Make sure you don't buy the wrong Nintendo Switch this Black Friday

This story is part of 2019 Holiday Survival Guide, featuring tips on the best ways to manage the holiday season.

It's not even Black Friday yet, but the Nintendo Switch is already on sale by itself or as part of hard-to-pass-up doorbuster bundles. Some of the Switch deals are too good to miss and are selling out fast, but the new and original Nintendo Switch at a glance look similar, so here's how to make sure you are buying the Switch you want this weekend if you're rushing to take advantage of a deal.

The new Nintendo Switch handheld gaming console costs the same as the original Switch ($300), and to make your shopping a bit more interesting you may also see the $200 Switch Lite on sale. To help you sort out the different Switches, we have a handy guide to figure out which Switch is for you.

Read more: Best Nintendo Switch accessories for 2019

But if you've already decided you're buying the new $300 Switch, be aware: It might sell side by side with the first-generation Switch, and you don't want to get the wrong one. Here's how to identify the new Nintendo Switch for 2019 to ensure you're getting the handheld you want.

New Nintendo Switch (2019)

The new Nintendo Switch has better life, up to 9 hours and comes in distinctive packaging. Here's how to identify the new Switch.

• Model number: HAC-001(-01).
• Product serial number: Begins with XKW.
• Product description: Battery life approximately 4.5 to 9 hours.

To avoid confusion, here's where you can buy it.

Original Nintendo Switch (2017)

This Black Friday, many of the game bundles are for the original Switch. If battery life isn't as important for you, here's how to identify the original Switch.

• Model number: HAC-001.
• Product serial number: Begins with XAW.
• Product description: Battery life approximately 2.5 to 6.5 hours.

For all the deals on the original Switch, check out our Black Friday Switch deals.