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The Nintendo Switch 2 will include an optional mode to preserve battery health by only charging the device to 90% while it's docked or plugged into a charging cable.
According to a post on the Nintendo Today! news app (via Engadget), the console will then maintain its charge at 90% until it returns to battery power. It's a feature we saw Apple debut back on the iPhone 15 in 2023 as a way of keeping the device's lithium-ion battery healthier for longer.
This capped charging approach offsets the battery degradation that occurs when devices are kept in a fully-charged state.
This capped charging approach offsets the battery degradation that occurs when devices are kept in a fully-charged state. On the iPhone (and Apple Watch), users can charge to 80% and then decide to add the additional 20% if they want to by tapping the screen.
Nintendo appears to be taking a different approach by letting gamers put the Switch 2 into a dedicated capped charging mode via the system settings.
A toggle that reads "Stop Charging Around 90%" can be switched on or off depending on whether you want to sacrifice 10% of gameplay time for a healthier battery long-term.
Nintendo Switch 2 battery life
If you've landed a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order and are lucky enough to be getting one at launch, keeping the battery in good condition should be a top priority.
Although the Switch 2 is an upgrade over its predecessor in many ways, the battery life could actually be worse. Nintendo has noted that battery life for the console will run between 2 and 6.5 hours on a full charge. The company notes, “battery life will depend on the games you play and usage conditions.”
The original Nintendo Switch could manage between 4.5 to 9 hours in either the base or Switch OLED configurations. Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch Lite runs for 3 to 7 hours per Nintendo’s estimates.
That upgrade to a bigger screen and more processing power for the Switch 2 has come at a cost to its longevity away from the mains. Given that fact, owners will want to do everything they can to make sure the device's battery lasts as long as possible.
More from Tom's Guide
- Should you buy a Nintendo Switch 2 at launch — our experts give the arguments for and against
- New Nintendo Switch 2 leak suggests Game-Key Cartridges might be preferred by publishers
- Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders live: latest stock updates and retailers to check now
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