Playing Switch in handheld, tabletop and TV mode: battery and comfort tips
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The Switch was designed to move between three ways of playing: in your hands, propped on a table and on the big screen. Each one suits different situations, and each has its own tricks for comfort and battery life. Here is how to get the most from all three on the original Switch family and the Switch 2.
Handheld mode
Handheld mode is the Switch at its most convenient, but it is also where battery life and hand strain matter most.
Battery tips:
- Lower the screen brightness. The screen is one of the biggest drains on power. Auto-brightness helps, but a slightly dimmer manual setting often lasts longer.
- Turn on aeroplane mode for single-player games that do not need the internet. It switches off wireless radios you are not using.
- Close games you are not playing rather than leaving them suspended.
- Use the sleep button between sessions instead of leaving the console idling on the HOME Menu.
Battery life depends heavily on the game: a simple puzzle game lasts much longer than a demanding 3D title. Nintendo publishes rough ranges for each model on its support site.
Comfort tips:
- Rest your elbows on a cushion, armrest or your knees so your wrists are not holding the full weight.
- Consider a grip case if your hands cramp. Moulded grips give your fingers somewhere to rest.
- Take breaks. Nintendo's own health advice suggests regular breaks, and stretching your hands and looking into the distance helps with eye strain.
Tabletop mode
Stand the console up using its kickstand and play with detached controllers. It is ideal for trains, aeroplane trays and quick two-player sessions.
- Find a stable surface. A wobbly tray can tip the console over.
- Angle it to cut glare from windows and overhead lights.
- Use a charging stand if you play for long periods. Many stands let you charge while the console is upright, which the built-in kickstand does not always allow comfortably.
- Keep the volume sensible in public, or use headphones. Bluetooth audio is supported on recent systems.
Detached controllers give your arms more freedom, so tabletop mode is often easier on the wrists than handheld play.
TV mode
Dock the console and the game appears on your television, often at a higher resolution, with the console charging at the same time.
- Use the official dock and power supply where possible. Unofficial docks have caused problems in the past.
- Give the dock space to breathe. Do not place it in a closed cabinet, since the console needs airflow.
- Use a full-size controller for long sessions. Pro-style controllers are easier on the hands than small Joy-Con.
- Sit at a comfortable distance with the screen roughly at eye level.
Looking after the battery
Lithium-ion batteries wear down gradually, whatever you do. A few habits can slow that down:
- Avoid heat. Do not leave the console in a hot car or in direct sun, and do not play while it sits on a duvet that blocks the vents.
- Do not store it completely flat. If you put the console away for weeks, charge it partway first, and top it up now and then.
- On Switch 2, there is a setting called Stop Charging Around 90%. It reduces battery wear, at the cost of a little less unplugged playing time. It suits people who mostly play docked or near a charger.
- Use a reputable charger and cable when charging away from the dock.
If the battery drains much faster than it once did, or the console swells or gets unusually hot, stop using it and contact Nintendo support.
Picking the right mode
- Short sessions on the go: handheld.
- Sharing with a friend, or travelling with a tray table: tabletop.
- Long sessions and local multiplayer: TV mode with full-size controllers.
Which mode do you play in most, and what keeps you comfortable? Share your setup in the comments.