The Nintendo Switch battery, considering its housing within a small portable device and the demands placed on it by the system's processing, isn't too bad. With low-stress games like Blaster Master Zero you can realistically hope for 5+ hours, but playing a demanding game like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will only get you a few hours. When we took our Switch on a little road trip we got into the habit of plugging it in to charge regularly, but ultimately those on the move and on longer journeys may look to other solutions.
Plenty that hammer their phones and tablets on the go get into the habit of using external power banks / chargers, and as Nintendo has ditched its proprietary charging input (hooray!) for USB-C on Switch those same power supplies can be used with the portable. Some gamers will have one already, but even those considering it specifically for Switch need not break the bank.
We've recommended some in the past, but our chums over at Digital Foundry have done their thing and put some good units to the test. The devices tested vary in size and price, but it seems that for less than a retail game cost you can add plenty of hours to your on-the-go gaming.
Is this a solution you'll consider for your Nintendo Switch? Let us know in the comments.
[source youtube.com]
Comments 73
Speaking of chargers, I hope all y'all Switchers are being careful with what USB C cables you're buying.
Playing video games straightly 4 hours and more for everyday is Not a Good Habit.
Better we play the games not too long.
There are some things that more important than gaming such as your job, your chores, etc.
Anyway, if Switch has portable Battery, I wonder if there is a Portable Battery that fit with Wii U too (So I can take my Wii U on the go)
@Anti-Matter Mum?! Is that you? I didn't know you were a follower of NLife! ;P
I've recently bought a 30,000mAh powerbank for £28 and the mileage I get on it is insane... But all this talk bout bringing it on long flights is ridiculous of course, they'll never let you board with a powerbank like that; even the Switch itself has a li-ion battery which is considered to be too large to fly with.
If you've ever seen a lithium fire you know these restrictions are there for a reason, you can easily burn through the side of a plane or even make it explode while in- air.
Good info for people that use the system primarily as a portable.
Personally, I've been playing more Switch on my TV than portable. Just today, the battery life went to below 50% for the first time since I've had the system day one
@Switch81tch
People complaining about the battery life are almost exclusively people that don't own a Switch and don't have any intention to ever do. Like you said: 95% of all gamers won't need battery life longer than 3 hours in their everyday life; it's not like we don't have the opportunity to charge it almost everywhere we go. And even if you can't charge it at school or work, I pity you if you have to travel more than 3 hours a day...
@Blister
Um... hello.
Check my profile.
I am Not a Mum either...
God, listening to all your folks spreading misinformation on here about the dangers of batteries and flying do my head in.
They will not stop you from having a battery pack on a plane. They will not stop you from having your Switch on a plane because of its battery either. Where do you get your crazy information?
Umm... They let you take iPads and laptops on planes, and they have WAAAAAY bigger batteries than the Switch. The latest iPad has an almost 12,000mAh battery I think.
Lol what a dull article,desperate times. Especially after the JonTron article. The next article will probably be about Reggie's 56 birthday today,then you can all wish him a happy Nintendo birthday,how exciting,can't wait
After reading these comments, I feel like I'm part of a minority of Switch owners that considers the low battery life to be the system's most glaring issue.
Mainly because it's something that's not easy to fix on the system without shelling out the extra cash to get a portable charger. But also because I've discovered recently that I'm actually terrified to use the Switch with me on long car rides (like the 3+ hour one I took to Philadelphia last week) because I don't like the idea of having my time exploring Hyrule cut short by a low battery warning.
I love love LOVE the idea of the Switch being a home console AND a mobile one. And I want to be able to use both features to their full extent. But that's difficult to do when the Switch's biggest and most taxing games only last you a little over 2 hours. :/
Don't these harm the battery, though? Voiding the warranty and such.
Just wait until they make some really cool battery attachment that sits in the middle of the back panel. Switch is long enough so it won't get in the way.
@Yhdekskymmenen That's what I thought too. It has been my experience with Apple and Android devices that 3rd party battery charges damage the OEM battery. However, Nintendo itself mentioned in the Switch unveiling Tokio event that the Switch can use "official USB-C batteries" to charge the Switch.
Whatever that means by "official". I guess we just need to be careful by not buying generic batteries.
@JayPley Yeah but what choice do you have? No other piece of hardware is set up to do what the Switch does. And anything that WAS set up to do what the Switch does would last just as long or even less, because battery technology sucks. The reason your phone battery lasts 14 hours is because it's not rendering a massive open world constantly.
"Please remember to take frequent breaks while playing this game".
~Nintendo
P.S.- Thanks for Playing
You can get over 4 hours of Zelda on the go if you turn off WiFi and have the screen brightness down low. That's a lot of gaming in one sitting.
@Switch81tch
Yeah Bro. It was one hell of a boiling kettle,I myself stayed out of it,with matters like that I definitely keep myself to myself. If you make a comment on a article like that,somebody will give you backlash for sure. It made for good reading though,also it let you into certain NL users minds and who, what kind of ppl they are. Yep it was good mate
Rather see an article w pics, pricing and battery length alongside them.
@Anti-Matter As someone who spends a lot of time in the hospital, having a portable time-sink when I'm feeling healthy enough to do something makes for a nice distraction from my illness.
I'm sorry if that makes me seem unproductive.
Very handy article, this. Pleased to see this kind of useful stuff being done by gaming websites.
I picked up a 10,000mAh that fits nicely in the Sheika case along with a Google USB-C Wall Plug and 6 foot USB-C cable
But honest truth is I have yet to need it, and doubt I ever will.
I can get minimum 3 hrs even on Zelda without a charge. 4 or 5 hrs with smaller games. I haven't even needed to charge yet, much less need to charge and not be around an outlet. I can charge at my work, can charge in the car (not that I game and drive!), I can charge pretty much anywhere I go. Even so, I've just never found myself in a situation where I'm out an about for more than 3-5 hours without any outlet around. But, if I ever do, I've got an extra 2 charges with me in my Sheika case.
I love that case. Small, portable, with a handle. Able to bring portable battery and wall charger with anywhere I go
Am I the only one who actually plays Zelda for 5-8 hours at a time some days. Sorry it's LOZ. My jam, my gaming essence. I can't do that with Monster Hunter or Pokemon like some can but, Zelda's easy to do that with. Especially, Breath of the Wild.
@Boerewors I brought 2 10,000mAh portable batteries, my Switch, a laptop, and my 3DS on a 5 hour flight recently (not for use at once in the air, but so I would have them all at my destination). I don't think there are any issues with the size of a battery considering I'm sure I had more than that in my devices combined, easily. Unless yours comes in a suitcase of its own and is powered by a uranium core, you should be able to bring it on a plane without any problems, I would think.
@LiberatedAnimal
I play 5 to 8 hrs... every other weekend when I'm at home and am not working. The other 24 days a month I only have a few hrs to play once I'm home. I do play every day at work, but that's never more than an hour a day, cause I can't spend my entire paid workday playing video games (well, some days I can squeeze in a couple hrs, depends how busy I am)
@JaxonH
How's that Google USB-C charger working for you? I know you haven't said that you've really had a need to use the extra adapter, but I've wondered how well it works with the Switch. I have one for my Nexus 5x and was wondering if it provides enough power for the Switch. I've been leery about using it.
Looks like this video has had its sound muted (I checked that I didn't have it muted or that my speakers weren't off, and other Youtube videos are playing audio just fine). Looks like Nintendo put a copyright claim on their audio is my guess. They must have been using the "Switch click" or some other "copyrighted" audio. :/
@FiveDigitLP
Works excellent. It's the one with 2 USB C ports, each one is 5V 3A.
I tested with a normal USB A charger using the USB A to C cord that came with Pro Controller, and it's just enough juice to keep the battery at the same level when playing Zelda. Actually gained 1% in 20 minutes so it doesn't drain. But this USB C charger with a C to C cable... it charges like 3% every 7 minutes while playing Zelda. Plus the C to C cable can be used with a portable battery and also charge 3% every 7 minutes while playing Zelda. That full 3 amps of current from C to C makes all the difference.
@TheLobster Video plays fine for me.
You Americans must be incredibly deprived of outlets. Here in Sweden, we have them literally everywhere - even on public transports
With airplane mode on and screen brightness around 70% I can get 3:10 out of Zelda. I will rarely play for over 3 hours before I am around a wall socket so the Switch internal battery works just fine for me.
@CrimsonMoonMist
Yeah. Only that case is exception.
Kinda boring to do nothing while lying on the bed.
for me the only time this would be needed is like vacation or something where we're bouncing from place to place fishing or restaurant or.... but wait wouldn't I be fishing and eating instead of playing Switch? loll
OR for long car rides. We used to drive from Chicago to San Fran. 3 days bro. Need MOAR battery! but even then I'd probably be figuring how to plug it into the car not buy another battery to lug around.
I have a macbook with usb c charger. It works great on the switch as well. Haven't had the need for it yet, only tested that it worked.
@Anti-Matter don't tell me to live my life, I put 12 hours a day into BotW first week it came out
@JaxonH very true - it just comes down to how you play. I'm very much in the sme boat, my partner though plays theirs exclusively in handheld so goes flat all the time.
Being at home though we still don't need a battery pack 😬
@Anti-Matter huh?! I play games like 9+ hours a day everyday, is it that bad?
@NintyNate
Hard to say...
For my case, playing video games for more than 3 hours will start to make me sleepy somehow...
I can't play video games for more than 3 hours straightly.
What I'm actually wondering is, will the battery of a Switch eventually go empty even faster when you mostly have it in it's dock? Since it will constantly be charged while you're playing.
@JayPley car is no problem due to well priced official car charger for Switch.
@TeslaChippie So much this.
Nintendo: okay guys, here is your new toy. It's a decently powerful home console AND it can play those pretty home console open-world hi-def games on the go without sacrificing anything. All in a pretty little package that looks as slick as anything Apple or Microsoft ever made. Happy gaming!!!
Nintendo Fans: WAAAAA, batteries aren't strong enough to play all the way through a transcontinental flight! You suck, Nintendo!
@Anti-Matter What a great little nazi you're turning out to be. Your comments are worse than sligreach, who isn't even bad at all.
As much as I love portable gaming, I don't think I've ever played more than a couple hours on my New 3ds or my Vita. So far, 2 hours is the most I've played my Switch but I had to go to sleep for work the next morning. I'm honestly surprised by people who complain about the battery life on any portable device. Why would anyone want to sit and constantly play for hours on end? Is that all you have going in life? Maybe it's just me😕
@powersgenty
What ?
Nazi what ?
My comments last time just about playing habit.
Maybe someone can play video games more than 3 hours straightly, but for me it will made me sleepy somehow. I didn't say it was bad if you play too long or what, I just only share my opinion about my gaming habit. If someone want to play 9 - 12 hours in one day is up to them. They have to manage their time wisely, not just only gaming all day long.
@JudgeMethos
Ah, same.
Usually I play video games between 1 - 2 hours, 3 hours is for the longest time. Otherwise, I will start sleepy.
Except on Sunday, I might play more than 4 hours ( Including my gaming time at Time Zone game center, playing DDR + Para Para Paradise + MaiMai Murasaki).
If it ever becomes a headache I'll invest in one, but it's rare I'd get to play for more than 3 hours straight without being at home (and therefore near a power source) anyway.
If I go on a train journey I always book a seat next to the window. Whether the plug points work can be hit and miss I suppose. But you have to try quite hard in the uk to spend more than 3 hours travelling.
@Anti-Matter ahh I bet your well off than me my eyes are broken and I'm beyond tired all the time lol basically 27 years of non stop gaming
@powersgenty Wait, whaaaaat? You're calling Innocent Anti Matter a Nazi now? I did Nazi that coming...
I have been using the Anker like the vid shows....but I am using the Anker powercore that has DUAL outlets (same size as the 1 outlet in the vid)....it works great..and can also handle charging my phone at the same time...Here it is on Amazon... http://amzn.to/2npvv9A
Also, I find it handy to keep one of these USB B to C adapters in the Hori case...this way you can always use a friends charger and/or cable in a pinch..
Amazon.. http://amzn.to/2nkaWtF
@Anti-Matter said
'Um... hello.
Check my profile.
I am Not a Mum either...'
I'm pretty sure the post you were responding to was a joke.
@k8sMum Woah, you changed your avatar after forever. Maybe it's about time for me to change mine too...
And yeah, the joke clearly went over Innocent Anti Matter's head.
@AVahne What issues with USB-C cables are you referring to? I wasn't aware of any specific issues for Switch.
@JayPley But you can save at any time playing zelda. It's pretty much the same if you were playing at home and had to hurry up and go somewhere. You save and play once you get back, except if you were playing on your TV you now have the option of taking it with you on the go.
Not sure why the battery is that big of a deal. Plus it lasts longer than that for me with the screen brightness on max power.
@k8sMum English isn't their first language and I'm sure it is harder to tell jokes that are more so sarcasm based. ^^;
@legendwaker
I'm aware of that which is an I pointed it out to him.
@PlywoodStick
Yeah, thought it was time for a change, especially since I'm knee deep in my farm, Bedlam, in SoS: ToT. Why would you change from that handsome devil of an avatar?
Bought the ravpower for Glastonbury last year and easily made the cost of the battery back by selling charges. Great battery pack.
These look good, I think I'll get the tiny Anker one!
I heard about nasty USB-C cables being something to avoid at all costs. Can anyone recommend a decent one for the Switch? Is it USB-C to USB-C? Or Normal USB to USB-C?
@mid_55 it will be normal USB to USB C..
here is the one I use from Anker
http://amzn.to/2n71XtU
@fastharryDOTcom Thanks, I hadn't actually heard of the companies mentioned in the video, but they suggested that Anker were reputable, so Anker cables and battery pack makes sense I guess!
@mid_55 Anker has really grown in the past 3 years....Their flashlights are awesome...and their little bluetooth speakers are TOP rated...great company and awesome customer service....they are all I use and have never been disappointed...I won all their cables and 3 of the power packs as well as the flashlight and speakers
best place to buy is Amazon..
I'm still waiting to see someone put out a unit that's designed like the Wii U game pad cradle. Have I missed it so far, or had no one done this yet? It seems like pretty obvious concept, whether it's a portable battery pack, a direct ac power cord, or both.
All these packs that just connect a cable straight into the bottom of the Switch completely disregard tabletop mode.
@AVahne why do you say that? Is there something I need to know? I just bought a random USB type C cable off eBay to use in the car
I've got an Anker Powercore 20100mAh for my phone (Pokemon GO), but haven't tried it with my Switch yet, as I haven't needed to... at most I've probably used it out of the house for around three hours at a time at most, and the onboard battery lasts more than long enough for that.
@AVahne @leo13 same what should we be looking for?
Yay let's all laugh at someone who doesn't understand sarcasm because English isn't their first language. COOL.
@Baker1000
Are you laughing at me just because my mother tongue is Indonesian language ??
I'm happy with my MyCharge 8500. I'm able to get 4-5 extra hours on Zelda.
I've also read that you should NOT go cheap on USB-C wires. Mine was $25 and works perfectly fine.
@mid_55 Mine is USB to USB C. You want to avoid the cheap ones right now as apparently they're not correctly designed.
Heck, the best option is the cable with the Pro Controller.
@TheLZdragon I assume that any 'branded' product will do the job, as opposed to some random generic one...
@Baker1000 @NEStalgia @leo13
I'm not sure if the problem has been solved by now, but when USB C started becoming prevalent in modern devices...like last year I believe, many cheap wires started to flood the market which weren't properly made.
The issue was, a lot of these cables couldn't regulate power input and output correctly, which can fry your device and even damage your power supply since they end up drawing TOO MUCH power.
Again, I'm not sure if most or all of these wires have been put out of circulation yet (I doubt it), which is why I'm saying to be careful.
Do a Google search for safe USB C cables if you want to be careful with your $300+ investment. There's a Google engineer whose been buying and reviewing cables to see which ones are good and which are bad. I believe someone has entered his findings into a spreadsheet online.
@AVahne wow, thanks for the heads up. I'll check it out.
@Anti-Matter I was being sarcastic. There's an irony here, whoops.
@AVahne Thanks for the update, that's good info.
I happen to not buy cheap cables and always buy name brand ones (the time saved troubleshooting intermittent cable issues is worth a few $) But that's good information to have out there.
So far for Switch I've bought those red Anker heavy duty ones. They're a little bulky/stiff, but I've heard the connectors fit VERY snugly. That's a good thing if you're playing with the cable in. Less movement on the cable means less wear and tear on the internal connector than a loose connection that can move around.
Prior to this the only USB-C's I had were those $30-something Thunderbolt 3 USB-C cables because they're the only ones that seemed to pull full USB3.1rev2 speeds on my laptop for some reason (which does have TB3 ports.) Switch doesn't get to play with the TB3 cables. Those are glass fiber and are reserved for work.
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