In August 2019, Nintendo released an updated Nintendo Switch model with longer battery life worldwide.

Other than changes to the battery life and new boxart, there were little to no changes made to the updated Switch model. It even costs the same as the original model.

Thankfully though, Nintendo of America is offering free upgrades for late adopters who purchased an old model of the Nintendo Switch after July 17, 2019.

To receive a free upgrade, you will have to open a case with Nintendo of America’s customer support first, and if you are eligible for an upgrade, you will be asked to ship your Switch at your own expense to Nintendo’s repair center. There, Nintendo will upgrade the processor of your Switch at no charge.

If you were wondering why Nintendo upgrades the processor and not the battery itself, that’s because the updated Switch model has an improved processor that lowers battery consumption by two times. The battery inside the updated model is exactly the same as that of the old model.

Please keep in mind that this offer is currently only available in the United States, so it’s not known whether this would eventually be offered in other regions.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

UPDATE: Nintendo of America says they do not have an exchange program.