Have you ever noticed that your Nintendo Switch is charging insanely slowly? You’re not alone. With a wide range of options for changing this console, it’s no surprise that the charging speeds can vary as well. There are a few things to keep in mind in order to get the fastest charge.
Your Nintendo Switch might be charging slowly because you’re using an off-brand charger. The device supports quick charging at speeds of up to 18 watts, but you may need a new charging brick that’s capable of that. You can still use your Switch while charging, but it will slow the charge rate.
Once you understand the causes of slow charging, you’ll see that there are a number of ways that you can fix the problem. Let’s take a closer look at the issue and how to deal with it so you can get back to gaming as quickly as possible!
Why Does Nintendo Switch Take So Long to Charge?
There are a number of reasons why your Nintendo Switch takes so long to charge. Identifying the cause is the first step in resolving this issue. Your Switch may also charge normally, but seem to use it’s battery up too quickly. If that’s the case, see our related post.
And note that if you think the Switch’s power button has stopped working (or the console is acting like it won’t turn on at all), that’s usually just a totally dead console that just needs to be charged.
Below are some of the most common causes of slow-charging Nintendo Switches:
The Mode of Charging
Both the 2017 and 2019 Nintendo models come with a lithium-ion battery capable of charging to full within about 3 hours, assuming that you’re using the original power adapter that came with the unit. But the power source affects the rate of charging.
For example, the Nintendo Switch is able to charge faster over USB-C if you’re using USB power delivery. However, the same Nintendo Switch will charge at a near-maximum rate when you’re using the console itself.
Note that charging the Nintendo Switch from 0–>1% When totally dead could take as long as 15 minutes. And if you have issues with your Joy-Con charting, we have a dedicate guide on that.
The Switch and the Charger Are not Fast-Charge Compatible
As is the case with most smartphones, both the device and the charger need to be fast-charge compatible in order to benefit from this feature. Anything less means that your device will charge at a normal rate. The Nintendo Switch supports fast-charge technology when there is a 18W maximum power draw.
The capping of the power draw means that even fast chargers are unable to supply more than the 18W value. However, you have the option of getting a good third-party USB-C or USB-PD charger that supports 9V, 12V, or 15V.
And note that, if you’ve changed nothing but the Switch has started to charge slower, that could be a damaged Nintendo Switch AC adapter.
How Can You Make the Nintendo Switch Charge Faster?
There are a number of ways that you can make your Nintendo Switch charge faster, depending on what the problem was in the first place. Here are some solutions to try:
Use the Original Adapter Provided by Nintendo
Using the Nintendo Switch AC Adapter (on Amazon) that comes with the unit can quickly resolve the slow-charging problem. Other third-party adapters might not offer the required voltage required for effective charging.
Some great fast chargers for your Nintendo include:
- Anker PowerPort III Nano (on Amazon)
- Anker PowerPort Atom PD 1 (on Amazon)
- ZMI PowerPlug Turbo (on Amazon)
- Inateck 60W PD USB-C (on Amazon)
Change the Mode of Charging
Doing some research on Switch charges can help you choose the best charging mode for your device. There are some switches that charge at a maximum rate when you’re using a console. Others will charge at a much slower rate but you’re still able to use your console.
Do some research with your budget in mind before choosing the best charger for your Nintendo Switch. You should also factor in the cost of a USB-C cable if it doesn’t come included with the charger.
Related Questions You May Have
Can I play the Switch while it’s still charging?
There is nothing wrong with playing your Nintendo Switch while it’s charging. However, doing so will result in an extended charging time. Your gaming console might also get warmer while playing, causing it to have a shorter lifespan.
Can I charge my Nintendo Switch with a phone charger?
It is possible to charge your Nintendo Switch with your phone charger, provided that the charger has a USB type C output port. If your phone charger is incapable of supplying the required 18W, then your console will take longer to charge.
Is it possible to charge the switch without a dock?
Your Nintendo Switch can still charge without the dock. Just plug the charger directly into the console. This means that your Nintendo Switch will have two charging modes.
What About The Switch Lite?
Great question. That model can also have these same issues, and you can reference our guides on a Switch Lite that dies to quickly, or worse yet, a Nintendo Switch Lite that won’t charge at all.