The Nintendo Switch transformed gaming with its innovative design and docking features. Players can carry their Switch almost anywhere they go for long gaming sessions on one full battery charge.
However, like most consumer electronics devices, the Nintendo Switch’s battery capacity gradually diminishes over time as you use it. Recharging can take between three and 3.5 hours; depending on its model and age as well as what type of charger is being used.
Charger
The Nintendo Switch is a portable gaming console powered by lithium-ion battery cells. To keep its charge full and fresh, the unit must be charged frequently; charging times may differ depending on your device.
Though the Nintendo Switch is often thought of as a portable gaming option, it can also be docked and used as a home console. Here, charging occurs via a USB-C cable connected to a docking station.
How long it takes a charger to charge depends on a number of factors, including its charging port type, temperature conditions and whether or not its batteries are full. On average, standard-size chargers generally take four hours at room temperature to charge batteries completely.
If the charger is not fully charged, reaching full state of charge (SoC) may take longer as electrons need time to find empty seats within the battery. When this occurs, charging may have to occur more slowly in order for batteries to function effectively and function at their best.
Voltage levels also influence how quickly a charger charges, as some battery types require lower voltage levels than others for full charge to occur. This may delay full state of charge.
High-powered boost chargers will charge a battery much quicker than simple 1-amp float chargers, which could take four to 12 hours to fully replenish their energy stores. This is due to high-power boost chargers having higher voltage levels so they must convert more electricity before reaching their full charge capacity.
Some users may prefer using alternative chargers, like phone chargers. Unfortunately, these devices tend to have lower wattages compared to Nintendo Switch’s proprietary charger and may take more time to replenish your battery’s reserve charge.
Nintendo Switch batteries tend to last quite long, however they will eventually lose approximately 80 percent of their charge after 800 charge cycles – this is normal and does not indicate any problems with either console or its battery.
Dock
How long it takes your Switch to charge depends on a number of variables, including its model and charger as well as your play style – any games you are currently playing could affect how quickly your device charges up.
As power-intensive games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild may take longer to charge your Switch’s battery, playing while charging is still recommended as it allows you to make the most of its functionality and play without worrying about battery life issues.
The Nintendo Switch features a dock which allows you to connect all of its accessories, from Joy-Cons and controllers, to wired controllers or other devices. The dock features three USB ports which accept up to 9.5W each while two side ports also accept USB 2.0 for ease of connectivity.
Connecting your Switch to its dock requires any USB-C cable of appropriate length and wattage – available both from Nintendo or Amazon for approximately $12.
Your Joy-Cons will take approximately 3.5 hours to fully charge when connected to a dock, or use the official Switch charging grip – but purchasing this separately.
Alternately, you can charge your Switch using an AC wall charger instead of dock. While this should still work in most instances, expect that due to lower wattage charges it may take twice as long.
To make charging your Switch faster, consider investing in an extra-long USB-C charging cable that reaches directly from its dock to a wall outlet – saving both time and money in the process! It is a small investment with long-term returns.
The Dock for Nintendo Switch is a power-regulating device that works by communicating between your charger and Switch console to ensure they consume an equivalent amount of electricity, protecting its battery from overheating while prolonging its lifespan. Not all docks include this feature; therefore it is best to check which brand meets your particular requirements before purchasing one.
Battery
As you play your Switch, its charging time depends on multiple factors – from battery type and lifespan, to usage duration and the type of charger being used.
Batteries require careful, gradual charging in order to prevent damaging their cells and prevent overcharging. This is especially true with lithium-ion batteries, which tend to take more time than nickel-metal Hydride or Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) models to fully charge.
Battery charging times depend on temperature; for optimal charging results, maintain an ambient temperature between 70 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit while charging your Switch’s battery.
Heat can quickly damage a battery’s inner structure and shorten its lifespan significantly, as well as damaging both its charger and itself.
However, you can speed up the charging process for your Nintendo Switch by using a charger with fast-charging capabilities. Though this option can speed up charging significantly quicker, using one may damage its battery and shorten its lifespan over time.
No matter which charger you use to charge your Switch, it should take roughly three hours for its battery to fully recharge. However, this time can vary depending on factors such as age and game selection as well as screen brightness and environmental temperatures.
As each Nintendo Switch model varies in terms of charging time, it’s essential that you take note of its rated life before purchasing one. A Switch with serial number beginning “XK” has an estimated charging life between 4.5 to 9 hours while one with serial numbers beginning “XA” has between 2.5 – 6.5 hours of battery charge time.
If you are uncertain of the life expectancy of your Switch, check it on its product page or in its manual. Furthermore, here are a few ways that could extend its battery’s lifespan:
Temperature
How long it takes a switch to charge depends on several factors, including its model, charger, battery status and settings.
No matter its specifics, charging a full-size Nintendo Switch typically takes three hours when powered off or in sleep mode; battery life may differ depending on software application and game preferences.
Temperature and environment conditions also play a factor in charging times; to increase battery lifespan and minimize total charge times, try keeping its environment as cool as possible.
Although not an exact science, charging your Nintendo Switch in an environment as cool as possible to maximize its longevity is recommended for optimal charging performance and safety. Direct sunlight may increase its heating rate and shorten charging times significantly.
Chargers utilize an AC to DC power converter to convert battery voltage into more usable forms of electricity, including rectifiers and capacitors to smooth out its output.
A key aspect of battery charging is providing enough voltage for safe battery charging; at least five volts should be used so as not to damage either its circuitry or your battery itself.
Other key features to look out for in a good charging solution include current-sensing technology that can detect how much of a change in voltage is happening and adapt charge rates accordingly. This information is essential in avoiding thermal runaway, which is an overheated condition that could quickly destroy batteries.
Chargers should include a plateau timer to monitor voltage rise and fall and stop charging when it detects even a slight decrease in voltage – these technologies can even be combined with temperature sensing methods to ensure safe charge termination.
Gaming with the Switch requires additional power consumption compared to when sleeping, necessitating a more powerful USB-C charger in order to achieve optimal performance.