Best charger for Nintendo Switch 2 - will the old Switch adapter do?

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Best charger for Nintendo Switch 2? In short: it depends on whether you play docked

For the dock and TV mode, get the Nintendo power adapter or a 60-65 W charger with 20 V output. The original is the safest choice, because there are no compatibility questions.

If you charge the console in handheld mode, a regular USB-C charger is enough. Almost any USB-C PD charger from about 30 W will do the job.

Below we explain what the old Switch power adapter can do, how much power the console actually draws, and what to watch out for with chargers that lack a Nintendo license.

Old Switch power adapter: what works and what doesn't

According to Nintendo, Switch 2 works with the old Nintendo Switch power adapter (HAC-002), but only when charging directly in the console. So if you play in handheld mode or connect the cable to the console itself, the old adapter will do fine.

It will not work in the dock in TV mode. It simply doesn't have enough power to run a console seated in the dock.

In practice: keep the old adapter for your bag or the couch, and by the TV use the NGN-01 adapter or a charger with the right power rating.

Fun fact: the old power adapter from the original Switch will charge Switch 2 in handheld mode, but it won't start TV mode in the dock (information from Nintendo).

Below we have collected the Nintendo power adapter and chargers from other companies. We selected them based on a power rating of at least 54 W, which Nintendo gives as the minimum for unlicensed adapters, and on the manufacturer's description regarding Switch 2.

Recommended chargers for Nintendo Switch 2

How many watts the console really draws

ChargerLAB measured with a meter that in handheld mode, with the original power adapter, the Switch 2 drew about 16 W. SlashGear, for its part, reports that the console usually draws less than 25 W.

That's why you don't need a powerful charger for charging in your hands. A phone USB-C PD charger of about 30 W or more is perfectly enough, and higher power won't speed anything up here.

A full charge takes about 3 hours, according to Nintendo. So plan it for the night or a longer break, not as a quick top-up before heading out.

In the same ChargerLAB roundup, covering almost 100 chargers and power banks, no compatibility problems were noted in handheld mode. High charger power is therefore needed mainly for the dock.

Fun fact: in handheld mode, the console drew only about 16 W from the 60 W power adapter (ChargerLAB).

Unlicensed chargers: 54 W, 20 V and compatibility risk

Nintendo admits that without a licensed power adapter you can use an adapter rated at 54 W or more. It warns, however, that unlicensed products do not pass its tests and may have compatibility problems.

Then there is the voltage. GamesRadar, citing JSAUX, writes that the dock needs 20 V power to enable TV mode. So when choosing a charger for the dock, look not only at watts, but also at whether the manufacturer lists 20 V.

A good choice is a 60-65 W charger, because it has a margin above 54 W. A universal 65 W charger, for example the Anker Nano 65 W, will work well if you also want to charge your phone and laptop. Just remember you need a separate USB-C cable.

The specifications of third-party chargers are provided by their manufacturers, so read the description before buying. If you don't want to take a risk, buy the original.

Looking for a power bank or a docking station too? We have separate articles about them.

Frequently asked questions about Switch 2 chargers

Which charger for Nintendo Switch 2?

For the dock and TV mode, the best choice is the Nintendo NGN-01 power adapter or a 60-65 W charger with 20 V. For charging in your hands, an ordinary USB-C PD charger of about 30 W or more is enough.

Does the charger from the original Switch fit the Switch 2?

Yes, but only for charging directly in the console. Nintendo states that the HAC-002 power adapter is too weak to power the Switch 2 in the dock in TV mode.

How many watts does the Switch 2 need in TV mode?

Nintendo indicates that without a licensed power adapter you can use a model rated at 54 W or more. In practice, choose a 60-65 W charger, preferably with a stated voltage of 20 V.

Can you charge the Switch 2 with a phone charger?

In handheld use, usually yes. ChargerLAB noted no compatibility problems in handheld mode in a roundup of almost 100 chargers and power banks. For the dock, a phone charger must meet the power and voltage requirements.

How long does it take to charge the Nintendo Switch 2?

A full charge takes about 3 hours, according to Nintendo. The console usually draws less than 25 W (SlashGear), so a more powerful charger won't shorten that time.

See also

• Best power bank for Nintendo Switch 2 - how many watts it really draws
• Best microSD card for Nintendo Switch 2 - only microSD Express works
• Best dock for Nintendo Switch 2 - which third-party docks actually work

Sources

• Nintendo Support: How to charge the Nintendo Switch 2 console - manufacturer page (en-americas-support.nintendo.com)
• Nintendo Support: No video output to TV in TV Mode on Nintendo Switch 2 - manufacturer page (en-americas-support.nintendo.com)
• ChargerLAB: Compatibility test of Nintendo Switch 2 - industry article (chargerlab.com)
• GamesRadar: Switch 2 docks require a 20V power input for TV mode - industry article (gamesradar.com)
• SlashGear: Extend Nintendo Switch 2 battery life - industry article (slashgear.com)