Gaming battery — handhelds and controllers
Nintendo Switch handhelds and console controllers all have batteries. Here’s what to expect and how to look after them.
Nintendo Switch battery life
Battery life on a refurbished Switch depends on which model you have. Roughly what to expect, undocked, brightness mid-way:
- Switch OLED: 4.5–9 hours depending on the game
- Switch (V2 / 2019+): 4.5–9 hours
- Switch Lite: 3–7 hours
- Switch (launch / V1): 2.5–6.5 hours
Demanding games eat the battery faster than 2D indie titles. We test every Switch during refurbishment — if the battery is significantly degraded, we replace it before listing.
Controller batteries
PS5 DualSense / PS4 DualShock: rechargeable lithium battery built in. Around 6–10 hours per charge on PS5; 4–8 hours on PS4.
Xbox controllers: typically use disposable AA batteries (10–40 hours depending on brand). Rechargeable Play & Charge kits are sold separately.
Switch Joy-Con / Pro Controller: rechargeable lithium. About 20 hours on a Pro Controller; 20 hours on a Joy-Con pair. Charge via the dock or USB-C.
Battery warranty
Batteries (including built-in controller batteries and the Switch handheld battery) are covered for 6 months from delivery. The console itself is covered for 12. If a built-in battery is dramatically below expected life in the first 6 months, get in touch — we’ll diagnose under warranty.
Looking after your batteries
- For Switch: don’t leave it docked at 100% for weeks on end. Take it out occasionally and run it down.
- For PS5 / PS4 controllers: same — don’t leave them on the charging dock 24/7.
- Heat is the enemy. Don’t store consoles or controllers in hot environments.
- Use the supplied charger or a known-good USB-C charger. Counterfeit chargers can deliver wonky voltage.
