The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →“V1” and “V2” are informal names for two revisions of the standard Nintendo Switch: the original HAC-001 and the revised HAC-001(-01). The clearest difference Nintendo publishes is battery life: its estimates are 2.5–6.5 hours for HAC-001 and 4.5–9 hours for HAC-001(-01). To identify a console, check its model number or serial prefix rather than relying on a seller’s label.
What do V1 and V2 mean?
They refer to revisions of the standard Nintendo Switch, not two different generations of games. The original is model HAC-001, commonly called V1. The revised model is HAC-001(-01), commonly called V2. Nintendo’s official [Switch comparison page] treats Switch systems as compatible within the product family, but does not establish a game-compatibility difference between these two revisions.
How to tell whether a Switch is V1 or V2
Use the model number as the most direct check. Nintendo’s support information also associates the US serial prefixes below with each revision:
| Common name | Model number | US serial prefix |
|---|---|---|
| V1, original standard Switch | HAC-001 | XAW |
| V2, revised standard Switch | HAC-001(-01) | XKW |
Check the number printed on the console or its serial number. If you are buying used, ask the seller for a clear photo of the identifier; a listing title or box appearance is not as reliable as the console’s own model or serial information. Nintendo lists these model and serial associations in its battery-duration support article.
#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
How much better is V2 battery life?
Nintendo’s approximate estimates are:
| Model | Nintendo’s estimated battery duration |
|---|---|
| HAC-001 (V1) | 2.5–6.5 hours |
| HAC-001(-01) (V2) | 4.5–9 hours |
These are Nintendo’s estimates, not guaranteed runtimes. Nintendo says duration varies with the model, software, and functions being used. A demanding game or active features can change how long a charge lasts, and the condition of a secondhand battery matters too.
What battery age means when buying used
Nintendo says that after about 800 charge cycles, a console battery’s duration will decrease to about 80% compared with a new console battery. That is general guidance about battery aging, not a test result for a particular console. A V2’s higher original estimate does not tell you how much runtime a specific used unit has left; ask about battery performance or, if possible, test the console yourself.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
What else is established about the standard Switch?
Nintendo’s technical specifications for HAC-001(-01) list a 6.2-inch built-in screen with a 1280 × 720 resolution, up to 1080p output over HDMI in TV mode, and 32 GB of internal storage. The specifications also list microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC card support, with storage expansion up to 2 TB. See Nintendo’s technical specifications.
Those details describe HAC-001(-01); the official pages cited here do not provide a complete V1-versus-V2 specification comparison. They therefore do not establish that every other component is identical or different, or that V2 is faster. The V2 is also not the Switch OLED: Nintendo identifies that separately as model HEG-001.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
Which revision matters more when buying?
- For longer potential handheld sessions: V2 has the higher published battery-life estimate.
- For a used console: prioritize the condition and demonstrated runtime of that individual battery, not just the revision label.
- For identifying a listing: verify HAC-001 or HAC-001(-01) on the console, or check the XAW or XKW serial prefix.
- For extra game storage: Nintendo lists microSD-family expansion for HAC-001(-01); choose a card based on your storage needs and verify its specifications before buying.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
