Nintendo Switch revised model troubleshooting

Published specification

What is true of this model and changes how you fix it

• Official specifications
  6.2-inch LCD at 1280x720, 32GB storage, 4310mAh battery rated 4.5-9 hours. Size approx. 4in x 9.4in x 0.55in, weight approx. 0.66lbs (0.88lbs with Joy-Con). Identified by serial number prefix 'XKW' — Nintendo's own support article ('How to Identify Nintendo Switch Consoles With Improved Battery Life') confirms serial numbers starting XK carry the improved battery.
• Model — Switch revised (HAC-001(-01))
  The 2019 revised standard Switch — same LCD screen and features as the launch model but with a more efficient chip giving noticeably longer battery life. 32GB storage, docks to TV (up to 1080p) and plays handheld/tabletop.
• Storage — microSD expandable
  32GB internal plus a microSD slot — expand with a card for storage-full.
• Battery is the upgrade
  The main difference from the launch model is battery life (roughly 4.5–9 hours vs 2.5–6.5). If comparing to a launch unit, longer runtime is expected, not a fault.
• How to tell it from the launch model
  The box and model number include the -01, and the battery lasts noticeably longer than the launch model's 2.5 to 6.5 hours. A longer runtime than a launch unit is expected, not a fault.
• The Joy-Con controllers
  The detachable Joy-Con slide onto the sides for handheld play or pair wirelessly in tabletop and docked play. They connect by Bluetooth, and a Joy-Con that is not detected or behaves oddly is usually a pairing, battery or stick-drift matter.
• Stick drift
  A thumbstick that moves on its own is called drift, and it is the commonest Joy-Con complaint. Calibrating the sticks and cleaning the base can help, and Nintendo repairs drifting Joy-Con.
• Storage
  The console has 32 gigabytes of internal storage and a microSD slot for expansion.
• Docking
  Docked play outputs to a TV at up to 1080p. A console that will not output may have a dock or HDMI problem, separate from the controllers.
• Finding the serial number
  The serial number is on the back of the console under the kickstand and in System Settings.
• What changed in the red-box model
  The revised Switch of 2019 has the same screen and shape as the first, but a more efficient chip that lowers power use, which gives roughly an extra few hours of battery in handheld play. It is the same size and uses the same dock, Joy-Con and accessories. Many owners have had one for years, so the common problems are wear: Joy-Con drift, a battery that holds less charge, a game card slot that is dirty and a dock that has become loose. Clean the game card slot gently, and if the console no longer charges in the dock, test the adapter and cable by charging it directly.
• Updates and online play
  The console updates its system software automatically in sleep mode if the setting is on, and games update the next time they launch with an internet connection. Nintendo Switch Online adds cloud save backup, which is worth turning on for save-heavy games, and a second Nintendo Account can be linked to a family group for a child. If an online game keeps disconnecting, test the connection from the system settings and use a wired adapter in the dock if Wi-Fi is weak.

Where these figures were read. nintendo.com/us/switch/tech-specs/ (Technical Specs — Nintendo Switch console (HAC-001(-01)))

Manufacturer support for this product line. Nintendo Support — Nintendo support. Official Nintendo Switch console, controller, display, storage and network support.

Also read for this model. Nintendo Support — Nintendo Support.