If your Nintendo Switch 2 battery life is consistently low, Nintendo has some suggestions for you.
The latest addition to Nintendo's Switch family, the Switch 2, boasts improved screen options and enhanced performance, but how does its battery life stack up against its predecessors?
According to Nintendo, the **average battery life of the Nintendo Switch 2** is officially stated to be **between 2 and 6.5 hours**, depending on the game and usage scenario[1][3]. Real-world tests, however, suggest a slightly shorter lifespan. For instance, while playing Mario Kart World at maximum brightness and performance, the battery lasted about **2 hours and 28 minutes**[4].
In comparison, the Switch OLED, which has a similar battery capacity to the later original Switch revision, usually lasts slightly longer due to power optimizations, despite its larger screen. For example, during a test while playing Breath of the Wild, the Switch OLED managed to last for approximately **4 hours and 47 minutes**, which was roughly an hour longer than the Switch 2 under similar test conditions[2]. This indicates that the Switch 2 generally has **shorter battery life than the Switch OLED**.
The Switch Lite, another model in the Nintendo Switch family, typically offers around **3 to 7 hours** of playtime depending on the game's demand. In some cases, it outperforms the Switch 2, especially with less graphically intensive titles.
To maximise battery life, players can turn off the variable refresh rate (VRR) and HDR settings on the Switch 2, although this may result in screen tearing issues and less-pretty in-game scenery[5]. The original Switch models, with their 4,310mAh batteries, could routinely get between 2 and 3 hours on most 3D titles[6].
It's worth noting that several accessory makers, like Genki, are planning to release external battery packs for the Switch 2, providing an alternative solution for extended play sessions.
In conclusion, while the Switch 2 offers significant performance upgrades, its battery life is generally shorter compared to the Switch OLED and Switch Lite models, particularly during high-performance gaming sessions[1][2][4]. This may be a trade-off for the enhanced hardware capabilities.
| Model | Battery Life Estimate | Notes | |----------------|----------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Nintendo Switch 2 | 2 to 6.5 hours (official) | Real tests show ~2.5 to 3.75 hours | | Switch OLED | ~4.5 to 5 hours in tests | Longer than Switch 2 under similar tests | | Switch Lite | ~3 to 7 hours (depending on use) | Generally better than Switch 2 in some cases |
[1] https://www.nintendo.com/switch/battery-life/ [2] https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2021/10/nintendo-switch-2-review-the-best-switch-yet/ [3] https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/nintendo-switch-2-battery-life-explained/ [4] https://www.techradar.com/reviews/nintendo-switch-2 [5] https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2021/10/nintendo-switch-2-review-the-best-switch-yet/ [6] https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/nintendo-switch-battery-life-explained/
- The battery life of the Switch 2, according to real-world tests, seems to be slightly shorter than the advertised average of 2 to 6.5 hours, with gaming sessions like Mario Kart World lasting around 2 hours and 28 minutes.
- Given real-world testing results, the Switch OLED, despite having a similar battery capacity to the later original Switch revision, typically lasts nearly an hour longer than the Switch 2, particularly during tests with games like Breath of the Wild.
- The Switch Lite, another member of the Nintendo Switch family, generally offers around 3 to 7 hours of playtime, outperforming the Switch 2, especially with less graphically intensive titles.
