The best Nintendo Switch chargers have remained one of the most important accessories over the handheld's eight-year lifespan, thanks to its less-than-ideal battery life. The upcoming澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询: Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t going to be much better, as it's set to last between 2 and 6.5 hours, similar to that of the original device. But if you’re not quite ready to make that next-generational leap, grabbing one of the best Nintendo Switch chargers is still worthwhile, as it can help extend the value of the older Ninty machine.
Some of the most graphically intensive games, from The Legend of Zelda Tears of Kingdom to Disney Dreamlight Valley, can drain your handheld in just a few hours. The official Nintendo cord can help keep your handheld going for longer, but there are alternatives that add new functionality or portability to your beloved console. After all our testing, it’s the Genki Covert Dock that’s become our go-to charger. Not only can it juice up your handheld but it also acts as a compact portable dock, making it ideal if you prefer to game on the go.
If the Genki Covert Dock isn’t for you, we’ve also put plenty of cables, adapters, and power banks through their paces. These澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询: Nintendo Switch accessories provide the fastest charges in super portable formꦐ factors, making them a go🌄-to for use at home and on the go. To see the full fruits of our Switch charging labour, you can check out our top picks below.
The Genki Covert Dock doesn't just charge your system with a 45W power supply, ♚it can also act as a pocket-sized dock with just an HDMI cable att𝄹ached. That's perfect for travel - especially with the small form factor.
This low-cost charging cradle keeps your handheld upright and ready for action - perfect for tabletop🌸 mode, and even better for an affordable charging solution.
If you just want a simple cable and plug, you can't go wrong with the official Nintendo model. You're getting guaranteed reliability and compatibility here, all with⭕ Ninty's name.
Hori created a simple USB-C car charger pur𝓀pose built for the Nintendo Switch, perfect whether you've got a big road trip coming up or you like to stay prepared.
While new to the GamesRadar+ hardware team, I've been reviewing and getting hands-on with the Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo tech almost during my entire time as a gaming tech writer. Despite having a launc𝔉h model and OLED Switch, my official chargers always go missing, so I'm always looking for a better, and affordable, alternative.
Recent updates
May 19 - With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 imminent, the list of the best Nintendo Switch chargers hasn't been updated with any new products. That being said, I did amend the list by swapping the official Nintendo Switch charging cradle as the best budget charger, namely for the fact it manages to combine an adjustable stand and charger into one accessory, while keeping costs low.
Additionally, I moved the 'How to choose' part of the FAQ to its own section, and included a brand-new 'Coming Soon' section. With the latter, I included details about the upcoming Switch chargers, planned for release with the upcoming Switch 2 next month.
The 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Genki Covert Dock is a must-see for anyone who regularly travels with their Nintendo Switch. This is more than a charger, it's a full docking system that fits in your pocket -🌳 all you need is an HDMI and you're set up to plug straight into your TV.
Buy it if:
✅ You travel with your console regularly: Its compact size makes it easier t༺o take with you than the official charger, and it means you always have the option for more juice should your Switch need it.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You pack super light: If you're already struggling to make space for your Switch, adding a charger into the mix will just add t♈o your troubles.
Of course, you're still getting solid 45W charging (via an included USB-C to USB-C cable), but the real flex of the Covert Dock lies in the TV output running up to 4K60Hz. Not only that, but there's an additional USB-A port for extra accessory useage, and to charge other devices if need be. If you only p🙈ick up one a🐼dditional charger for your Switch, let it be this one.
One of the Covert Dock's biggest benefits is its size. This is a much smaller docking option than Nintendo's own model, but if even that's too much for your backpack, there's an even tiddlier model. The Genki Covert Dock Mini sits at about the same size and pretty much every other plug. While it drops the extra USB-A port and downgrades to 20W power output, it's far easier to ꦯtransport if you're packing particularly light. Still, the full model is the best Nintendo Switch charger overall - especially if the lack of USB-A port means you'll still need to bring other adapters with you anyway.
It should be noted that the Genki Covert Dock isn't magical. The Switch Lite won't be able to dock through the ꦬsystem, though you can of course s🎉till charge up.
For the very best portable Nintendo Switch charger, look no further than th♏is Anker PowerCore.
There isn't a more reliable way 🌼to charge your Switch than official Nintendo products.
Buy it if:
✅ You play heavily on the go: Its fast charging will get you back to playing your favorite Switch games time and time again, even after multiple hours play𝔉ing on the go.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You don't want the extra bulk: The heavy bulky size of this charger will weigh you ෴down if you're already at odds trying to fit your Switch and other gadgets in your bag.
It'🍸s reliable, effective, convenient, and unobtrusive. Anker's a respectable brand, too, maki♍ng this a solution you can count on.
Because the PowerCore 2680💃0mAh 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.
The best budget Nintendo Switch charger
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Nintendo)
(Image credit: Nintendo)
(Image credit: Nintendo)
3. Official Nintendo Switch charging stand cradle
The best budget Nintendo Switch charger
Reasons to buy
+
Official Nintendo
+
Charge while playing
+
Easily adjusted
Reasons to avoid
-
Not built to charge other devices
-
Requires original cable
Buy it if:
✅ You have a tight budget in mind: This charger-stand hyrbid is one of the most affordable Switch accessories, which is ideal if you need an affordable charging alternative. ✅You mostly play in tabletop mode: If you love to p♏lay with ♊your detached Joy-Cons in hand, this is for you.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You rarely play in tabletop mode: Playing in docked or handheld🥂 mode is fun, but doesn'🌳t jam well with this charging cradle.
This one is a simple, budget-friendly charger but with a great feature; it's designed so that you can keep playing in tabletop mode, even as you power💮 up the console's battery.
Because i✱t'🍌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.
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. And naturally, it's below the $20 / £20 mark, which 𓆉makes it one of the most affordable Switch charges today - an ideal pick i🦂f you want a charger and stand in one affordable package.
The best official Nintendo Switch charger
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Nintendo)
(Image credit: Nintendo)
4. Nintendo Switch AC Adapter
The best official Nintendo Switch charger
Reasons to buy
+
Exactly the same as the original plug
+
Official Nintendo product
+
Reliable
Reasons to avoid
-
Pricey
It'll co♏me as no surprise that the official AC Adapter is still one of the best Nintendo Switch chargers out there - simply put, it c♐an't be beaten in terms of quality or reliability.
Buy it if:
✅ You want a replacement main charger: You can't get a better replacement for your official Switch charger than the real💞 deal.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You still have your console's charger: While you may want a spare, if you still have the ꦿcharger that came with your Switch you can give this a miss.
The company is well-known for their high standards, and it's the same story here. Better still, this is exactly the sa𝐆me plug you'll have received in the box with your c🐼onsole.
That's what makes the official Nint🅰endo Switch charger so appealing. You know exactly what to expect and can rest eas🍨y 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 originꦜal Switch plug charger has broken, getting a like-for-like replacement is the most sensible course of action.
The best Nintendo Switch car charger
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: HORI)
(Image credit: HORI)
(Image credit: HORI)
5. HORI Nintendo Switch Car Charger
The best Nintendo Switch car charger
Reasons to buy
+
Compatible with most cars
+
Officially licensed
+
6ft cable
Reasons to avoid
-
A bit overpriced
You know you're onto a winner when someth🧸ing is officially licensed, and the HORI Nintendo Switch Car Charger doesn't disappoint.
Buy if:
✅You have kids: This charger will ensure you can top up the Switch with juice and keep 𒊎anyone ♍in a long car journey entertained for hours.
Don't buy if:
❌You don't own a car: Feels somewhat self-explanatory.
It's a reliable bit of kit that's small enough to keep stored in the glove compartm꧃ent, andꩵ 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 foot𓆏-long cable that means it'll stretch int💮o 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.
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 dur𝓀able, braided cabling option as well.
The best USB-C to USB-C cable
2. Anker Powerline II
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 o♛f juice running to your machine here.
3. Amazon Basics USB-C cable
At under $10 / £10, t🦄his 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 y🥀ou need for a slower, but much cheaper charge.
Nintendo: Nintendo is currently preparing for the incoming launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, w🗹hich is dropping in a matter of days on June 5, 2025. Just like the original handheld, the Switch 2 comes with an AC Adaptor; however, you can pre-order a spare official Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter for $34.99 / £24.99.
The official charger is the only charger available for the new console so far. This brand-new charger has a detachable cable for easy storage and is due to launch on June 5, 2025, the same day as the device itself. Incoming Nintendo Switch charger reviews: With the Nintendo Switch 2 just days away from launch, it's very likely the biggest names in tech are preparing to release their new chargers for the upcoming handheld. With that in mind, there haven't been any new chargers that have yet to come across my testing bench, though I suspect that'll change once the Switch 2 has been out for a while.
As it stands, existing Switch chargers are not compatible with the Switch 2 - sort of. For example, Nintendo has confirmed that the power o♛ꦿf the older official charger is not sufficient to power the console in docked mode, however, it can charge the console in handheld mode. I'll have to wait until the Switch 2 lands in my hands before I can see which best Nintendo Switch chargers will also at least charge the Switch 2, even if docked mode is off the table.
Nintendo Switch chargers glossary
There are a number of terms being thrown around when we talk about chargers. If you're unsure of exactly what you're buyiꦉng, you can check out our full glossary just below.
AC Adapter
You'll fi💧nd some chargers referred to as AC Adapters (like the official Nintendo model). This is simply the name for a device that converts the AC (Alternating Current) coming from your wall outlet into a DC (Direct Current) of power that your device can charge from.
mAh
The unit of measurement telling you much charge you're buying with a portable charger. In general, you'll be looking at chargers ranging from 10,000 to 26,000 mAh, with the higher 💧number being better.
Power Delivery (PD)
Some USB-C ports can transfer power as well asꦅ data - ports that you can charge y✱our device from have 'Power Delivery' or 'PD' listed as a feature.
USB 3.2
This is the latest versi𓆉on of the USB Type C cable you will be using to charge your Switch.🦹 USB 3.2 devices have faster speeds.
Volts
Volts are used to measure the 🎃energy amount of elecꦗtricity coming from a wall outlet into the charger's adapter.
Watts
You'll see the amount of battery a charger can transfer to your device at a time listed in Watts. Th✃e higher the wattage the better, meaning faster charging.
How to choose the right Nintendo Switch charger
There are two things you need to consider when picking up a Nintendo Switch charger; power output and form factor. That applies to both outlet chargers like the Genki Covert Dock and the Nintendo Switch AC Adapter and portable power banks. These days, you don't want to drop below 30W of total output, ideally aiming for a number much closer to 40W. If you're going portable, you'll also need to check the total capacity of the battery you're choosing. In general, 26,000mAhs is the current standard for a robust portable charger - you'll get six full charges of༺ a Nintendo Switch OLED out of that.
Then you'll want to think about the actual physical space your charger will take up. Will♓ the body of the outlet adapter, for example, take over other ports on your extension cable or wall? How much does that pꦺortable charger weigh, and is it small enough to keep in your travel bag?
Nintendo Switch chargers FAQ
(Image credit: Future)
What kind of charger does a Nintendo Switch use?
, you can use the AC adaptor that comes packaged with the original Switch, Lite, and OLED models with the Switch 2, but it will only chargeꦅ the device, as the older charger is "i💯nsufficient to use Nintendo Switch 2 in TV mode."
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 staꦺtions, 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.
What is the Nintendo Switch's battery life?
Both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED have a 4,310mAh battery wh🍬ich will run for between 3 and 7 hours on the standard edition and 4.5 - 9 hours on the OLED, depending on your gameplay. The Nintendo Switch Lite has a 3,570mAh battery, running for 3 - 7 hours.
How do you charge the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers?
If both Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers are attached while your Switch is docked, your controllers will charge. The dock itself will need to be of course powered through the accompanying Switch cable in order for charging to work as intended.
The Joy-Cons can also charge without the dock,🔯 so long as they're still attached while a comp🃏atible charger is inserted via the USB-C port. Alternatively, you can also purchase accessories like the PowerA Joy-Con Charging Dock to charge two sets of Joy-Con controllers at a time, without the need for them to be hooked up to your handheld.
Ever since I first held a NES controller in my hand I've been obsessed with gaming, and the hardware it runs on. I could hook up a NES and SNES to a telly, without instructions, before I could walk. Even now, nothing is mꦍore exciting then taking a console, or handheld, out the box 🥀for the first time and setting it up. This obsession transformed into a love of games and game music, which lead to my music degree and dream of becoming the Scottish Nobuo Uematsu. After sharing my love of games through music, I began to share my love through words on sites like TechRadar and iMore. This lead to becoming a Hardware staff writer for PCGamesN, and later the Senior Tech Writer for Dexerto, covering all things Steam Deck, PlayStation and Nintendo. With that experience, I was able to level up as Hardware Editor for GamesRadar+, where I'm still just as Nintendo, PlayStation and gaming tech obsessed as ever.
