Some Nintendo Switch 2 players have run into a problem with the battery on their new handheld consoles. The battery indicators are showing Incorrect numbers; some handhelds overestimate while others underestimate the amount of time left to play before the battery dies.

In extreme cases, users report being able to continue playing for 15 minutes or more when the battery level is at 1%.

Nintendo has acknowledged the problem and outlined a quick fix. First, make sure your Switch 2 is running software Version 20.1.1 from early June, that it’s connected to the internet, and plugged into the charger. Nintendo also recommends ensuring that you’re using an “adequately powerful AC adapter to charge your console. The Nintendo Switch AC adapter (Model HAC-002), for example, cannot be used to charge the Nintendo Switch 2 when docked.

Unboxing the Nintendo Switch 2

Then, turn the console off using the power button. Press and hold down the volume up and down buttons simultaneously. While continuing to hold them, press the power button once without holding it down to turn it back on.

After a few seconds, your console should display Recovery Mode. You can now turn it off using the power button. Now, restart the console one last time, and the issue should be fixed.

The good news is that this fix appears to be working for many people on social media and support forums. If you have the issue again, Nintendo recommends trying this method multiple times. If it can’t be fixed, you may need to have your console serviced.

The Switch 2 has an estimated battery life of around 2.5 hours to six hours, depending on what you’re playing. In PCMag’s testing, we’ve found the Switch 2 was able to handle 3 hours of playing a combination of Mario Kart World and the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour. This matches performance on the Switch 1 at launch, before Nintendo updated the battery on the base model.

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About James Peckham

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I’ve written tech news for over a decade, and as a Reporter at PCMag, I cover the latest developments across the gadgets and services you use every day. Previously, I worked for Android Police, TechRadar, and more.

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