The best Nintendo Switch 2 power banks we've found on sale this week
If you were lucky enough to get your hands on the brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 (it’s out of stock at most retailers), you’ve probably realized that the handheld battery life isn’t exactly the greatest. (Though, this wasn’t a surprise, as Mashable’s Alex Perry puts it, “more horsepower and a better display also mean more drain on battery.”)
Through testing, we’ve found that you can get around three hours of battery life at best, which isn’t ideal if you’re traveling or don’t have a wall socket nearby. The good news is that the Switch 2 can be powered via a USB-C charger, so just about any standard power bank should, in theory, work.
Of course, we’re expecting some Nintendo-specific chargers to hit the market soon, but in the meantime, we thought we’d save you some time and effort by rounding up some of the best Nintendo Switch 2-compatible power banks we’ve found on sale this week.
Best deal overall
Why we like it
The Anker Nano Power Bank has a built-in USB-C cable, so if you forget to bring one, you can still charge your Switch 2 without having to scrounge for a spare. At 10,000mAh, you should be able to get at least one full charge out of it, which is pretty great considering how small and compact it is (4.09 × 2.06 × 1.02 inches).
It has bidirectional charging, meaning you can charge your devices from the power bank and charge the power bank itself from a separate power source at the same time. According to the manufacturer, you can get it to 50 percent in just 45 minutes.
The case is made from 80 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, and it comes in multiple color options, (most power banks do not). It also has a 24-month “worry-free” warranty.
Get it now for $35.99, down from $39.99, at Amazon. That's a 10% discount and $4 off.
Best high capacity deal
Why we like it
The INIU Portable Charger has a 20,000mAh battery, meaning it can fully charge a Switch 2 at least two times. But, keep in mind, that at 22.5W, it will be noticeably slower than the Anker Nano, especially if you're playing a more demanding game.
It has one USB-C port and two USB-A ports, so you can charge multiple devices at once, and it features a three-mode LED flashlight, which could come in handy in a pinch. You’ll also get a three-year warranty with this one.
Get it now for $26.97, down from $32.21, at Amazon. That's a 16% discount and a $5.24 savings.
Best for portability
Why we like it
If you’re looking for something that’s a little more compact, the VEEKTOMX Mini Power Bank is one option. (It weighs 5.8 ounces.)
It has a 10,000mAh battery and features one 20W USB-C port, one 22.5W USB-A port, and one 18W micro input port. It also has a little LED display that shows how much battery is left.
This portable charger doesn’t charge up as quickly as the Anker Nano Power Bank (you’ll get a full recharge in about 2.5 to 3 hours), but it is smaller and more lightweight, making it a better option for portability.
Get it now for $26.97, down from $29.99, at Amazon. That's a 20% discount and $6 in savings.
Topics Gaming Nintendo Switch
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll want to look for two things: a capacity of at least 10,000mAh to get one full charge, and a USB-C Power Delivery (PD) port that can output at least 20W to charge the console effectively while you play. To match the speed of the included wall adapter, you'll need one that's closer to 39W.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has a battery capacity of around 5,220mAh, so a 10,000mAh charger will give you about one full charge with a little juice left over. This is ideal for getting through a long commute, a cross-country flight, or just extending your gameplay on the couch by several hours. If you're planning a multi-day trip away from wall outlets, you might consider a larger 20,000mAh model, but for daily use, 10,000mAh is the sweet spot.
As long as you use a quality, certified power bank, you should be good. Modern electronics like the Switch 2 use a smart charging standard called USB-C PD. This allows the Switch 2 and the power bank to "talk" to each other to ensure the charger only sends the right amount of power. Reputable brands like Anker, INIU, and Belkin are tested and certified to meet these safety standards. The only risk comes from using extremely cheap, uncertified chargers that don't follow these safety protocols. Stick with a well-known brand, and your console should be safe.
Tabitha Britt is an award-winning freelance journalist, editor, and SEO/AEO strategist. Aside from reviewing dating apps and sex toys for Mashable, Tabitha is also the founding editor-in-chief of DO YOU ENDO — a digital magazine by individuals with endometriosis, for individuals with endometriosis. She has a Master's degree in Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism from The New School for Social Research and is a grad of Sextech School. You can find more of her work in various online publications, including National Geographic, Glamour, Better Homes & Gardens, and Everyday Health.