Just last month, Nintendo announced a new and improved version of its flagship hybrid console, the Nintendo Switch. The only notable difference added in the new Switch model is an improved battery life, which is good news for players that are always on the go. Now, for those who recently purchased the old Switch, it appears that Nintendo will allow players to exchange the old model for the new one.
The news came from Reddit user DarthMewTwo, who claims that Nintendo will swap the old Switch for the new version given that the console was purchased after July 17, 2019. Browsing through Nintendo’s support pages, it appears that no information about the swap has been published. However, several other players supported the claim saying that they were also able to upgrade to the new model for free.
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To claim for an upgrade, players must call Nintendo support to open a ticket. During the conversation, support representatives will ask the player where and when they purchased the console, and how much they paid for it. As of the moment, reports are consistent that Nintendo is only accepting consoles purchased on or after the aforementioned date. It is also worth noting that some players whose consoles are within the acceptable date were denied an upgrade after stating that they bought their Switch below MSRP.
Once Nintendo deems the console acceptable, the company will provide the customer with a case number and a shipping address. It is worth remembering that while the swap is free, Nintendo will not cover shipping costs and insurance. Players must also remember that they only have 14 days from the start of the ticket to send in their old Switch or Nintendo will not grant the exchange. Switch owners also reported that once Nintendo receives the item, it will take them 5-7 business days to inspect the console. The company will also require players to send in everything that is included with the Switch (AC adaptor, dock, Joy-Cons, HDMI cable).
As of the moment, it appears that Nintendo is only accepting consoles for players living in the United States and Canada. It is also unclear how long Nintendo will accept exchanges, so it is recommended that players who are eligible for the exchange to pick up the phone and contact Nintendo support while the offer still stands. The new Nintendo Switch model features an extended battery life that runs for 4-9 hours as compared to the old version’s 2-6 hours.
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Source: Reddit
