The best battery packs for the Nintendo Switch
- okt
- 08
The Nintendo Switch runs out power fast when playing graphically demanding games, especially if you were an early adapter and didn't buy the newer version with improved battery life. There's nothing more frustrating than having your system shut down when you're in the middle of a big fight or can't easily save your progress, so it's good to have a backup battery on hand to give the handheld a little extra juice until you can full plug it back in. Our favorite Nintendo Switch battery pack is the Anker PowerCore 20100, but we've also gathered three other options so you can take a look at the pros and cons of each to see which one is right for you. Here are some of the best Nintendo Switch battery packs.
Nintendo Switch and related accessories always go on sale during Prime Day. This year, we expect to see some really great sales. Check out our Prime Day Nintendo Switch Deals for more information.
Best Overall: Anker PowerCore 20100
The Anker PowerCore 20100 brings roughly 15 hours of additional playtime to your Switch. It will continue to charge your hybrid console while you play. For best results, lower the brightness of your screen as much as you can. It features two USB charging ports, so you can charge your Switch and another device at the same time.
One port produces a high-speed charge to charge your devices faster. You'll be able to get several charges out of this power bank before it needs to be plugged in. Choose the look you like best between four different color options: black, white, blue, and red.
It weighs less than a pound, which is surprising given how much power it stores. It comes with both a carrying case and a charger cable. Since there is no Type-C USB port, you will need a USB to USB Type-C cable to charge your Switch.
Who should buy it: Gamers who take their Switch everywhere and want to be able to recharge their console multiple times on one battery charge.
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Carrying case
- Two USB ports
- Four color options
- Lightweight
Cons:
- No Type-C USB port
Best Overall
Anker PowerCore 20100
The on-the-go gamer's preference
This is one of the most powerful and reliable portable batteries you can buy. It can charge a Switch multiple times on one charge!
Best Value: RAVPower 16750
This battery pack can charge your powered down Switch a few times before it needs a recharge. That being said, it recharges your battery very slowly when the Switch is on. For best results, turn down your screen's brightness all the way. It has a built-in flashlight making it even more useful. Use the light to help you insert the USB cable in the correct area when it is dark. It comes in three different colors: white, black, and red. It's the size of a thick smartphone: 5 inches tall, 3.15 inches wide, and 0.79 inches deep. You'll be able to carry this around as easily as you would a phone.
This is another battery that requires you to buy a USB to USB Type-C cable to charge your Switch.
Who should buy it: Anyone who wants a more compact battery that can still charge the Switch multiple times before running out of juice.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Built-in flashlight
- Battery indicator
- Compact size
Cons:
- No Type-C USB port
Best Value
RAVPower 16750
A cheap, compact option
It may be small, but this battery can still charge your Switch a few times before running out of power.
Best Attachable Battery: GuliKit 10000 Power Bank
This portable battery clips directly to the back of the Switch, so you won't have to worry about holding it while you play. It gives you between eight to 12 hours of Switch use depending on your power settings. The battery is about the size of an average cell phone, so you can put it and the clip in your pocket or easily pack it for a trip.
When the battery is mounted, it blocks the kickstand so you can't use it. Additionally, the weight of the battery combined with the weight of Switch makes this a heavier option. One of the best things about this device is that a Type-C USB is built right into the side of the battery, so you won't have to worry about carrying cables around. Use the battery to charge your Switch or other devices.
Who should buy it: Someone who wants a compact way to carry both their Switch and their portable battery.
Pros:
- Clips to the Switch
- Long battery life
- Built-in Type-C USB
Cons:
- Blocks the Switch's kickstand
- Makes the Switch heavy
Best Attachable Battery
GuliKit 10000 Power Bank
Space-saving battery
This power bank clips directly to the back of the Switch, so you don't have to worry about carrying it separately.
Best Multipurpose Battery: KINVOCA 10000mAh
This portable battery charger will only charge your Switch twice, though you can also use it to charge an iPhone two to three times. It does power up fast, fullying charging your Switch in about two hours while keeping it protected with a safety system designed to prevent both electric discharges and overheating.
What KINVOCA lacks in battery life, it makes up for the inconvenience. It comes with Joy-Con grips that will make your gaming more comfortable if you're not bringing a separate controller along. The grips even have a hidden space for a game cartridge. It also features a stand with adjustable height and angle if you want to set the device up for console mode on the go. The downside is that all the added features make this a bulkier option.
Who should buy it: Anyone who frequently plays local co-op games on the go.
Pros:
- Built-in stand
- Stores two game cartridges
- Comes with Joy-Con grips
Cons:
- Lower battery life
- Makes the Switch heavy
Best Multipurpose Battery
KINVOCA 10000mAh
The battery, the stand, and the storage space
In addition to being a battery, this case can store two games and features a stand and Joy-Con grips.
Bottom line
Honestly, any portable battery with a USB interface and a decent amount of battery storage should work. It's usually better to go with a power bank that isn't branded as a Nintendo Switch accessory since companies typically play off the Switch branding to charge more for a device that does less.
To determine the best battery packs for the Nintendo Switch, we evaluated the weight, size, type of USB ports, power, and price of each device. We especially appreciated devices that came with carrying cases and extra USB cables. A fully charged Nintendo Switch lasts roughly three hours on a dim screen, but attaching a power bank can allow you to play much longer.
If you travel a lot or frequently play the Switch on the go, we recommend purchasing the Anker PowerCore 20100. It's powerful and surprisingly lightweight, which makes it one of the best Nintendo Switch battery packs to consider. We'll update this list as time goes on to make sure you can find the best battery packs for your Switch. Each of these battery packs is a good choice for the Switch. It just depends on which one fits your need best.
Credits
Rebecca Spear is a life-long gamer and a writer for iMore. She has written hundreds of online articles over the past four years. Her interests include Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC games.
Samantha Nelson is a freelance writer for iMore, Windows Central, Android Central, Polygon, The A.V. Club, and Dicebreaker covering gaming, technology, and pop culture. She loves RPGs, animals, and spicy food.