Big battery improvements, slight improvements elsewhere.
Nintendo's updated version of the Switch, or the Switch V2 as some retailers refer to it, first showed up on store shelves in August 2019. I was eager to see how it compared to the original model, so I went out and bought a Switch V2 as soon as possible. I've been using it for months and I've gotten a good understanding of how it differs from the original model, which I also own.
You basically can't tell the difference between the original Nintendo Switch model and the Nintendo Switch V2 when placed side-by-side unless you look at their model numbers. Not only do they look virtually identical to each other but operationally, they function very similarly with only a few differences.
The biggest difference is that the new model lets you play up to nine hours, a vast improvement from the original's ability to only reach up to six and a half hours. Curious to know what other differences there are between the new Switch versus the original? Here's what I found.
Portable gaming
Nintendo Switch
$298 at Amazon $299 at Walmart
Play just about anywhere
The Nintendo Switch allows you to play your favorite games on TV, in handheld mode, or tabletop mode. There are thousands of games for you to play, ranging anywhere from kid-friendly multiplayer to intense action RPGs. Take it with you and play it on-the-go.
- The new Switch vs original Switch
- Are the screens different?
- How long does the battery actually last?
- Are the Joy-Cons different?
- Are there still controller drift issues?
- Should I get the new Switch or the Switch Lite?
- How to make sure you buy the new model
- How to avoid scams
Is the new model designed differently from the original?
(Left) New 2019 Switch model. (Right) Original Switch model.
Upon opening the box, the only immediate difference I discovered, aside from the new model number, was the fresh look of the Joy-Cons and main console. I've used my original Switch for hundreds if not thousands of hours, so it looked a little worn down in comparison.
If you remove the shell around the main console and compare the interior with the original Switch, there are some slight changes, but it's the same for the most part. The biggest changes take place with the system-on-chip (SoC) and the NAND memory or flash storage. However, I haven't noticed a significant difference in loading times or gameplay while using the new Switch versus the original one.
New Switch vs original Are the screens different?
Original Switch on top, new Switch below.
The new Switch V2's screen is slightly brighter and gives off more of a warm color than the original's screen.
Sometime last year, we learned that Sharp is working with Nintendo to produce new Switch panels, I was curious to see if the screen on the new Switch included any of Sharp's technology. To start off, I placed my original console and the Switch V2 side by side and brought up and compared the same eShop screens on both devices.
From what I can see, the new Switch V2's screen is slightly brighter and gives off more of a warm color than the original's screen. It's really not that noticeable, though. Otherwise, the resolution between the two devices appears to be the same. So, unless you're comparing the two screens side-by-side you probably won't notice a huge difference.
The one major difference is that the new Nintendo Switch's screen is definitely polarized differently. This makes it harder to play the screen outside while wearing sunglasses, but that's about it. Going back to Sharp's new panels, when I opened the console up, I didn't find a Sharp logo anywhere. I'm pretty confident in saying that Sharp's upgraded panels are for a future device and not this one, but I don't know for sure.
As far as my gaming experience went, the games loaded about the same on either Switch. Honestly, the only big difference I noticed was how much longer I could play the new model and that it's harder to view the new Switch screen outside while wearing sunglasses.
New Switch vs original How long does the battery actually last?
Nintendo's website states that the original Switch lasts approximately 2.5-6.5 hours while the new Switch with longer battery lasts about 4.5-9 hours on one charge. The Japanese gaming company further clarifies that while playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, one of the Switch's most battery draining games, the original Switch lasts about three hours, whereas the new Switch lasts about five an d a half hours.
I wanted to see just how accurate Nintendo's claims were, so I grabbed both my original Switch and the new model and then played one after the other in handheld mode. I set them to the same brightness settings and turned on airplane mode on either device. True to Nintendo's claim, I was able to play Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for roughly three hours on my original Switch and almost exactly five and a half hours on the shiny new model. I'll tell you, those extra two and a half hours of playtime with the new Switch allowed me to do quite a bit more towards saving Hyrule before the battery called it quits.
New Switch vs original Are the Joy-Cons different?
The antenna has been moved to a new location, which should prevent connectivity issues experienced with older models.
If you remove the shell from the new model's Joy-Cons and look inside, you'll see a few changes. For one thing, the antenna has been moved to a new location, this prevents connectivity issues experienced with older Joy-Con models. I'm really happy about this change, considering that my original Switch's left Joy-Con disconnects all the time (usually at the worst possible moments like when I'm fighting a boss). However, since getting the new Switch, I've never once had a connectivity issue with the new controllers.
I happen to have both a set of original Gray Joy-Cons and a set of the original Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Cons. I compared them to the new Gray Joy-Cons. All of the left Joy-Cons have the same model number of HAC-015, while the right Joy-Cons all say HAC-016. However, there is a second number that changes between each of the three Joy-Con sets.
With the original Neon Red and Neon Blue set, the left controller reads HAC-A-JCL-C2 while the right one reads HAC-A-JCR-C2. My original grey Joy-Cons ready HAC-A-JCL-C1 and HAC-A-JCR-C1, respectively. And finally, the new set of Joy-Cons reads HAC-A-JCL-C3 and HAC-A-JCR-C3.
I'm honestly not entirely sure what these numbers refer to, but it does seem to denote that there are differences within the three versions, whether that be internal or external.
Do the Switch V2's Joy-Cons still have controller drift issues?
Unfortunately, there have been reported cases of controller drift with the new Switch V2. It makes sense, given that when I opened up the new Joy-Cons and looked around, the joysticks themselves didn't seem to be much different from the originals. On that note, there have also been reports of joystick drift for the Nintendo Switch Lite as well, which doesn't have removable Joy-Cons. If you experience drift issues on the smaller Switch, you'll have to send in your entire gaming system to Nintendo for a repair instead of simply sending in a Joy-Con.
If you're wanting a Nintendo Switch, but are warry about Joy-Con drift issues, I suggest purchasing Nintendo's official Pro Controller or if you want something cheaper, a third-party controller that supports motion controls like the Tutuo Joy-Pad Wireless Controllers. Rampant joystick drift isn't common on these knock off gamepads.
Should I get the new Switch V2 or the Switch Lite?
I have a few different feelings about this. First of all, if you haven't bought a Switch yet, go for the larger console. The Switch Lite's bright colors and smaller price tag are definitely appealing, but you'll get more use out of the larger Switch. Plus, you'll be able to play more Switch games and won't have to worry about missing out on the best Nintendo Switch games. The improved battery life and hybrid abilities genuinely make the new Switch V2 worth buying.
Now, if you already own the original Switch and you like the idea of improved battery life, consider investing in a portable battery rather than purchasing the new Switch. You'll be able to play your gaming system longer on the go without dishing out another $300. Of course, if you're experiencing severe connectivity issues with your Joy-Cons, getting the new Joy-Cons, could help you out in that regard.
How do I buy the new Switch model and not the old one?
Back when the new Switch V2 released, I almost didn't realize it was on store shelves. True to Nintendo style, the packaging design for the upgraded model is only subtly different from the original packaging. There's nothing to make it obvious that it contains a newer version of Nintendo's hardware.
You'll be looking for a Nintendo Switch box that features a red background. Additionally, when holding the Switch in your hands, if you check the model number on the back of the Switch, the new model number should read HAC-001 (-01), rather than the original's number of simply HAC-001. Just be warned that with some retailers, it's ridiculously difficult to tell if you're purchasing the new or old Switch when shopping online. However, the links below do go to the new Switch V2.
Tips for how to avoid Nintendo Switch scams
Unfortunately, the increased demand for indoor entertainment due to the pandemic has lead to a serious shortage of Nintendo Switch consoles worldwide. A large number of scammers and price scalpers have flared up like a bad infection. Here are some tips to keep your wallet safe and avoid getting scammed:
- Only purchase from trusted sellers: To protect yourself from the thousands of scams, I suggest only purchasing from Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, or other trusted sellers.
- The Nintendo Switch sells for $300: The MSRP for the Nintendo Switch is roughly $300. You'll know someone is a gouger if they're selling for more than that.
- If a Switch price is too good to be true, don't buy it: If you see a Nintendo Switch selling from a third-party seller for a much lower price than $300, it's a scam. These devices are in too high of a demand for any trusted seller to sell below that price. You'll only end up losing money and not getting anything in return.
- Use Stock Informer to get notified of in stock Switch consoles: If you're having a really hard time finding the Nintendo Switch in stock, I recommend using Stock Informer. This service sends stock alert notifications so you can purchase from a trusted seller.
Updated January 2021: Tweaked a few sections.
Portable gaming
Nintendo Switch
$298 at Amazon $299 at Walmart
Play just about anywhere
The Nintendo Switch allows you to play your favorite games on TV, in handheld mode, or tabletop mode. There are thousands of games for you to play, ranging anywhere from kid-friendly multiplayer to intense action RPGs. Take it with you and play it on-the-go.
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