Yes, You Can Charge Your Nintendo Switch In Tabletop Mode

Now that is an accessory I would want. Perfect!

I've been trying to find this, but I couldn't remember who the designer was. Anyway, UK link?

So, this USB cable. Is it the same has charging my HTC phone or is USB-C something different?

I see gamestop here in Ireland are charging €28 for a USB-c wall charger. rolls eyes

Edit: sorry, they are charging €35 for the wall charger. https://www.gamestop.ie/Nintendo%20Switch/Games/62084/nintendo-switch-ac-adapter even rollier eyes

Or you know... just hold it in handheld mode so the cable can fit in and you can continue playing.

@readyletsgo yeah that's because its a plug/power socket with cable. Not just a standard USB-C cable (which would be far cheaper).

That´s actually a good thing and I believe the guys from Hori do not necessary overprice their stuff.

Still a bit puzzled Nintey didn't figure out a way to place the connector to be accessible when in kickstand mode. Like in the bottom of either side, so it would still neatly slot in when docking.

P.S. Powerbank on a plane? Many modern planes have 220V outlets or straight-up USB charger outlets in arm rests for passengers to use.

@OzHuski ok, so can I use my phone charger? Or even my charger for my raspberry pie?

I'd probably use one of those stands anyway. The Kid Icarus stand comes in handy with my 3DS XL, just takes the weight away completely and makes the 3D way more stable through minimising potential movement.

I'll pick up a stand when I eventually pick up a Switch in a year or so!

@Shugo We posted the same thing at the same time, freaky!

Another accessory to buy to get the full functionality of your £280 console. Great!

a stand would be ideal if it also folded over as a protective shell that was also easily removed or somehow has clearance for docking. the snugness or looseness of that dock really limits possibilities for protective accessories. a case that doubles as a stand would be a best case scenario i think.

The more i see from switch the more i love it. Even if its small info

The accessory is nowhere to be found in the UK.

@impurekind Because the socket is on the bottom of the Switch. It would have been smart of Nintendo to include an orientation setting so if it needs charging, you can turn the Switch upside down.

Hori and PDP are always my go-to for 3rd party accessories and this actually looks useful! Now they need to make the car seat one shown on the first switch trailer with the 2 blokes playing MK8 Deluxe

Or I could charge and play it in handheld mode like I do with my other consoles at times anyway. ¯(ツ)/¯

@ROBLOGNICK 3DS, Vita, Switch, phones... looks like a trend already.

That almost looks like it would double as a Switch case, only it doesn't.

Getting more and more expensive. It seems the switch is as flexible as it gets but that flexibility comes at a price. Really annoying.

Hm. The amount of plastic peripherals for the Switch is already quite silly right now, and the system isn't even out yet... :/

Just placed my pre-order now after reading this article ^_^.

Makes sense and will make a lot of parents happy for those long drives during the holidays.

I'll just hold it in my hands, thanks.

Would the easiest solution be to simply turn the Switch around so that the usbC is at the top and the Srceen simply has a auto rotate option? Problem Solved 😀

THIS.... is a good accessory. Well done HORI.

This was one of my questions from the start after seeing the presentation. The stand looks fine so I'll prob get it.

I always travel with two plug-to-USB-adapters and with just as many USB cables for my phone already, so yeah, that's already covered.

@OzHuski
That's my favorite solution. No spending on extra accessories!

Can't wait to get my hands on the console but it's getting very expensive.

£280 console + £50 game + £35 decent battery + £15 case and that's without a Pro controller.

I wanted this for a 4 hour flight and 2 hours at the airport. Looks like hand held is the only way to play & charge.

Does carrying a stone of accessories technically make a console 'portable'?

Shame.....I was hoping that Nintendo would like release a super deluxe rip off accessory bundle including all the overpriced pieces of plastic in an air-fix style pop out strip 😉

@CB85 agreed. Strangely I've noticed a pro controller WITH cable accessory floating about and far cheaper than the wireless one.....You know of any functionality differences by any chance, or even the cable length?? 😉
No site has successfully broken down the accessory options in a way I fully understand yet🤔

@readyletsgo should be able too. But more than likely will trickle charge the Switch because its not designed for it.

@ULTRA-64 that's from Nyko I believe. It looks pretty cheap, the dpad looks atrocious! But if its cheap and functional - can you go wrong? Can always gets shot USB cable extension.

I'd prefer a dock that you click the console into and then plug the USB into the back of it to charge. Of course that will be more expensive.

I figured I'd just use it in docked portable mode but holding it up for time could result in sore arms.

I love me some stability, hopefully the Switch will continue the wondrous legacy the 3DS left behind of 1,819.5% stability

Why wouldn't you just play it with the joy cons attached on the plane? Then it wouldn't matter that the charger was on the bottom.

Hori to the rescue, as usual! The tone of the article seems rather satirical, but this product looks genuinely helpful. This is great for all kinds of travelling environments, beyond simply the air. This looks like it allows you to comfortably and for long periods showcase your Switch in an area with no dock. Forward-thinking!

So..... :/ one more accessory I need it pack for my highly portable system? You couldn't just make it charge with a cord in table top mode? Really?? Accessories are all good and they and very reasonable, but you are trying to sell the switch on portability ...

Well, as most people have pointed out.. I'll just charge it while playing with the Switch in my hands. It's my preferred method of playing anyway. Though an screen orientation mode would be a nice extra function.

However, some people are questioning the positioning of the USB-C. Are these the same people that said the Switch would be doomed if it was awkward placing it in the dock?? There are a lot of very mechanical & unrealistic "solutions" being mentioned.

It Looks like Hori are going to be trying to solve every problem with the switch. However not sure there is a problem here just charge in your hands and then put it back down when finished charging.

For everybody saying "I'll just hold it derp", how are you going to pull that off in multi player?

@ROBLOGNICK it's on the uk Nintendo store

The Nintendo Switch has so many accessories, you'd think this was a baby.

@Monkeyofthefunk Don't forget a new Micro SD card! It's all adding up, isn't it... :/

I can't imagine how often I would use the Switch like this, but it's nice that accessory makers are already making up for the device and its few design problems.

So it's essentially like the 3DS stand. I think I'll grab this.

Especially since it has that sweet, sweet stability.

we need a little stand just like the Wii U GamePad charger stand. Perfect for a flat stable surface - may not be so good on a bumpy plane ride

I was worried about that. To be honest I don't see myself playing table top mode for very long periods of time, I'd rather just play handheld mode (and charge at the same time) unless it's multiplayer. But at least I know there will be a solution in the future if I need it.

I'm fine with playing for as long as the battery lasts I would think, but just in the case I have a cable with me anyway, it does seems rather impractical that the port would be on the bottom. I mean, unless it is in fact the same port as it plugs into the dock with, which wasn't the case for the Wii U charging cradle.

@UK-Nintendo Is it? I can't find it.

Waiiiit... More sh*t to buy now?!!

Wow.

Reminds me of the WIi Classic Controller (which is like) that has the cable at the bottom, so it it is always in the way :/

Wow, people really love to bloody moan.

So the charging port is on the bottom of the system? I guess that makes sense for docking reasons but will feel weird when playing in portable mode on the couch.

Also...let the stability jokes continue!

Ugh, a bit disappointing that this wasn't considered in the design process. One of the reasons I buy Nintendo products is their commitment to quality design, and this is either (a) a scheme to sell more equipment, or, far more likely, (b) an embarrassing oversight. It does make one wonder what else wasn't properly tested ahead of the final design, but I'll remain optimistic, given how much I love my Wii U.

Just give me that car seat headrest adapter from the trailer!

This seems like a great solution for travel!

@Grawlog looks good. if it fit in the cradle, it'd be perfect. i doubt it tho', so it better be easy-off like a ******** ********

This accessory will be handy for those that want to game tabletop-mode style, &/or multiplayer on a plane, like the ex. in the article. I don't generally find myself in a position where I would need this, but it's great for those that do. It helps make the console/handheld/hybrid more usable, in terms of portable versatility; Forgot to charge? No problem, charge it while you, &/or your friends game on the go(train/subway/plane/etc.). Edit: I can get away with holding the hybrid(NS unit itself) in my hands.

@invictus4000 I was also thinking that the port at the bottom was weird placement, but made sense for the dock.

Then I remembered the Wii U gamepad's charge port is at the top, but it also charges from the charge cradle at the bottom. So that must not be a problem (other than cost of having two places where the system can charge from).

It really seems like an odd oversight, to not be able to easily charge while in tabletop mode.

Rethinking it - From a design standpoint, you can't have the charge port on the sides, because that's where the JoyCons plug in, and that port would be hidden in handheld mode. I don't think they want a bunch of ports on the top, because it'd look ugly in docked mode. So, I guess bottom makes the most sense.

This does look like it could be a handy accessory but I can't help but feel like this read a bit like an ad. Not complaining though, leading up to the Switch's reveal just about anything even mildly related is probably news worthy.

If I ever make that trip to Japan I may pick up one of these stands. Until then I drive everywhere so not an accessory for me.

@Yorumi Do you really NEED a charger for when it's positioned like that, or is it possible that you're just looking for any opportunity to complain about this thing?

I guess if you're prepared for 3+ hour gaming sessions in tabletop mode you might need to shell out. I can't imagine playing like this for too long, though.

@Yorumi
So, yes, whining about nitpicks. To address your complaints, though:

1) A charging port on top makes no sense, considering it plugs into the dock to charge. Just play it in handheld mode if you want to charge it at the same time.

2) The battery life when playing full console games isn't significantly worse than a 3DS playing more intensive games like Pokemon Sun and Moon, if Nintendo is to be believed. There will be people testing this out when the unit releases. Assuming they're telling the truth, it's not a terrible battery life considering how capable the device is.

3) Joycons reportedly have 20 hours of battery life, so why would you need to charge them separately? The Switch will die multiple times over before those things need to be recharged, and they supposedly recharge along with the tablet.

4) The two joycons can actually be used as two controllers, which is better than pretty much any other new console that only ships with one controller at launch.

It seems like you're just hunting for reasons to rag on this device.

Oh wow ANOTHER accessory I need to buy to solve a problem Nintendo created. That's FANTASTIC!

@Yorumi Interesting. Playing at a lower brightness? Most people I know with a vanilla 3DS only get around 3 hours when playing games like Pokemon S&M.

I've not engaged in any ad hominem attacks. I stated a conclusion ("you're hunting for reasons to rag on the device") based on my analysis of your complaints (none of which you addressed, by the way, instead choosing to spout off boorish generalities about the subject in question).

Also, at no point have I said anything approximating "no you." I gave specific reasons for why I disagreed with your complaints.

If you disagree with my reasoning, then feel free to explain yourself. And I don't disagree on the accessory pricing being ridiculous. I just think people like you are blowing everything out of proportion and creating mountains out of molehills, as they say.

@Yorumi Lovely. Homophobic language.

So, in your estimation, "bending over and taking it" is when you don't complain about something on the internet, and "not bending over and taking it" is when you do complain about something on the internet. Is that correct?

I find it interesting that you consider the Switch not having a charging port on the bottom to be the equivalent of someone anally violating you.

Sometimes I just say "improved stability" out loud to make myself feel better/more stable.

@Yorumi I am interested in having a conversation. But you need to state actual opinions and reasons for having those opinions. Saying you don't want to "bend over and take it" isn't an opinion, a judgment, or anything that a reasonable person can respond to. It's just crass.

Let's start over. I won't accuse you of whining or using homophobic language if you can state your opinions without alluding to anal sex or broadly generalizing in a way that makes ordinary conversation unproductive. If I make a point, I want you to give SPECIFIC REASONS why you disagree with me. I'll do the same with you. Are you willing to do that?

EDITED: My original post was a rambling mess, so I reworded a few things.

@Yorumi Would those not have altered the cost of the system in any way? I'm unsure about the manufacturing costs of charging vs non-charging joycon grips, for example.

If the joycons had a poor battery life, the grip not charging would be more of an issue. But chances are that, even if you forget to charge them, they're probably not going to die on you unless you forget to put them on the tablet for a few days. The USB-C charging largely negates the battery life issues for me as well, considering you can charge those in a variety of locations, and with a variety of different devices.

The accessories, then, seem to be purely for added convenience. I don't think Nintendo is necessarily obligated to add all of that stuff into the base package if they make it where you really don't need them to have a good time. You don't need this stand, considering you can charge in handheld mode. You don't need a charging grip, considering they charge on the docked tablet and have a long battery life. They're added conveniences for people who have money to burn. Microtransactions in physical form. This seems like a better approach than Nintendo charging a higher base price for the Switch.

The only exception to that for me is the lack of a proper D-Pad. I should not have to purchase a Pro Controller to have a proper D-Pad for my Switch, and while I understand why it was left out, I still think it was a bad move considering all of the 2D games this machine is likely to have.

Also, Nintendo's accessory pricing is pretty ridiculous. I understand charging $70 for the Pro controller. I think it's a bad move, but considering the tech that's packed in, I can understand it. But why in God's name is an extra dock $90 when it's largely plastic and a few wires?

I like the looks and functionality of that stand even without having thought about plugging it in while in that mode. Thanks for the heads up Nintendo Life! Preordered (for now).

I do wish Nintendo had some clever solution to this... though everything I think of comes up short. Top charger would be a nightmare to fit in the already amazing cramped space, wouldn't want to make it bulkier just for that, or use up that edge real estate. A bending connector at the bottom sounds good but then people would leave it bent when docking it so more complicated work arounds. Blech.

Sadly, I can see people propping it up on a bent cable which will kill that cable pretty quickly.

As for those talking about picking it up and playing that way, that only works when you aren't playing with someone else, a key feature of the on-the-go play and probably the most frequent circumstance in which you might want it plugged in.

@Yorumi @Ralizah That escalated quickly.

@Ralizah — On the dock pricing, Radio Free Nintendo had a Switch indie developer on, and she alluded that there's more going on in the dock than what Nintendo has let on.

She said that it wasn't just as simple as an HDMI pass-through and charging stand. She said that NYKO or Hori couldn't make a 3rd party version for cheaper.

She didn't/couldn't say what was in the dock, but my guess is that extra processing is happening in the dock. Probably helping with making the games 1080p, when the handheld itself does 720p.

$90 is still steep.

@vincentgoodwin We'll see, I guess. That would make the price of the dock much easier to swallow.

LOL! I doubt the charging will be an issue for me personally. I wonder why it wasn't placed elsewhere? The device is quite packed with tech so maybe it just couldn't be fit anywhere else. ;p

@Dazza: I loved the lighthearted tone of this article, great job man!

"...and you know we're all about stability here at Nintendo Life."

And this sentence in particular made me laugh so hard XD

@BAN I think we're in desperate need here on NL to create the "Comment Of The Year Award" just to award this guy.
Seriously, someone give he the recognition he deserves.

@ULTRA-64 Eh really? No idea, but I'm guessing the wired pro controller would be a 3rd party accessory, as opposed to an official Nintendo one? This is the first I've heard of it. XD

@Dazza that is highly appreciated

Not really gonna use the Switch portability, so I'm not getting it

I think I'll be okay holding the Switch in my hands whilst lounging around. However, if I want to use tabletop mode that much I'll get this down the line.

@clvr An artist is never appreciated in his own time.

There is some really good Switch stands i may pick one myself.

@OzHuski You'd be surprised how many people love accessories.

Why would they not do research? I can buy a cheap plastic stand for over $10 or I can spend another $5 and get a fully adjustable metal tablet stand. Can we get some researchers on this website?

It boggles my mind that Nintendo - a company which rightfully prides itself on hardware design - messed up so badly with both the kickstand and the placement of the changing port on the Switch. The kickstand is very difficult to open without a tool (credit card under the rubber bit works for me) and surely the charging port could have been moved up the back of the console an inch to allow for the cable to slot in?

I like this stand. The different angles and more stability are nice.

@kevin2me And how did you want to turn the joy cons upside down? lol

I was worried, but after further examination, it seems ok, two holes for the cooling fan intake and only $13,
my only real request would be some rubber feet or pads on the bottom to reduce sliding, I would pay an extra $1 for that

I have recently seen some clip on battery packs that wont block the cooling intake and they have a wide stand, + 8-10 hour gameplay, $30, - $13 of the huawai stand, that's really only an extra $17 for far more, go with the right battery pack I say

It look like this person have RCM jig in his switch in the picture.