Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Speed – Docked vs Portable Tested! ⚡

Summary

The video explores the charging performance and quirks of the new Nintendo Switch 2. It compares the new charger and dock to the original Switch, revealing that while the Switch 2 supports USB PD 3.0 and can charge at up to 60 watts, it only charges at a slow 11-16 watts in practice. The host emphasizes the benefits of slow charging for battery longevity, noting the console’s battery life and charging behavior. Despite the charger and dock being capable of more power, Nintendo seems to prioritize safety and battery health. Viewers are encouraged to share additional tests they'd like to see.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Nintendo Switch 2 features impressive graphics, smooth frame rates, but has less-than-ideal battery life.
• 🔌 The original Switch charger supported USB PD 2.0 with a 39W max output, while the Switch 2 uses a USB PD 3.0 charger with a potential 60W output.
• 🔋 The Switch 2 charger includes a detachable USB-C cable, but it lacks detailed specifications like e-marker chips, making it hard to confirm its max wattage or file transfer speed.
• ⚡ The Switch 2 charger supports up to 60W of power, with three voltage levels, and can charge the console at a maximum of 42W when docked.
• 🚫 The original Switch dock did not follow the USB PD standard, which led to issues with third-party docks. The Switch 2’s dock is more reliable but still may not strictly follow the USB PD 3.0 standard.
• ⏳ The charging test showed that the Switch 2 charges slowly, taking about 2.5 hours to fully charge from 0%, with power consumption peaking at 16W.
• 🔄 The Switch 2 exhibits some odd behavior, occasionally charging beyond 100% when normalizing power usage, possibly due to a built-in 'buffer' to maintain the battery's health.
• 🔌 Both USB-C ports on the Switch 2 show similar charging performance, meaning no significant difference in charging speed depending on which port is used.
• 🛑 Docked charging is no faster than charging directly through the USB-C ports, with a max of 16W occasionally being reached.
• 🌡️ Slow charging is likely intentional to reduce heat, which prolongs the lifespan of the battery, making it safer for long-term use, similar to practices in other devices that avoid fast charging.
• 💡 The Switch 2 is a solid upgrade over the OG Switch, focusing on battery longevity and overall performance rather than fast charging speeds.

Q & A

What are the key differences in charging technology between the original Nintendo Switch and the Switch 2?

The original Nintendo Switch charger supported USB PD 2.0 with up to 39 watts of power, while the Switch 2 uses USB PD 3.0, supporting up to 60 watts of power with improved voltage options. The Switch 2 charger also has a detachable USB-C cable, which is an upgrade from the integrated cable in the original charger.

Why is it important to use the official charger and cable with the Switch 2 dock?

The official charger and cable are recommended to prevent potential issues. The OG Switch dock had problems with third-party docks that caused hardware failures, as the dock didn't follow the USB PD standard. The Switch 2's dock might have similar compatibility risks, so using the official charger and cable ensures proper power delivery.

What charging protocols does the OG Switch dock support?

The OG Switch dock does not support any charging protocols according to the tests. This means it does not adhere to the USB PD standard, which led to problems with third-party docks during firmware updates.

How does the charging speed of the Switch 2 compare to the original Switch?

The Switch 2 charges relatively slowly, with a maximum power draw of around 16 watts during charging. This results in a full charge taking roughly 2.5 hours. In contrast, the original Switch charger could handle more power but still had limitations, and the Switch 2's slower charging speed is intended to prolong battery life.

Is the Nintendo Switch 2 capable of fast charging?

No, the Switch 2 does not support fast charging. The maximum charging speed observed is about 16 watts, even though the charger and dock can support higher wattages. Nintendo appears to prioritize battery health and longevity over fast charging speeds.

What is the effect of slower charging on the Switch 2's battery?

Slower charging reduces heat generation, which is beneficial for the health of lithium-ion batteries. Excessive heat is a major factor in battery degradation, so slower charging will likely help extend the lifespan of the Switch 2's battery.

Does the Nintendo Switch 2 charge faster when it's in use, for example, while gaming?

While the Switch 2 does charge slightly faster when gaming and charging at the same time, the difference is not significant. It still charges at an average of around 11 watts, peaking occasionally to 16 watts.

Why did the charging normalization method not work for the Switch 2?

The normalization method, which worked for other devices, didn't work for the Switch 2. It is speculated that this could be due to a 'buffer' that allows the battery to appear healthier than it is, even as it degrades over time.

What is the significance of the charging curve flattening during tests?

The flattening of the charging curve typically indicates that the battery is nearing full charge. However, in the case of the Switch 2, this behavior was not always reliable due to potential buffer mechanisms in the battery management system.

What was the result of testing the two USB-C ports on the Nintendo Switch 2?

The charging results were almost identical when using either the top or bottom USB-C port on the Switch 2. There was no noticeable difference in charging speed between the two ports.