Nintendo fans gearing up for the release of the new Switch 2 should be aware of one significant change: the battery life isn’t as robust as that of the current models. While the original Switch had a battery span ranging from 4.5 to 9 hours thanks to its updated versions, the Switch 2 clocks in with approximately 2 to 6.5 hours of playtime, depending heavily on game demands.
Set to hit the shelves on June 5, Nintendo’s Switch 2 aims to redefine gaming experiences with superior power and upgrades, including a larger screen, the capability to run certain games at up to 120 frames per second, and the ability to reach 4K resolution when docked. This comes at a higher cost of $449.99, a price that reflects the high expectations for its performance enhancements.
Despite these improvements, battery life remains a downside. Less intensive games won’t drain the battery as quickly, but those playing visually demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 will notice the battery depleting faster. For instance, while playing such resource-heavy titles, you might find yourself searching for a power source sooner than you’d like.
Future iterations of Switch 2 might address this limitation by optimizing hardware, much like Nintendo did with its previous models. An OLED version of Switch 2 could potentially offer longer playtime, enhancing user experience while on the move. For now, if you’re considering this console, it might be beneficial to weigh how often you’ll use it in a portable setting versus docked, where the battery life concern wouldn’t be as relevant.
As the gaming community anticipates the launch, it’s important to keep these factors in mind to ensure the Switch 2 meets your gaming needs. The trade-off between advanced features and battery performance is one potential buyers will need to consider, especially if on-the-go gaming is a high priority.