Screamapillar
Member
Lol.
-
Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.
Powerbanks (at least those with USB-C) work with Nintendo Switch
- Thread starter Irminsul
- Start date
Lol.
Would this one i got last year work...at all?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X5RV14Y/?tag=neogaf0e-20
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X5RV14Y/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Doing the maths on it, it would seem that the Switch is in fact only getting ~500mA from that particular charger, which would seem to indicate that it is a Qualcomm QC/USB-PD issue. The Switch battery is 16Wh, which means for the battery to charge at 1% every six minutes it would be consuming 1.6W (which is 320mA at 5V). Factor in a bit of charging inefficiency plus idle power consumption by the Switch and it quite closely matches what you'd expect from a standard USB 5V/500mA power transmission.
To be honest I wouldn't really fault Nintendo here. Qualcomm's proprietary Quick Charge has caused a lot of issues like this, and even Google has explicitly told phone manufacturers to stop using it. Their QC4.0 is going to be properly compliant with USB-PD, though, so things should get a lot less messy once that starts to roll out.
The 5V specification is almost certainly for compatibility reasons (as far as I'm aware all USB devices have to default to 5V). Here's the back of Switch itself:
You can see that it says 15V - 2.6A, meaning the Switch itself is intended to be charged at 15V, and there's no guarantee that it will charge at a reasonable rate at any voltage below that.
Basically, if anyone is considering buying a charger or power bank for Switch, they should either buy a USB-C model which is USB-PD compatible and supplies 15V at at least 2.6A, or they should wait until after launch when other chargers can be tested fully.
Sword Of Doom
Member
So even the output from the power bank needs to be USB C?
Yep. The one I have outputs 5V-2.4A for the two USB A slots and the USB C slot outputs at 5V-3A. Though you need a dual ended USB C cable.
Yeah that's right, if a 5V-3A USB-C powerbank couldn't charge the switch while playing then the officially licensed car charger couldn't either. It wouldn't make any sense.
But that would in practice mean that you can't use a power bank, so there are no (edit: actually, I saw below that some exist, but it would still exclude the vast majority) power banks that output at such a massive power level. The Switch presentation did mention the compatibility with portable batteries (at the 9:46 mark), so I can hardly imagine the Switch not functioning well with convential power outputs of 5V/2-2.4A (which are pretty much standard for power banks I believe).
Edit: we'll see, I guess. I have my 5V/2A power bank lying around with a spare usb-c cable, so I will just test its charging capability at launch.
Sword Of Doom
Member
Thanks for clarifying. Good to know cause I woukd have thought otherwise
Minsc
Gold Member
I linked to two earlier:
The RAVPower does 9V / 2A and then 15V / 2A, so I'm not sure how that'd translate.
The Razer actually does 12V / 3A (and 15V / 3A), which sounds like it'd be fully covered for perfect charging, but it's said to cost $150, where the PD USB Type C RAVPower one is only $60, maybe even less if you catch it on a sale.
I'm still hoping it can charge at an acceptable rate with USB C on a normal 5V / 3A power bank, instead of needing a 12V / 2.6A or whatever to charge. Even if it doesn't hold a charge, but instead drains really, really slowly, that's good enough. Still, I'd like to think that if 5V / 1A is enough for an iPhone 7+ and 5V / 2A is enough for an iPad to charge while in heavy use, then 5V / 3A will hopefully be good enough for the Switch.
Once the Switch is out I'm going to be lending my Omnicharge ( https://www.omnicharge.co/ ) to a friend to see how it fares. It's a 20400 mAh power bank with and AC/DC outlet on it. Will report back on how it goes.
Prototype Viktor
Member
i never cared if mine showed, it felt good to hold tho like i don't panic when i drop it and only got small scratches
J_ToSaveTheDay
Member
Ordered this one myself. Will be carrying my Switch to work to play during downtime, so being able to make it last longer will be ideal. I actually think the Anker will do great for my iPad and phone as well, so it was sort of a catch-all purchase.
Little bit concerned about Switch viability of this power bank with Thraktor's post above -- seems Switch is specified for a much higher power output than the Anker we got, but I'm hoping the Anker ultimately can still steadily feed the Switch a charge while playing Zelda (and future titles, for that matter).
Worse comes to worse, I keep the power bank for my other devices, and just end up buying a second AC adapter from Nintendo for on-the-go use.
It's possible that Switch will work with some 5V/2A chargers, but it depends on what charging standard (if any) they implement.
It's worth keeping in mind that any USB device which outputs more that 5V/0.5A either supports USB-PD (which predates USB-C, btw), or one of a number of other standards of varying degrees of interoperability (such as Qualcomm Quick Charge). While all USB-PD devices and chargers should properly negotiate optimal voltage/current to be delivered, there's no guarantee that the same is true between a USB-PD device and a non-USB-PD charger, or indeed between any non-USB-PD devices and any chargers. In the case of Switch, which seems to conform to USB-PD, it looks like it couldn't negotiate a better charging rate with the bank Ars tested, so defaulted back to 5V/0.5A. It's entirely possible (and I'd argue likely) that a 5V/2A charger that properly supports USB-PD would work much more effectively with Switch.
The RAVPower model which Minsc linked to actually seems like the best bet if you're looking to buy something now. It's specifically advertised to support USB-PD, and outputs 15V at 2A, which should be enough to charge Switch at full speed. There's no 100% guarantee that it'll work until someone tests it, but I'd be quite surprised if it doesn't.
The RAVPower model does look like a good choice. As I mentioned above, the fact that it's specifically advertised as supporting USB-PD is a good sign, and the 15V at 2A should be enough. Going by Ars' reports of the Switch charging at ~1% per minute on the included charger, that would suggest it's pulling around 15W tops, which would be just 1A at 15V. The additional power provided by the stock charger is likely for docked mode, where it may be charging at the same time as it's running (at higher clocks) and also possibly powering some USB peripherals.
Why don't we really have any confirmation on battery packs working yet? Isnt the embargo on the switch over, rather just for breath of the Wild? Why aren't more outlets testing this for the public? Can't find any articles about it, more than "it works with this charger" for 5 seconds and we didn't test it while playing and so on
Got this.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G1XH46M/?tag=neogaf0e-20
That should work right? Are USB-C to USB-C powerbanks inherently superior. They are almost double the price when compared to USB-A to USB-C.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G1XH46M/?tag=neogaf0e-20
That should work right? Are USB-C to USB-C powerbanks inherently superior. They are almost double the price when compared to USB-A to USB-C.
gingerbeardman
Member
USB has extra stuff like USB-PD (Power delivery)
This iMuto one is reasonably priced at £24.99, has USB-C and is marketed specifically as working well with Switch, including a marketing image of it charging the unit and a statement that a full charge of the powerbank will charge the Switch 2.5 times over.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MSKXQTG/
What do we think, GAF? Looks worth a punt? It's even attractive-looking and has a numerical readout of remaining charger rather than the usual series of small lights.
Edit update: noticed on the Q&A on the page that they basically worked out the voltage from the specs in order to estimate Switch charging features, and it's not based on real-world tests. So for now it's just as speculative as the GAF threads on the voltage requirements...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MSKXQTG/
What do we think, GAF? Looks worth a punt? It's even attractive-looking and has a numerical readout of remaining charger rather than the usual series of small lights.
Edit update: noticed on the Q&A on the page that they basically worked out the voltage from the specs in order to estimate Switch charging features, and it's not based on real-world tests. So for now it's just as speculative as the GAF threads on the voltage requirements...
I misspoke. I meant actually charge faster than it drains while playing.
If a charger can't charge it fast enough so it doesn't stop the Switch from draining all the way before the portable battery drains, it feels like the size of the Powerbanks might not matter much unless you are trying to charge it to full when it's off, and that defeats the purpose for people hoping to get a powerbank specifically to extend their play time by significant amounts rather than slightly slowing down the drain.
I'd wait just a day or so, and when people will test their 5V/2A power Banks we will know whether they function well enough for charging or whether you really need a larger power output.
Minsc
Gold Member
These are the possible outcomes I gather, from worst to best:
1 - Switch cannot increase charge by anything while in use, and charges very slowly regardless of what is used while turned off. You are required to use the Base to get any sort of decent charging.
2 - Only sources capable of delivering 15V / 2.6A will increase the charge while in use (official wall charger, PD-USB Type C power banks). Everything else does not help while in use.
3 - Same as 2, but now USB-C 5V / 3A devices are a bit more effective and reduce power drain in use to a very slow amount (~10% an hour vs 30% an hour unplugged).
4 - Switch increases charge slowly while in use with USB-C 5V / 3A devices. USB-A power banks do not help while in use.
5 - Same as 4, but now USB-A power banks are a bit more effective and reduce power drain in use to a very slow amount (~10% an hour vs 30% an hour unplugged).
6 - Same as 4, but now Switch increases charge slowly while in use with most USB-A 5V / 2A devices.
It seems we're in the 2 through 5 range currently (1 is just ridiculous imo), with 6 being possible, but unknown because of the Ars preview. Most likely it will be 4 or 5, though 2 and 3 are also still possible.
On that note, the german computer website Golem tested some of these scenarios. Their results:
- Using third party AC adapters works when just charging the tablet. It doesn't work when docked, interestingly.
- For powerbanks, using a "normal" powerbank without a USB-C port or the newest Power Delivery revision, Switch does charge at up to 1.5 A. But only if you don't use the USB-C cable coming with the Pro Controller. Apparently, switching (ha!) to a USB-C-enabled powerbank doesn't change anything, but in contrast to what Ars Technica claims, 1.5 A is enough to (slowly) charge Switch even while gaming.
https://deals.indiegamebundles.com/...0000mah-qc-2-0-usb-c-5-usb-outputs-power-bank
This powerbank might be interesting for those looking? I have no idea how it stacks against others.
This powerbank might be interesting for those looking? I have no idea how it stacks against others.
I've had one of these for awhile now to charge my Nexus 6p. It was the smallest Type-C to Type-C powerbank (Compatible with USB PD fast charging) that I could find at the time. Hopefully it'll be adequate to charge the Switch fast enough.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KNJQZ4W/?tag=neogaf0e-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KNJQZ4W/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Yes, that would probably give you an extra 8 hours of playtime. Basically 11 if you add the switch battery
Shrike Alvaron
Member
Cross posting from the other thread...
So I got my Switch now and am playing Zelda while plugged into my battery bank and it IS charging! Can't say exactly how fast, not really measuring my time right now as all I care about is if it will charge period. And it does!
For reference, the battery I got is this one from RAVpower which outputs 5V/3A using this USB-C cable. I can't say whether a USB-A to C cable will work or not as I don't have one (the battery does come with an adapter, but I don't want to risk using it since the Google guy hasn't tested it.)
Also, while at Best Buy I checked the car adapter they were selling and yes, it too outputs 5V/3A.
Edit: I may have spoke too soon, the charge keeps stopping when I'm not even playing Zelda. Noticed it while I had it in sleep mode and the screen kept turning on as the charge dropped. Not sure what's up with this...
Edit 2: ...My battery may actually have been nearly flat as it only gives one light when pressing the button. Gonna charge it overnight and see in the morning if it'll keep connected to the Switch.
So I got my Switch now and am playing Zelda while plugged into my battery bank and it IS charging! Can't say exactly how fast, not really measuring my time right now as all I care about is if it will charge period. And it does!
For reference, the battery I got is this one from RAVpower which outputs 5V/3A using this USB-C cable. I can't say whether a USB-A to C cable will work or not as I don't have one (the battery does come with an adapter, but I don't want to risk using it since the Google guy hasn't tested it.)
Also, while at Best Buy I checked the car adapter they were selling and yes, it too outputs 5V/3A.
Edit: I may have spoke too soon, the charge keeps stopping when I'm not even playing Zelda. Noticed it while I had it in sleep mode and the screen kept turning on as the charge dropped. Not sure what's up with this...
Edit 2: ...My battery may actually have been nearly flat as it only gives one light when pressing the button. Gonna charge it overnight and see in the morning if it'll keep connected to the Switch.
It is enough, I have a powerbank with 5 V / 2.4 A as well. And yes, it will charge, at around 8 percentage points per hour. So slow, but it will charge.
Note: DO NOT use the cable that comes with the Pro Controller, as it apparently only allows for .5 A. I think that could be the reason behind the conflicting reports.
So I did a non scientific test for those wondering how USB-A powerbanks work with the switch.
I drained the switch to 30%, and then used this charger to charge a powered off console. After 1 hour the batter was at 75%.
By this you can estimate you'd get about a 50% charge after 70 minutes. This of course is with the console off, it will be much slower if you are trying to play a game while charging.
I drained the switch to 30%, and then used this charger to charge a powered off console. After 1 hour the batter was at 75%.
By this you can estimate you'd get about a 50% charge after 70 minutes. This of course is with the console off, it will be much slower if you are trying to play a game while charging.
My non scientific tests also confirmed that a 13000mAh Anker Astro E4 battery pack from 2013, used with the USB-A to USB-C cable that came with the pro controller, charged and the battery beat the drain while playing Zelda portable.
Anker: started at 75%, played Zelda for ten minutes while charging. Was at 80% after.
Also for the charger that comes with the 2015 12" Retina MacBook:
Sleep charge: started at 50%, plugged in to charge in sleep for 30 minutes. Got up to 75%. Need to test while playing but presumably similar to any other wall charger of reasonably capacity.
Anker: started at 75%, played Zelda for ten minutes while charging. Was at 80% after.
Also for the charger that comes with the 2015 12" Retina MacBook:
Sleep charge: started at 50%, plugged in to charge in sleep for 30 minutes. Got up to 75%. Need to test while playing but presumably similar to any other wall charger of reasonably capacity.
Thanks for the this. Any and all information about chargers for the Switch is appreciated. So much information, proven, not proven is out there and the more we can clear things up, the better.
This makes me glad that I bought a Macbook lol I can charge my every new device (phone, Switch, etc.) with its charger
Some more datapoints; got a 16000mAh Deltaco PB (PB-815). Rated 3A total (1x 1A port + 2x 2.1A ports). Using the cable coming with the pro controller, it could not charge while playing Zelda when the Switch was at ~60%.
Later I tested to see if it would at least lower the drainage of the Switch battery. The result was when the Switch was fully charged it drained the PB first. Got something around 3h using about 75-85% of the PB.
Later I tested to see if it would at least lower the drainage of the Switch battery. The result was when the Switch was fully charged it drained the PB first. Got something around 3h using about 75-85% of the PB.
CollectedDust
Member
So I have two 8800mAh batteries that are listed as 5V 2.1A. Will this work? Any risk of damaging the system?
Edit: the battery has two USB ports rated at 2.1A. It's meant to charge an iPad and iphone.
Edit: the battery has two USB ports rated at 2.1A. It's meant to charge an iPad and iphone.
Deft Beck
Member
I have one of the Companions. I will attempt to charge the device with it today and will report back with my results.
It will work if it does not employee Qualcomm Quick Charge. I use a 5V/2.1A power bank that recharges the Switch very slowly when playing Zelda.
CollectedDust
Member
Dumb question, what's Qualcomm Quick Charge? I think may battery is a Duracell Powerbank (got two on meh.com last year).
ryanofcall
Member
mine's charging slower than botw sucks dry the battery though :/
It is a proprietary charging method that has weak compatibility with many devices, including Switch. It should say on the power bank itself or on the packaging whether it uses it: if it say doesn't say anything about it, it most likely doesn't use it. Note that it is not damaging for the system at 5V, it just charges very slowly if the system doesn't support it (at a rate of 5V/0.5A). Just plug it in and see if it works well, it won't do any harm to your Switch.
This makes me glad that I bought a Macbook lol I can charge my every new device (phone, Switch, etc.) with its charger
Totally. For my cell phone I have a galaxy S7 edge and I'm considering getting the S8 or maybe even another brand (LG etc) SIMPLY for the fact I would be able to use the same chargers/cables for everything.