The new Switch model with longer battery life is available now

You heard right; a new longer-lasting Switch is now available and at the same price as the original

Nintendo has given us a lot of surprises this summer, first with the announcement of a Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild sequel, then with the Nintendo Switch Lite, and then the gaming company announced a new Switch. We’ve got our hands on this new model and have gathered everything there is to know about it. Without further ado, here’s everything you might want to know about the new Switch model.

When did it release?

The new model quietly began popping up on store shelves in early August and is available right now for purchase. However, whether or not you can get your hands on, it will depend on your local store availability and what’s offered online.

How much does it cost?

Surprisingly, it costs the same as the original Switch did when it first launched – $300. Considering that this new device offers up to 50% more battery life, we would have assumed Nintendo would have charged more for it. Thankfully, that’s not the case.

How to tell if you’re buying the new Switch or the old one

The new Nintendo Switch model has slightly different packaging from the original. The words aren’t any different, but the new console’s packaging features new images on the front and back. The easiest way to tell the difference is by knowing that the new Switch has a red background on the front and back of the box instead of the white background found on the original. When in a brick and mortar store, it will be pretty easy to spot the red box. However, when ordering online, it might not be as easy.

So far, online companies aren’t making it obvious about whether you’re ordering the new version or the old one. Just know that if you make an online order and the box you receive looks more like the one on the left in the picture above, you’ll want to return it.

If you want to tell which model version you have when the box isn’t handy, you’ll need to flip the system over and look on the backside. Just below the Nintendo Switch logo, you’ll find the model number. The new Switch’s model number is HAC-001 (-01), whereas the original Switch’s model number is simply HAC-001.

How long is the battery life?

This new model can play up to 50% longer than the original unit. To be more specific, the new model can run between 4.5 to 9 hours before needing a recharge compared to the original’s battery life only lasting 2.5 to 6.5 hours. It’s a major improvement that makes the hybrid console even more convenient to use during vacations, bus rides, or road trips.

Are there any other differences between the original and new models?

Aside from the model number, you won’t be able to tell much of a difference between the original and the new Switch model simply by looking at them. However, some of the interior components have been switched around. The biggest differences being that the SoC, Nand Memory, and CPU Board have been updated.

What are you most excited about?

Are you going to purchase the new Nintendo Switch model? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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