New Nintendo Switch Model Now Available At US Online Retailers

Both Amazon and Best Buy are now selling the new and improved Nintendo Switch model, with the latter currently advertising $25 extra trade-in credit for those looking to purchase the updated console.

The star of the show for the updated Switch model is longer battery life. Nintendo’s official estimate puts the new model’s battery life between 4.5 and 9 hours, depending on the game you’re playing. This is an improvement over the original Switch, which lasted for between 2.5 and 6.5 hours, and the 3 to 7 hours offered by the upcoming Switch Lite.

Early tests run by a Hong Kong YouTube channel called MeeMeGame Channel, shows the new Switch lasting for five hours and 36 minutes while playing launch title The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Another test shows the recently released Fire Emblem: Three Houses running for two hours in portable mode, with 60% of the battery life still remaining.

Kevin Kenson, another YouTube creator, had previously confirmed that the new Switch model has an updated screen model number, which would explain why his tests revealed that the screen is both brighter and closer to true white balance in tone. This would also fit Sharp’s announcement that its IGZO display would be used by Nintendo’s consoles in the future.

Beyond this, the updated Switch model’s Tegra X1 processor also runs cooler, which in turn keeps your Switch from heating up as much. It’s worth mentioning that despite these improvements, the new Switch model isn’t a comparable upgrade to the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X, so there aren’t any increases in performance other than a longer-lasting battery.

If you have one of the older Switch models and don’t want to purchase the new one outright from either Amazon or Best Buy, GameStop stores are currently running an offer where you can trade in the launch model for $225, up from the usual $200, as part of a limited-time deal. This brings the $300 Switch revision to $75, netting you a tasty saving. This offer is valid until September 15.

If you’d rather trade in your old launch model for the upcoming Switch Lite, you can use your $225 trade credit towards a pre-order for that instead. The Switch Lite costs $200 and releases on September 20, five days after this trade-in promotion ends, so you’ll need to live without your precious Switch for a few days.

For more Nintendo Switch news, stay on GameSpot:

• An FCC Filing Points Towards A Wireless SNES Controller For Nintendo Switch
• New Green Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons Available For Pre-Order Now
• The Switch Lite Is Officially Open For Pre-Order (US)
• That Adorable Disney Switch Is Available To Pre-Order–And Ships To The US And UK
• Nintendo Switch Lite FAQ: Price, Hardware Differences, Release Date, Battery Life, Specs, And Colors
• Nintendo Switch Lite: What We Know

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from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-nintendo-switch-model-now-available-at-us-onli/1100-6469079/