Nintendo Switch V1 vs V2: Complete Comparison
Everything you need to know about the differences between Nintendo Switch models. Make an informed decision before you buy.
Quick Summary
V2 Wins
- • 40% better battery life
- • Runs cooler
- • Quieter fan
Same On Both
- • Game performance
- • Display quality
- • Price ($299)
Bottom Line
Always buy V2 if purchasing new. Only consider V1 at a significant discount.
Side-by-Side Specs
| Feature | OriginalSwitch V1 | ImprovedSwitch V2 |
|---|---|---|
Battery Life | 2.5 - 6.5 hours | 4.5 - 9 hours |
Processor | NVIDIA Tegra X1 (20nm) | NVIDIA Tegra X1+ (16nm) |
Display | 6.2" LCD, 720p | 6.2" LCD, 720p |
Docked Resolution | 1080p (up to) | 1080p (up to) |
Storage | 32GB internal | 32GB internal |
Weight | ~0.88 lbs (398g) | ~0.88 lbs (398g) |
Model Numbers | HAC-001 | HAC-001(-01) |
Box Color | White background | Red background |
Heat Generation | Runs warmer | Runs cooler |
Game Performance | Standard | Standard |
Detailed Breakdown
Battery Life
V2 WinsSwitch V1
2.5 - 6.5 hours
Switch V2
4.5 - 9 hours
The most significant improvement in V2. Thanks to the more efficient Tegra X1+ processor, you get substantially more playtime on a single charge. In demanding games like Breath of the Wild, V2 lasts about 5.5 hours versus 3 hours on V1.
Pro Tips:
- • Battery life varies by game - lighter games like visual novels last longer
- • Airplane mode extends battery by ~30 minutes
- • Lower screen brightness to maximize playtime
Processor & Performance
Switch V1
NVIDIA Tegra X1 (20nm)
Switch V2
NVIDIA Tegra X1+ (16nm)
While V2 has a newer chip revision, Nintendo configured it to match V1 performance exactly. Games run identically on both - same frame rates, same load times. The efficiency gains go entirely toward battery life.
Pro Tips:
- • No games run better on V2
- • V2 won't get performance-exclusive updates
- • Both consoles are equally capable for current and future games
Display Quality
Switch V1
6.2" LCD, 1280x720
Switch V2
6.2" LCD, 1280x720
Identical displays. Same size, resolution, brightness, and color accuracy. If you want a better screen, you need the Switch OLED model, which has a larger 7-inch OLED panel with superior contrast.
Pro Tips:
- • Both screens look great for handheld gaming
- • Consider a screen protector regardless of version
- • The OLED model is the only way to get a screen upgrade
Heat & Cooling
V2 WinsSwitch V1
Runs warmer, louder fan
Switch V2
Runs cooler, quieter fan
The smaller 16nm chip in V2 produces less heat, meaning the fan doesn't need to work as hard. V2 is noticeably cooler to the touch during extended play sessions and the fan is less audible.
Pro Tips:
- • V1 isn't dangerously hot, just warmer than V2
- • Both are safe for normal use
- • Don't block the vents on either version
Build Quality
Switch V1
Matte plastic, standard kickstand
Switch V2
Matte plastic, standard kickstand
Nintendo made no changes to the physical design. Same materials, same flimsy kickstand, same Joy-Con rails. The OLED model improved the kickstand significantly, but V1 and V2 are identical.
Pro Tips:
- • Consider a third-party stand for tabletop mode
- • Both have the same potential for Joy-Con drift
- • Cases and accessories fit both versions
Storage
Switch V1
32GB internal
Switch V2
32GB internal
Same 32GB internal storage that fills up quickly with modern games. Both support microSD cards up to 2TB. A high-capacity microSD is essential for either version.
Pro Tips:
- • Get at least a 256GB microSD card
- • Archive games you're not playing to free space
- • Digital games take 1-30GB depending on the title
Ready to Buy?
We recommend the Nintendo Switch V2 for all new buyers. Same price, better battery life.