The best Nintendo Switch chargers enable you to keep your console powered up to play on the go. The system uses USB-C, so there are lots of options out there, including simple wall chargers, car chargers, and even cases with included batteries.  

Our top pick is the Nekteck GaN II, which is compact but powerful enough to charge your console quickly, and it’s a great fit for other USB-C devices, too. We also recommend power banks, like the Anker 537, which you can charge before you leave the house to act as a portable battery.

Here are nine of the best Nintendo Switch chargers, ranging from AC adapters to dock alternatives, that’ll keep your Switch alive for as long as needed.

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• This is a compact and speedy wall charger that’s great for the Switch and other USB-C devices.

• Charge your Switch anywhere with this long-lasting Anker 24,000mAh power bank.

• The official Nintendo Switch AC Adapter isn’t as strong as other chargers, but it’s still sturdy and reliable.

• This Nintendo Switch case has an included 10,000mAh battery for charging on-the-go.

• This car charger comes at an affordable price, and is made with a strong braided cable.

• This small plug charges your Switch and lets you connect an HDMI cable to pass the console’s video to your TV without a dock.

• This Hori car charger comes in handy when you’re playing your Switch in the passenger seat.

• This 10,000mAh power bank hooks right onto the back of your Switch or Switch OLED. There’s a version for the Switch Lite too.

• This charging base won’t power your Switch console, but it’ll quickly refill your Joy-Cons and Pro Controller.

Will unofficial Nintendo Switch chargers damage the system?

Nintendo recommends against using third-party Switch chargers, but there’s nothing special about the Nintendo Switch that makes it dangerous to use unofficial chargers as long as they’re capable of providing the correct power output. So feel free to use any compatible USB-C charger from a reliable brand.

The same goes for chargers with built-in HDMI pass-through. Many companies, including Genki, Acefast, and Hyper, sell portable Switch dock alternatives that include both a USB-C port and an HDMI port. These will both charge your Switch and let you connect it to a TV, just like the standard dock that comes with the console.

How much power does the Nintendo Switch need to charge?

The power that a charger can output is listed in watts (W), and not every charger can give the same amount of power. The Switch by itself can’t draw more than 18W (or 13.5W for the Switch Lite). So to guarantee that your Switch will charge even while you’re playing it, you’ll want to use a USB-C charger that can output at least 18W. 

But if you plan to use your charger to power both the Switch and its dock simultaneously, you’ll need a charger that can output at least 39W. This accounts for both the Switch’s battery and the power needed to transmit an HDMI signal to your TV. 

Can Nintendo Switch chargers be used to charge other devices?

The Nintendo Switch charges using USB-C, which is pretty much the standard for modern handheld devices. This means that nearly any Nintendo Switch charger can also charge any other USB-C device, including Android phones, iPads, MacBooks, and even the Steam Deck.

The only exceptions are Switch chargers like the Antank x GuliKit Attachable Power Bank, which rely on the console’s specific shape to work.

What’s the difference between a wall charger and a power bank?

Wall chargers plug directly into a power outlet, and the wire connects to your Switch or Switch dock. But a power bank is a separate battery pack that you can pre-charge and then carry around with you. 

You can then connect the power bank to your Switch to charge the console anywhere, even if there are no outlets around. Some even clip directly onto the Switch. Most power banks can hold at least two full charges before needing to be recharged again.

How long does the Nintendo Switch’s battery last?

If you have a standard Nintendo Switch that you bought in 2017 or 2018, it should last for about 2.5 to 6.5 hours. If you bought it later than that, it should have a battery life of about 4.5 to nine hours.

The Nintendo Switch Lite lasts between three and seven hours. The Nintendo Switch OLED uses the same battery as modern Switch consoles, so it should last about 4.5 to nine hours.

Those are big ranges, obviously. Just like a computer, the Nintendo Switch’s battery life also depends on what kind of games you’re playing. If you’re playing simple games, like the retro games included with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, the system will stay alive for a long time. But if you’re playing intensive games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, expect the battery to die faster.