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How often have you faced a situation where you needed to charge your Nintendo Switch but didn’t have the dock in hand? It can be frustrating, especially when you want to play on the go or charge the device.
Many users have asked whether they can charge the Nintendo Switch with any USB C cable. The answer is yes, but there are some technicalities. In this article, I will explain how you can charge your Nintendo Switch using a micro USB-C cable and whether or not you should use a smartphone charger for that purpose.
How to Charge Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite come with a standard AC adapter that can be used to power the dock, which then powers the Switch. Alternatively, you can remove the adapter from the dock and plug it directly into the Switch.
The standard Nintendo charger is the best way to power your device efficiently. You can charge even while playing the game but mind you; the charging speed will be slower than usual. Although the charger capacity is not specified on Nintendo’s official website, according to the company, it will take around 3-3.5 hours to charge the device completely. But if you are playing and charging simultaneously, it might take longer.
How to Charge Nintendo Switch Using USB-C Cable?
As you know, all Nintendo Switch Controllers are equipped with a USB-C port for charging. It means that practically, you can use any Type-C charger. However, the charging speed will vary according to the power input.
All you need is a power source such as Laptop, Smartphone (OTG), power bank, or a standard smartphone charger with a USB-C port. However, the maximum output the Switch takes is 7.5 watts, enough to plug and play simultaneously.
Nintendo didn’t specify the lower output limit for charging but traditionally, the more amperes the charger has, the quicker it will charge the battery. A typical smartphone (without fast charging) comes with 5 volts 2 amps which is sufficient to power up the device without causing any harm to the battery. Using fast chargers may charge the Nintendo much faster, but the company doesn’t advise using them as they can significantly reduce the battery’s lifespan.
As far as the charging cord is concerned, you can use any USB-A to USB-C cable to charge your Nintendo Switch. If you want quick charging, it is advised to use a USB-C to USB-C cable, which we see with current smartphones, and MacBooks.
Can You Charge A Nintendo Switch with A Phone Charger?
Yes, you can charge a Nintendo Switch with a phone charger as long as it is a USB-C charger and supplies enough power to the Switch. The Switch requires an output of at least 5V/2.6A to charge at the maximum rate. If the phone charger you are using meets these requirements, it should be able to charge the Switch.
However, it may take longer to charge the Switch with a phone charger than the charger that came with it, which has a higher output of 5V/3.0A. It is also worth noting that some phone chargers may not be compatible with the Switch, so it is always best to use the charger that came with the Switch if possible.
Nintendo Switch Lite (HDH-001) Battery Specifications
Nintendo Switch Lite is a good option for people who enjoy gaming on the go. It’s a lightweight device with a 5.5-inch capacitive touch display and NVIDIA Tegra CPU. You can check out more specifications on Nintendo’s official page. As far as battery life goes, here is what you need to know:
- Battery Capacity – Lithium-ion battery, 3570mAh
- Charging Time – Approximately 3 hours (when the device is in sleep mode) with a Nintendo power adapter
- Battery Life – Somewhere between 3 to 7 hours. The battery life largely depends on the complexity and graphics of the game. The more resources it uses, the faster the battery will drain out.
Alternatives to Nintendo Standard Charger
1. YCCSKY Charger for Nintendo Switch
YCCSKY Nintendo Switch charger is a versatile and convenient alternative to the standard charger. It can be used in handheld mode and for charging the Switch when docked and being played on a TV. If you want to avoid unplugging your charger constantly, this AC adapter is a valuable addition as a backup charger for your Switch. It’s lightweight and compact, meaning you can use it on the go.
- Approximately 1.5 meter-long USB-C cable
- Output of 5V 3Amp/15V 2.6Amp
- Input of 100-240V~50/60Hz 1A
- Charges the Switch completely in 3 hours
- Price – $17.99
2. NALENSY Switch Charger for Nintendo
NALENSY charger for the Nintendo Switch is designed to charge both the dock and the pro controller. It is lightweight and easy to carry, making it a convenient option for travel or storage. It supports 100% power off console charging and start-up, making it an excellent solution for players who need an extra charger. It is also compatible with the Switch TV dock and TV mode. Plug it in, and it works like an official Nintendo Switch charger.
- 5V 2 Amp/ 9V 2 Amp/ 15V 2.6Amp output
- It supports TV Switch Dock mode so that you can play without interruption
- It comes with a 5ft/150cm long cable
- Short circuit protection, Overheating protection, and high-voltage protection
- Price – $17.99
3. Ponkor Charger for Nintendo Switch
The Ponkor Steam Deck Charger for the Nintendo Switch is a high-efficiency AC adapter that can quickly charge your Steam Deck and Switch. It has a 45W output and can charge the devices in approximately 2.5 hours. In addition to the Nintendo Switch, it is also compatible with smartphones, tablets, and MacBooks that support USB-C fast charging.
- It comes with multiple safety features to prevent overheating, short-circuiting, and overcharging
- 70-inch/177 cm long cable
- Input of 100~240V~1.5Amp, 50-60Hz
- Output of 5V 3Amp/9V 3 Amp/15V 3 Amp
- Price – $19.99
4. Steamhof USB-C Fast Charger
If you are looking for an all-in-one charger for your Nintendo Switch, Steamhof fast charger is the perfect option. It is a 45W USB-C fast charger that can charge various devices, including the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox, smartphones, laptops, and tablets. It can fully charge the Steam Deck for the Nintendo Switch in approximately 2.5 hours.
- Input of 100~240V~1.5Amp, 50-60Hz
- Output of 5V 3Amp/ 9V 3 Amp/ 15V 3 Amp/ 20V 2.25Amp
- It comes with 1.5 meters USB type C cable
- Overload, overcurrent, and overheating protection
- Price – $16.89
Final Word
To sum things up, it is recommended to use the standard Nintendo Switch Adapter that comes in the box. It’s suitable for safe charging and a better gameplay experience (If you are doing it simultaneously).
It may be more convenient to use a USB-C cable and count on a power supply when on the go. The official adapter is designed to provide optimal power and works with both the Switch and Switch Lite devices. You might be tempted to use fast smartphone chargers with over 15 watts capacity for quick charging. Nintendo devices are not designed to handle such high output, and using them may cause damage to the battery.
