Nintendo is adding a setting to limit the Switch 2’s charge to 90%, aiming to slow battery degradation and help the console last longer. Here’s how it works.

Battery health is one of the most overlooked yet vital aspects of handheld consoles. The Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t just shaping up to be a powerhouse with a premium display—it’s also expected to dominate sales charts in 2025. To support that, Nintendo is introducing a feature designed to protect the battery and extend its lifespan for long-term use.

You can extend the battery life of your Switch 2

The Switch 2 will include an optional setting to stop charging the battery once it reaches 90%. By avoiding full 100% charges, the battery endures less stress, which results in slower long-term deterioration. This approach is already used in smartphones and laptops. According to Nintendo Today!, charging will automatically pause at 90% when the feature is turned on.

“When enabled, the Nintendo Switch 2 will stop charging once the battery hits approximately 90%. Maintaining this limit helps slow battery wear over time,” the company explained. You’ll find the setting under ‘System Settings > System > Stop Charging at 90%.’ It’s especially useful for those who play primarily in docked mode.

Valve is exploring the same idea for its Steam Deck. The May 8 patch notes (via Polygon) mention that this feature is already being tested on the Steam Deck OLED: “Limiting charging to 80% may improve long-term battery health. It’s a great option if your device stays docked most of the time.”

A few weeks ago, Nintendo confirmed official battery life estimates for the Switch 2: with a 5,220 mAh battery, players can expect 2 to 6.5 hours of gameplay depending on brightness and settings. While this is the lowest runtime among all Switch models so far, it comes with a tradeoff—this version includes a Full HD LCD screen (1080p) with HDR, VRR, and 120 Hz support.

Source: 3djuegos