Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I purchased the product in this review.

The Anker PowerCore 10000 is the gold standard of mid-sized USB-A power banks. Its compact design makes it a better fit in a Switch carrying case than thinner forms. It is easy and reliable, if lacking in features.

Anker PowerCore 10000
A1263G12

Tech Specs:

• Ports: USB-A x1
• USB-A Output: 5V/2.4A
• micro-USB Input: 5V/2A
• Capacity: 10,000mAh | 37 Wh
• Size: 3.6 x 2.4 x 0.9 inches | 92 x 60 x 22 mm
• Weight: 6.3 oz | 180 grams

Switch Chargers Ratings:

• Speed Rating: Good Enough
• Safety Rating: Nintendo Suggested
• Capacity: Recharge a Switch 1.5 times

Included In Box:

• Anker PowerCore 10000
• micro-USB cable
• Travel Pouch

Pros

• Charges Switch while you play under some conditions
• Compact design gives it a smaller footprint
• Fits in most Switch carrying cases

Cons

• Slower charge than USB-C power banks
• Can only charge one device at a time
• Doesn’t include a USB-C to USB-A cable ($7-10 value)

Compared With Similar Chargers

Good For

• Total of 7.5+ hours playtime
• Charging while you play
• Commute
• Road trips
• Flights
• iPhone and Android phones
• iPad and tablets

Times based on 3 hours per full Switch charge, and assumes both Switch and power bank are at 100%.

First Impression

The Anker PowerCore 10000 is a compact power bank, fitting into any bag or Switch case. It is a bit heavier than a regular sized smartphone. A side button lights up 4 LED lights, indicating how much charge remains. The USB-A port limits power output for the Switch, but does keep the price down. Its 5V output is more efficient than USB-C PD. So its capacity goes further than a similar capacity USB-C PD power bank.

Summary

The Anker PowerCore 10000 is compact, light (for a bunch of batteries), and inexpensive. It makes a nice first power bank for new Switch owners. A larger capacity power bank would keep your Switch running for longer. And a USB-C power bank would charge your Switch faster. But either increases your cost, and if you aren’t sure about your needs you could end up overbuying.

This power bank will charge the Switch fine while asleep. While playing it’ll charge under some conditions. But under most conditions it’ll only slow down the Switch’s battery drain. Worst case it can extend playtime by a few hours. I used it between play sessions with the Switch and stopped charging once the Switch was ~80%. This maximized charge time and use of the limited capacity. If you don’t want to stop playing after a few hours then you’ll want a more expensive USB-C option.

To charge the power bank itself you’ll want to use a USB-A charger. Any you have already will get the job done. You’ll get the fastest charge with one built for a tablet (5V/2A output). The included micro-USB cable is for charging the power bank. You could use a USB-C charger with a USB-C to micro-USB adapter. But why add one more item to travel with and increase your cost?

The other limit is the single USB-A port. You can only charge one device at a time. If you want to keep both your phone and Switch topped off you’ll need to balance that by switching back and forth. Unless you have a phone with USB-C you’ll need to change cables each time as well.

Anker has U.S. based support contacts (web, email, phone) and warranty service. They are a beloved brand within and outside of the Switch community.

Bottom Line

The Anker PowerCore 10000 is a low cost option for new Switch owners who don’t know their charging on the go needs yet. You will need a USB-C to USB-A cable, which does add to the cost. If you replace it later you could still use it for day trips with heavy phone use. It’ll also sell on the used or trade-in market.

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