1. The quick list
2. Best overall
3. Best official
4. Best portable
5. Best attachable
6. Best charging cradle
7. Best car charger
8. USB-C cables
The Nintendo Switch doesn't have the worst battery life in the world, but it's far from the best. If you're saddling up for a long haul trip, or you just want to make sure your handheld is juiced up in the first place you'll need to get your hands on a reliable Nintendo Switch charger. While the official Ninty cord is a go-to for many (it's right there in the box after all), there are alternatives that add new functionality or portability to your console.
These cables, adapters, and power banks provide the fastest charges in super portable form factors, making them a go-to for use at home and on the go. We've now got everything from full replacement docks that hook onto a single wall outlet to portable power banks with bags of battery contained within. That's a relief, because while not often considered right away, chargers are some of the handiest Nintendo Switch accessories you can get your hands on.
Unfortunately, very few Nintendo Switch bundles or Nintendo Switch Lite deals come with an additional cable, though we have seen them in the past. That means you'll need to pick up a spare to see you through longer sessions.
The quick list
Best overall
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 attached. That's perfect for travel - especially with the small form factor.
Best official
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.
Best portable
With a massive 26800mAh capacity, the Anker PowerCore can fully charge your system a number of times on the go.
Best attachable
The GuliKit battery pack sits on the back of your console for faff-free charging without having to find an outlet, albeit with a smaller capacity overall.
Best charging cradle
Want to charge in tabletop mode? This is the Nintendo Switch charger for you. The official model keeps your handheld upright and ready for action.
Best car charger
Hori created a simple USB-C car charger purpose built for the Nintendo Switch, perfect whether you've got a big road trip coming up or you like to stay prepared.
The best Nintendo Switch charger overall
The Genki Covert Dock is a revelation in the world of Nintendo Switch chargers. Not only are you getting a handy wall adapter with 45W charging via USB-C, but you can simply plug an HDMI into this block to connect your console to a TV.
✅ You travel with your console regularly
✅ You want to use other accessories
✅ You want an all-in-one charger
❌ You pack super light
❌ You don't need to use extra accessories
It's an excellent travel companion - all you need is a spare HDMI and you're casting your console to any hotel TV or portable monitor, for example.
Special mention must also be made for the Genki Covert Dock Mini. The newer Nintendo Switch charger and dock shrinks the size in favor of a more compact solution, though you do sacrifice the USB-A port. That means you won't be able to use a USB-C to USB-A cable to keep your console juiced up (though Genki provides a USB-C to USB-C in the box that will work just fine). Despite its more portable form factor, the Mini doesn't overtake the fully fledged dock in our eyes. If you're using other devices with USB-A cables to charge you'll need to bring an additional adapter with you anyway, rendering this tiny footprint useless.
Switch Lite owners, we know what you're thinking but it should be noted that the handheld-only console doesn't support any video output, so the Genki Covert Dock will not be able to connect your device to a display (though you can still charge).
Read more: Genki Covert Dock review
The best official Nintendo Switch charger
It'll come as no surprise that the official AC Adapter is still one of the best Nintendo Switch chargers out there - simply put, it can't be beaten in terms of quality or reliability.
✅ You want a replacement main charger
✅ You don't need extra features
❌ You still have your console's charger
The company is well-known for their high standards, and it's the same story here. Better still, this is exactly the same plug you'll have received in the box with your console.
That's what makes the official Nintendo Switch charger so appealing. You know exactly what to expect and can rest easy 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 original Switch plug charger has broken, getting a like-for-like replacement is the most sensible course of action.
The best portable Nintendo Switch charger
For the very best portable Nintendo Switch charger, look no further than this Anker PowerCore.
✅ You play heavily on the go
✅ You're not always near a plug point
❌ You don't want the extra bulk
It's reliable, effective, convenient, and unobtrusive. Anker's a respectable brand, too, making this a solution you can count on.
Because the PowerCore 26800mAh 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 attachable Nintendo Switch charger
Sometimes you don't have access to a plug socket, and that's why the Portable Power Bank is so handy.
✅ You don't want to keep track of separate gadgets
✅ You don't need a massive battery
❌ You need a larger battery
Its main selling point is a simultaneous charge and recharge function that allows you to get the best of both worlds even on the go. Because it has built-in over-voltage protection, it won't overhear either - you're in for 10 or so hours of extra, uninterrupted play time.
What's more, a detachable back-mount design allows you to clip the device onto your console. That means it won't be knocking around like a ball and chain, which is always helpful if you're travelling on a busy bus or train. Because the Switch is so inherently portable, the ability to stay on the go without being tethered to an external charger is great. It's very light as well, meaning you won't feel weighed down while you game.
When combined with a padding plate to protect your console and a back-mount, you've got one of the best third-party Switch chargers on your hands with this one.
The best Nintendo Switch charging cradle
There isn't a more reliable way to charge your Switch than official Nintendo products.
✅ You mostly play in tabletop mode
✅ You have a charging cable to hand
❌ You rarely play in tabletop mode
This one is a simple but effective solution; it's designed so that you can keep playing in tabletop mode, even as you power up the console's battery.
Because it'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.
Finally, 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.
The best Nintendo Switch car charger
You know you're onto a winner when something is officially licensed, and the HORI Nintendo Switch Car Charger doesn't disappoint.
It's a reliable bit of kit that's small enough to keep stored in the glove compartment, and 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 foot-long cable that means it'll stretch into 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.
Best USB-C cables for Nintendo Switch
The best USB-C to USB-A cable
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 durable, braided cabling option as well.
The best USB-C to USB-C cable
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 of juice running to your machine here.
The best budget option
At under $10 / £10, this 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 you need for a slower, but much cheaper charge.
Nintendo Switch chargers: FAQ
What power supply is needed for Nintendo Switch?
As mentioned above, the console itself has an 18W power draw. However, if you're going to use your Nintendo Switch charger to dock your device, you'll need to bump that up to 39W to accommodate for upscaling and running additional USB devices.
What kind of charger does a Nintendo Switch use?
The Nintendo Switch charges through a USB-C port with a max power draw of 18W for the original and OLED models, and 13.5W for the Lite device. For the fastest charging results, we'd recommend using a 30W or 45W charger to juice up quick.
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 stations, 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.
Want to complete your setup? Don't miss our guides to Nintendo Switch SD cards, the best Nintendo Switch headset, and best Nintendo Switch controller. We're also rounding up all the latest Nintendo Switch game sales to hit the shelves and showing you where to buy Nintendo Switch OLED.
