Topic: Portable switch charger and cable

Hi,

I want to get a little portable charger for my switch but I read a lot of stories about people 'bricking' their console because of using the wrong, unlicenced charging cables.

Is this still the case, and do any forum members have any recommendations of mini-chargers and cables?

Thanks.

I just bought a second Nintendo AC adapter when I got my Switch, $14.99. I'm sure you don't need to, but I'd rather spend the dough to limits possible issues with a $300 device, ya know?

Thanks for the advice guys! Anyone else? I’m in the UK and looking to buy one quite soon 👍😀👍

Found a video that explains the problem with 3rd party docks and chargers.

Long story short, don't use any dock or charger that Nintendo didn't make or approve. Nobody else knows what the Switch's USB-C port is actually doing. And even Nintendo may not be entirely sure how it works, only that it does.

I have been using the SCharge (formerly known as the switchcharge) and have had no issues and get like 10hrs of battery life with it.

Have you got a link for that one? Thanks

From my research into things (back when I first was considering buying a switch) the Nintendo Switch doesn't use the industry standard protocols for a USB-C port. Instead they use a weird, and possibly proprietary one. As such, any charger or dock (especially docks) they didn't make are a risky thing to use. The 3rd party dock makers are using the standard USB-C protocols, and saying that's perfectly safe. But I guess Nintendo had needed to either use or create a different protocol setup in order for the Switch to do what it does.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/scharge-10000mah-battery-case-wi...

I could only find it on Best Buy's website, @LittleFonzy. It's hard to find from what I can tell...

@LittleFonzy I've been using a USB to USB-C cable(the ones that come with the pro controllers and joycon grips) and a standard USB charging brick since shortly after launch to great success. Said bricks have a large range of sizes. I use an IMuto 30000mAh brick and it's enough to triple my Switch's play time and recharge my phone on the side. I know Anker is decent too and generally well recommended as well.

If you just want a regular AC adapter, just stick to an official Nintendo adapter. They aren't too expensive and you know they will work with 0 issues.

Thanks to all.

So, and to keep it simple for simple people like me;

Docked power - go official because Nintendo don’t use industry standard stuff

Undocked power - doesn’t really matter. Go nuts and get any compatible power lead/bank/plug you like.

Is that right?

I personally wouldn't risk "going nuts" for undocked. Namely because Nintendo still isn't using the same protocols everyone else does. As such while there might not be a problem, there might be a huge problem lurking just underneath the surface. I feel it's too much a risk. But it's up to you if the risk is acceptable or not.

The cables, likely no real issue. But the power bricks, those might pose a problem. If I get one, I'll probably go for the one Nintendo has officially licensed just to be safe.

Unofficial chargers are fine. Nintendo said any with the 56k resistor (C standard).

Then why is the licensed one listing "optimized to work with Nintendo Switch" as part of it's features? Which implies that the standard setup wasn't good enough.

Okay. Cool. Thanks again to everyone. So, has any one got a link for an officially licensed usb-c charging cable and power brick? Thanks.

@SladeWatkins Thank you so much for your answer

Uhm, why would you buy one from Amazon when it's almost twice the price it would be if you bought one at the store?

I think he was asking about the licensed portable backup battery, not the official power cord.

@LittleFonzy @SladeWatkins I got it from this website. I think you can still order it from here https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/switchcharge-a-battery-cas...

Here is info on (and links to) the official one, which may be a safer bet.
https://www.cnet.com/news/ankers-play-and-charge-battery-pack...

As I said, I'm not sure I'd trust 3rd party battery packs that Nintendo didn't authorize and collaborate to make with my Switch. It might not be an issue, but if the manufacturer uses the standard USB-C protocols (which of course they would) then there could be serious issues laying in wait. The "optimized for the switch" language makes me worried that the battery packs need to be capable of using, or at least understanding, the protocols the Switch is using for that port.