The Nintendo Switch is the most popular console out there. Over 140 million units have been sold to date worldwide, and the system is still pushing forward despite its age. With such a big presence in the market, there are naturally thousands of options to choose from when it comes to Switch accessories. That is especially true for chargers, as you cannot use your Nintendo Switch without one!
Whether you’ve just recently bought a Nintendo Switch or recently lost the charger it came with, we’ve got you covered on which chargers are actually worth picking up. Whether you’re constantly on the road or searching for something to use at home, check out our top picks for the best Nintendo Switch chargers below.
1. Anker 67W USB-C Wall Charger
Best Overall Charger for Nintendo Switch
The Anker 67W USB-C Wall Charger is our pick for the best overall Nintendo Switch charger. At 67W, this charger is capable of charging your Switch in both handheld and docked mode. You can use this with either mode, which isn’t the case for other chargers on this list outside of the official Nintendo Switch AC Adapter.
A big benefit of the 67W is this charger’s use beyond the Switch console. You can use this to charge an iPhone, MacBook, laptop, and more. This can be a life saver when traveling, as you’ll only need one charger block. It’s worth mentioning that you will need a USB-C cable with this charger, as Anker does not provide one.
2. Nintendo Switch AC Adapter
Best Official Charger for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch AC Adapter is by far the best official charger for Nintendo Switch. This is the same exact charger that’s bundled in with every Switch system, so it’s easy to order a replacement if needed. Outputting at 39W, the Nintendo Switch AC Adapter connects to any 120V outlet with no issues.
Since the charger is made specifically for Nintendo Switch, you will never have to wonder or worry about a potential compatibility mismatch. Sometimes, using a third-party charger can hurt your charging port, or even brick your system if you aren’t careful. Staying official when it comes to chargers is always recommended, with the exception of reputable and reliable third party brands like the ones we’ve listed here.
3. Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank
Best Portable Charger for Nintendo Switch
As outlined in our picks for the best portable chargers, the Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank is the best portable charger for Nintendo Switch. This device has the ability to directly clip on to the back of your system, so there’s never any worry of a dangling cable tied to a power bank. While it adds some noticeable weight, the power bank is nowhere heavy enough to make long playing sessions uncomfortable.
The Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank features a 10,000mAh capacity with an output of 15W, which is perfect for charging your Nintendo Switch while in use or in rest mode. Based on the Nintendo Switch power draw, you should be able to get around 10 extra hours of playtime depending on the game, which is a significant increase from the built-in Switch battery.
4. Newdery External Battery Station
Best Battery Case for Nintendo Switch
The Newdery External Battery Station is our pick for the best battery case for Nintendo Switch. This case provides a 10,000mAh battery in addition to the Switch’s built-in battery, allowing for up to eight hours of additional playtime in handheld mode. If you’re someone who exclusively plays in handheld mode or likes to travel, this can be an absolute game changer, especially when you’re in the middle of an RPG like Xenoblade Chronicles 2 or The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Beyond battery life, the Newdery External Battery Station is simply comfortable to hold. The grip behind the Joy-Cons is extended, allowing for all players to be comfortable during long play sessions. Additionally, the case features a built-in kickstand, which reveals a compartment to store extra game cartridges on the go.
5. PowerA Nintendo Switch Car Charger
Best Car Charger for Nintendo Switch
The PowerA Nintendo Switch Car Charger is the ultimate charger if you’re ready to break out your system on the road. First, the cable itself is braided, which is essential for use in a car. Plastic cables are often easily broken through regular wear and tear, but braided cables will last twice as long usually. Additionally, this product is officially licensed by Nintendo, meaning that you can trust the charger without worry of overvolting or damaging your system.
This cable is 6 feet long, which should be plenty to reach in either the passenger seat or backseat even. The 5V connector will plug into any 5V adapter, which is present on almost every single car manufactured. Whether you need to charge the Nintendo Switch itself or a Pro Controller, the PowerA Nintendo Switch Car Charger is perfect for a speedy charge in the car.
Nintendo Switch Charger FAQs
What type of charger works best for Switch?
The regular and OLED Nintendo Switch model draw a max of 18W of power at a time, while the Nintendo Switch Lite draws 13.5W. While this is the limit of the system in handheld mode, the official Nintendo Switch charger included with the system allows for up to 39W of power draw. This is largely used when the system is docked or charging controllers through the USB ports.
As a result, the Nintendo Switch is unable to draw more than the wattage outlined above. This means that even if you use a 65W charger or above, your Switch will not draw more than the 18W it needs to charge.
Do Joy-Cons need a separate charger?
Fortunately, the Switch Joy-Cons do not need any charger to charge. They will receive power from the Nintendo Switch itself, which is charged through the USB-C port. So, you only need to purchase one charger for both the Joy-Con controllers and Nintendo Switch.
It is important to note, though, that the Joy-Con can only be charged when attached to the side of the Nintendo Switch. These controllers do not have a USB-C port, therefore you cannot use a Switch charger to charge them. If you’d like to charge the Joy-Con when not attached to the Switch, you will need to purchase a Joy-Con charging dock.
Noah Hunter is a freelance writer and reviewer with a passion for games and technology. He co-founded Final Weapon, an outlet focused on nonsense-free Japanese gaming (in 2019) and has contributed to various publishers writing about the medium. His favorite series include Xeno, Fate, and Final Fantasy.
