What Can I Use Instead of a Nintendo Switch Charger?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

The Nintendo Switch allows you to charge via any USB-C cable and compatible USB charger or power source. This gives you flexibility if you ever lose or damage the Switch‘s official charger.

Overview of Nintendo Switch Charging

All Nintendo Switch models contain a USB-C port that supports the USB Power Delivery charging specification. This means the Switch can charge from:

  • The official Nintendo Switch AC adapter
  • Any USB-C cable plugged into a compatible USB charger, power bank, PC, car charger, etc.
  • The Nintendo Switch dock (which connects to the official adapter or a third-party USB-C power source)

The original Switch and new OLED model draw up to 18W (volts x amps) during charging. The Switch Lite charges at up to 13.5W.

Higher wattage USB-C PD chargers can charge the Switch equally fast or faster than the official 15V/2.6A = 39W charger. Lower powered chargers may charge slower, but can often extend playtime if gaming simultaneously.

Now let‘s explore some alternate USB-C charging options for your Switch, in case you ever need a backup.

1. Phone or Tablet Chargers

Modern phone and tablet chargers with USB-C Power Delivery can charge the Switch in handheld or docked modes.

Apple and Android phones/tablets outputting 18W or higher (e.g. high-end flagship devices) will charge the Switch at similar speeds to the stock adapter. Models rated under 18W may charge slower, but can still add battery during playtime.

So in a pinch, borrow your friend‘s phone charger! Just beware lower-powered 5W iPhone cube chargers can barely charge the Switch when sleeping and may not outpace gameplay drainage.

2. USB-C Laptop Chargers

The latest generations of Windows, MacBook, and Chromebook laptops charge via USB-C PD adapters ranging from 30W to 100W output. These will fast charge the Switch even quicker than the official charger!

I routinely use my Lenovo 45W laptop USB-C adapter to charge the Switch in handheld mode overnight. Most 18W+ phone/tablet chargers also get the job done nicely.

3. Portable Power Banks

Today‘s high-capacity USB-C PD power banks designed for laptops can simultaneously charge and power the Nintendo Switch for extensive play sessions.

Quality 30,000 mAh+ models from Anker, ZMI, RAVPower, and Omni 20 contain 30W+ output to ensure rapid charging, even while gaming. This keeps your Switch battery topped up during long trips.

Lower capacity power banks with USB-C PD may slowly charge the Switch in handheld mode. But gameplay will still gradually drain the console battery.

4. USB Charging Cables

You can use any suitable USB 2.0 to USB-C cable to charge the Switch, though USB-C to USB-C cables allow fastest charging speeds.

The Switch supports USB Battery Charging specification, meaning the console signals connected chargers to provide the optimal charging current and voltage. So even slow charging USB-A ports found in cars, planes, and hotels can slowly refuel the Switch.

Nintendo does license USB-C cables from PDP and PowerA that safely charge Switch at maximum speeds without issue. But overall, most quality third party USB-IF certified cables work perfectly fine.

5. USB Wall and Car Chargers

The Nintendo Switch can safely recharge from any reputable USB wall or car charger with USB-C PD ports rated 18W+. Anker makes fantastic and affordable 30W PowerPort Atom PD 2 chargers that rapidly replenish Switch in 2-3 hours.

Lower power single port car chargers may slowly add battery during gameplay. But a dual port charger with Power Delivery allows simultaneously rapid charging while using Google Maps or playing tunes via the car stereo over Bluetooth!

6. USB Computer Ports and Hubs

Plugging the Switch directly into USB 3.0 ports on a desktop PC or Mac can provide ample power to charge the battery during sleep/wake cycles. But most computers don‘t supply full 18W to rapidly charge while actively gaming.

A good compromise is using a powered USB-C hub connected to your computer. Anker‘s PowerExpand Elite 13-in-1 Hub provides 60W downstream power to quickly charge devices over USB-C/A ports, all while syncing data over the USB link to your computer!

FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about charging the Nintendo Switch:

How long to fully recharge Switch from 0%?

  • About 3 hours using the official charger, USB-C PD power source, or while powered off.
  • Up to 6 hours charging while in active gameplay use.

Can you play Switch without battery at all?

No, the Switch contains a non removable Li-ion battery, unlike the Nintendo Wii U GamePad. The battery cannot be bypassed to directly power the console from an outlet or power bank.

What‘s the best way to charge Switch in a car?

Use a USB-C PD certified car charger like Anker 36W. This allows simultaneously charging while using GPS or playing music apps via Bluetooth.

Will charging Switch overnight damage the battery?

Nope! Modern Li-ion batteries stop absorbing current when fully fueled. Leaving the console docked or plugged into AC overnight is perfectly fine and won‘t overcharge.

I hope this guide gives you confidence to charge your Switch using common USB chargers and power sources in a pinch. Let me know if you have any other questions!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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