Upgraded Nintendo Switch Model Set for Release

By: Bryce L. Jackson

Heavily rumored for the last few months, Nintendo quietly announced an upgraded model of the original Nintendo Switch. This new model, model number HAC-001(-01) of the Switch boasts a 4 1/2 hrs - 9 hr battery life, a two hour improvement on low end and 3 hours on the high end of the battery life range of the launch model of the Switch.

Different from the Nintendo Switch Lite that was recently announced, this Nintendo Switch is not physically different from the launch model. Tech sleuths have only noted the improved battery life, a new model of processor (Tegra 2014, same as what the Switch Lite has), and includes a base 32GB microSD card as the only differences and still carries a $299.99 price tag. The upgraded Switch is expected in August

Nintendo also released new Joy-Con colors, Neon Purple/Neon Orange and Blue/Neon Yellow at $79.99 in October.

It’s not uncommon for companies to make an upgrade to a model of game console in the middle of its cycle as we’ve seen Sony and Microsoft do. However, this model of Switch comes as a bit of a disappointment to those looking for a “Pro” model of the Switch that has more than just a battery improvement, the main complaint of the launch model. That fantasized “Pro” model remains a dream for the foreseeable future as Nintendo focuses on the Switch as the handheld-only Switch Lite.