Nintendo Switch 2 battery life almost identical to original consoleMichael BeckwithPublished April 3, 2025 5:08pmUpdated April 3, 2025 5:08pm Be aware of which Switch 2 games you choose to play while undocked (Nintendo)In the wake of the big Nintendo Switch 2 showcase, further details about the console have been shared, such as its battery life and improved controllers.While yesterdays Nintendo Switch 2 showcase unveiled a lot of information about the upcoming console, including its release date and price, there were still a few details left unexplained.Some time was spent on the Switch 2s specifications, such as how it can run certain games at upwards of 120 frames per second, but one thing Nintendo didnt comment on was the consoles battery life.A more detailed breakdown of the Switch 2s technical specifications has since been shared on Nintendos website, revealing how long the consoles battery will last when undocked and its pretty much identical to the original Switch model.Over on the Japanese Nintendo Switch 2 website, a section on the consoles specs says that it comes with a 5220mAh lithium-ion battery. In laymans terms, this is a higher capacity battery than the ones housed in the original Switch and its alternate models.So, does this mean Switch 2 play sessions in handheld mode and desktop mode will last for much longer? Unfortunately, no. Its battery is better but the console uses more power, so things end up balancing out almost the same as they were before.According to Nintendos own estimates, the Switch 2 can last for anywhere from two hours to six and a half hours, which is just how it was with the original Switchs battery life.As detailed on Nintendos support website, the Switch can last from two and a half hours to six and a half. More modern models, including the OLED model, improved this approximation to four and half hours to nine hours.The portable-only Switch Lite also has a superior battery life, capable of running for three to seven hours. Maybe dont save Cyberpunk 2077 play sessions for long train journeys (CD Projekt)This is, of course, entirely dependent on what games you happen to be playing. Something more graphically intensive, like the Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077 ports, will drain the battery quicker than a game with simpler visuals.Games built for Switch 2 need more power than original Switch games, so thats part of the factor too. With any luck, thisll mean Switch 1 games wont be as demanding when running on Switch 2 through backwards compatibility.Additionally, the amount of time it takes to charge up the Switch 2 is identical to the Switch 1, at approximately three hours as long as the console is docked and in sleep mode.More TrendingAlthough the battery situation is back to square one, the Switch 2 shouldnt suffer from any Joy-Con drift issues. This became such a widespread problem for the Switch 1 that Nintendo had to start offering free repairs, especially in the first year or so.It was suspected that Joy-Con drift would be a thing of the past thanks to the Switch 2s new Joy-Con controllers. In a recent roundtable interview, design lead Tetsuya Sasaki highlighted how the wireless connection between the Switch 2 and its controllers is an improvement over the original Switch.The new Joy-Con 2 controllers for the Nintendo Switch 2 have really been designed from the ground up, from scratch, to have bigger movement and smoother movement, explained Sasaki.He also suggested the Switch 2 has bigger wireless antennas, adding, The bigger the antenna, the better the connection. And as weve been able to do that, I think youll find the connection is improved. Aside from new Joy-Cons, the Switch 2 is getting a new Pro Controller and a webcam accessory (Nintendo)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.ArrowMORE: How to pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2 in the UKGameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy