The best Nintendo Switch chargers are always there right when you need them, and if you're rocking the original 2017 release, chances are you'll need them a lot. The Switch is great, but its battery life is not its best quality. That's why picking up an extra battery pack or simply making sure your USB-C cable is up to the task is essential to your overall experience.
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.
Unfortunately, very few Nintendo Switch bundles or Nintendo Switch Lite deals come with an additional cable, though we have seen them in the past. That means you'll need to pick up a spare to see you through longer sessions.
Best Nintendo Switch chargers
It'll come as no surprise that the official AC Adapter tops our list - simply put, it can't be beaten in terms of quality or reliability. 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 Genki Covert Dock is a revelation in the world of Nintendo Switch chargers. Not only are you getting a handy wall adapter with 30W charging via USB-C, but you can simply plug an HDMI into this block to connect your console to a TV. With all the mess around third party dock solutions, this is an incredible additional feature (the dock has been around since 2019 and is considered safe for the console). We've been using the Genki Covert Dock for months now ourselves, and have never come across any issues either.
The Genki Covert Dock does everything you need it to, in a form factor that feels impossibly small looking at the original Nintendo model.
Genki Covert Dock review
It's an excellent travel companion - all you need is a spare HDMI and you're casting your console to any hotel TV or portable monitor, for example. We were a little disappointed to find that the 30W charging output can't quite compete with more generalised (and cheaper) adapters on the market, but those devices can't cast all your favorite games to your TV.
Special mention must also be made for the Genki Covert Dock Mini. The newer Nintendo Switch charger and dock shrinks the size in favor of a more compact solution, though you do sacrifice the USB-A port. That means you won't be able to use a USB-C to USB-A cable to keep your console juiced up (though Genki provides a USB-C to USB-C in the box that will work just fine). Despite its more portable form factor, the Mini doesn't overtake the fully fledged dock in our eyes. If you're using other devices with USB-A cables to charge you'll need to bring an additional adapter with you anyway, rendering this tiny footprint useless.
Switch Lite owners, we know what you're thinking but it should be noted that the handheld-only console doesn't support any video output, so the Genki Covert Dock will not be able to connect your device to a display (though you can still charge).
Read more: Genki Covert Dock review
For the very best portable Nintendo Switch charger, look no further than this Anker PowerCore. 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.
Sometimes you don't have access to a plug socket, and that's why the Portable Power Bank is so handy. Its main selling point is a simultaneous charge and recharge function that allows you to get the best of both worlds even on the go. Because it has built-in over-voltage protection, it won't overhear either - you're in for 10 or so hours of extra, uninterrupted play time.
What's more, a detachable back-mount design allows you to clip the device onto your console. That means it won't be knocking around like a ball and chain, which is always helpful if you're travelling on a busy bus or train. Because the Switch is so inherently portable, the ability to stay on the go without being tethered to an external charger is great. It's very light as well, meaning you won't feel weighed down while you game.
When combined with a padding plate to protect your console and a back-mount, you've got one of the best third-party Switch chargers on your hands with this one.
There isn't a more reliable way to charge your Switch than official Nintendo products. 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.
You know you're onto a winner when something is officially licensed, and the HORI Nintendo Switch Car Charger doesn't disappoint. 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 best USB-C to USB-A cable
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 best USB-C to USB-C cable
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.
The best budget option
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.
Nintendo Switch chargers: FAQ
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.
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.
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.
Want to complete your setup? Don't miss our guides to Nintendo Switch SD cards, the best Nintendo Switch headset, and best Nintendo Switch controller. We're also rounding up all the latest Nintendo Switch game sales to hit the shelves and showing you where to buy Nintendo Switch OLED.
