Nintendo Switch hardware revision improves battery life

July 18, 2019

Nintendo has revealed that they will be revising the hardware of the regular Nintendo Switch console.

Available from mid-August, the revised Nintendo Switch hardware reportedly features improved battery life, lasting approximately 4.5 – 9 hours when operating in handheld mode. In comparison the old SKU has a battery life of approximately 2.5 – 6.5 hours and the recently announced Nintendo Switch Lite console will have a battery life of 3 – 7 hours.

The model number of the revised hardware is HAC-001(-01). However, Nintendo are making it super easy for consumers to identify which model their shiny new console is due to the new packaging that will be used. The new packaging does not feature a person’s hand on the boxart. We have included screenshots of the new packaging below.

Based on online reports, the revised Nintendo Switch console will likely have an updated “Mariko” version of the Tegra X1 chip. This chip not only closes security holes found in the original but also operates using less power, hence the revised hardware’s improved battery life.