Best Power Banks for Nintendo Switch in 2025: Portable Charging Guide

Even the Switch V2's improved battery only lasts 4.5-9 hours. For long flights, road trips, or gaming marathons, a power bank is essential. But not all power banks are safe for the Switch—here's what you need to know and our top recommendations.

Important: Switch Charging Safety

The Nintendo Switch uses USB-C Power Delivery (PD), but it's picky about chargers. Using the wrong power bank can damage your Switch or cause charging issues.

Safe power banks must have:

USB-C Power Delivery (PD) support
Proper voltage negotiation
Quality components from reputable brands

Avoid:

Cheap no-name power banks
Quick Charge (QC) only chargers without PD
Anything that doesn't explicitly support Nintendo Switch

Our Top Picks

Power Bank	Capacity	Charges	Price	Best For
Anker PowerCore 20100 Nintendo Switch Edition	20,100mAh	2-3x	$60	Official/Safe
Anker PowerCore 13400 Nintendo Switch Edition	13,400mAh	1.5-2x	$50	Lighter Option
Anker 737 PowerCore 24K	24,000mAh	3-4x	$85	Maximum Power
Baseus 65W Power Bank	20,000mAh	2-3x	$45	Budget PD

1. Anker PowerCore 20100 Nintendo Switch Edition - Best Overall

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The only power bank officially licensed by Nintendo. This guarantees safe charging and full compatibility.

Specs:

Capacity: 20,100mAh / 72.36Wh
Output: USB-C PD (up to 24W), USB-A (5V/2A)
Weight: 12.7 oz (360g)
Size: 6.6 x 2.4 x 0.9 inches

What's great:

Nintendo licensed - guaranteed safe
Charges Switch while playing
2-3 full charges from empty
Can charge other devices simultaneously
Premium Anker build quality

Minor drawbacks:

Premium price for the Nintendo branding
Only 24W output (sufficient but not fast)

Verdict: The safest choice. If you want zero risk and peace of mind, this is the power bank to buy.

2. Anker PowerCore 13400 Nintendo Switch Edition - Best Compact

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Same Nintendo licensing in a smaller package. Perfect if you want something lighter.

Specs:

Capacity: 13,400mAh
Output: USB-C PD, USB-A
Provides: ~1.7 full charges

Best for: Travelers who want official safety in a more portable size.

3. Anker 737 PowerCore 24K - Best High Capacity

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For extended trips where you need maximum juice. Not Nintendo-licensed but Anker's quality USB-PD is Switch-safe.

Specs:

Capacity: 24,000mAh
Output: Up to 140W USB-C PD
Charges: 3-4 full Switch charges
Also charges: Laptops, phones, tablets

What's great:

Massive capacity
Premium build with display
Can charge laptops too
Anker's reputation for quality PD

Minor drawbacks:

Heavy and bulky
Expensive
Overkill for most users

Verdict: Best for serious travelers or those who want one power bank for all devices.

4. Budget Option: Baseus 65W Power Bank

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A solid budget option with proper USB-C PD support. Not Nintendo-licensed but widely used by the Switch community without issues.

What's great:

Under $50 for 20,000mAh
65W PD output
Charges laptops and Switch
Good value

Minor drawbacks:

Not officially licensed (slight risk)
Less proven than Anker

Verdict: Good for budget-conscious buyers willing to accept minor risk.

How Many Charges Will You Get?

The Switch V2 has a 4,310mAh battery. Here's roughly how many charges you can expect:

Power Bank Capacity	Full Charges (Approx.)
10,000mAh	1.5-2
13,400mAh	2-2.5
20,000mAh	3-4
26,800mAh	4-5

Note: Real-world results vary based on power conversion efficiency (typically 70-85%).

Charging Tips for Maximum Battery Life

Don't drain to 0% - Charge when you hit 20-30%
Avoid extreme heat - Don't charge in direct sunlight or hot cars
Use quality cables - Cheap cables can reduce charging speed or cause issues
Play while charging - This is fine; the Switch handles it well
Charge the power bank fully - Before trips, ensure your bank is at 100%

USB-C Cables Matter

A good cable is essential for safe, fast charging. Look for:

USB-C to USB-C
Supports USB-PD
From reputable brands (Anker, Apple, Samsung)

Anker USB-C Cable - Reliable and affordable.

Can You Use Any USB-C Power Bank?

Technically yes, but proceed with caution. The Switch has had issues with non-compliant chargers. Stick to:

Safe choices:

Anker (all USB-PD models)
RAVPower USB-PD models
Aukey USB-PD models
Any Nintendo-licensed product

Avoid:

No-name brands
Chargers without USB-PD
Suspiciously cheap options

Power Bank vs. AC Adapter

Option	Pros	Cons
Power Bank	Portable, no outlet needed	Must keep charged, adds weight
AC Adapter	Unlimited power from outlet	Need access to outlet
Both	Ultimate flexibility	Cost, carrying two items

Our recommendation: Carry both when traveling. Use the power bank for planes/cars, AC adapter for hotels/airports.

FAQ

Will using a power bank damage my Switch?

Not if you use a reputable USB-PD power bank from brands like Anker. The Nintendo-licensed options are guaranteed safe.

Can I play while charging from a power bank?

Yes! The Switch is designed for this. You may charge slower while playing demanding games, but it works fine.

How long does it take to fully charge a Switch from a power bank?

About 3-4 hours from empty, depending on the power bank's output. Playing while charging extends this time.

Do I need the Nintendo-licensed power bank specifically?

Not necessarily. Quality USB-PD power banks from Anker, RAVPower, and similar brands work safely. The Nintendo license provides peace of mind but isn't strictly required.

Can I charge my Switch with an iPhone charger?

The small 5W iPhone charger will charge the Switch very slowly (if at all while playing). It won't damage it, but it's not practical. Use a USB-PD charger for reasonable speeds.

What's the difference between USB-PD and Quick Charge?

USB-PD (Power Delivery) is what the Switch uses. Quick Charge (QC) is Qualcomm's standard for Android phones. Make sure your power bank supports USB-PD, not just QC.