Is Using a Phone Charger Good for Your Nintendo Switch? Here’s What You Need to Know [2023]

Nintendo Switch, just like other consoles and gadgets, requires a correct charger to power up. Some gamers think that it's fine to use other types of chargers, which in this case is a typical type-C charger.

A type-C charger is a universal type of charger that is widely used in smartphones, tablets, and even laptops. While using a phone charger works for others, should you get used to it when it comes to Nintendo Switch?

You Can Charge Your Nintendo Switch with a Phone Charger

While using a phone charger to charge your Nintendo handheld is possible, some people think that every Switch user shouldn't be doing this thing as a norm.

The problem is the charging amperage on your Nintendo Switch needs to be higher than what we usually get on smartphones.

It only means one thing: when you use a phone charger, it might take a longer time before your Switch becomes fully charged and you wouldn't want to experience that.

What's worse, it will prolong the charging time if you're using your Switch during the process.

Charging Rates and Compatibility

According to SpaceHop, phone chargers usually provide lower watts compared to the standard USB-C type charger that Nintendo Switch uses. The maximum that they can offer only sits at 13 watts.

It's important to take note that the QuickCharge 2.0 or 3.0 is incompatible with the USB-C PD that is recommended for charging the console.

What Are the Risks of Using Phone Chargers on Nintendo Switch?

Of course, since it's not recommended to use phone chargers on your Nintendo Switch, there are potential risks that you might encounter.

First, you will gradually notice the depleting battery of your console once it's connected to the phone charger. It might not be noticeable at first, but it gets worse in the long run.

Another thing is that IQ charging-capable power banks are not good alternatives to the standard Switch chargers either. It's not recommended to use them since they could damage your device.

How to Guarantee the Longevity of Your Nintendo Switch

With that being said, every gamer does not want their console to get damaged easily using the wrong charger. It does not mean that it's working, you should continue using it.

To keep the safety of your console, it's always a best practice to just utilize a Nintendo-owned charger. You can opt for a replacement charger if you want.

Efficient charging is the way to preserve the battery of your Switch. If you think that its battery is slowly not functioning, you might as well ask for extra assistance from a reputable repair store.

Remember that your priority is always the longevity and safety of your precious handheld console. It does not only allow you to avoid such risks but also ensures that it will always run with optimal performance.

If you need some help regarding fixing problems with your Switch, kindly contact Nintendo's customer support for more details.

Elsewhere, check out our reports about the best Switch shooter games and best Switch controllers.