Do Nintendo Switch batteries go bad

Nintendo seems to be asking Switch owners to perform a deep-drain and recharge cycle on the batteries housed within the portable gaming console. It appears the company isn’t sure exactly why some Switch owners have been complaining about rapidly draining batteries.

Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular portable gaming consoles. And the portability factor could be a weakness as it stems from a battery that's packed in a tight space. Apart from Switch Joy-Con drift, some owners, specifically those who have the newer models with OLED screens, have been complaining about excessive battery drain.

Although there’s no one specific reason, some Nintendo Switch owners discovered the device’s battery drained rapidly overnight. The issue is concerning because the consoles were supposed to be in Sleep Mode. Quite a few owners claimed their devices couldn’t offer decent battery life even during “normal” gameplay.

Nintendo has yet to offer any official explanation or even acknowledge any battery problems in the newer Nintendo Switch consoles. However, the company’s official customer service department has now suggested a series of steps that Switch owners can follow to get optimum battery life. The instructions are in Japanese.

Here are the steps Nintendo Switch owners (new and old models included) can follow to get optimum battery life:

• Go to System Settings > Sleep Mode and set Auto-Sleep (Playing on Console Screen) to Never.
• Keep the Switch undocked in portable mode, with no AC power connected.
• Start a game and leave it untouched. Users can keep the game on the Title or Main screen.
• Leave the Switch untouched with the screen running.
• Wait until the battery runs out. The Switch’s display will go dark as the system shuts down.
• After the battery has run out completely, connect the Switch to an AC power outlet to charge, and leave it for at least 4 hours.

It is important to note that OLED screens are prone to burn-in. Hence it is not advisable to leave the screen on for long. To prevent such issues, begin the aforementioned procedure when the battery level is already low. This will ensure the battery will run out quickly, and the screen won’t stay on for long.

It is amply clear that Nintendo is essentially asking Switch owners to “deep discharge” the device’s battery. Performing a full discharge and charge cycle with “trickle charge” ensures the battery goes from 0 to 100%. This can help Nintendo Switch's operating system to recalibrate the battery capacity and offer an accurate estimation of battery levels and screen-on time.

Nintendo Provides Important Advice For Keeping Switch Battery Working For Those Who Don’t Game Often | Happy Gamer
I posted this in the Nintendo Switch thread, but I am making a seperate thread so it reaches more people.
WARNING: to quote the article: "Currently, there’s no off-switch for the Switch console, compared to other devices. If left idle for a while, the console’s battery will completely be drained if it’s not left plugged in. Leaving it plugged in without playing it causes a “vampire” drain, which uses up electricity and could be seen as a waste for some.
Nintendo recommends charging the Nintendo Switch at least once every six months. This amounts to twice a year. Players will likely pick up their consoles more than twice a year, but for others, they may be too busy with other issues to play as often as they want.
Nintendo goes on to explain that letting the battery sit completely drained is bad for the console. If players disregard Nintendo’s advice, the battery may become unchargeable. After that, players will have to send in their consoles for repair, which may be costly or impossible.
The company also asks that players use the Nintendo Switch once in awhile to keep the console active. This can be as simple as turning it on to update the console every few months or scrolling through the eShop occasionally.
These simple steps a few times a year can keep the Nintendo Switch working properly."
The Switch has so many goddamn problems. So if you rarely touch your Switch, atleast scroll through the eshop or something, if you don't want the Switch to have a dead battery.

 

The results will vary and depend if the dock is used or wall charger as well as the health of the battery.

How Long Will the Nintendo Switch Battery Last During Game Play?

How long the battery last can vary on the model of the unit.

Different batteries have been used in the Switch and can be check by looking at the serial number.

• A Switch with a serial number that starts with “XK”, has a battery life of 4.5-9 hours.
• A Switch with a serial number that starts with “XA”, has a battery life of 2.5-6.5 hours.
• The Switch Lite has a battery life of 3-7 hours.

Besides the rated life of the battery the game being played will also need to be consider since some games require more resources to play.

What is the Nintendo Switch Battery Life?

The Nintendo Switch uses a lithium-ion battery that will slowly degrade after each charge.

It is currently rated to degrade by 80 percent after 800 charge cycles.

Besides, charge cycles temperature can also affect how long the battery will last.

It is well known that heat damages lithium-ion batteries and can greatly reduce the life span.

How Long Until Shutdown with Warning Flashing 1 Percent Charge Left?

When the battery is drained and has 1 percent left, it will begin warning the user.

With a 1 percent charge, the Switch will have roughly 7-9 minutes of playtime left.

This will, of course, vary on the game being played, screen brightness, battery age, and so on.

What To Do If the Battery Will Not Charge and Turn On

If the battery does not charge, there can be many issues, from a bad battery to a loose connection.

It is usually best not to use the dock and to charge the unit directly with the wall charger overnight.

If the unit does not charge, the battery may need replacing.

Nintendo Switch Battery Maintenance and Care

The Nintendo Switch uses a lithium-ion which is widely used and has well-known characteristics.

Basic care and maintenance will go a long way to extend your battery life.

Here are some basic maintenance tips for the Nintendo Switch and for any lithium-ion batteries.

• Keep The Unit and Battery at Room Temperature

It is best to keep the unit between 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius ) and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 Celsius).

This means no extreme temperature, such as a hot car during the summer or outside during the winter.

The heat is the biggest cause of failure in Nintendo switch batteries and reduces the life span.

• Don’t Constantly Completely Drain the Battery

Lithium-ion batteries do not like to be drained to a dead state as they do not have a charge memory.

It is best for the battery to use partial-discharge cycles.

This means charging the battery when it hits 20-30 percent is the best option.

Experts state that after 30 charges to let it drain completely but not constantly.

• Extended Storage

If you plan to store the Switch it is recommended to discharge the battery to about 40 percent and store it in a cool place.

Storing a fully charged lithium-ion battery is not best as a high charge has the highest oxidation, which can slowly break things down.

Can a Nintendo Switch Battery be Replaced?

Several screws will need to be removed along with the case.

There are many YouTube videos showing the steps to replace the battery.

Summary
The Nintendo Switch is a great device with a Lithium Ion battery built-in that makes the unit highly portable.

Lithium Ion batteries have known characteristics that can make them last longer with the right care and maintenance.

How do I know if my Nintendo Switch needs a new battery?

How long do Nintendo switches batteries last?

How do I check the health of my Nintendo battery Switch?

What happens when Switch battery dies?