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

Model: HAC-002

Tech Specs:

• Ports: Built-in USB-C cable
• Output: 39W USB-C Power Delivery 2.0 (5V/1.5A, 15V/2.6A)
• Input: 100-240V, 1.0A, 50/60Hz
• Size: 2.6 x 2 x 1.4 inches | 66 x 51 x 36 mm
• Weight: 6.1 oz | 173 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Included In Box:

• Nintendo Switch AC Adapter
• Built-in USB-C cable is 5 feet/1.5 meters

Good For:

• Additional Nintendo Switch charger for home or work
• Power banks (30W or higher only)
• iPad Pro (2018 or later)
• 12-inch laptop

First Impression

The Nintendo Switch AC Adapter comes included with the Nintendo Switch. It is also available by itself or as part of the Nintendo Switch Docking Kit. It is a typical wall-wart power adapter. The brick is thinner than some, but it’ll still take up more than its own space on a power strip. The built-in USB-C cable limits you to 5 feet, which is good enough for most TV setups. The non-folding prongs complete the not quite travel-friendly design. On the upside it a Nintendo product. So its use is covered under the Switch’s 12-month warranty.

 

Compared To Similar Chargers

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2023-03-24.

 

You can see more USB-C chargers 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

I use an iPhone 8 for testing, which cannot plug into a charger with a built-in USB-C cable. So I don’t have any results.

Based on the specs a Google Pixel or other USB-C phone supporting USB PD would not fast charge. In fact, the charge rate would be slower than with a regular USB-C charger missing USB PD.

Quick Charge 3.0 Phones

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

 

Using a Moto G6 for testing we see a pathetic 2W charge rate. The 5V power profile is underpowered. Resulting in a poor charge for this or any other USB-C phone.

Nintendo Switch

 

The Nintendo Switch charges at its max rate, up to 18W. It’ll fast charge while you play. Its charge rate while sleeping is also normal. This charger can also power the Switch’s dock. All that we would expect from the Switch’s original charger.

Learn more about charging the Switch.

USB-C Laptops

 

Using a 13-inch MacBook Pro for testing we can draw up to 37W from this charger. That’s expected, after accounting for efficiency loss.

Different model laptops have different power demands. But in general, a 39W charger can support 12-inch laptops. And some 13 to 14-inch laptops, if not under a heavy load. The lack of 20V limits how many laptop models this charger will work with. MacBooks and Chromebooks are fine. Others will depend on if they accept 15V or not.

Charging Nintendo Switch Accessories

The Nintendo Switch AC Adapter is designed to charge official Switch accessories. You can charge a Pro Controller, Joy-Con Charging Grip, or Poké Ball Plus by plugging in the USB-C cable. They charge better than a phone as they draw less power. Each controller only draws up to 2.5W. Whereas a modern smartphone wants 8-16W. That said, you should charge the controllers through the Switch’s dock. The dock has three USB-A ports, and each can provide 2.5W. The controllers also include the needed USB-C to USB-A cable.

You can also recharge the Nintendo licensed power banks from Anker. Those accept a 15V/2A power input, which the Switch AC adapter can provide. Other USB-C power banks with similar power input needs (most 30W+ models) will also recharge. Lower output power banks (15-18W) usually want 9V or 12V power input. The Switch AC adapter provides neither, and its 5V output is weak. Most low output power banks end up refusing the connection.

Made To Support the Nintendo Switch Dock

Even docked the Switch rarely draws more than 18W. And I’ve never seen it get anywhere near 39W. So why does it included a 39W USB-C charger? Why not a more standard 18W or 30W option?

The charger’s 39W design does serve another purpose. Nintendo has programmed the dock to not output video unless it detects a USB-C charger that supports 15V/2.6A or more amps. This is to prevent a user from using their phone charger or other weaker power source. A sub-optimal charger could lead to the Switch’s battery continuing the drain and a halt to the gameplay. That would be a bad user experience, so they try to make sure you are using the official charger.

A third party charger with enough output will get around the restriction. Most any 45W or 60W USB-C PD charger will work, as those offers 15V/3A. A few do not as they lack 15V power profiles, with Apple’s 61W USB-C power adapter being the most notorious.

Lack of 9V Support Is Against USB-C Specs

The Switch’s AC adapter supports only two power profiles: 5V/1.5A and 15V/2.6A. The 5V is for the controllers when charging. The 15V is for the Switch and dock.

Under USB PD standards 9V much be included if 15V is present. In this case, we should see 9V/3A, but we don’t. Not only is that a spec violation. It also prevents this charger from work with USB-C phones that support USB PD. As most charge at 9V.

The exclusion of 20V is not a spec violation but again limits device compatibility. Most USB-C laptops and large devices prefer 20V over 15V. And some are 20V exclusive (which itself is a spec violation, but that’s the world we live in).

Summary

The Nintendo Switch AC Adapter does what you need it to do out of the Switch’s box. It’ll charge the Switch in handheld or TV mode, and even support any extra controllers your bought. But the limited power profiles makes it less flexible for non-Nintendo devices. And goes against USB-C specs.

It is next to useless as a charger for USB-C phones. Your phone may or show a charge in progress, but it’ll far less than what a USB-A charger could do. Much less a USB-C charger with normal power profiles.

It will work with some small to mid-sized laptops with USB-C. Most notable the MacBook and Chromebook lines. But if your laptop requires 20V it will not charge. It also works with the iPad Pro, provided you have the latest model with a USB-C port.

Power banks with output/input of 30-45W can be recharged with the Switch AC adapter.

It will charge the Switch’s controllers directly. From the Pro Controller to the Poké Ball Plus. But for day-to-day charging, you’re better off plugging those into the dock’s USB-A ports.

I personally leave the Nintendo Switch AC adapter behind my TV, connected to the dock. It rarely comes out, and never to be used on anything but the Switch. There are too many more universal chargers available, many at a lower price.

If you prefer to stay 100% within Nintendo’s support umbrella then this is the only wall charger you should look at. Nothing else is licensed for use with the Switch. But keep in mind the Switch’s warranty only lasts for one year. And the Switch hasn’t had any issues with good quality, third party chargers.

About Nintendo

Nintendo of America has U.S. based support (web, email, phone) and a 12-month warranty.

Bottom Line

The Nintendo Switch AC Adapter is the safest charger for the Nintendo Switch. And it even works with the Switch’s controllers. But its limited power profiles make it hit or miss with non-Nintendo devices. It is best left plugged into the dock, behind the TV. Get a more flexible USB-C charger for your Switch and other devices on the go.

Buy if you:

• Only want to deal with Nintendo licensed accessories for your Switch

Don’t buy if you:

• Want a second charger for your Switch, but also other USB-C devices

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

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