Switch Lite's Battery Life Will Last 3 - 7 Hours, Depending On What You Play

I think this isn't an improvement on the battery itself. It is probably due to decreased screen and reduced functions.

@EchoNemesis Yeah, and a more efficient processor. Still nice to have more playtime!

@EchoNemesis this. Plus the original Switch used to get charged while playing in docked mode. Switch still remains the best QoL based hardware I've ever seen. Only if Nintendo produced better quality joycons.

I have a battery brick that let's me play for 12-15 hours without recharging if I really want to. But considering that this device does not work with TV and does not have to charge joycons, I expected a more significant batter improvement.

Not sure why you had to say this again but whatever. This was in the guide.

I was really hoping for more efficient hardware but it sounds about the same.

Seriously, you guys have to stop making 8 articles out of one. If i read about switch lite on kotaku, all information is in one article. I really shouldnt fall for this clickbait anymore.

Switch games with a lot of energy drainer :
1. Zelda BOTW
2. Yonder the Cloud Catcher Chronicles
3. FF XII TZA
4. LEGO City Undercover
5. FF X/X-2

I honestly think a 3 to 7 hour battery life range is the very definition of unhelpful. An article such as this would make sense AFTER the device is in the reviewer's hands, and they can actually stress test the system on varying loads. Then, at least, we would have some anecdotal evidence attached to the various numbers as claimed.

@OptometristLime

That’s totally true. I made an account just to say this ha, but for my switch in handheld it seems like the Build a Bridge eshop game that was recently on sale drains the battery more than playing Smash Ultimate.

@TooManyDonts nice, welcome to the site! It would be nice if Nintendo itself could compile some data on which games (or to stay impartial, the more costly system features) that would tend to erode charge the fastest.

For a system thats dedicated for handheld gameplay only I am dissapointed with the battery life, whould have loved to see a minimum of 5hours then I whould have get it, but with how it is now I will skip it.
But I can see this is something the casual gamer (kids) is waiting for

Should also mention how Nintendo also list the estimation of battery life playing BotW. It is approximately 3 hours on Switch, and that approximation improved to 4 hours on Switch Lite. This is a realistic scenario they listed and that improvement is around 30%! Hopefully their estimation is correct, because that is quite a significant improvement.

I’m curious if this is from the processor. If so that probably means they cut costs by having a smaller battery and simplified cooling system (on top of the other stuff, just saying this battery life should be a lot better if it had the same sized battery with a shrunken processor).

Which then makes me wonder when this processor will become available on the standard switch with hopefully enhanced capabilities (remember this will have the hack fix almost for sure so Nintendo will have major incentives to get them in all switches ASAP).

The more I hear about this the more disappointing it seems, d-pad is the only thing I like about it.

Decreased screen size = slightly longer playtime. The battery itself in the lite is actually less powerful than in the original Switch.

@BANJO,

We don't know that...it's a good bet the Switch lite screen will be much brighter as it's optimized for handheld play..in the video you see the guy going outside and shielding his eyes from the sun.

@Andigaming It's disappointing to you cause it's not made for you. You are not the target audience, for now you either stick with the original or just wait for the Pro model which is rumor to launch some time next year.

@retro_player_22 Even for the target audience it doesn't really offer that much to justify a new model release... It just seems like a removal of features for a small price drop.

As a handheld only console it should at least offer a reasonable difference in batttery life compared to the over 2 year old original console.

Plus by the time the Pro comes out next-gen will be here or very close to release, will be bad timing.

wow that's really short. I play sometimes like 4 hours straight a game. and I like playing demanding games.. so I have to charge all the time. Well it's same with my mobile too. Do something intensive things it will be low very quick. Hopefully they will bring out new battery life into this world so we can enjoy at least 14 hours gameplay even with the demanding ones

@Andigaming i agree completely

@EchoNemesis Not to mention the reason the improvement is so small may be the fact that they had to decrease the size of it as well

such a shame theres barely an improvement to the battery life, still just a budget product i suppose. maybe a power bank could work better with this being a dedicated handheld

If there's HD rumble, the battery life will be the same.

Seems like a win-win situation to me. Those who bought the original Switch won't be burned, as the device is still the superior option. Those who can't afford the full model, or maybe just prefer portable play, now have a cheaper option. Those who complain about the switch being too big as a portable can now buy a smaller model that may work for them.

Smart move on Nintendo's part if you ask me.

Shocking fail!

Considering the screen is 3/4 in smaller that half hour extra time is given with less screen to light up.

What the dumb, I hate the argument "it's not for you, so shut your penniless mouth" go ahead and run that by the marketing team. They wouldn't have green lit a concept that not only misses but alienates a number of key demographics. It's fair to say that there are pros and cons to the Switch Lite configuration just like there is going to be with any device. Only (allowing for) vociferous praise is not likely to mend any bridges with customers who are on the fence, either.