Nintendo Switch 2 Rumours: Improved Battery Life and Performance Details

Nintendo's next console, tentatively dubbed the Switch 2 by enthusiasts, is rumoured to come with significant changes aimed at enhancing its battery life. These speculations stem from a conversation on the Broken Silicon podcast between YouTube channel Moore’s Law Is Dead and content creator The Phawx.

Moore’s Law Is Dead hinted at Xbox Series S-level ray-tracing capabilities for the new console. They suggested that the Switch 2 would be "clocked faster than we expect" in docked mode but "undocked it’s going to be clocked crazy low." The primary goal of this approach seems to be to extend battery life, addressing a common complaint among Nintendo fans regarding the original Switch.

The Phawx elaborated on this potential strategy, speculating that Nintendo aims for both extended battery life and a quieter console with a low RPM fan. Given the Switch's popularity among younger audiences, the company might be designing the Switch 2 to withstand being left around without overheating easily.

For gamers, this means that, similar to the original Switch, games will likely perform better in docked mode. While undocked performance might not be as impressive, players can enjoy Nintendo’s games for longer durations on the go.

The original Switch offered about 2.5 to 6 hours of battery life undocked, which was extended to up to 9 hours with the release of new models in 2019, with the OLED model offering a similar battery life.

In addition to battery improvements, rumours suggest other features for the Switch 2, such as magnetic versions of the Joy-Cons and backward compatibility with older controllers. If these rumours hold true, players can also expect to enjoy their existing physical and digital game libraries on the new console.

It's important to temper expectations until Nintendo officially reveals details about the Switch 2. For more on what to expect from Nintendo's next console, stay tuned for official announcements.