For many, the Nintendo Switch was their first USB-C device, and figuring out what third-party chargers worked well with it wasn’t always clear. It doesn’t help that Nintendo doesn’t follow USB-C specifications. This site started to help early Nintendo Switch owners find the best charger for their needs. And I’m happy to continue that by showcasing the latest generation of the best fast chargers for the Nintendo Switch. Everything here will work the same for all model Switches, from the Lite to the OLED.
About Fast Charging | Best Nintendo Switch Fast Chargers | USB-C Cables
Amazon Basics 65W GaN, ZMI zPower Turbo 65W, Anker 313 Ace 45W, Nekteck 65W GaN II
Fast Charging a Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch supports USB Power Delivery (USB PD) as its fast-charging standard. But unlike most other devices, it has two power draw levels depending on what “mode” it is in.
Handheld/Tabletop Nintendo Switch
A USB-C charger offering 18W or more will fast charge the Nintendo Switch in handheld mode. That is when it is not in its dock and applies to all models of the Nintendo Switch and whether it is asleep or gaming.
Using an 18W USB-C charger, the battery level will charge up at various rates, depending on the activity level of the Nintendo Switch. My testing has shown the Switch actually charges faster while playing games than when asleep. But the difference is 15 minutes at more for a 0-100% charge. So I recommend just plugging it in and doing what you want with it.
It is safe to use a USB-C charger offering a higher wattage, such as 45W, used to power a docked Nintendo Switch. It won’t charge the handheld Switch any faster, but it causes no issues and allows you to have one charger for all situations. The Nintendo Switch (like all USB-C devices) controls how much power it draws. A higher-outputting charger won’t overload it.
Docked Nintendo Switch
A USB-C charger offering 45W or more is required to power up the Nintendo Switch in its dock. Technically the minimum is 39W which is how much power the Nintendo Switch’s original AC adapter will provide. But 39W USB-C chargers are not found except for clones of the Nintendo Switch AC adapter, so you want to look for 45W or higher USB-C chargers to find the most options.
Using a 45W USB-C charger, the battery level will charge about the same regardless of activity. The Switch will not charge faster in the dock with a 45W USB-C charger than it would if connected directly to an 18W USB-C charger. There is a limit to how much power it’ll draw into the battery, so expect similar charging times using either setup.
It is safe to use a USB-C charger offering a higher wattage, such as 65W, which is far more common than 45W USB-C chargers today. It won’t charge the handheld Switch any faster. But it causes no issue, as the official dock has no problems doing what it should in terms of dictating how much power comes across. Previous issues of “docks bricking my Switch” were all related to third-party docks, almost all linked to a particular brand and model no longer on the market. I regularly use a 65W USB-C charger with my Nintendo Switch dock when I travel.
Multi-port Chargers
I don’t usually recommend multi-port chargers for the Nintendo Switch if using it with the dock. They tend to disrupt gameplay anytime another device is connected or disconnected.
Most multi-port chargers with USB-C are “smart” and offer a range of power outputs on a port, depending on what else is charging. That’s great for balancing the fast charging needs of several devices. But to do this, the power profile on each port gets reset whenever a device is added or taken away. The reset stops the flow of power for a few seconds. A phone or handheld Switch doesn’t mind because their batteries seamlessly kick in and cover the downtime. But the Nintendo Switch dock doesn’t use the Switch’s battery, so it gets powered down during these resets. Best case, it comes back up on its own. Worse case, you need to wake up the Switch, reset the controller connection, or change the display’s input back to the Switch’s HDMI. In all cases, it is disruptive, and you’ll want to avoid the experience.
If you are only connecting an iPhone and the Switch’s dock, then you can avoid the reset issue above. Plug in and leave the Lightning cable (USB-A or USB-C) in the charger. Lightning cables make any charger think a device is already connected. So unplugging the iPhone itself doesn’t trigger a reset, provided the Lightning cable stays connected to the charger. But even then, I usually recommend having a dedicated charger for your Switch’s dock and a second, maybe multi-port charger, for all your other devices when traveling. That’s the setup I go with.
How Nintendo Switch Charging Works | Safely Charge the Nintendo Switch
Best Nintendo Switch Fast Chargers In 2023
The best Nintendo Switch fast chargers tend to have these qualities:
- USB-C 45W or more, which allows it to work with the Switch in both handheld and docked modes
- Compact design, you want one smaller and easier to travel with than the original AC adapter
- Low cost; chargers at this level are competitive in price
The size difference in most cases is insignificant. So go for the price or brand/features you want. And even then, you won’t see more than a $10 price difference in most cases. Note that all of the chargers here will also support fast charging for your phone, tablet, Steam Deck, and most small and mid-sized laptops.
If you only want an 18W USB-C charger for charging your Nintendo Switch in handheld mode, then check out the Best iPhone Fast Chargers list. Everything there is also ideal for a Switch without its dock. Just be sure to buy a USB-C to USB-C cable instead of a USB-C to Lightning cable.
The best value fast charger for your Nintendo Switch.
The ZMI zPower Turbo 65W is my most often recommended USB-C charger. It can support all my devices and is consistently among the lowest-cost chargers in the 45-65W range. It includes a USB-C cable rated for 100W power transfers, adding value. It fits in the accessory pocket of most Nintendo Switch cases and laptop sleeves. Without a similar charger having a sale, it is tough to beat for any small to mid-sized USB-C device.
Port 1: 65W USB-C
Includes a 5-foot USB-C cable (100W)
Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 1.1 in | 3.4 oz
The best USB-IF-certified fast charger for your Nintendo Switch.
The Nekteck 65W GaN II is a USB-IF-certified charger, meaning the governing body over USB has certified it as meeting all USB-C specifications and standards. Something important to those who value the assurance of device safety above all else. It includes a USB-C cable rated for 100W power transfers. The flat design allows it to fit the accessory pocket of most Nintendo Switch cases and laptop sleeves. If you can catch a sale, then it may also be among the least expensive 65W charger options.
Outside of certification, Nekteck offers a travel-friendly charger that fully supports the Nintendo Switch in all modes. It will also fast charge Samsung and Android phones with Super Fast Charging/PPS support. The included 6-foot USB-C cable offers 100W power throughout capabilities.
Port 1: 65W USB-C | PPS 3.3-21V/3.2A
Includes a 6-foot USB-C cable (100W)
Dimensions: 2.1 x 2 x 1.1 in | 3.3 oz
The smallest fast charger for your Nintendo Switch.
The Anker 313 Ace 45W was designed and marketed toward Samsung S23 and later Pro and Ultra phones, which offer the Super Fast Charging 2.0 feature. But it also works as a regular 45W USB-C charger and is the most affordable option from Anker that'll power up a docked Nintendo Switch. If you own a Samsung phone or prefer the Anker brand, this charger can meet your needs just as well as any 65W option. It also offers a smaller footprint than the 65W chargers on this list. But it tends to protrude in the accessory pocket of most Nintendo Switch cases more than the thinner chargers here.
Port 1: 45W USB-C | PPS 3.3-11V/5A, 3.3-16V/3A, 3.3-21V/2.2A
Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.3 in | 2.5 oz
The best, lowest-cost fast charger for your Nintendo Switch.
The Amazon Basics 65W GaN looks like a clone of the Nekteck 65W GaN II at a lower price. But it doesn't offer as many features. Both chargers will support Nintendo Switch in handheld and docked mode, as well as similarly sized devices. But this cheaper option doesn't have PPS or a free USB-C cable. Want the less expensive charger and already have a USB-C cable? Then this could be a good buy. But many others will get better value going with a different charger.
Port 1: 65W USB-C
Dimensions: 2.1 x 2 x 1.1 in | 3.4 oz
A decent behind-the-TV fast charger for your Nintendo Switch.
The official Nintendo Switch AC adapter works great for the Switch. But it often doesn't work well for other devices you may want to charge while traveling. It also has a poor form factor, as a large brick that covers up other power outlets and a built-in USB-C cable, giving it an extra point of failure. It works well behind your TV, connected to the Switch dock. But unless you insist on only having Nintendo-licensed accessories, you want a better option for travel.
Port 1: 39W USB-C
Includes a built-in, 5-foot USB-C cable
Dimensions: 2.6 x 2 x 1.4 in | 6.1 oz
Nintendo Switch AC Adapter Review
Which Charger Should You Choose?
All of the above chargers work great with the Nintendo Switch. And all except for the original AC adapter are solid travel chargers. So I would look at which charger will also best support your other devices.
Samsung phone owners: The Anker 313 Ace 45W will support Super Fast Charging 2.0 (45W) for the latest and highest-end model Samsung phones. Even if you don’t need Super Fast Charging now, it’ll future-proof you for your eventual phone upgrade. If you only need Super Fast Charging (25W) support, the Nekteck 65W GaN II will also get the job done. And includes a free USB-C cable!
Everyone else: The ZMI zPower Turbo 65W is my most recommended charger for any device needing 45-65W power support. It is slimmer than the Nekteck and Amazon 65W chargers and doesn’t need a sale or coupon to offer a great price. That said, the Nekteck 65W GaN II has quickly become my “or” charger recommendation. I’ve seen sales and coupon offers that beat the ZMI in price. And it has that little bit more with USB-IF certification, a 1-foot longer cable, and PPS support.
If price is your only concern and a USB-C cable is not, then it makes sense to go for the Amazon Basics 65W GaN instead when nothing else is on sale.
Remember, all these chargers will also support all phones, tablets, the Steam Deck, and small and mid-sized laptops.
Comparison of All Recommended Fast Chargers for Nintendo Switch
| ZMI zPower Turbo 65W | Nekteck 65W GaN II | Anker 313 Ace 45W | Amazon Basics 65W GaN | Nintendo Switch AC Adapter |
| 65W USB-C 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/3.25A | 65W USB-C 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/3.25A 65W PPS 3.3-21V/3.2A | 45W USB-C 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/2.25A 45W PPS 3.3-11V/5A 3.3-16V/3A 3.3-21V/2.2A | 65W USB-C 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/3.25A | 39W USB-C 5V/1.5A, 15V/2.6A |
| 2 x 2 x 1.1 in | 2.1 x 2 x 1.1 in | 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.3 in | 2.1 x 2 x 1.1 in | 2.6 x 2 x 1.4 in |
| 3.4 oz | 3.3 oz | 2.5 oz | 3.4 oz | 6.1 oz |
| Includes 5 foot USB-C to USB-C cable (100W/5A) | Includes 6 foot USB-C to USB-C cable (100W/5A) Supports Samsung Super Fast Charging (25W) | Supports Samsung Super Fast Charging 2.0 (45W) | Built-in 5 foot USB-C cable Fixed prongs |
|
| Price not available | $28.99 | $19.99 | $15.99 | $29.99 |
USB-C Cables for Nintendo Switch Fast Charging In 2023
If buying a new charger, you likely need a USB-C cable to go with it. I like to use dedicated travel chargers and cables to make packing easier. Here’s what to look for to get the best USB-C cable for your Nintendo Switch. These also work great for Android phones and other devices using USB-C fast charging.
What To Look For In a USB-C Cable
There are a lot of cheaply made and unregulated cables on the market. You want to look for known good brands to be sure you’re getting a safe and durable product. Finding one that is USB-IF certified by the developers of USB is a nice bonus.
For charging, there’s no difference between one well-designed USB-C cable and another. The Nintendo Switch only draws up to 39W, and all USB-C cables allow at least 60W. That said, 100W cables usually have little cost difference and will support Samsung Super Fast Charging and larger devices. So for future-proofing, I suggest focusing on 100W cables.
There can be a difference in the exterior of various cables. Many are standard nylon, which is thinner and more flexible. Recently braided nylon has become more popular, which offers more durability.
Best USB-C Cables In 2023
The most recommended 100W/5A charging cable for your Nintendo Switch.
Anker has constantly been a favorite brand for USB-C cables, and their New Nylon model is their best seller. It is sold in pairs unless you get the 10-foot option. But your cost per cable is lower than many other options. The extra cable can be used with almost any USB-C device and charger. As a 100W/5A cable, it'll support Samsung Super Fast Charging 2.0 (45W PPS) and laptops that use a 65-100W USB-C charger. It'll also charge smaller devices just as well as its same price 60W/3A cousin. The exterior is braided nylon which gives it more durability and lifetime bends. I use two of these in my travel kit and have been happy with the thinness and flexibility as a braided cable.
Length: 3, 6, 10 feet
A non-braided Anker charging cable option for your Nintendo Switch.
An older but now classic Anker USB-C cable and a best seller for those who don't want a braided nylon cable. This model has a standard nylon exterior (less durable but thinner, lighter, and more flexible). While still supporting up to 100W/5A, allowing it to work with every charger on this list and the vast majority of USB-C devices and chargers.
Length: 6 feet
A USB-IF-certified charging cable for your Switch.
Cable Matters is also a well-respected brand for all types of USB cables. Their go-to USB-C cable supports 100W/5A, making it compatible with all chargers listed here and most any other USB-C device and charger combination. The big selling point for this cable is that it is USB-IF certified. That means it meets all USB-C specifications and guidelines according to the USB-IF, the governing body which created USB-C. USB-IF certification is important to people who value assurances of device safety above all else. That said, a lack of USB-IF certification should never be seen as a red flag. To gain certification, a company has to buy membership into the USB-IF and then go through steps to submit and get testing done. Most brands (including Apple, a founding member of the USB-IF) don't find certification worth doing.
Length: 6.6 feet
Best value single charging cable for your Switch.
Amazon Basics have stepped up its support for reliable, lower-cost USB-C accessories. This cable supports 60W/3A with a standard nylon exterior. No frills, though it is also USB-IF certified. But if you only need a single USB-C cable for your Switch, and you aren't worried about higher throughput for other devices, then this is the cheapest total cost option from a solid brand.
Length: 3, 6, 9 feet