How to Find a New Nintendo Switch With Extended Battery Life and Avoid Accidentally Buying an Old One
New models of the Nintendo Switch console are now available on store shelves in select regions and will soon be available in other markets. Unlike the more compact Switch Lite focused on portability, the updated Nintendo Switch is identical in functionality to the models that have been available since the console debuted in March 2016; this is not a new console.
All Nintendo Switch models run the same games (including the Switch Lite), but the “new” Switch just has a slightly more efficient chipset and increased battery life from 4.5 hours to nine hours, unlike the original version, which was 2.5-6.5 hours. – and both versions of the console are available for the same $ 299.99 price tag.
If you are happy with your current switch, there is no need to update as the changes are minimal. However, if you haven’t purchased one yet (or are determined to have the very best hardware), you should put extra effort into finding a new model.
Various boxes
The easiest way to find one of the new Switch models is to head to your nearest dealer and find the console in person. This is due to the fact that the new switch has a markedly different packaging compared to the older models.
Switches with extended battery life have completely red frame and, notably, are not related to product photography. In comparison, the older versions have a red and gray body and a human hand holding the console. Here is a side-by-side comparison of packages:
Serial codes and model numbers
Shopping online is a little trickier as you can’t check the physical packaging yourself and because only a few retailers differentiate between the two models. For example, Amazon , B&H, and Best Buy have separate listings for models with longer battery life. Other stores may not make the difference as both models are essentially the same console, but there are still ways to test the extended battery life models.
Switches with extended battery will have serial numbers starting with “XKW” and the following model numbers:
- HADSKABAA for blocks with blue / red joikons.
- HADSKAAAA for gray Joycon blocks.
- or HAC-001 (-01)
The model number for older switches is HAC-001 – note that the suffix (-01) is missing, which is only present on extended battery life models.