-C, the main input on the Switch. USB-A to USB-C works as well, but charging will be considerably slower.