It appears that a new version of the original Nintendo Switch is coming to stores soon. As spotted by IGN,
the Nintendo website lists two versions of the hybrid console, with the newer one offering increased battery life.
While the original model offers approximately 2.5 to 6.5 hours of battery depending on the game, the new version will offer 4.5 to 9 hours. Of course, battery life will vary depending on the game your playing.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, for example, will drain your battery in just 3 hours on the original console. With the new and improved model, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours while playing the game.
The new versions of the Switch will come in a new bright red packaging, and will be available in the United States in mid-August in grey and blue/red colors. The new model with the extended battery life has the model number HAC-001(01) with a serial number beginning in XKW. This will seemingly be important until the original console is completely phased out. The new model will go on sale in September in the UK.
While an improved battery life may be considered a significant upgrade by many, this probably isn't the "Switch Pro" that many had expected. Besides the extended battery, no other features, hardware, or functionality appear to be new or improved. It will also retail at the same price as the original model.
The release of this new Nintendo Switch comes just a week after
the announcement of the Nintendo Switch Lite, a smaller, sleeker, handheld-only version of the hybrid console (with 3-7 hours of battery life). The Nintendo Switch Lite hits store shelves in September for $200, giving gamers a cheaper, more friendly on-the-go alternative.