Nintendo has unveiled that the Switch 2, despite its impressive advancements, will generally have a shorter battery life compared to its predecessor. Launching on June 5, this latest installment in the beloved console series offers an enticing mix of being a powerful home console and a portable gaming device. Fans can look forward to exclusive titles such as Mario Kart World and Switch 2 Welcome Tour at the launch, alongside a variety of third-party titles.
When it comes to sheer power, the Switch 2 leaves the original far behind. With enhancements like a larger display, the capacity to run games at up to 120 frames per second, and support for 4K resolution when docked, it’s clear the console packs a punch. However, all these state-of-the-art features come at a price—$449.99, to be exact, which mirrors the premium nature of the console itself.
While the Switch 2 is a powerhouse in most aspects, battery life isn’t one of them. Nintendo confirms that depending on the game’s demands, you can expect between 2 and 6.5 hours of playtime. Some less demanding titles might tax the battery less, but graphic-heavy games like Cyberpunk 2077 will certainly cause the battery to deplete more rapidly.
Initially, the battery life for the original Switch ranged from 2.5 to 6.5 hours. However, newer models of the Switch managed to extend this from 4.5 to 9 hours. Given the significant improvements over time, it’s somewhat of a letdown to see the Switch 2 stepping back in this regard. Still, for those using the Switch 2 primarily in its docked console setup, this won’t pose a problem, which remains an advantage of its hybrid design.
Looking ahead, it’s conceivable that future updates to Switch 2 hardware might bring improvements to battery performance, much like we saw with the initial Switch updates. The current model doesn’t feature an OLED screen, which hints that perhaps an OLED version might be on the horizon with enhanced battery capabilities. For now, early adopters should remain mindful of the battery’s constraints, particularly when transporting it for on-the-go gaming sessions.
