The Nintendo Switch doesn't have the worst battery life in the world, but like a lot of gaming handhelds, it's far from ideal. The Nintendo Switch 2 could change all that, but we have longer to wait to find out. Where the current Switch is concerned, some of the most graphically intensive games, from The Legend of Zelda Tears of Kingdom to Disney Dreamlight Valley, can drain your handheld in just a few hours. So ensuring you have one of the best Nintendo Switch chargers on hand can make or break any future travel plans, or portable gaming sessions.
The official Ninty cord is a good shout, especially as it comes free with every Switch. But there are alternatives that add new functionality or portability to your beloved console. These cables, adapters, and power banks provide the fastest charges in super portable form factors, making them a go-to for use at home and on the go. We've now got everything from full replacement docks that hook onto a single wall outlet to portable power banks with bags of battery contained within. That's a relief because while not often considered right away, chargers are some of the handiest Nintendo Switch accessories you can get your hands on.
The Nintendo Switch 2 was finally revealed in January, on Thursday 16 but Ninty hasn't yet given us a glimpse of its new charger. Rumors have placed it to run at 60W, making for much less time juicing up. However, until the new console arrives, here are all your best options for keeping your existing handheld running to its fullest.
The quick list
The Genki Covert Dock doesn't just charge your system with a 45W power supply, it can also act as a pocket-sized dock with just an HDMI cable attached. That's perfect for travel - especially with the small form factor.
With a massive 26800mAh capacity, the Anker PowerCore can fully charge your system a number of times on the go.
If you just want a simple cable and plug, you can't go wrong with the official Nintendo model. You're getting guaranteed reliability and compatibility here, all with Ninty's name.
Want to charge in tabletop mode? This is the Nintendo Switch charger for you. The official model keeps your handheld upright and ready for action.
Hori created a simple USB-C car charger purpose built for the Nintendo Switch, perfect whether you've got a big road trip coming up or you like to stay prepared.
While new to the 12DOVE hardware team, I've been reviewing and getting hands-on with the Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo tech almost during my entire time as a gaming tech writer. Despite having a launch model and OLED Switch, my official chargers always go missing, so I'm always looking for a better, and affordable, alternative.
Recent updates
February 21 - For this update, the list of the best Nintendo Switch chargers as remained the same, notably as the attention has shifted more onto the Nintendo Switch 2 and there haven't been any notable new charger launches in the space. Regardless, I still updated this guide by adding more questions to the FAQ section, to help make recommending chargers more straightforward. I also omitted the 'Newderry Nintendo Switch Lite charger' from the list as it's no longer available for sale, and to ensure all the recommendations are up to date and relevant.
The best Nintendo Switch charger overall
The Genki Covert Dock is a must-see for anyone who regularly travels with their Nintendo Switch. This is more than a charger, it's a full docking system that fits in your pocket - all you need is an HDMI and you're set up to plug straight into your TV.
✅ You travel with your console regularly: Its compact size makes it easier to take with you than the official charger, and it means you always have the option for more juice should your Switch need it.
❌ You pack super light: If you're already struggling to make space for your Switch, adding a charger into the mix will just add to your troubles.
Of course, you're still getting solid 45W charging (via an included USB-C to USB-C cable), but the real flex of the Covert Dock lies in the TV output running up to 4K60Hz. Not only that, but there's an additional USB-A port for extra accessory useage, and to charge other devices if need be. If you only pick up one additional charger for your Switch, let it be this one.
One of the Covert Dock's biggest benefits is its size. This is a much smaller docking option than Nintendo's own model, but if even that's too much for your backpack, there's an even tiddlier model. The Genki Covert Dock Mini sits at about the same size and pretty much every other plug. While it drops the extra USB-A port and downgrades to 20W power output, it's far easier to transport if you're packing particularly light. Still, the full model is the best Nintendo Switch charger overall - especially if the lack of USB-A port means you'll still need to bring other adapters with you anyway.
It should be noted that the Genki Covert Dock isn't magical. The Switch Lite won't be able to dock through the system, though you can of course still charge up.
Read more: Genki Covert Dock review
The best portable Nintendo Switch charger
For the very best portable Nintendo Switch charger, look no further than this Anker PowerCore.
✅ You play heavily on the go: Its fast charging will get you back to playing your favorite Switch games time and time again, even after multiple hours playing on the go.
❌ You don't want the extra bulk: The heavy bulky size of this charger will weigh you down if you're already at odds trying to fit your Switch and other gadgets in your bag.
It's reliable, effective, convenient, and unobtrusive. Anker's a respectable brand, too, making this a solution you can count on.
Because the PowerCore 26800mAh has been specifically designed to provide faster charging, you'll be able to have your Switch back up and running in no time. That goes for other devices as well. Anker's been sure to include a variety of ports to suit all sorts of tech, making it just as useful for your phone or camera as it is your console.
Better still, this PowerCore's got a good enough battery to power up your device multiple times before it needs to be charged itself. That's not bad going at all, especially considering its price and portable nature.
The best official Nintendo Switch charger
It'll come as no surprise that the official AC Adapter is still one of the best Nintendo Switch chargers out there - simply put, it can't be beaten in terms of quality or reliability.
✅ You want a replacement main charger: You can't get a better replacement for your official Switch charger than the real deal.
❌ You still have your console's charger: While you may want a spare, if you still have the charger that came with your Switch you can give this a miss.
The company is well-known for their high standards, and it's the same story here. Better still, this is exactly the same plug you'll have received in the box with your console.
That's what makes the official Nintendo Switch charger so appealing. You know exactly what to expect and can rest easy in the knowledge that it'll definitely work with your console. After all, peace of mind is important when it comes to an expensive system like the Nintendo Switch.
In short? If your original Switch plug charger has broken, getting a like-for-like replacement is the most sensible course of action.
The best Nintendo Switch charging cradle
There isn't a more reliable way to charge your Switch than official Nintendo products.
✅ You mostly play in tabletop mode: If you love to play with your detached Joy-Cons in hand, this is for you.
❌ You rarely play in tabletop mode: Playing in docked or handheld mode is fun, but doesn't jam well with this charging cradle.
This one is a simple but effective solution; it's designed so that you can keep playing in tabletop mode, even as you power up the console's battery.
Because it's a charging 'cradle', you don't need to worry about the console falling over either. It'll keep your screen secure and standing at a prime viewing-angle while it charges, and that's very convenient if you're in the middle of game. It also means you can avoid any annoyances from light reflecting off the screen.
Finally, this particular Nintendo Switch charger is adjustable. So long as a plug socket is within reach, you can easily tilt it forward or back for a better perspective on the action.
The best Nintendo Switch car charger
You know you're onto a winner when something is officially licensed, and the HORI Nintendo Switch Car Charger doesn't disappoint.
✅You have kids: This charger will ensure you can top up the Switch with juice and keep anyone in a long car journey entertained for hours.
❌You don't own a car: Feels somewhat self-explanatory.
It's a reliable bit of kit that's small enough to keep stored in the glove compartment, and it's also compatible with most cars because it's used via the cigarette lighter rather than USB slots that older vehicles may lack.
Crucially, this one has a six foot-long cable that means it'll stretch into the rear seats if any passengers need to charge their Switch. Which won't take all that long, by the way - it's a 5 volt/3.0A charger that promises quick results.
You're not limited to charging your Switch with it, either. That cable is a standard USB-C, meaning you can charge many modern phones like the Samsung Galaxy S10.
Best USB-C cables for Nintendo Switch
The majority of extra power adapters are still running USB-A ports these days, so you'll likely need to find yourself a USB-C cable to comply with that. The Belkin Boost Charge manages to keep some of the speed of a USB-C to USB-C connection while also offering a durable, braided cabling option as well.
The Anker Powerline II is a speedy little wire running USB-C at both ends. That means you'll need a USB-C wall adapter to fully make use of its fast charging capabilities, and with up to 100 watts running through its wire there's plenty of juice running to your machine here.
At under $10 / £10, this Amazon basics cable is going to get you off to an excellent start without breaking the bank. Available in a range of sizes and in either black or white, you're getting everything you need for a slower, but much cheaper charge.
How to choose the right Nintendo Switch charger
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There are two things you need to consider when picking up a Nintendo Switch charger; power output and form factor. That applies to both outlet chargers like the Genki Covert Dock and the Nintendo Switch AC Adapter and portable power banks. These days, you don't want to drop below 30W of total output, ideally aiming for a number much closer to 40W. If you're going portable, you'll also need to check the total capacity of the battery you're choosing. In general, 26,000mAhs is the current standard for a robust portable charger - you'll get six full charges of a Nintendo Switch OLED out of that.
Then you'll want to think about the actual physical space your charger will take up. Will the body of the outlet adapter, for example, take over other ports on your extension cable or wall? How much does that portable charger weigh, and is it small enough to keep in your travel bag?
Nintendo Switch chargers glossary
There are a number of terms being thrown around when we talk about chargers. If you're unsure of exactly what you're buying, you can check out our full glossary just below.
Nintendo Switch chargers FAQ
What kind of charger does a Nintendo Switch use?
The Nintendo Switch charges through a USB-C port with a max power draw of 18W for the original and OLED models, and 13.5W for the Lite device. For the fastest charging results, we'd recommend using a 30W or 45W charger to juice up quick.
What power supply is needed for Nintendo Switch?
As mentioned above, the console itself has an 18W power draw. However, if you're going to use your Nintendo Switch charger to dock your device, you'll need to bump that up to 39W to accommodate for upscaling and running additional USB devices.
Will the official Nintendo Switch charger be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2?
The Nintendo Switch 2 was officially revealed during a video posted to the company's social media channels on January, Thursday 16. Despite showing off its multiple USB Type-C ports, Nintendo has yet to announce what type of charger is required to power the upcoming handheld.
As the Switch 2 looks to be an upgrade over the current hardware, it's likely it will require a different power supply than the current Switch. Regardless, until we test it out for ourselves when launch day arrives, we don't recommend using your old Switch chargers with the new console, unless Nintendo officially gives that its blessing.
Are third party Nintendo Switch chargers safe?
Third party Nintendo Switch chargers are safe to use. Confusion sometimes arises here after reports of third party Nintendo Switch docks causing problems shortly after launch. While we'd recommend being wary of using these cheaper docking stations, a third party adapter, power bank, or USB-C cable is safe.
Can you charge a Nintendo Switch with a phone charger?
Because the Nintendo Switch uses the same USB-C port as many phones and tablets, you can charge it with your phone charger. That's helpful if you're on the road, as you won't need to pack separate cables for all your gadgets.
What is the Nintendo Switch's battery life?
Both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED have a 4,310mAh battery which will run for between 3 and 7 hours on the standard edition and 4.5 - 9 hours on the OLED, depending on your gameplay. The Nintendo Switch Lite has a 3,570mAh battery, running for 3 - 7 hours.
How do you charge the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers?
If both Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers are attached while your Switch is docked, your controllers will charge. The dock itself will need to be of course powered through the accompanying Switch cable in order for charging to work as intended.
The Joy-Cons can also charge without the dock, so long as they're still attached while a compatible charger is inserted via the USB-C port. Alternatively, you can also purchase accessories like the PowerA Joy-Con Charging Dock to charge two sets of Joy-Con controllers at a time, without the need for them to be hooked up to your handheld.
Want to complete your setup? Don't miss our guides to Nintendo Switch SD cards, the best Nintendo Switch headset, and the best Nintendo Switch controller.
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