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

Model: A1275S11

Tech Specs:

• Ports: USB-C, USB-A
• USB-C Output:
  • 24W USB-C Power Delivery 2.0 (5V/3A, 9V/2.6A, 12V/1.9A, 15V/1.6A)
• USB-A Output:
  • 10W USB (5V/2A)
  • Apple 2.4A (won’t reach full potential)
• Input: 30W USB-C PD (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 15V/2A, 20V/1.5A)
• Capacity: 20,100mAh | 74.37 Wh
• Size: 6.6 x 2.4 x 0.9 inches | 168 x 62 x 22 mm
• Weight: 12.7 oz | 360 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Included In Box:

• Anker PowerCore 20100 Nintendo Switch Edition
• USB-C to USB-C 2.0 cable, 3 feet/0.91 meter
• Pouch

Good For:

• Commute
• Travel
• iPhone
• Android
• iPad Pro (pre-2018)
• Nintendo Switch (handheld)
• 12-inch laptop

Estimated Number of Charges:

• iPhone 6/7/8: 7 charges
• iPhone Plus/X/XR: 4 charges
• Samsung Galaxy S8/S9: 4 charges
• Samsung Galaxy S10: 4 charges
• Nintendo Switch: 8.5+ hours of play

First Impression

The Anker PowerCore 20100 Nintendo Switch Edition has the same shape as Anker’s other 20,100mAh power banks. Its biggest distinction is the Nintendo Switch logo next to the Anker logo. The included cable is an Anker PowerLine USB-C to USB-C 2.0. Those are good cables, I use them often with my own testing. But they aren’t USB-IF certified as they pre-date certification. A Nintendo Switch owner with device safety as their top priority may want to pick up an Anker PowerLine II cable, which is certified. The included pouch has room for the power bank and cable. Unlike the power bank, the pouch only has the Anker logo.

 

Compared To Similar Power Banks

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2024-11-21.

 

You can see more USB-C power banks here.

Device Testing

Check with your device’s manufacturer to verify which charging standards it supports.

USB Power Delivery & Quick Charge 4+ Phones

• Apple iPhone 8/X/XR/XS
• Essential Phone
• Google Pixel
• LG ThinQ/V30
• Razer
• Samsung Galaxy S8/S9/S10
• Samsung Galaxy Note 8/9
• Xiaomi Mi 8/9
• ZTE Axon Pro 9/10

 

Using an iPhone 8 for testing we find USB PD phones will fast charge over the USB-C port. iPhones will need to use a USB-C to Lightning cable, not included. And Android phones will need a USB-C to USB-C cable, also not included.

For iPhones, the USB-A port supports Apple 2.4A. An older, but still functional fast-charging standard. Older iPhones (4-7) can fast charge using USB-A. Newer iPhones will charge ~15 minutes faster using USB-C.

Quick Charge 3.0 Phones

• HTC
• LG
• Motorola
• Nokia
• Samsung Galaxy
• Sony
• Xiaomi Mi 5/6
• ZTE

 

Nintendo Switch

 

The Nintendo charges at its max rate, charging while you play. Its charge rate while sleeping is above normal, 12W instead of the usual 10W. That might be from Anker’s listed optimization with the Switch. While this power bank offers 15V there isn’t enough current to power a docked Switch. That requires at least 2.6A, this tops out at 1.5A.

Learn more about charging the Switch.

The PD protocol negotiation with the Switch is typical. As this is licensed by Nintendo it provides us with a baseline for other power banks. It connects at 5V and moved up to 15V after negotiations. Current steps up once the 15V connection is made.

USB-C Laptop

 

Using a 13-inch MacBook Pro for testing we can draw up to 22W from this charger. That’s expected, after accounting for efficiency loss.

Different model laptops have different power demands. But in general, this would support most 12-inch laptops. A 30W output would be ideal, but 24W is close enough.

Optimized for the Switch? Nintendo Switch Edition vs Speed 20000 PD

Anker states this portable charger is optimized for the Nintendo Switch. This is interesting given the data shows it is a variation of the PowerCore Speed 20000 PD.

The PowerCore Speed 20000 PD’s model number is A1275Z11. The PowerCore 20100 Nintendo Switch Edition’s model number is A1275S11. Their advertised specs match up exactly. Side-by-side they look identical except for the Nintendo Switch logo. They weighed the same on my scale. And the side of the Nintendo Switch Edition reads “PowerCore Speed 20000 PD.”

Their power meter readings were quite similar. Charging the two portable chargers also gave near-identical results.

Finally, I tested the full capacity of both portable chargers. I drained my Nintendo Switch to 0% and charged the portable charger to 100%. I then recharged the Switch using the portable charger up to 100%. When done I drained the Switch again and recharged it again with the portable charger. This continued until the portable charger shut down.

The results? The Nintendo Switch Edition charged the Switch 289%. The Speed 20000 PD charged it 295%. Again, when you consider a margin of error there isn’t much difference. The ±6% equals ~10 minutes of playtime.

You can recharge the portable charger quickly using the Nintendo Switch AC Adapter. Not all power banks can make that claim.

Summary

The Anker PowerCore 20100 Nintendo Switch Edition is another quality power bank from Anker. But it isn’t unique, and all signs point to it being a re-branded PowerCore Speed 20000 PD. The size, weight, specs, and test results of the two power banks all line-up.

The licensing agreement from Nintendo entails more than logos and a money grab. Nintendo runs all licensed products through its own quality assurance testing. Nintendo has signed off that this power bank will is safe and performs well. While it is safe to charge the Switch with third-party USB-C chargers some prefer Nintendo approved accessories. For them, this is an excellent travel power bank that offers peace of mind. Whether the same can be said for the PowerCore Speed 20000 PD depends on what, if any, changes Anker made. We’ll likely never know if there are any technical differences.

Its strongest selling point is the Nintendo licensing. And that comes with increased cost. The PowerCore Speed 20000 PD is available with a 30W USB-C PD wall charger for $10 more. You can also get it without the wall charger from Walmart for $20 less.

Away from the Switch, it works well for smaller USB-C devices. Especially phones that support USB Power Delivery. Lack of Quick Charge makes it less optimal for most Android phones. Its 24W output is shy of the 30W a small laptop wants but could manage under most conditions.

About Anker

Anker has U.S. based support (web, email, phone) and an 18-month warranty. They are a beloved brand within many USB-C communities.

You’ll need to contact Anker about any issues with the power bank. Nintendo support should be open to helping with Switch issues that involve this power bank.

Bottom Line

The Anker PowerCore 20100 Nintendo Switch Edition is a good, high capacity power bank for smaller devices. But aside from its Nintendo licensing, it isn’t anything unique. Its capacity offers an extra 9+ hours of Mario or Zelda. If you want a smaller and more unique power bank check out the larger Anker PowerCore 13400 Nintendo Switch Edition.

Buy if you:

• Feel more comfortable with the Nintendo licensing
• Need more than 8.5 hours of total playtime between while traveling
• Like the PowerCore Speed 20000 PD, but don’t need the included wall charger

Don’t buy if you:

• Find the PowerCore Speed 20000 PD at a better price
• Need to fast charge an LG or Motorola Android phone
• Want one power bank for both your Switch and a larger laptop

Also available from:

 

You’ll want a USB-C wall charger to quickly recharge this USB-C power bank. The Switch’s own charger works. But for a better travel companion check out the Anker PowerPort Atom PD 1.

Be sure to check the Deals page to see if this or a similar charger is on sale.

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