Topic: AC Adapter affect battery usage?

[Thelongjourney]

I have a a few specific questions about having the 3DS plugged into its AC adapter for extended use. I have a read topics related to my questions, but they do not provide an answer specific to my question or they have conflicting opinions. Sorry for bringing up this topic again but like I said I have not found, in my searching, a good hard response.

1) Will playing on my 3DS for extended use, while it is plugged in with my AC Adapter, shorten the life of my battery?

I do not intend to do this on a perpetual basis; I do bring my 3DS out often for Street Pass and for the Activity Log. My idea is to alternate; play on the go and then play for an extended time at home while plugged in with the AC Adapter.

2) Is it harmful to plug in my 3DS for extended play with an AC Adapter when the battery is only partially discharged (Like 75 to 50% percent remaining) ?

I have read and understand the Lithium Ion batteries do not develop 'memories' like NiCad batteries. However what I want to know is if constant, I guess, 'premature' charging shorten or harm the battery life in some way?

Thanks in advance

[pokepal148]

Given all of the conflicting statements on the matter its best to go by your own experience...
which leaves me to say that in mine I have found nothing to suggest that doing things like that would affect your battery...

[Stratos]

I almost never turn my XL off. I leave it charging in sleep mode. But now after reading your post I turn it off more at night. I don't think it would be a problem but I don't want to risk it until I know more.

[Eiksirf]

I've had the 3DS for years and take it out most every day, then charge it for the evening and overnight, occasionally playing for an hour or two while it's charging. I've only had battery issues on rare occasions, like if I play 3DS software for more than a few hours during the day. For me, StreetPass all day and two or so hours of playtime is never an issue despite the amount of time I leave it charging. In fact, last year I took the 3DS on vacation without a charger. I used it sparingly, mostly just for StreetPass, and it survived for about a week, week-and-a-half before needing to be charged, so I'd say the battery life is holding up.

[RedBlue]

1. Maybe, and that is a maybe because it depends if Nintendo made sure that the 3DS stops charging the battery once it is 100% full.
2. No, Lithium Ion batteries don't have a "memory" but keep in mind that ever time a cell is charge and deplete it dies a little and eventually it will stop working.

[leahsdad]

Well, to have something to compare to, has anyone's DS Phat or DS Lite batteries died out?  My Lite is still going good, REALLY GOOD, and it's probably gone through at least a thousand charges.   

On the other hand, my old Ipod Touch, which has had FAR LESS charges, is on its death knell.   When full charged, it lasts for about 2 hours.

FYI, you can buy replacement batteries from Nintendo directly.  They cost $15 each.   Their online store is stupidly difficult to browse, though.   I know.   Surprise.

[leahsdad]

OH, I should add:  They sell batteries for almost all their handhelds.   From the 2DS to the GBA SP.  All $15 a piece.  The only exception seems to be the Micro, for which they sell absolutely nothing.