Nintendo Today app shows how Switch 2 battery life could benefit from a stop charging feature

Battery life is always a concern with a gaming handheld, especially with a system that promises improved performance. The Switch 2 specs reveal that the console will use a 5220 mAh lithium-ion battery. With a promised 2-6.5 hours of playtime, demanding games could quickly diminish its capacity. However, a Nintendo Today app video revealed a feature that could preserve Switch 2 battery health.

The Nintendo Today clip shows a user enabling a "Stop charging around 90%" setting. Then, connected to a USB-C cable, viewers see the console's battery indicator rise slowly until it stops at 88%. Lithium-ion batteries degrade faster at a full charge due to excessive electrochemical activity. To avoid degradation, it's recommended to keep rechargeable devices at 80% capacity or below. Smartphones employ the same safety measures showcased in the Switch 2 video.

Many gamers with original 2017 Switch consoles experienced worsening battery performance. Eventually, it became annoying enough for owners to send in the consoles for servicing. If the first Switch had the same battery-preserving setting, it likely would have cut down on replacements. Otherwise, few gamers want to monitor their handhelds to stop charging at a certain level.

Unfortunately, the measure won't extend the Switch 2 battery life out of the box. Compared to its predecessor, games should have more varied performance. With a 1080p screen and up to a 120Hz refresh rate, some titles will drain the Switch 2 battery faster than others. Steam Deck owners contend with the same reality: demanding games can require recharging in under two hours.

Limited-time hands-on demos make it difficult for testers to estimate Switch 2 playtime. In any case, gamers will have a new safeguard to maintain battery health.