What you need to know
- You can currently buy the new Switch with improved battery life.
- Online stores aren't making it easy to tell if you're buying the new or old model.
- The new model's packaging design is slightly different from the original Switch.
- The model number for the new Switch is HAC-001 (-01)
Nintendo's updated version of the original Switch console has quietly begun sneaking onto shelves. If you're looking to get your hands on one of these longer-lasting hybrids, there are a few things to note.
First off, the packaging design for the new model is slightly different from the original. It shows different images on the front and back of the box with a dominant red replacing the original's white space. So basically, just remember that the new model will be in the packaging that shows a red background. The newer version also has a different model number from the original. When looking to buy the longer-lasting Switch, you'll be looking for the model number that reads HAC-001 (-01), which is different from the original's model number of HAC-001.
Unfortunately, right now online sellers, including Amazon and Best Buy, aren't making it easy to tell if you'll be purchasing a new or old version of the Switch. The best way to ensure you're getting the right one is to go in person and pick one up at a physical location. If online buying is preferable or your only choice, just be prepared to return it if you get the wrong model.
The hybrid console
This gaming system switches from a TV console to a handheld device. There are currently hundreds of games with more arriving every day. It's unclear whether this purchase will give you a new model or the original.
The smaller more portable Switch
This is a dedicated handheld gaming system that can play Nintendo Switch games. It's smaller than the original Switch and has longer-lasting battery life. Choose between Yellow, Turquoise, or Gray.
Rebecca Spear is the dedicated gaming editor for iMore who loves playing games on Switch and iOS. She is a Zelda nut through and through and can also talk for hours about her favorite Pokémon games. She’s written hundreds of guides and reviews over the last six years to the point that if you get stuck in a game somewhere, she can help you out. On any given day, you’ll find her following the latest tech, digitally drawing with her iPad Air and Apple Pencil, reading a good book, or - you guessed it - playing video games. Follow her on Twitter @rrspear (opens in new tab) to see her post about her corgi, foster kitties, art, and favorite video game characters.
