Console Guide · NexWave Games
Nintendo Switch V1 or V2: what's the difference?
Suppose you take your Nintendo Switch for a long train trip. In one version you might look for an outlet rather than the other. In adverts, these versions are often called "V1' and "V2', but they look almost the same to photos. What exactly do you get, and how do you recognize the difference?
What do V1 and V2 really mean?
V1 is the original Nintendo Switch. V2 is the revised regular Switch sold from 2019. The names V1 and V2 are widely used in advertisements, but on the console itself are model numbers: HAC-001 for the original version and HAC-001(-01) for the improved battery life version. V2 is not a Nintendo Switch 2 or a Switch OLED.
Both normal Switch models can be used on TV, on the table and as a handheld. They have a 6.2 inch LCD screen, detachable Joy-Con controllers and play the same Nintendo Switch games. A V2 does not give you a larger OLED screen or a new collection of games.
The battery makes the difference
According to Nintendo, a new V1 lasts about 2.5 to 6.5 hours on a full battery. At V2, it's about 4.5 to 9 hours. These are broad estimates: a heavy game, high screen clarity and other settings affect how long you can really play. If you usually sit with the console in the dock in front of the TV, you notice this difference less. If you take it often, the longer battery life of V2 is pleasant.
Please note the age of the battery in a used specimen. A V2 can also empty faster after years of use. So ask not only which model it is, but also if the console still charges normally while playing.
This is how you recognize a V2 in a used advert
Look at the model number on the console, not just the title of the advertisement. If it is HAC-001(-01), you have the revised version with longer battery life. In addition, Nintendo mentions that the serial number of a model with improved battery life starts with . The serial number is on a sticker at the bottom of the Switch. A picture of that sticker is therefore more useful than just a picture of the front.
An original packaging can help, but with second-hand sets it is sometimes gone or switched. Neither is the colour of the Joy-Con reliable: controllers can be easily replaced. Ask for a clear picture of the system itself if you're in doubt. Do not share a full serial number publicly; for recognition, the model number and the beginning of the serial number are sufficient.
Which one do you choose best?
Do you especially want to play mobile and are the state and price similar? Then V2 is the logical choice because of its longer life. If you play on the television almost always, a decent V1 can also fit perfectly. Look for more than the label in both versions: check that the Joy-Con is securely fixed, the screen has no disturbing damage and the console charges and connects to the TV.
The short answer: V1 and V2 feel the same when playing. V2 usually lasts longer without charger. Always check the model number and the actual condition with a used Switch; this prevents a beautiful product photo from leaving the most important questions unanswered.