How to tell if you're buying the new Nintendo Switch or the old one

Nintendo released a "new" Switch model in 2019, but the original still gets sold in certain places.

The later one, still very much called the Nintendo Switch, is available in stores for the same price as the original. It comes with better battery life, and that's just about the only noticeable difference, to be honest.

However, as many stores have original stock, how can you tell the difference?

• Best upcoming Nintendo Switch games to look forward to

Old Nintendo Switch vs new Switch

A good while back, Nintendo quietly announced a "new" Nintendo Switch. But it was a refresh of the old model, rather than a full-blown Nintendo Switch Pro.

We've now got the Switch OLED as well, so to find out more about that model and the differences between it and the normal Switch, check out this feature:

• Nintendo Switch OLED model vs Nintendo Switch: What's the difference?

The newer standard model has better battery life - around two hours extra. It also has a new processor, although that is more to improve energy consumption rather than enhance performance.

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How to tell which Switch you're buying

If you want to find the latest version of the standard Nintendo Switch, which began hitting retail stores in mid-August 2019, here's how:

Packaging

Look at the box containing the Switch:

The packaging for the new Nintendo Switch (2019) has a bright red background.

The packaging for the old Nintendo Switch has a grey background with a hand.

Serial number

Next, confirm the serial number.

The new Switch should have a serial number - located on the bottom of the console - that starts with the letters XKW. Some online retailers, such as Amazon, may even designate the serial number in their product listings.

Model codes and numbers

Unfortunately, many online retailers don't show the serial number and may even show packaging for the old Switch, so to be extra sure when shopping online, you will also need to check the model number on the listing.

The new Nintendo Switch has a model code that starts with HAD:

1. HADSKABAA for the model with the blue and red Joy-Con controllers
2. HADSKAAAA for the model with grey Joy-Con controllers

Note: Original Nintendo Switch models start with the letters HAC. 

Additionally, when holding the new Nintendo Switch in your hands, check the model number on the back. The new Nintendo Switch has a number that should read HAC-001 (-01), while the original has a model number of HAC-001. 

Source : https://www.pocket-lint.com/games/news/nintendo/148957-how-to-tell-if-you-re-buying-the-new-or-old-nintendo-switch