How Long Does It Take To Charge A Nintendo Switch?

The Nintendo Switch is a great hybrid and portable video game console, consisting of a console unit, a dock, and two Joy-Con controllers, which rely on a lithium Ion battery to keep it running. In this article, we will look in detail at the charging aspects of the console, including the different types of the console and their duration with power.

Released in 2017, it has gained a lot of fame thanks to its features and the games that have been made especially for it. One of the great features of the Switch is that it has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity as well as storage expansion, something every device in this decade needs to have.

Also, the Joy-Cons for the Switch are fantastic, as they are also detachable. You can also add accessories such as headsets, connectivity to TV, Joy-Con straps, and play stands, among others. These will surely take up some battery charge, So let's find out how long it takes to charge a Nintendo Switch.

Table Of Contents

Methods of Charging a Nintendo Switch

First, let us examine the different methods of feeding your console with power for its functionality. The Battery is usually inside the case and can be replaced if it fails or goes wrong. Here are a few methods; You can Insert the console into the Nintendo Switch dock Also, by connecting an A.C. adapter directly to the console.

Moreover, using a Nintendo Switch adjustable charging stand (sold separately) To effectively charge your device in console mode, insert the original Nintendo Switch dock inside the machine and let it remain connected to the T.V. You should be able to see the charging icon over the T.V. When your console has reached 100% charge, the battery icon will change to and display the full battery logo at the top. You can get back on wild gaming.

How Long Does It Take To Charge A Nintendo Switch?

The time it takes to charge a Nintendo Switch entirely depends on several factors, such as whether you're playing a game or not, whether you're using an official Nintendo charger or not, whether the console was utterly zero on charge or not, whether battery health, age, and more.

These factors drastically determine the expected time it takes for a full charge. However, according to studies and the manufacturer, it takes approximately 3 hours to fully charge a Nintendo Switch in sleep mode using the included A.C. adapter. The setting time will be longer if the console is in use.

Essential details about how long it takes to charge a Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch has a 4310 mAh lithium-ion battery.

When completely dead, it takes about 3 hours to fully charge the Switch when docked in the official dock using the included A.C. adapter.

When charging in handheld mode with the included USB-C cable and A.C. adapter, a full charge from empty takes about 3.5 hours. Using a higher-wattage USB-C PD power adapter can charge the Switch faster.

With an 18W adapter, it takes about 2.5 hours; with a 30W adapter, it takes around 2 hours for a full charge from dead. Charging it while you play or during sleep mode will take longer. Complete charging while playing could take over 5 hours.

The Switch can last 2.5 - 6.5 hours playing a demanding game like Zelda Breath of the Wild. With less intensive games, it can last over 8 hours. If you charge the Switch from any P.C. via the USB port, it could take around 5 hours or so to charge the Switch up. This goes for all the Switch, OLED, regular, and Lite variants. Also, you will get the times mentioned by Nintendo only if you use the original chargers and cables.

Other third-party ones either charge the devices slower or may end up not even charging the device at all. To fully recharge a fully depleted Nintendo Switch battery, expect a general time of around 2-3.5 hours using the included charger or a higher-wattage USB-C PD adapter.

The time varies based on whether the Switch is docked, handheld, or used during charging. When charging your Nintendo Switch from dead to 1%, expect to wait 10-15 minutes for your Switch to come back to life. It's better not to let the Switch battery get this low because it can reduce its lifetime.

To keep battery health reasonable, running your Switch down to dead or constantly up to 100% is never good. It is crucial to note that, As with most lithium-ion batteries, the console battery life will gradually decrease over time with usage.

After about 800 charge cycles, the console battery life will reduce to about 80% compared to the Battery on a new console. This is normal and does not represent an issue with the console or Battery.

Battery Duration On Nintendo Switch

Once fully charged, the battery duration for the console will vary depending on the model and the software application and functions being used. For the Nintendo Switch, model number HAC-001 [product serial number begins with "XAW"], the battery life is approximately 2.5 to 6.5 hours. For the Nintendo Switch, model number HAC-001(-01) [product serial number begins with "XKW"], the battery life is approximately 4.5 to 9 hours.

For the Nintendo Switch Lite, model number HDH-001, the battery life is approximately 3 to 7 hours. For the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model, model number HEG-001 [product serial number begins with "XTW"], the battery life is approximately 4.5 to 9 hours. To check your Switch’s serial number, boot it up and select System Settings on the Home screen. From there, scroll down the menu on the left side of the screen until you see the System option. Select that, then select Serial Numbers.

Nintendo Switch Battery Maintenance and Care

The Nintendo Switch uses a lithium-ion, which is widely used and has well-known characteristics among users; therefore, it is essential to take care of the Battery. Here are the vital maintenance tips for the lithium-ion Battery;

Keep The Unit and Battery at Room Temperature

Keeping the unit between 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius ) and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 Celsius) is best. This phenomenon, therefore, means no extreme temperature, such as a hot car during the summer or outside during the winter. Heat is the most significant 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. The Battery should use partial-discharge cycles. It means charging the Battery when it hits 20-30 percent is the best option. Experts state that after 30 charges, let it drain entirely but not constantly.

Extended Storage

If you plan to store the Switch, it is good to discharge the Battery to about 40 percent and keep it in a cool place. Storing a fully charged lithium-ion battery is not best, as a high charge has the most elevated oxidation, which can slowly break things down.

Frequently Asked Question(FAQs)

Q. 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 devalue by 80 percent after 800 charge cycles.

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

When the Battery is drained and has 1 percent left, it will warn the user. With a 1 percent charge, the Switch will have roughly 7-9 minutes of playtime left. The time will vary depending on the game played at that time, screen brightness, battery age, and so on.

Q. Can a Nintendo Switch Battery be Replaced?

Yes, the Battery can be replaced with some minimal skills. Several screws will need to be removed along with the case. Many YouTube videos are showing the steps to replace the Battery.

Q. Can I play the Switch while charging?

Yes, it is safe to play the Nintendo Switch while charging(hence, it sets while in TT.V.mode).

Q. Will A Dead Switch show charging?

Usually, the screen will still light up with a battery indicator, letting you know it needs charging, but if it's seriously empty, it won't have the charge to do that. Charge it with the official Nintendo Switch Power Adapter with the console and leave it for at least an hour.

Final Thoughts

The Nintendo Switch is an excellent device with a Lithium-ion battery, making the unit highly portable. Lithium Ion batteries have known characteristics that can last longer with the proper care and maintenance. With respect, the team should stay a long while. Problems with the Battery can happen, especially as it ages and has many charge cycles. The heat can cause Lithium Ion to break and drastically shorten its life span quickly. If the Battery goes terrible, it can be replaced with many DIY YouTube videos.