So the portable version of the console has a very limited battery life ranging for 2 1/2 hours to 6 1/2 hours, all depending on game. I like a system with a long battery life and having such a broad window is a little risky. I mean the 3Ds has a short life of 3 hours but it is usually pretty on par with that or maybe a half hour over, but not a range as skewed. How do you feel about this battery life range on the Switch?
I'm surprised it has less battery life than the PS Vita which clocks out at about 5 hours. I imagine a lot of folks are gonna keep this in its dock due to the battery life and the extra performance boost. But, on the other hand, if it's being docked constantly I can only but assume that will impact battery life too if it's anything like being laptops constantly on ac power with the battery still attatched.
It's not surprising to me given what it's running, but I don't think it's too terribly bad for that either. It's totally comparable to the 3DS and I find it forgivable since this isn't just a portable console. Also I would not at all be surprised if Nintendo releases some manner of upgraded battery pack or some other method of increased battery life to extend the portable aspect some time in the future and make a buck while they do it.
I'm not so surprised, given the big differences in capability and screen size alone, as @[member="Dusty"] mentioned. Unfortunately, the Switch's power supply doesn't have much to grow with when battery technology hasn't really grown at the same speed as other technologies. 3hours on average isn't that bad at all. On top of that, I highly expect people to bring their AC adapters with them everywhere as many 3DS/PS vita players do.
I think that's a very decent battery life, to be honest. It still doesn't make the Switch a handy system to take along on trips because I don't see how you would charge it, but a battery life of 2,5-6,5 hours doesn't sound that bad to me.
Considering what it runs and what it's supposed to do, I'm not happy about it but I do think that they are giving it everything they have. It goes from home console to handheld and since this is a big leap this kinda thing is to be expected and to me it's a wonder that it can last that long. I do however expect that future systems will improve this but for now I am happy to take what I am getting. Just as long as there is a way to charge on the go that is.
Battery life doesn't worry me too much as long as I can continue to play with it plugged in (and that the plug obvious doesn't get too much in the way). This is what I do for all things anyway since I tend to play for marathon long sessions that would never match any of them on their own.
