Nintendo Switch Rumors: Docking Power, Touchscreen, and Battery Life

Among all of the questions being asked about the Nintendo Switch’s hardware and performance capabilities, two topics in particular seem to be asked more than all the rest. Those two questions are as follows: Will the Switch have a touchscreen, and how long will Switch’s battery life last when it’s in portable mode? Laura Dale, one of the people behind the NX reports and rumors, has some speculation to offer on these matters.

I am VERY confident in saying that the Nintendo Switch screen is a touch screen, but that is not core to most gameplay. I’ll be there for menus, for drawing, for certain games like Mario Maker port etc. I’m confident in saying that the Nintendo Switch’s screen is a multi-touch screen. As all Nintendo Switch games need to be playable with the handheld in the console dock, all Switch games will be playable without touch. These tweets were based on information from Source A (Nintendo)…They knew enough to know when the reveal trailer was coming before the official announcement. They know their stuff. — Laura Kate Dale

In regards to the battery life, the rumor is that the Switch holds a less than ideal charge at best.

To those asking about battery life on Nintendo Switch, I’m hearing “mediocre” battery life. Source A (Nintendo) described the Switch as having a “mediocre” battery life. Source B (Ubisoft) has said a maximum battery life of three hours. — Laura Kate Dale

That said, the docking station will improve the Nintendo Switch’s performance and charge the battery.

RE: dock, what I’ve heard is additional processing (lacking specifics atm) for when docked. However, would expect a few secs to switch. If there is additional processing in the dock, I would expect at least a few seconds to swap handheld to console etc.

This information again came from sources A (Nintendo), B (Ubisoft) and D (Manufacturing). None could confirm whether the dock is a PlayStation VR-style processing box which helps power higher resolution play when docked, or if docking the console simply allows the handheld to overclock and provides better performance that way. All sources claim the hardware has an easier time running docked compared to when out and about as a portable.

Many on Twitter have drawn my attention to this interview with IGN where Nintendo state that “The dock is not the main console unit of Nintendo Switch… The main function of the Nintendo Switch Dock is to provide an output to the TV, as well as charging and providing power to the system.”

To that, I reply that they repeatedly use the words “main function” and “Main Console” here which still leaves a lot of room for clarity. I believe these statements were aimed at clarifying the Switch was not another Wii U style console rather than saying the dock won’t in any way alter game performance. You can’t play the dock without the handheld, but that doesn’t mean the dock won’t improve game performance. — Laura Kate Dale

Please keep in mind that these functions are rumors until Nintendo confirms or denies these rumors. Also, it is possible that the battery life will be extended upon release of the final product, so keep an open mind until more is revealed, and let us know your thoughts on these possibilities in the comment section!

Source: Letsplayvideogames.com via NeoGAF