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What Is the Nintendo Switch Battery?

Definition: The Nintendo Switch battery is the rechargeable lithium-ion pack inside the console that powers it in handheld and tabletop mode. It is charged through the USB-C charging port or the dock. Like every lithium-ion battery it wears with use: Nintendo states that after around 800 charges the battery holds about 80% of its original capacity. A worn battery shows up as shorter playtime, sudden shutdowns or, in the worst case, swelling.

Why it matters for Nintendo Switch repair

The battery is the part of the Switch that wears out with normal use, even if the console has never been dropped. A Switch that once lasted a full afternoon in handheld mode may only last an hour or two after a few years of daily charging. Battery wear is not a manufacturing defect, so it is not covered by Nintendo’s warranty.

Battery life by Switch model

Nintendo’s own figures for a new console (actual playtime depends on the game and screen brightness):

  • Original Switch (HAC-001, 2017) — about 2.5 to 6.5 hours.
  • Revised Switch (HAC-001(-01), 2019) — about 4.5 to 9 hours. Same battery size as the original, but a more power-efficient processor.
  • Switch Lite (HDH-001) — about 3 to 7 hours. The Lite uses its own, smaller battery.
  • Switch OLED (HEG-001) — about 4.5 to 9 hours.

Not sure which model you have? The model number is printed on the back of the console. See OLED screen for how to tell the models apart.

Signs the battery is wearing out

  • Short playtime — the console drains far faster than the figures above, even after a full charge.
  • Sudden shutdowns — the Switch turns off at 20–30% or the percentage jumps around.
  • Swelling — the back cover bulges, the kickstand no longer sits flat or the screen starts to lift. Stop charging a swollen battery and do not put the console in the dock.

Battery or charging port?

A Switch that will not charge at all is not always a battery problem. A damaged charging port or a power chip damaged by a third-party dock looks the same from the outside. If the console shows no charging icon with a known-good Nintendo charger, start with our Switch won’t charge guide.

People Also Ask

How long does a Nintendo Switch battery last before it needs replacing? +

Nintendo states the battery keeps about 80% of its capacity after around 800 charges. For someone who charges once a day, that is roughly two to three years. The battery does not stop working at that point, but playtime keeps getting shorter.

Why does a Nintendo Switch battery swell? +

Lithium-ion cells release gas as they age, especially when kept hot and fully charged, for example left in the dock for months. The gas inflates the cell and pushes on the back cover or the screen. A swollen battery is a safety risk and should be replaced, not charged.

Do the Switch, Switch Lite and Switch OLED use the same battery? +

No. The Switch Lite has its own smaller battery. The original Switch, the revised Switch and the Switch OLED use a battery of the same capacity, but the replacement part must still match your model.

How can I make my Switch battery last longer? +

Lower the screen brightness, turn on Airplane Mode for offline games and avoid leaving the console in a hot car or in direct sun. If you store the Switch for a long time, Nintendo recommends charging it at least once every six months.

Battery replacement at BreakFixNow costs S$50–60 and takes 30–60 minutes. See Nintendo Switch battery replacement for details.

Switch battery draining fast or swelling? BreakFixNow replaces Nintendo Switch batteries in 30–60 minutes with a 90-day warranty. Walk in — no appointment needed.

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