Since the reveal of the Nintendo Switch in October, details about the forthcoming hybrid console have largely been churned out from the rumor mill as Nintendo opts for a laconic approach at least until the Nintendo Switch-focused event happens come Jan. 12.
But a retailer mishap might have confirmed a Nintendo Switch tidbit recurringly ignored by anticipants — charging. In Nintendo's previous handhelds, proprietary charging ports were always the case. If the recent leak proves true, however, Nintendo might have opted for a rising industry standard in charging the Switch this time around.
USB-C Charging For The Nintendo Switch
The tidbit harks back to video game retailer EB Games Australia when it listed three Nintendo Switch accessories presumably by accident. The listings, which have now been pulled, included a "Nintendo Switch Extra-Long 3M Charging Cable" accessory with an accompanying image of a USB-C cable.
Fast Charging?
The listings support earlier rumors via unnamed sources suggesting that current prototype Switch units charge via USB-C. Adopting a near-universal standard charging technology might suggest that the Switch can support fast charging — a feature well within USB-C's capacity.
Additionally, opting for USB-C will let users easily find replacements should they lose or break their Nintendo Switch chargers. If the rumors turn out to be accurate, potential Switch owners can dispel their worry over relatively hard-to-locate and often expensive proprietary chargers. If they have a USB-C cable lying around, it'll be up to the task.
This also opens up the Switch to a number of third-party accessory prospects, with a power bank extension being the safest assumption.
Other Nintendo Switch News
Darksiders III developer THQ Nordic announced on Monday, Dec. 5, that it has acquired three brands: Mobile Gaming's Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy and Enigma Software's War Leaders: Clash of Nations and Legends of War, all three of which are likely headed to the Switch.
The Nintendo Switch comes out in March, but before that, the console is slated for an extended look in an event mid-January, where more technical details of the console will be detailed alongside the games it'll launch with, two of which, according to rumors, might point to new Mario titles.
The Nintendo Switch is the successor to the Wii U, which has now been officially halted in the production line. It's too early to predict if the Switch will also replace Nintendo's handheld system, the Nintendo 3DS, but with the Switch being a hybrid, it's not difficult to envision it lapsing 3DS in all fronts.
