3DS Battery Lasts About 5 Hours for 3D Games

Just thinking about this further: let's assume for a sec that this battery time is indeed with the 3DS on its most power-saving efficiency settings. Now, factor in the brightest option for the screen to go on, Wi-Fi settings and online play, with maximum volume to boot; if the DSi drainage is any indication, that would shave off nearly 3 hours of play time.

Honestly, that few hours on a Nintendo handheld? Really can't see it people. Add in the bigger battery, and I'm a sceptic of these claims. I'll wait for official confirmation or hands-on experience.

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Quite honestly, I'm not too bothered if this is worst case scenario, I've been playing a lot of the PSP lately, so I'm used to sucky battery life. Decided months ago I wouldn't be getting a 3DS at launch anyway.

I'll wait for official confirmation or hands-on experience.

It is official confirmation. It's on the official 3DS spec sheet released in Japan (by Nintendo).

What I find odd is that it doesn't mention brightness. Would be better if Nintendo had told us how much brightness can affect the times like they did the DSi.

The DSi, when on it's brightest setting lasts 3-4 hours (from Nintendo themselves) but when it's on it's lowest setting (phat DS level) lasts 9-14 hours.

If the 3DS only lasts 3-5 hours on it's brightest setting then I see it not being too bad if you turn brightness down 1 or 2 settings. I never have my DSi on full brightness because the option below is more than enough.

( Edited 09.01.2011 13:39 by Ifrit XXII )

It takes 3.5 hours for a 3DS battery to fully charge, which is pretty good. As for how fast that battery drains, Nintendo has only provided a select number of figures, all based on the presumption you're using the handheld on a lower screen brightness level.

With the screen's backlighting turned down (but not off), you'll get 3-5 hours of battery life while playing a 3DS game. That number extends to 5-8 hours if you're playing an older DS game on the handheld.

Of course, the more you increase the screen's brightness, the bigger the hit the 3DS' battery life will take.

Taken from Kotaku.

( Edited 09.01.2011 13:48 by Marzy )

Taken from Kotaku.

Bingo. Not the most reputable of sites. Will wait for first-hand confirmation.

It basically says on the spec sheet as well...

Nintendo 3DS software for about 3 hours, 5 hours if you play soft/change the screen brightness.

The battery life of the PSP was a common complaint, and it was never really sorted out, so for all we know Nintendo may not follow.

But yeah, the 3-5 hours thing on lowest setting is official.

Oh well, all the more reason to wait for a redesign.

-Crappy cameras (probably won't get improved - wasted opportunity)
-Crappy battery life
-Design-wise, room for quite a bit of improvement
-Ridiculous Price (expected at least)
-Tiny screens

( Edited 09.01.2011 14:56 by Ifrit XXII )

I honestly don't care too much. As long as there's a car charger for road trips, it doesn't bother me at all. I almost always play my DSi on its charger. xD

Also, keep in mind the 3DS is a machine running Gamecube, almost Wii quality games IN 3D, in quarter the size.