Choosing the best power bank for Nintendo Switch is important for any family. As a console that gained its popularity by being a handheld and stationary console, it requires a lot of battery power. Not to mention, it’s also a fantastic way to stay entertained while on a road trip or on vacation.
The following six power banks are highly recommended for Nintendo Switch as well as any other portable console that you might bring with you on your upcoming trip.
Why would you need a portable charger for your Nintendo Switch?
The battery of the switch lasts for less than 10 hours. So you probably won’t need a power bank for just playing at home. Maybe if there is a power outage in your area. But a portable charger will be handy on a longer trip. Traveling aboard on an airplane. Taking a weekend camping trip. Or just for a long wait for a connecting flight at the airport.
Best Power Bank for Nintendo Switch
1. Anker PowerCore+ Charger
Anker is one of the more notable brands in the power bank industry, especially as it offers a wide variety of models to choose from. The Anker PowerCore+ Charger is highly recommended for all types of devices ranging from laptops to portable video game consoles.
Features
- 26,800 mAh Charging Capacity
You’ll be surprised at how much power this bank carries around, especially as it is so slim and compact. With 26,800 mAh of power, you will easily be able to fully charge larger electronics, such as laptops and consoles, at least once each. It will also give your smartphone up to seven full charges.
- Wide Compatibility
There are plenty of devices that you can use the Anker PowerCore+ Charger for. As it comes with one 30W USB-C port and two 5V/3V USB ports, there’s plenty of charging options open to you.
- Fast Recharging Time
When it comes time to recharge the power bank, you’ll be able to reach 100% in less time than with most other power banks. This model is said to receive a full recharge in four and a half hours, if not less.
- Included Accessories
Compared to most other companies that simply ship you the power bank and a single cable, you’ll have everything you need for travel when you get the Anker PowerCore+ Charger.
For every purchase, you’ll receive a welcome guide as well as an 18-month warranty. You’ll also have a 30W USB-C wall charger, a micro USB cable, a USB-C to USB-C cable, and a travel pouch.
Pros
- Perfect for air travel
- Charges Switch while playing
- Delivers 18W of power to the Switch
- Wall charger also works with the Switch
Cons
- Slowly charges laptops
- Included cables are of poor quality
- Soft case rips easily
2. RAVPower USB C Power Bank
Another great option for someone looking for a Nintendo Switch charger is the RAVPower USB C Power Bank. Similar to the previous unit, this power bank can easily charge an assortment of electronics from smartphones to video game consoles.
Features
- 26,800 mAh Charging Capacity
With the same amount of charging capacity as the Anker power bank, this unit has more than enough power to fully charge multiple devices. It is also specifically designed to charge your Nintendo Switch fully even while you play.
- Three-Port Design
There are three different charging outputs on the RAVPower USB C Power Bank. One is a Type-C port that charges devices in up to five hours. The second and third are both 2.4A iSmart ports.
- iSmart Ports
Designed specifically for all devices, iSmart ports deliver the correct amount of voltage to your electronics without the worry of overcharging. You’ll be able to charge an iPad Air at least two times and receive up to 10 charges for your iPhone.
What’s more, this type of port makes sure your devices are charged at their best potential. The iSmart ports also protect your devices from short circuits.
- Plenty of Protection
Aside from the overcharging protection, this power bank also protects your Switch from short circuits and current surges. You’ll also love the scratch-resistant matte finish on the outside of the power bank.
- Included Accessories
When you order the RAVPower USB C Power Bank, you’ll receive the base unit and an instruction guide to teach you how to use it with different devices. There is also two micro USB cables and a single Type-C to Type-C cable, as well as a travel pouch included with every order.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Easily charges Switch while playing
- Charges quickly like the Nintendo AC adapter
- Will instantly recognize the plugged in device
Cons
- Not recommended for laptops
- Takes over five hours to charge MacBooks
3. RAVPower QC 3.0 Battery Pack
If you’re looking for a more reasonably priced power bank for your Nintendo Switch, this is a great alternative to the previous two models. The RAVPower QC 3.0 Battery Pack has a couple of additional features that you might be interested in when compared to other power banks.
Features
- Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0
By far, the largest selling point of this power bank is the fact that it charges devices incredibly quickly. With the help of QC 3.0, your Switch will have all of the power it needs in far less time than with competing power sources.
In addition, there is a QC 3.0 input, which means that the power bank will recharge faster as well.
- iSmart Port
To ensure your devices are protected while charging, there is a single iSmart port on the RAVPower QC 3.0 Battery Pack. It is specifically designed to recognize your device and deliver the most efficient charge possible.
Aside from that, this feature helps to protect connected devices from overcharging, surges, and more.
- Type-C Input and Output
With the use of the Type-C output, you’ll be able to recharge any device up to 5V/3A. You’ll be able to recharge your Switch up to two and a half times from 0% battery. It also charges iPhones up to four times.
- Included Accessories
There are plenty of accessories you’ll receive with the RAVPower QC 3.0 Battery Pack. Every order comes with two micro USB cables, a micro USB to Type-C adapter, a carrying pouch, and a user guide.
Pros
- Charges 15% of Switch in 30 minutes
- Charges while playing
- Seemingly unaffected by cold
Cons
- Will require a special Switch charging cable
- Included cables are cheap
4. QTShine Portable Power Bank
The QTShine is one of the lowest-priced power banks on our list. Nevertheless, it offers a great option that packs in some surprisingly great features, including being incredibly lightweight and portable.
Features
- Lightweight and Large Capacity
With 24,800mAh capacity, this power bank has a very generous capacity that will allow you to charge your Nintendo Switch fully in one charge, or other devices several times, before it needs charging again.
Since it uses two lithium-ion polymer batteries, this power bank is also very lightweight in comparison to other options of this size. This makes it perfect for carrying around with you on a daily basis.
- Advanced Charging Technology
This power bank’s advanced charging technology protects your devices from over-charging and over-heating. This power bank is CE-, FCC-, and ROHS-certified. It is designed to identify your device automatically and deliver the correct voltage to prevent too much current or voltage from damaging your device.
- Dual Charging Ports with Quick Charge
Charge your phone and tablet at the same time with the dual charging ports on this power bank. One of the ports also offers quick charging, which will charge your Switch 1.4 times faster than a normal power bank.
- Satisfaction Guarantee
With a fantastic 24-hour customer service team, a 30-day no-hassle return period offered, and a two-year warranty, you can buy this power bank with complete peace of mind.
Pros
- Lightweight battery
- Intelligent charging
- Dual ports with one quick charge
- LCD display
- Safe to use
- Works with phones, tablets, and more
Con
- Doesn’t specify whether or not you can charge and play at the same time
5. RAVPower Three-Port Power Bank
The fifth option from RAVPower to make it onto our list of the best power bank for Nintendo Switch, this power bank is a slower product than the previous two. However, the price is much lower, so it offers an excellent alternative to those on a budget and with more time on their hands.
Features
- 26,800mAh Charging Capacity
With a big charging capacity, this power bank will charge your Nintendo Switch fully with no problems. It charges slower than the other devices on this list, but that can be expected given the price and alternative features. It takes 14 to 15 hours to recharge using a 2.4A charger, or 30 to 31 hours with a 1.0A charger.
- Three Output Ports
This power bank has three iSmart 2.0 output ports, which means that you can rapidly charge your phone, tablet, and Nintendo Switch all at once. Unfortunately, however, you can’t play your Switch while charging.
- Accessories Included
You get some useful accessories bundled in this package at no extra cost, such as two micro-USB charging cables and a handy carrying pouch. You also get a user guide and an 18-month warranty, which offers great peace of mind.
Pros
- Large charging capacity
- Three output ports offering quick charging
- Free accessories
- Warranty included
Cons
- Recharges slower than other power banks on this list
- Doesn’t allow you to play Nintendo Switch while charging
6. Anker PowerCore 20100 Nintendo Switch Edition
Last but not least we have the Anker PowerCore 20100. It is the official licence Nintedo Switch power bank. That is why it is a little pricier compared to the other portable chargers.
Features
- 20,100mAh of power mAh Charging Capacity
The charging capacity is just a little less, then the previous power bank. But enough to fully charge the Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite Edition.
- Power Delivery
With the power delivery technology, you can keep playing your favorite games while charging your gaming console.
Pros
- Official Nintendo power bank
- High-Quality
- Restores your Switch to full power
- Compact Design
Cons
- Recharges slower than other power banks on this list
- Only comes with a 1 USB-A and 1 USB-C.
Buyer's Guide
When choosing the best power bank for Nintendo Switch, there are a few factors that you should consider that will affect the suitability of the power bank to your individual needs. Here, we list five factors you should think about before making your purchase.
1. Weight
The weight of any power bank is important as it affects its portability. If you are carrying your Switch and power bank around with you, then you should consider what the overall weight will be and whether you can handle it.
2. Capacity
The capacity is equally important and will, of course, affect the overall weight of the power bank. Consider a larger capacity power bank if you think you will have to go several days without being able to charge it. On the other hand, go for a smaller capacity power bank if you are able to charge it each night.
3. Legacy Parts
Consider whether you will be able to access parts and accessories that you will need after they are no longer made by the manufacturer. Can the parts and accessories be commonly found, or will they be impossible to replace?
4. Power and Play
Some power banks need to be left alone when charging, while others will allow you to charge your Switch as you play. If you want to be able to continue playing while charging the device, then you should look for one that specifies this power and play ability.
5. Price
Last but not least, the price of a power bank should also be taken into consideration. You want to make sure that you are getting everything you need in a power bank without shelling out more cash than you need to.
FAQs
Aside from finding the best power bank for Nintendo Switch, you also have to know how to charge your device the right way. After all, you want to make sure that you don’t do anything that would shorten its life. Hence, below, we answer some of the most common questions that many users ask.
1. How many amps does a Nintendo Switch need to charge?
A Nintendo Switch will draw five volts at 1.5 amps (7.5 watts) and 15 volts at 2.6 amps (39 watts). It is optimally charged using the correct charger and the Nintendo Switch AC adaptor that is provided with the console.
2. Can you use a phone charger for Nintendo Switch?
If you have an Android phone, then you will have the right type of charger to fit your Nintendo Switch. Although they look similar, it’s important to remember that not all of these cables are the same as they often feature different transfer speeds. Nintendo Switch is more suitably charged using a higher-powered cable.
3. Can you fast charge Nintendo Switch?
Yes, it is possible to fast-charge the Nintendo Switch. Anker Powercore+ chargers can fast-charge the Switch in just three to three and a half hours. Other brands, such as RAVPower, can also fast-charge a Switch using quick-charge 3.0 ports.
4. What type of charger does the Nintendo Switch use?
The Nintendo Switch uses the same type of charger as an Android phone, which is called USB Type-C. This feature massively increases the console’s user-friendly appeal. USB Type-C chargers are fast becoming the standard type of cable for charging and transferring data and can charge many devices from Android phones to tablets and computers.
5. Can I play Switch while charging?
Yes, many power banks allow you to play while charging. Just last year, Nintendo also released a new Switch adjustable charging stand or dock, which allows you to sit the console in the stand while you charge and play at the same time.
6. What is the average battery life of the Nintendo Switch?
The average battery life depends on the game your are playing. Typical the Nintendo Switch has battery life of 3 to 5 hours while playing a game.
7. Is the Nintendo Switch battery user-replaceable?
The battery of the console is not glued in. That is the good news. But still it is difficult to replace the battery. Here is a video guide how to do it.
The Verdict
The RAVPower USB C Power Bank is easily the best power bank for Nintendo Switch, especially if you want to play your game and charge the console at the same time.
This device has an ample amount of charging capacity and will quickly restore your Switch to full battery. In addition, it protects all devices against overcharging and power surges. This is made possible because they are automatically recognized, thanks to the iSmart ports.
