Nintendo’s next console, dubbed the Switch 2 by fans, will feature some changes to potentially improve its battery life if new rumors are to be believed.
The latest details regarding how the Mario company might tackle its next console generation comes from a conversation between YouTube channel Moore’s Law Is Dead and content creator The Phawx on the Broken Silicon podcast. When explaining that they anticipate Xbox Series S-level ray-tracing functionality on the new tech, Moore’s Law Is Dead teased that they’ve heard that the Switch 2 will be “clocked faster than we expect” in docked mode but “undocked it’s going to be clocked crazy low.”
They add that the goal with this strategy is to give players longer battery life when playing on the go, one complaint more than a few Nintendo fans had with the original Switch. The Phawx expands on this potential strategy further, guessing that Nintendo is interested in both extended battery life as well as a low RPM fan.
Though Nintendo has its fair share of adult followers, the Switch has proven to be extremely popular among younger audiences, and we’ll likely see the same trend with the Switch 2. It’s because of this that Nintendo might be creating a device that doesn’t overheat too easily when kids leave the console lying around.
What this means for gaming fans is that, like the original Switch, games will look and run better when running in docked mode. Undocked, things might not be quite as impressive, but you’ll at least be able to enjoy Nintendo’s experiences for a longer amount of time.
For reference, in 2018, we noted that the original Switch offered about 2.5 to 6 hours of battery life undocked. That life was extended to up to 9 hours with the release of new models in 2019, with the OLED model lasting around the same amount of time before needing a recharge.
Details on the power of the Switch 2 aren’t the first rumors to spread about Nintendo’s new console. Other allegedly leaked details have suggested that the device will feature magnetic versions of the Joy-Cons and maybe even allow players to use their old controllers, too. If these recent rumors are to be believed, you’ll also be able to enjoy your physical and digital games on the Switch 2.
Keep in mind that it’s best to keep expectations at a minimum until Nintendo is ready to reveal official information on its next console. For more on what may eventually become the Switch 2, you can read everything else we know about the company’s next console.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.
Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.
Laura Adams is a tech enthusiast residing in the UK. Her articles cover the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets, providing readers with a glimpse into the future of technology.
