I'm looking to buy a second charger for my Nintendo Switch 2 and want to understand how USB-C chargers work. The official charger specs are as follows:
- INPUT: AC 100V - 240V 50/60Hz 1.6A
- OUTPUT: DC 5.0V/3.0A, 9.0V/3.0A, 15.0V/3.0A, 20.0V/3.0A
I read that it's a PD (Power Delivery) charger rated at 60 Watts. This is my first experience with PD chargers, and I want to know if it simply means it's a USB-C charger. Are most USB-C chargers on the market PD? Also, if I want to ensure compatibility, I just need to select a charger with at least the required wattage for my device, right? For instance, at least a 60W charger for the Switch when docked or at least 20W for fast charging my iPhone?
3 Answers
Just a heads up, Nintendo’s charging setup is a bit unique. They’ve implemented their own protocols which can create compatibility issues with chargers from other brands. So while many universal chargers might work, they may not be ideal for fast charging the Switch.
You'd want to check the specifications closely to ensure that the charger supports the power delivery profiles required by the Switch.
Not every USB-C charger is a PD charger, but generally speaking, most decent USB-C chargers support some level of USB Power Delivery. Just keep in mind that not all chargers are created equal. For example, I got a phone charger that uses USB-A but still manages to implement PD for better efficiency.
It's pretty tricky navigating USB standards since manufacturers don’t always provide clear info. However, as a rule of thumb, you usually won't cause damage just by trying a charger. It could end up charging slowly, quickly, or not at all, but I'm yet to hear about any devices getting harmed just from plugging in a charger.
Be cautious with USB-C PD charges; they have various profiles and not every charger supports all of them. For instance, the original Switch has a specific 45W profile that's not very common. Sometimes even 60W or 100W chargers can't deliver the maximum power needed since they may not support all voltage profiles, like the 15V profile used by the Switch.
Make sure the charger you pick has the correct voltage and current ratings. Look for one that specifically lists 15V and at least 3A.
Thanks! So if I grab any 60W USB-C charger, it should power the Switch dock without issues?