The Nintendo Switch will be both a home console and a portable gaming device however the reliability of the latter depends on its battery performance. Newly released documents from the Federal Communications Commission now give more details and confirm the Switch will not have a replaceable battery.
Battery life only comes in play when the Switch is out of its charging dock and being used as a portable device. Nintendo has not yet revealed the expected amount of hours the battery can last when playing on the go but this information will play a crucial role in the Switch's success.
The Wii U featured a replaceable battery for its GamePad, which featured a gyroscope and touchscreen, and Nintendo also released an upgradable battery. The latter significantly improved the GamePad's battery life by 266 percent and increased usage from 3 hours to 8 hours, Dual Shock reported.
It is important to note that the Switch unit the FCC reviewed was a prototype. Despite this, the FCC explains it is likely this is version that will eventually be mass-produced and sold to consumers, Game Rant reported. It is further stated that Nintendo is unlikely to make last minute changes to include a replaceable battery.
Nintendo has released accessories for previous consoles in the past, including the upgraded batteries for the Wii U gamepad. The company potentially could release a battery booster for the Switch, extending its lifespan when used as a portable device, but Nintendo has yet to confirm or deny if such an accessory is in development.
The lack of a replaceable battery could also reportedly affect the Switch's launch sales. Nintendo currently aims to sell up to 2 million units in the first month but consumers may be discouraged to buy it when they discover the battery life is not as long as expected.
Previous Nintendo devices featured replaceable batteries, including the New 3DS XL, the DS Lite and the aforementioned Wii U GamePad. Numerous smartphones, including the iPhone 7, feature non-replaceable batteries and Nintendo may be aiming to replicate their features.
The Nintendo Switch will launch in March 2017. More details regarding the console will be unveiled in a Nintendo Direct video in January 2017. Check the following video for more information about Nintendo Switch: