Summary
A newly filed patent highlights an interesting detail about how theNintendo Switchcharges its three controller components to ensure that they all have an equal amount of power. TheNintendo Switchis truly unique among modern gaming hardware in how it combines the power of a traditional console with the portability of Nintendo’s old handhelds. This is done through the Joy-Con controller, which can be attached to the Switch’s included to be used as a handheld, connected to a special holder to emulate a traditional controller, or held as two separate pieces for motion control gameplay.
The Nintendo Switch’s controllers also have to be periodically charged by either connecting them to the main console dock or a separate charging peripheral. On average, theNintendo Switch Joy-Con’s batterylasts roughly 20 hours, and it takes about three and a half hours to fully charge a Joy-Con controller. Experts say that players should charge their unused Switch systems at least twice a year to ensure that they remain operational, and those who play with them more will naturally need to charge them more often.
A Nintendo Switch patent published earlier this month has revealed a fascinating tidbit about how the system charges its three main components. According to the document filed by Nintendo Co., LTD, if one of the twoNintendo Switch Joy-Con halveshas more charge than the other, it will transfer some of its power to the other until both have an equal charge. If both the Joy-Cons are equally charged and have more charge than the Switch’s main touchscreen component, the Joy-Cons will transfer power to the Switch until all three components have the same amount of charge.
Nintendo Switch Charges All Three of Its Controller Components Equally
This ensures that Nintendo Switch players have the longest possible gameplay session by not having to worry about recharging one particular element of the system’s three-part controller. The Switch’s battery is a vital part of the console, with players often being warned tokeep their Nintendo Switch system chargedas it can be very difficult to restore power to a unit that has been fully depleted.
In other news, Nintendo has just confirmed that its next mainline console will be revealed at some point between now and next March, and various rumors have suggested that this new system will retain the Switch’s emphasis on portable gaming. Some even believe that the so-calledSwitch 2 will have an even longer battery lifeby being underclocked while in handheld mode, and this latest patent gives eager fans an idea of how this battery will be charged should it keep the oldNintendo Switch’s Joy-Con controller design.
Switch
A late addition to the eighth console generation, the Nintendo Switch is a hybrid platform that can be experienced as a home or portable system. Launching with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the platform has amassed a wide selection of triple-A and indie titles. Since the console’s debut, Nintendo has released two other models: the Switch Lite and OLED.
