How do I know if my Nintendo Switch battery is bad?

As a lifelong Nintendo fan and avid Switch gamer who loves gaming on the go, keeping my console battery healthy is essential. Nothing kills the fun faster than plugging in for another session in Hyrule, only to have your battery die 30 minutes in.

After 3+ years of heavy Switch usage, here’s what I’ve learned about testing and fixing deteriorating batteries to get the most out of your Nintendo handheld.

Clear Signs Your Battery is Bad

1. Extremely short battery life

A striking indicator is drastically shorter playtimes per charge—we‘re talking as little as 1-2 hours of gaming versus a typical 3-6 hours on medium brightness.

I track my battery life per charge and started noticing severe drops after 700+ cycles. After 2 years, most Switch batteries maintain at least 70% original capacity. Rapid deterioration before then indicates issues.

2. Instantly dies when unplugged

If your fully charged Switch only stays on for minutes, or seconds, after being disconnected from AC power before powering off, poor battery health is likely to blame.

Try charging it while powered off for several hours before testing again. If the issue persists, it‘s definitely on the fritz.

3. Swollen or warped casing

Lithium-ion batteries contain potential gases that build pressure over time. A bloated or bent Switch housing signals the battery needs replacing. Don‘t ignore this warning—batteries that swell too much pose fire risks!

Checking Estimated Battery Health

You can view the Switch‘s current charge level percentage under System Settings > System > Console Battery (%).

However, remember this percentage fluctuates and doesn‘t indicate expected battery lifespan or remaining capacity.

Here’s a rough guide to acceptable battery wear based on my experience:

Batteries slowly degrade over time no matter what, but capacity dropping below these thresholds likely means more rapid deterioration than expected.

Battery Recalibration & Troubleshooting Tips

Before replacing your battery, try recalibrating it and other troubleshooting steps which could potentially boost lifespan and playtime:

– Recalibrate: Fully charge, then completely drain the battery 2-3 times over several cycles. This resets the battery percentage accuracy.

– Official charger: Use the official Nintendo Switch AC adapter. Third-party chargers with incorrect voltage specifications do more harm over time.

– Clean USB-C port: Carefully clean out the charging port for any dust, debris build-up which can impede charging and gradually damage the port itself.

– Test outlets: Try different wall plugs in case an issue with a particular AC outlet outlet or loose plug connection is limiting charging capabilities.

Battery Replacement Costs

If performance doesn’t improve after troubleshooting, replacement is likely your best bet for restored battery life. Here’s what I’ve paid at various servicing options:

I prefer handling DIY repairs myself which is easy enough if you‘re comfortable carefully disassembling tech. But for hassle-free service, most local shops do fast, affordable battery swaps if you ask around. Ultimately, restored performance is worth the price either way!

Let me know if you have any other Switch battery questions! Happy gaming!