How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Nintendo Switch 2 Battery?

Virtually all modern handheld consoles utilize rechargeable batteries. While these power sources last way longer than single-use batteries (not on a per-charge basis, though), you will eventually need to replace them. Watch for signs like overheating and swelling. Sometimes you can replace the battery yourself, but other times you need to send it in for repairs, and the more expensive the device, the more costly the replacement. Usually.

If you have a problem with your Switch 2 or any first-party peripherals (sorry, Nintendo doesn't repair third-party controllers), you need to send it in for repairs. You can initiate a request on the Nintendo support page. While you must mail your device to Nintendo's support shop, if your Switch 2 is under warranty, you won't have to pay a cent, not even for a battery replacement. Plus, even though the warranty lasts two years, youwill get an extra year of coverage. However, Nintendo must agree that the product is defective, so if repair technicians don't find anything wrong with your battery, you're out of luck.

Let's say your Switch 2's battery starts acting up after the two-year warranty window. You can still send in the console for repairs, but you will have to pay out of pocket, which is where things can get pricey. If the battery is the only issue, Nintendo will charge you 9,900 yen (about $64.40 at the time of writing), but if the battery problem has spread to other systems, you could be looking at a repair bill as high as $179. On the bright side, you won't have to pay for shipping.

In the past, you could easily replace the batteries of Nintendo products such as the 3DS. All you needed was the right set of screwdrivers, Nintendo's official instructions, and a replacement battery (sold separately). Nintendo hasn't updated its support page with a guide on how to remove the Switch 2's battery for a good reason.

While you can find instructions for replacing a Switch 2's battery if you know where to look, the process is complex and requires specialized equipment. For instance, since the Switch 2 is secured with JIS screws, you need a JIS screwdriver; a regular Phillips will strip the screws and void your warranty. You also need a heat gun to remove the stickers on the side, a jimmy, and specialized picks, and that's just to get the darn console open. Unless you run your own repair shop, you are better off sending the console in to Nintendo for a battery replacement. Or a nearby repair shop.

Depending on where you live, you might find a local store that offers Switch 2 repairs, and depending on their quotes, you might be tempted to use their services to replace your console's battery. Always do your own research first and use your best judgment. If we're being honest, we're secretly hoping the Switch 2 models with replaceable batteries eventually make their way to the US, since they will presumably cut battery-replacement costs by a significant margin.