Nintendo releases slightly refreshed Switch with improved battery life

After launching Switch Lite last week, Nintendo has now updated the standard Switch model. The new model features minor changes and the only difference is improved battery life.

The new Nintendo Switch uses an updated SoC, likely the same one found on the Switch Lite. Codenamed Mariko, this is a variation of the Tegra X1 chipset used in the original Switch (codenamed Logan) and is assumed to be a 16nm refresh from the original 20nm. This shrink in the fabrication process reduces the size and thus the power consumption of the processor albeit at no extra performance.

Another change attributed to the reduced power consumption is the change in the NAND flash memory, which is said to be more efficient. This is one of the two changes that showed up recently in the FCC filings.

What this results in is an almost doubling of battery life. While the previous console promised 2.5 to 6.6 hours of battery life (depending upon the game), the new console promises 4.5 to 9 hours of battery life.

Nintendo has already listed the new models on its website without any official announcement. The new models have the model number HAC-001(-01), which differentiate it from the HAC-001 of the older models. Also, the new models feature packaging that is more prominently red but apart from that don't allude to any difference. Nintendo's product description on the website does mention the battery life so that can be another way to tell the new models apart.

According to the website, the new models will be available some time in mid-August. The prices remain identical to the outgoing model at $299.99.

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