I've heard that using my generic USB-C cord to charge my Nintendo Switch isn't recommended. Can anyone explain why that is? Is it really harmful to the battery or to the device?
3 Answers
Using the wrong charger can have some consequences, especially if you're docking your Switch with a TV. If you're just charging it in handheld mode, you might be fine. In my experience, a charger from my phone worked without any issues. Just be sure to check the voltage and amperage requirements for safety.
There are two sides to this: the technical and the psychological. On the technical side, using a charger with the wrong amperage can be risky. If your device needs a higher current than the charger can provide, it might overheat or even cause a fire. And that’s a big no-no! Keep an eye on how warm your charger gets. On the psychological side, people tend to blame the product for bad charging experiences, especially if it takes way longer with a weaker charger. It's important to have a good charging experience to keep those recommendations positive!
In short, using a stronger charger isn't going to harm your device since it won't push more power than your Switch can handle. A weaker charger will just make it take longer to charge, but that won't damage it as long as it eventually gets the power it needs. Just be mindful of the charging time!
So basically, stick to the chargers that can handle the power your device needs?