The Switch 2 is a new console from Nintendo that boasts a larger size, increased power, and a higher price tag compared to the original Switch. However, despite these improvements, there is one key downside to the Switch 2: its shorter battery life.
According to Nintendo, the battery life of the Switch 2 can vary depending on the game being played, but the company estimates that the console should last approximately between 2 to 6.5 hours. This is significantly shorter than the battery life of the current Switch models. For instance, the Switch OLED with a serial number starting with ‘XT’ is expected to last around 4.5 to 9 hours, while non-OLED Switch consoles with a serial number starting with ‘XK’ should last a similar amount of time. Even the original Switch, identified by a serial number starting with ‘XA,’ offers a minimum of 2.5 hours of battery life. It seems that the increased power of the Switch 2 comes at the cost of battery longevity.
Nintendo’s technical specifications also reveal other noteworthy details about the Switch 2. The console supports Wi-Fi 6, which should result in faster internet speeds when used in handheld mode. Additionally, Nintendo guarantees that the Switch 2 can support 120 frames per second when resolutions of 1920×1080 or 2560×1440 are selected, suggesting that HDMI 2.1 support may be lacking.
In terms of controllers, the Switch 2 retains support for Amiibo figures, but it does not include IR sensors in the left or right Joy-Con 2 controllers. This means that the motion controls reminiscent of the Wii era are no longer available on the Switch 2. However, motion controls can still be used on the console, albeit without the use of IR sensors. For example, in games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, «mouse control» is used to simulate the motion controls found in older titles.
While these changes may not drastically affect the decision to purchase the Switch 2, they do shed light on the compromises and choices made by Nintendo to create a superior version of the original Switch. The Switch 2 offers enhanced features and capabilities, but at the expense of certain functionalities found in its predecessors.
This article was originally published on Engadget.
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