Nintendo Switch Gets A New Update, Which Fixes An Annoying Battery Charge Issue

Have you noticed something seems to be off about your Nintendo Switch‘s battery charge indicator? You aren’t alone. The last Switch firmware update apparently broke the battery indicator – users have reported it running down far too quickly, not refilling properly when charging, or disappearing altogether. To be clear, Switch batteries are still working fine, it’s just the on-screen indicator that’s broken.

Well, Nintendo has dropped a new Switch firmware update, that delivers the usual “stability improvements,” as well as a specific fix for the battery charge issue. Scroll on down for additional details…

​

First up, here are the official notes for the latest update. Aside from the battery charge bug, we don’t know what other tweaks this update might include, although clever Nintendo fans will ferret them out before long.

Nintendo Switch 3.0.1 Update Notes:

• General system stability improvements to enhance the user’s experience
• Addressed an issue in which the remaining battery charge can’t be displayed accurately

​

Oddly, according to Nintendo the new update may not automatically fix the charging issue. If you’re still having problems, they suggest this rather elaborate set of steps:

1. Ensure the console has the latest system update. The steps below apply to system menu version 3.0.1 or higher.
2. Set the Auto-Sleep mode to “Never” for “Playing on Console Screen” and for “Connected to TV.”
3. Connect the AC adapter directly to the console until the battery is fully charged. If the battery charge indicator does not reach 100%, simply allow the console to charge for approximately three hours. The console can be in use while it is charging.
4. Once the battery is fully charged, leave the console alone for one hour with the AC adapter still connected to it.
5. Afterward, disconnect the AC adapter and allow the console to display the HOME Menu for approximately three to four hours. The remaining battery life must be depleted as much as possible.
6. Once the battery charge is almost depleted, power off the console by holding down the POWER Button for three seconds, then select “Power Options” > “Turn Off.” Leave the console alone for at least 30 minutes. The battery charge indicator will improve gradually by repeating this process several times.
7. Repeat steps 2 – 6 several times.

Or you could just leave your battery indicator busted, because, man, who has the time for all that?

You can check out WWG’s latest Nintendo Switch coverage here.