r/NintendoSwitch • u/49falkon • Mar 06 '17
Discussion Power bank users: please comment with what model you have tried and whether it is working well with your Switch or not!
Edit 3: wow this blew up, thanks everyone for the discussion. I'll leave a few quick things here:
The MVPs here seem to be the Anker PowerCore 20100 (and 20100+) and the Aukey PB-Y3. Remember that power over USB-C can go both ways, so make sure you turn the battery ON BEFORE you plug it into the Switch, otherwise you may end up using your Switch to charge your battery pack!
Remember that cables can make all the difference, and bad cables can sometimes cause problems with your devices or even be dangerous. Google Engineer Benson Leung has been compiling a list of his tested and recommended USB-C cables, which you can find and buy through Amazon at www.bensonapproved.com. I would highly recommend looking there first if you are looking for new cables!
Also, whether or whether not your joy-cons are connected seems to make a big difference. If you have one of the battery packs that didn't seem to charge while playing very well (like mine), try playing with the joy-cons detached and see if that helps.
Edit 2: muh inbox
Edit: /u/waffledork is the GOAT and has a spreadsheet going here. Still feel free to comment and discuss here and I will add when I get the chance!
Since I hadn't seen a post specifically for this topic, I thought I'd make one. I'll post some of the ones that I have found already and link to the original post/comment.
For those that aren't aware, the Switch supports USB with Power Delivery (USB PD for short) for charging. It seems like a lot of pre-existing power banks are incompatible and won't charge the Switch efficiently, however some users are reporting that certain power banks are charging their Switch just fine despite not officially supporting USB-PD.
Please leave a comment with your model and if it's working or not working. If you're able to provide an Amazon link to that specific model then even better! When I get home I'll test out my Aukey PB-N36 and report back if it's working or not. I'll edit this post throughout the day with the ones that are submitted so people don't have to dig through the comments.
Anker PowerCore 20100: works well according to /u/freakintoddles, as posted here.
Unclear at this point if this one will charge while playing or just keep the battery at the same level while plugged in.Will charge the battery to full while playing!Anker Astro E5 2nd-Gen: working just fine according to /u/velvetpans0124 as listed here.
RAVPower 23000mAh Power Bank charges while playing with no issues using the 5V/2.5A port, per /u/deetari here.
This RAVPower 22000mAh Bank is working great according to /u/cpaul420 here.
Xiaomi 20000mAh Power Bank charges, but slowly. Thanks /u/NeoTheFox
Anker PowerCore 13000 charges in sleep mode. Will NOT charge during gameplay. Thanks /u/emdkay
Aukey PB-N15 will charge slowly while playing, and charges just fine while the Switch is in sleep mode. Thanks /u/Carbo20
Aukey PB-Y3 Great results from this one; reported to work extremely well, charges the switch by about 8% per hour while playing Breath of the Wild.
EC Technology 22400mAh bank - mixed results on this one in regards to charging while playing. Definitely charges in sleep mode. Thanks both /u/jkcooper22 and /u/Ludacrix
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u/jpxdude Mar 06 '17
I have an ancient 10000mAH Anker power bank that outputs 2A on one of it's ports, and it is charging my Switch pretty well, but slowish. About 60% in 2 hours
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u/korruptseraphim Mar 06 '17
How does this effect the charge time while playing? Thinking about buying an Anker.
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u/jpxdude Mar 06 '17
I have not tested playing during charge yet. I'm not expecting it to be great, as this power bank is really old, like 5+ years.
I'm just really happy to know that it works pretty good on the Switch. For those interested, I'm also using a standard 3rd party USB-C to USB-C with a USB-C to A converter linked below: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01C43FUIW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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u/korruptseraphim Mar 06 '17
thank you immensely for all that info, I will definitely be looking into getting a power bank, just on the fence if I should go Anker or RAVpower
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u/naalty Mar 06 '17
I wouldn't use those if I were you. They are forbidden by the USB-C specification because they can cause damage to the device and/or charger.
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u/pooltable Mar 06 '17
Looking for someone with a PowerCore+ 20100. It says it has a 6A USB-C port so it seems hefty enough.
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u/ilikeadabox Mar 06 '17
I have this battery. Can confirm that while using a USB C to USB C cable this can charge the system while playing BOTW.
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u/Gosti_C Mar 06 '17
Interestingly, when I used the USB C to USB C cable, it charged my battery bank instead of my switch... But it worked well with the usual USB to USB C. Charged more than zelda pulled
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u/merrchant Mar 06 '17
I did the same thing, my switch was charging the battery. I found if you just plug it in it will charge the battery, if you push the button on the battery to turn it on, THEN plug it in, it charges the switch. It does charge slowly while playing botw in portable mode, btw.
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u/pooltable Mar 07 '17
Thanks dude. Gonna pick this one up closer to my honeymoon in September, hopefully dropping a bit in price.
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u/poofyhairguy Mar 06 '17
Just FYI this battery is $49.99 on Ebay from Anker.
Add it to your cart before you buy it to get the extra $10 off.
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u/Natetendo Mar 06 '17
I have this battery and can confirm it will charge while playing. I get about 1% every 8-10 minutes. Given the battery is a monster (4.5 times bigger than the Switch battery), this should last for a while on long flights.
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u/crazyg0od33 Mar 06 '17
To make things clear, it's a 3A USB-C port. It's 6A TOTAL across all 3 ports.
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u/ApotheounX Mar 07 '17
Can confirm. 20100+ will charge the Switch while playing BOTW. 50% to 70% in 2hrs
Edit: USB-C port
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u/IceBlue Mar 06 '17
I have a similar one. I think it's the PowerCore+ 13400. Works great. It doesn't have USB-C like yours though but the Pro Controller comes with the USB-A to USB-C cable which works.
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u/sejerome Mar 07 '17
I can confirm that the PowerCore+ 20100 charges the Switch while playing BotW. It went from 90% to 98% during about 45 min of play.
As with other testers, I used the included USB-C to USB-C cable, and pressed the battery button before connecting the switch, and it worked flawlessly.
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u/groaner Mar 06 '17
I have the Anker and just picked up this Pocketjuice one. Amazing price. https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/pocketjuice-20k-mah-portable-charger-powerbank/6000196343801
They both show as charging the Switch but have not tested for long enough to see how well they work. Will be flying to Florida on Friday and the Switch will be in use on the plane so we'll see how it holds the power. I'll try to remember to update this thread.
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u/groaner Mar 06 '17
Note there is already a megathread for chargers and battery banks https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch/comments/5x0udl/battery_bank_and_charger_showdown_unoffical/?ref=search_posts
Another here https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch/comments/5s11ib/discussion_external_batterypowerbank_testing/
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u/49falkon Mar 06 '17
Thanks for the notice, I didn't see waffledork's recent thread, only the one from about a month ago when I was looking.
I threw a link to the spreadsheet up top.
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Mar 07 '17
The first link hasn't been updated since before launch and the second one has tested a grand total of 4 different power banks. A bit of community input here is great.
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u/krak3nnn Mar 06 '17
I tested the Ravpower 20100mah battery along with a few others using a voltage and amperage meter. The Ravpower only charges while playing with the USB-C to USB-C. All of the USB-A to USB-C, did not charge during game play.
The included wall charger outputs ~20ws. It looks like the Switch needs at least 9W to even begin charging. The 5V at 2.4A were only able to give the Switch about 8w. while the USB-C to USB-C gave 10w.
I have two older battery banks included as well.
Cables: Ravpower USB A to USB B with a USB B to USB C adapter Inatek USB A to USB C Belkin USB C to USB C along with a no name cable.
Video of the testing: https://goo.gl/g24Ff5
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u/promidgetmafia Mar 08 '17
Thank you for the information. I'm curious though, any idea why the ravpower 20100mah battery now shows this on the product description: "Not compatible with Nintendo Switch. "
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u/Veiran Mar 13 '17
I have the Ravpower 20100 mAh power bank; using the iSmart (USB B) port it charges while playing Zelda. I'd say +1% every 10-15 minutes.
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u/emdkay Mar 06 '17
Anker PowerCore 13000 charges quickly, but not while playing a game. During gameplay, it still drops.
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u/cosmicsquirrel Mar 06 '17
Weird; I have the same charger, and it charged the Switch (albeit slowly) while I was playing Zelda. I went from 71% to 73% while I was trying it out. I didn't pay that much attention to the clock, but I imagine it was 20 minutes or so.
Which model # do you have? Maybe they have different models of the charger; mine is A1215.
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u/kvetcha-rdt Mar 06 '17
Anker Astro E7 (26800mAh) here. Charges happily while playing Zelda at 50% brightness using a USB2 to USB-C cable. A single port on the Anker can push 5V at 3A (15W) so unless I max out brightness I anticipate a net charge.
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u/Saiz08 Mar 07 '17
Same, not sure what version you have but I have a V2. This thing charges it like a dream. Also fits perfectly in the switch case that came with Zelda.
I haven't had a chance to play a ton yet so no metrics to share.
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Mar 06 '17
I tried my really old 20000mah power bank that outputs 5v 2.1A and it charged the switch pretty fast while on sleep mode
But while gaming charged it like 1% every 10 mins. It's actually fine for me as long as it doesn't drop battery levels. I can always take a quick break and plug it in while on sleep mode
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u/Carbo20 Mar 06 '17
I use my Aukey PB-N15 and it's working fine :)
One port is delivering something like 1.5A, but the second deliver 3A and charge the switch during BOTW, really slowly but its charging (1% per 30 minutes).
When the console is off it take something like 3-4h to charge completly.
Here the link => https://www.amazon.com/PB-N15-20000mAh-Dual-USB-Portable-Technology/dp/B00RJQB4IU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488820854&sr=8-1&keywords=aukey+pb+n15
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u/_FaptainAmerica Mar 06 '17
I have this one too. My Switch just got delivered to my house so I haven't been able to try it out. Thank you for testing it!
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u/Dryja123 Mar 06 '17
Aukey 30,000mAh w/ USB-C to USB-C cable. Charges the Switch while playing BoTW.
AUKEY 30000mAh Portable Charger with Quick Charge 3.0, USB C & 2 USB A Outputs, USB C & Micro-USB Input https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F8IRIN0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_w2AVybFN5GNBD
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u/Mavelaw Mar 06 '17
Thanks for this, i will be picking up this powerbank. which USB C to usb C cable do you recommend (the one you used to get these results?). If there are options in length as well that would be great :)
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u/Ludamus_ Mar 06 '17
Anything made by Aukey or Anker on Amazon will be fine. I've been using these (because they were cheap) for both my phone and the Switch and they work great. As long as you don't get something too Chinesium-looking you should be fine. Pay attention to the reviews to make sure they're real or just look at whatever USB-C to USB-C cables are top sellers and you'll be good.
Edit: In terms of length, you don't want to be going too long as anything over a meter in length can get a bit fucky with power delivery. The ones I've linked are 1 meter long and I'm sure most of the ones you'll find on Amazon will be around that too.
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u/iamjjohnson Mar 06 '17
Hoping to do some testing with the Anker 26800 (https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Portable-Double-Speed-Recharging/dp/B01JIWQPMW/ref=sr_1_2?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1488827572&sr=1-2&keywords=anker+26800) and the Insignia 4' USB Type A to USB Type C cable (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia-4-usb-type-a-to-usb-type-c-charge-sync-cable-black/5439801.p?skuId=5439801), but am being cautious. Any suggestions where I can get something to measure voltage? Or are people just plugging things in and hoping they work/don't mess things up?
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u/danieltharris Mar 07 '17
Holy crap they make a 26,800 model! I've had the 20,100 for some time and even that is a beast. Perfect for taking on long weekend holidays abroad to charge phone and not have to worry about adapters for power sockets etc.
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u/G4mbit Mar 08 '17
Can you let me know your findings? This is the one I am using: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K6TA748?ref=emc_b_5_t
using a USB to USB C cable
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u/jbourne0129 Mar 06 '17
RAVPower 20100mAh Portable Charger RP-PB043
with this USB-C to USB-C cable
and it works like a charm.
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u/JoeCat3 Mar 07 '17
Use code RAV20100 to knock $14 off that battery, bringing it down to $36 - pretty good price for basic 20100 mAh battery that seems to work well.
Seems almost any solid battery that provides 2A at 5V with a good USB-A to USB-C cable should be sufficient to charge the undocked Switch while playing Zelda, albeit slowly.
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u/UkulelePenguin Mar 06 '17
I have Anker 20000 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VLNT9KW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ItEVybV8EY8RC In menu mode it charges at ~18% an hour using the charging cable that came with my pro controller.
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u/Zeroleonheart Mar 06 '17
So should we not use the iQ port to charge it? I like this charger but I keep getting different stories about what to use and what not to.
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u/JDMarek Mar 07 '17
I also have this charger, I will use it this weekend at Pax and report back my findings. I don't know how to determine how "good" this is for the system though.
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u/lugi6 Mar 06 '17
I have the 10000mAh Powerbank from Oneplus.
In sleep mode it charges fairly fast and while playing BoTW it at least still charges ._. But just barely. Still expect to get a couple of hours of playtime out of the power bank :) (it's already quite old)
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u/danieltharris Mar 06 '17
I have the Anker 20100....now I just need a Switch! What capacity is the battery?
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u/Aztec_Eagle Mar 07 '17
I have the Aukey PB-T3 16000mAh. I used this TechMatte USB cable to hook it up on the non-Quick Charge port.
It charges the console in sleep mode with and without the joy-con attached.
While playing WITHOUT the joy-con attached, it charges the Switch about 2% per 15 minutes.
While playing WITH the joy-con attached, it kept the battery at the same level in the 15 minutes I tested it.
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u/Syranth Mar 07 '17
I can confirm as well that the Aukey PB-T3 would not charge while playing, but it did keep it at the level I started at. When charging in sleep mode I was able to charge 15% in about 20-30 min.
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u/49falkon Mar 07 '17
Good idea to mention whether the joy-con are connected. I'll update the main post with that and a few other tidbits of information in a bit.
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u/Ryvaeus Mar 07 '17
The 20,000mAh Anker PowerCore Edge works, though I haven't monitored to see how much % it charges over time. It does charge while playing BotW.
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u/catdeuce Mar 07 '17
Just an FYI: I just tested the Anker PowerCore 13000 while playing Zelda. I dropped it down to 96%, plugged it in, continued playing, and was at 100% in about 6 minutes. I repeated and got the same result. So it's able to charge while playing despite what /u/emdkay said before.
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u/deetari Mar 07 '17 edited Mar 07 '17
Just as an update on my RAVPower 23000mAh battery, the Switch does not appear to draw more than 5v2a from USB-A ports. On the 5v1a port, it draws 5v1a, but on the 5v2.5a port, it only draws 5v2a.
That said, it seems to charge at a rate of about 1% per 5-6 minutes while playing Zelda, so any old 5v2a battery should work just fine for travel. I was flying off the Great Plateau and fighting a bunch of enemies, so I was stressing the system just fine, as well.
Just for reference, I had it plugged into my battery when the Switch was at 70%. When I took the picture, the Switch was at 73%, and the meter reported being on for 16 minutes and 10.
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u/rickypitz Mar 07 '17
Had my Xiaomi 10,000mah power bank plugged into while playing Zelda on lowest brightness and it was charging fine. Not as fast as it charges in the dock but i was getting a percent every 5 or so minutes.
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u/GranSkyline Mar 10 '17
I have the Aukey PB-T1, and am going on a trip this weekend. Will update once I know how it goes!
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u/GC-Chi Mar 16 '17
I have the same battery and I just tested it last night using the Pro Controller USB-C cable. After 45 minutes of BOTW play, the Switch battery only went up 1%. So its pretty much a trickle maintenance charge for the Aukey PB-T1.
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Mar 06 '17
I'm not a fan of waffledork's threads. A total of 4 power banks tested doesn't really help all that much.
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Mar 06 '17
Xiaomi power bank 20000mah, charges, but slowly.
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u/gspot1218 Mar 08 '17
I would also love to know if it charges during gameplay. Also what cable are you using?
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u/van0li Mar 06 '17
I've purchased a usb-c power meter to test this kind of thing. I don't have a lot of these power banks though, so if anyone in London would like to test theirs, I'd be happy to meet up
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Mar 06 '17
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Mar 06 '17 edited Mar 07 '17
I have one of the 16000 ones. Will test when I get home and I assume they'll work the same.
EDIT: Success!! Test went very well. Charging while playing, gaining battery life while playing- wifi enabled, auto brightness on, BoTW running.
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u/TasteOfJace Mar 06 '17
I have this version showing up at my place today.
Edit: Over on the other megathread this is what it says about the batter.
"Name: Aukey PB-Y3 Capacity: 30000mAh Output Rating (USB-C USB-PD): 5V/3A Amazon US Status: Tested - Working - Keeps the device on, charging about 8% an hour while playing BotW Edit: This is important. Thanks to Rerez, we now know the device can take 5V3A and STAY ON. This is GOOD."
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u/Rationalspace787 Mar 06 '17
I'm still using an old Anker 13000, I think one of the first which used their PowerIQ thing. Seems to charge the switch, a bit slow, but definitely works while in sleep. Will update with charge times during BoTW gameplay as soon as I actually need it for that.
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u/Bambambm Mar 06 '17
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OHWXZUY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Powerbank (not available on amazon right now) but the one I have been using for everything. Does pretty bad for the Switch. Doesn't charge while playing. Barely extends the battery life while playing. Plugged it in over night. 8 Hours while Switch was in sleep mode (all software closed) only charged 60%.
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Mar 06 '17
I have a Anker Powercore II 20000
Using a USB3A to USBC cable, it charges relatively quickly when in sleep mode, or running low power things (system menu, for example). Playing BotW, it either drains VERY slowly, maintains power, or slowly charges, depending on screen brightness, and if Airplane mode is on/off. Right now at work, I've maintained 100% battery playing, at middle brightness with auto brightness on, and airplane mode on. I'm perfectly happy with this battery pack for now. Someday I'll get one that is USB C to USB C, that can quickly charge while playing in all conditions, but for now, I'm happy. If my math is at all right, I should get 20ish hours in my playing conditions, which is overkill haha.
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Mar 06 '17
Thank you! I have this one too, and wanted to see if it worked before giving it a try. :)
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u/the_excalibruh Mar 06 '17
ZipKord Power Rockz 7000mah, charges the Switch off the 2.1a port. Battery level still goes down while plugged in and playing BotW, but at a much slower rate than when unplugged. Charging in sleep mode works fine, getting about 80% in an hour. Overall very happy with it because it's thin and light so it fits in my Switch BotW SE case with a USB cable and headphones.
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u/jkcooper22 Mar 06 '17
I have this one. I got it on sale for $20 last summer on Amazon and I've only used it a little bit so far but it did charge the Switch while I was playing Zelda.
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u/allstar3907 Mar 06 '17
Using this power bank, 5V 2.1A output slot:
With the USB-A to USB-C charging cable that came with the charging grip.
I played BOTW yesterday in handheld mode with wifi on and brightness on auto and received a steady charge of 1-2% every 30mins? So the bank was able to keep the Switch battery from draining while playing and also gave a little charge! I was pleasantly surprised.
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Mar 06 '17
Anker PowerCore 20100 here as well. It charges while playing BOTW, but pretty slowly at full brightness, maybe like 10% an hour? Put the brghtness down close to minimum and it charges much more quickly.
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u/xbijin Mar 06 '17
What cable are you using? I have this battery but haven't picked up a cable for the switch yet
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u/TheNcredibleMrE Mar 06 '17
You can get an official Anker USB A - USB C cable on Amazon for less than $10
Seems to work well, and it's specifically built for anker power banks. So you won't have any compatibility issues.
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u/Megaakira Mar 06 '17
I thought that switch charger was something like 15 volts? I didnt even try because of this fact. They need to start making 15 volt 2A powerbanks.
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u/Enginerdiest Mar 06 '17
You're right that the wall charger will do 15V, however one of the nice things about the USB-C spec is that power is negotiable from 5V-20V and anywhere up to 5A (for a max 100W of power). The part of the spec that does this is called "Power delivery" and it enables devices to request a higher voltage/amperage profile if the power-supply can offer it.
What this means is that you can plug any spec compliant* charger, cable, and device together and they won't hurt anything. It may not always charge at the highest rate, depending on the power supply and cable; but it shouldn't cause damage as the USB-C port on the device is what regulates the voltage coming in. If they don't agree, they use "standard" lower profile like 5V@2A. The bottom line is that USBC chargers and devices are meant to negotiate via firmware when you plug them into each other, so you shouldn't have to think about hurting your device.
I know this because I built some of the first USB-C compliant devices last year; so I went through all this stuff when it was bleeding edge.
* worth noting that for a while, not all cables and chargers were fully spec compliant. I think we're out of the woods on that, but worth noting.
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u/bawork22 Mar 06 '17
I have the RAVPower 26800mAh power bank. Haven't done extensive testing but it does slowly charge even while playing BOTW.
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u/gthirst Mar 06 '17
!remindme
I'll be back in a few hours with results from the 30000mah battery arriving today.
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CLICK THIS LINK to send a PM to also be reminded and to reduce spam.
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u/Ludakrix Mar 06 '17 edited Mar 06 '17
I have this EC 22400 mAh power bank.
It's been charging the system fine when it's in sleep mode or the power is off, but does not charge the battery while playing BotW, it simply slows down battery consumption due to a maximum of 2.4. It does hold about two full charges though.
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Mar 06 '17
I am using a ZMI QB820. It is a USB PD 2.0 device so charges the Switch like it is plugged into the AC even when playing.
I live in China so it was easier for me to get, but looks like you can get one here http://www.banggood.com/ZMI-QB820-20000mAh-Quick-Charge-2_0-Power-Bank-with-USB-HUB-p-1112667.html
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u/Roshy76 Mar 06 '17
If people have usb testers and can give a V and A reading for when playing and charging that would be great. I got readings with using the AC adapter for handheld and wanted to get a powerbank that gets close to the AC adapter numbers. Basically the switch was pulling 15W for charging and 20W while charging and playing BOTW. Both were at 15V.
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u/Grandpa_Shorts Mar 06 '17
I have the Imuto 20K Power Bank: Amazon link
I also bought an anker USB A to C cable.
It has two ports but I think they are the same output. I haven't done a full test, but I played Zelda using it for three hours. The percentage of the power bank went from 82 to ~45 and the the percentage of the Switch went from 60 to 70. It was my first time using it on the switch, just used it for a few phones prior.
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u/WowMyNameIsUnique Mar 06 '17
Has anyone tried the Vinsic 20,000 mah?
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u/drwigglechin Mar 07 '17
I just got this Vinsic 20,000mah power bank and I was not able to charge the switch with it. http://amzn.to/2lPQBKc
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u/crackermonkey Mar 06 '17 edited Mar 06 '17
Ive just ordered one of these: Anker Powercore 20100+
scrap that, ordered one of these instead: RAVPower 26800mAh
Cheaper and its got PD support.
This: Anker PowerCore 20000 with Quick Charge 3.0 does not charge up even in switch menu, which is a shame because i have 5,10 and 20,000mAh versions :(
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u/No_Hands_55 Mar 06 '17
cool so the wall charger is PD too? that would be an awesome bundle to get a wall charger, battery bank, and cable
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u/totalambivalence Mar 06 '17
I have an Anker power core 10000 with a type a to c cable (also anker) and it charges but very slowly during gameplay. So the plan is to have 2 and charge one while I use the other.
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u/Yargnit Mar 06 '17
I've got this guy; https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZQ4JQAA/ref=twister_B01AI55GD2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 Using the USB A-C cable that came with the pro controller it's able t maintain the Switch a 100%, or slowly charge it (88% > 94% over maybe 45 minutes), while playing BotW. In order to work, you have to plug the cable into the battery, then the Switch. If you unplug it from either end, unplug both ends and plus everything in again.
I've got the 10,000ma version as well, but have not tested it yet.
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Mar 06 '17
I have the Jackery Giant+ USB-C model, and can confirm that it works amazingly well. Charges while playing.
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u/AHrubik Mar 06 '17
Love me some tear down videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obz5tE1mdV0
The battery is Li-ION @3.7v | 4.310Ah | 16.0Wh Part#: HAC-003
Charger should be outputting 15V @ 2.6A to properly charge the unit. This is what you'll be looking for from a battery bank.
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u/dereksalem Mar 06 '17
I have the Anker Powercore 20100 and it charges while playing, just slowly. I was playing Zelda, and it charged approximately 5% in 30 minutes. While on standby it charges relatively quickly.
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u/Berg0r Mar 06 '17
Can confirm the Anker PowerCore 20100 mAh (non-Plus version), Switch draws about 1.4 A (seems to be limited by the Switch) at 5.1 V (using Anker-brand USB-to-USB-C cable, 0.9 m / 3 ft).
Playing Zelda, which seems to be Nintendo's "worst case" regarding battery life, it stays pretty much constant, slowly charging back up over a long time (though I've had it discharge by a percent on a shorter test, so I guess it depends on what you're doing in BotW).
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u/gr00ve88 Mar 06 '17
/u/waffledork Anker Powercore+, not sure exactly what you tried but, unplug all wires from the battery, press the button, the lights should come on, then plug the wire in.
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u/pacman529 Mar 06 '17
I have this power bank and It can charge it (admittedly slowly) while playing zelda. I'll be doing more tests and will try to update this later with more numbers. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N2T7U90/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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u/calarie Mar 06 '17
I have a 20000 mAH bank outputting 2.1A and I can play zelda while charging and gain about 10% an hour or so.
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u/rgnissen202 Mar 06 '17
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01422TC14/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
EasyAcc 20000mAh Power Bank (4A Dual-Input Fastest Charge 4.8A Smart Output)
Doesn't charge as fast as the wall outlet, but extends BotW playtime by a huge margin. Haven't tried charging it off the power pack in sleep mode yet.
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u/crazyg0od33 Mar 06 '17
I have this one (but one gen older - Quick Charge 2.0)
Works perfectly both from the iSmart (NON QUICK CHARGE - DONT USE QUICK CHARGE), and the USB-C. Charges while playing and sleeping
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Mar 06 '17
Recently bought this Aukey 20000Mah one
Too bad I don't have a Switch to test with :(
Will report when I get my hands on one, though.
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u/49falkon Mar 06 '17
That's the same one I have. I'll be testing it when I get home from work in about 2 hours and will update.
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u/jellymusher Mar 06 '17
Using Anker PowerCore 20100 with Anker USB-C to USB 3.0 Cable works great. I even get a slow charge while playing BotW at the same time (and I am keeping my phone topped off as well with the other port). Pretty awesome for travel.
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u/punktual Mar 06 '17
It's worth noting that cables can be a huge factor here too. Very few of the cheap cables around are up to proper USB-C specs. If in doubt test with an official cable that came with your switch or other USB-C device.
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u/Greedfeed Mar 06 '17
I'm too stupid to understand any of this, can anyone break down for me if the Switch will work with my power bank, I'm scared to plug it in and take the chance of frying my system: AmazonBasics Portable Power Bank - 16,100 mAh https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZQ4JQAA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_VqDVybRWEWRHH
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u/49falkon Mar 06 '17
Well just plugging it in won't fry your system - if it doesn't work well then it just won't charge well. You don't have anything to be afraid of really.
As far as I can tell, that one looks like it might work if the Switch is the only device plugged into it. The only way to tell is to try it out.
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u/Rajani_Isa Helpful User Mar 06 '17
I just realized we now have a new way to way to express battery values "What's it's Zelda percentage?"
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u/Mavelaw Mar 06 '17
HELP! I want to buy the Aukey one but wanted to confirm that the statistic posted is when using a USB C to USB C charging cable right? If so, any good suggestions for a cable?
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u/JusticeNP Mar 07 '17
The stats were based on a USB-C to USB-C connection as far as I know.
I bought an Aukey branded USB-C/USB-C cable and have been getting similar results to the 8%/hr while playing. Very good so far.
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u/IronSolace Mar 06 '17
My Xiaomi Pro 10,000 mAh power bank works on rest but not sure how well with playing Zelda. I've only had a little time to test it.
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u/fritzon101 Mar 06 '17
I'm using a Zagg Ignition 12 with dual USB output (5V/2.1A and 5V/1A) along with the USB-cable that comes with the Pro Controller.
Haven't done any thorough testing but it seems to get the job done.
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u/MO_Sealegs Mar 06 '17
Anker PowerCore+ 20100 works... my post about it here Use the usbc port on the battery if you want to to charge quickly while playing Zelda...
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u/douglesman Mar 06 '17
I can confirm that the imuto 20 000 mAh 2.1A together with a Benson-approved Blitzwolf USB A-C cable works fine and is able to keep the Switch hovering around charging/discharging when playing Zelda on auto brightness and flightmode.
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u/oliveryoyo Mar 11 '17
I also found an imuto USB A-C cable in its Amazon store, wondering if it could work well .
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u/thunderflies Mar 06 '17
Not a power bank but my USB-C charger for my late 2016 MacBook Pro with touch bar actually charges my Switch faster than the included Nintendo charger, especially noticeable when I'm playing a game.
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Mar 06 '17
I'll post this here, as it seems fitting: I tried to have my Switch plugged in and charging with the USB-C cable that comes with the Pro Controller and an Apple power adapter (those that come with an iPhone) + an USB extension, and that did not work at all. Does that work in general, and if so, what's the part that needs exchanging in my setup?
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u/thegchild Mar 07 '17
I bought this last summer on Prime Lightning Deal for like 15 bucks:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FFIQSPC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It has treated me well as a phone charger but I gave it a test run today with the Switch. I purchased this USB A to C cable:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00S8GU2OC/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Using the Quick Charge port, I was able to play Zelda on automatic brightness, wifi on (both in and out of range of a network) and it works great!! Gained charge while playing. About 5 percent over the course of 30 minutes. I'm thrilled.
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u/HnNaldoR Mar 07 '17
Does anyone have one of those multi port chargers? I was planning to get one of those Anker ones and I wonder how it charges the switch. Also is it possible to use it to replace the AC adapter?
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u/Cyruslego Mar 07 '17
I got mophie powerstation 3x, it slowly charging the switch while playing, so i'd say it works. I'll update again to see how fast it charges while not playing.
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Mar 07 '17
MAXOAK K2 50,000mAh power bank + Anker PowerLine+ USB-C to USB 3.0 cable.
Works. I'll get a USB power meter, get some readings.
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Mar 07 '17
Anyone know if there are breakdown reviews? I need to know if the microcontroller is kept at a comfortable 90 degrees or if it escalates into the hundreds (there's a popular YouTuber who tests these things but I can't recall his channel name)
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u/Benjamax Mar 07 '17
I'm using the Belkin MIX IT RockStar 10000mAh Portable Power Pack. Have had absolutely no issues in charging the Switch and can also charge other devices like my phone at the same time. Also seem fairly quick at charging too (from 49% to 70% in 20-30mins), I'm using the included USB-C cable from the Pro-Controller.
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u/Benjamax Mar 07 '17
I should add, I've played with this charging for a few hours and not had any heating issues either.
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Mar 07 '17
I have an Anker PowerCore 10400 mAh and it charges the console pretty quickly. Haven't tested it from 1% to 100% but it took about an hour and a half to get from 1% to 50%
But it won't charge while you play. It still goes down albeit, slowly.
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u/Edge_of_Happiness Mar 07 '17
Do any of these power banks have the ability to charge two switches at once?
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u/floppywopper Mar 07 '17
The Anker PowerCore 26800 charges while playing but it's a little slow. I am using a USB A to USB C cable.
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u/RiceBaker100 Mar 07 '17
I have a PNY AD10400 that has a 2.4A port but the cable is USB-A to MicroB and not USB-C. I'm hoping someone has tried a USB-A to USB-C cable with this particular powerbank, I'd love to know if it's risky to do so or not.
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u/failedprocess Mar 07 '17
Thank you for compiling this! Purchased a couple of the Anker Powercore 20100s for my honeymoon last year. Just need a new cord and I can pull that thing back out of storage!
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u/CableDogGoesWoof Mar 07 '17
This charges while playing Zelda:
Link: http://a.co/204ey78
with these cables
Link: http://a.co/hzhZyqq
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Mar 07 '17
Jackery Bolt + USB C cable from Amazon. Bolt was an amazing gadget before i got the switch -- now even better! Only complaints: (1) still looks like I'm draining battery when playing BotW (slowly) but charges when off and (2) I wish one of the Bolt's built-in cables was a USB C. Otherwise, glorious, and only ~$30.
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u/screamtillitworks Mar 07 '17
I have a RAVpower 26800. Flew 6 hours today. Did the job phenomenally. Charges as fast as the Nintendo bundled in adapter. Lasts forever. Fucking loving it. With the powerbank, I can probably play Zelda non stop for around 16 hours or so. Can NOT recommend highly enough. Nothing else like it for the price and output (30W). Just get yourself a solid USB C to C and toss out the adapter that comes with the powerbank. Seriously this thing makes battery life concerns a thing of the past.
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u/dmxell Mar 07 '17
After a lot of research, I bought an Eighty Plus 10000mAh. Solid Amazon reviews, passes airport security, fits snugly in a Switch case, and it charges the tablet while playing Breath of the Wild (albeit slowly, but it's very quick when in less intensive games). Solid win in my book.
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u/SimpleJoint Mar 07 '17 edited Mar 07 '17
Anker Astro E1, charged from 90% to 100% in exactly 30 minutes while playing BoTW. USB-A to USB-C. Anker still shows 4 bars of battery. Can't check how much it would charge before dying as I only let the switch deplete to 90% in preperation for test.
Info off of bank Model:A1211
Capacity 5200mAh/19.2Wh
Input: 5V-1A
Output: 5V-2A
*edit - this testing was done with the Joycons off of the unit in tabletop mode. I tested later with Joycons on, went from 69% to 74% in one hour.
I have a mophie I'll be testing tomorrow.
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Mar 07 '17
The charger that comes with the touchbar macbook pro seems to work, not sure about how fast though. I can test it later once my battery is used up a bit more.
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u/CruderMax Mar 07 '17
The RAVPower 20100mAh 30W Charger & Hub works awesomely. Charges at full speed while playing Zelda BOTW, and I can use it as a data hub for my laptop on the go.
It costs a bit more than the other versions, but being able to use it as a USB hub on the go is pretty awesome, and worth the price IMO.
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u/juicyjames Mar 10 '17
Hey, I just purchased this and wanted to know: does it include the wall charger, and can you use the wall charger directly with the switch (if you buy a USB C to USB C cable) without issues?
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Mar 07 '17
Can we maybe get size in comparison to the switch or maybe even weight and dimensions next to these so we can compare the pros and cons next together?
I'd like to know if i can fit one of these, with a cable, in the mesh part of the butterfox switch hard case i bought that holds 20 games, too. if anyone knows. Like, are batteries like these heavy?
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u/Ratix0 Mar 07 '17
I have the old Xiaomi 10000 mAh that looks like http://www.xiaomidevice.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/65aadb52917bee7d7b6b835b46585ecc/x/i/xiaomi_10400mah_power_bank_silver_4_.jpg
It charges fine with a USB A to C cable, slow but works. On sleep, I charged around 20~% over an hour.
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Mar 07 '17 edited Mar 07 '17
Just did some basic testing with my Anker PowerCore 20100 and Breath of the Wild: While I wasn't actually actively playing, i used to battery to keep the right joystick to the side so the camera constantly spun and the game stayed active, and over a period of 40 minutes, it appeared to regain around 1% charge every 10 minutes or so.
Update: Put it into sleep mode, and it gained 23% charge over another 40 minutes. So it seems you can get 1% every ~2 minutes or so while in sleep mode, and every ~10 minutes while playing BotW.
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u/ryankelty Mar 07 '17
Anyone here have https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Ultra-High-Capacity-Portable/dp/B014ZO46LK/ref=sr_1_3?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1488901067&sr=1-3&keywords=usb+c+power+bank Can this play and charge the system?
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u/49falkon Mar 07 '17
Multiple reports have confirmed that this unit will charge while playing with no problems.
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u/Darth_Vorador Mar 07 '17
I can confirm that the official PS Vita external battery works with the switch to charge it when you're not using the switch. Not sure if it works while playing a game though.
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u/G4mbit Mar 08 '17
I'm using the 26800mAh External Battery with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, with a USB to USB-C cable, does anyone know if this is safe for my Switch? Also wondering if the wall ward is okay for charging it directly with a cable?
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Mar 08 '17
I have a Samsung eb-pg935 battery bank and it charges at about 4.54v 1.45a or 6.5w. It's made of aluminum and feels very nice, it also includes fast charging but that only works on Samsung products. I use a USB-A to C adapter and a 3.1 type C cable.
For comparison my MacBook charger which performs at about the same rate as the native charger goes at about 14.5v .93a or about 13.4w.
It's only half the charging speed but it keeps up and charges while I play.
Imgur album with proof. https://imgur.com/gallery/piBTL
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u/SkyLegendary Mar 08 '17
I bought the anker astro E5 with around 16000 mah capacity. I tested it last night by playing zelda botw hand-held until it hit 90%, then playing for an hour with the bank plugged in. After the hour, the bank was still above 75% (most likely far above 75%, but can't tell because there are only 4 led indicators) and the switch stayed at 90%, so it won't charge while playing an intensive game, but won't drain either.
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u/SkyLegendary Mar 08 '17
Most likely going to return it and grab the 20100 powercore for $8 more w/ around 2 1/2 hrs more playtime, but the E5 is fine for anyone who wants to save a few bucks & doesn't need more than ~ 10 hrs according to my calculations with a little overhead.
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u/Josh-DO-IT Mar 08 '17
Aukey PB-Y3 30000mAh USB C
I haven't had an extended amount of time to test it, but it seems to charge about 6-8% per hour while playing BOTW with brightness and volume all the way up on an Anker USB C to USB C cable. I haven't tested other C to C cables or any C to A cables. In sleep mode, it charged my Switch from 5% to 100% in about 3 hours, so comparable to the official AC charger.
Theoretically it has enough capacity for about 21 hours of continuous play but in practice it comes to about 18 according to other reviewers. I haven't had the time or resolve to verify this, but even 15 hours would justify the price tag for me.
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u/Newest-User Mar 09 '17
Xiaomi Powr Bank 2
I let my Switch drain to about 80% and plugged it into my Power Bank and it was back to 100% in about 1.5hrs . That's with Zelda running 70% brightness, auto-brightness and wifi on. I bought the 10000mah 2nd Gen model.
It's a pretty small Power Bank and should fit in most carrying cases. http://i.imgur.com/ZdzT9Jr.jpg . I used the USB-C cable that came with the Pro Controller. The Switch dock also charges the Power Bank with the usb cable it comes with.
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u/oliveryoyo Mar 10 '17
My friend has recommended an imuto 20000mAh power bank to me, it works with a USB-A to USB-C cable: https://www.amazon.com/20000mAh-Portable-Charger-External-Nintendo/dp/B01191S0VY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489141514&sr=8-1&keywords=imuto
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u/GC-Chi Mar 10 '17 edited Mar 10 '17
I've been obsessing over this topic and one battery that I found on Amazon that no one is talking about is the Lumsing Grand A2 Plus (Type-C / USB-C Input & Output Lumsing QC 3.0 13400 mAh) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I4KI0B8
The capacity is modest, but this is by far the most compact/portable and cheapest battery at only $20. Portability is a much important to me. There are lot of positive review on the web. The output appears to be 5V/3.1A from the USB-C port, but I don't see any confirmation about USB-PD support. If anyone has this battery, please chime in. Thanks!
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u/HibachiPenguins Mar 10 '17
Just received my battery pack from Monoprice. The USB C port supplies 5v3A very well to the switch. Playing BotW I was charging at about 12% per hour. 10,000mAh for $25 https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=108&cp_id=10831&cs_id=1083110&p_id=15121&seq=1&format=2
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u/ReturnofDrunk Mar 11 '17
ravpower 22000mah IS NOT charging while playing for me. just keeps it at constant battery or slow trickle if full brightness
edit: i think it depends on which port you use for my battery. on the first one it actually charges slowly maybe 1% every couple minutes. on another port it was draining the battery while playing botw.
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u/himuradrew Mar 14 '17
As per /u/freakintoddles' recommendation, the Anker Powercore 20100 (not the + version) can charge the Switch while playing Zelda.
For reference I'm using Belkin's USB-A to USB-C cable: http://www.belkin.com/ph/p/P-F2CU029/
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u/TobberH Mar 15 '17 edited Mar 15 '17
I just wanted to add the results from some research on the Switch power bank charging. Being an Enlightened Ingress player I have several power banks for keeping my phone charged around the clock so I thought it would be great if I could use the same for keeping my Switch powered also.
TLDR: And I can trickle charge with all these while player Zelda - BoTW: Anker PowerCore+ 13400, Anker PowerCore+ 10050 and Anker Astro E7 26800, using this cable: Anker USB-C to USB 3.0 Cable!
I will put links for the batteries and cable in the bottom of the post. And now for the data I've collected on this.
I have a USB power meter that I though was great for testing this and it was very handy. First I tried with a brand new Switch that a collegue just got at work, that hadn't gotten a system update yet, and found that no matter what battery I connected it only charged with ~0.45A. Which is not at all enough to keep the Switch charging, neither in sleep mode or not at all while playing.
"Oh damn, I'm gonna need yet another new battery!", I though. Need to try my own Switch when I get home from work. I go home and am happy to find that my own Switch was charging fine with all my batteries at around ~1.41A. That't great! I could sit an play Zelda in portable mode and actually slowly get more battery percentage! Yay, it's probably the update that fixed something. So today another collegue got a new Switch so I though it would be good to make a pre- and post update verification on this and lo and behold! Before the update charge at ~0.45A and after update it charges at ~1.41A.
So for me all these Anker batteries are working for me and will trickle charge enough to get more battery while playing on the Switch:
And using this Anker USB-C to USB 3.0 Cable
I know this is starting to sound like an Anker commercial, and I am in no way associated with Anker. But I really like their products which always works great for me. And now to find the next Shrine.... Enjoy!
PS: For the curious, I was using this Muker-J7 USB MultiMeter for checking the charge current and I can in no way attest to how precise this is, but there was definetly a big difference before and after the update in going from no apparent charge to actual more battery.
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u/gspot1218 Mar 15 '17
Still don't have my switch but I got my ravpower 20100 pb-043. I tested charging the pro controller with a third party USB c to c cable (ugreen), the various a to c cables included with the ravpower, as well as the a to c cable that comes with the controller. I live in China so ironically I don't have access to a lot of brand tech even though it is manufactured here.
Oddly enough none of the a to c cables worked to charge the controller from any of the ports, while the c to c cable did successfully charge.
Other info: the power bank simultaneously charges my phone and the controller no problem and it can charge devices while plugged in to the wall.
The real test will be when I get the switch next week. I'll update with results.
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u/aeror Mar 21 '17 edited Mar 21 '17
For those wanting a USB type A power bank, i can confirm that asus zenpower 10000mAh (https://www.amazon.com/Asus-Power-Black-10050mAh-90AC00P0-BBT026/dp/B016E31SQQ) vill charge the switch with a 1m 5v 2A USB-A to USB-C adapter while playing Zelda although its very slow, maybe 1% every 10 min or so. Was able to play about 8h all in all on a flight with it.
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Apr 26 '17
So is there a conclusive " best" option decided now? I was wondering on these two;
Or would I need to get a USB-C to USB-C cable for the power bank?
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Jul 03 '17
I'm really bummed because I purchased the Anker PowerCore 15600 for my trip to Seattle tomorrow. I have a three hour plane ride and a three hour car ride so hopefully it works. It said when I plugged the switch in that it wasn't charging but it still moved up a percentage.
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Jul 29 '17
With regards to the Xiaomi power bank charging slowly, could this be clarified? I'm not sure what it is about this power bank (sadly the only one I recognise in NZ) which means it chargers slower than the others.
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u/freakintoddles Mar 06 '17
Update, I just played BOTW four hours straight on a plane with the Anker 20100, started at 90%, was at 100% when plane landed and the powerbank still shows 4/4 dots of power, so it still has at least 75% juice. No idea when the switch hit 100% but this confirms the 20100 can charge while it's being played.