When the Nintendo Switch is docked, battery life isn’t a concern. But if you’re like most Switch users who use the console in handheld mode, its battery is a top concern. A battery case is a great way to level up the Switch's handheld charge without needing to find the nearest wall outlet. It also helps that they provide some protection. These devices essentially perform double duty, acting as a great Switch case and power bank.
TL;DR — These Are the Best Nintendo Switch Battery Cases:
Depending on the model and games you’re playing, the Switch will get between 3 to 9 hours of use on one charge. That’s not much for long travel days or commutes. A battery case is an easy way to never be without power.
Most Switch battery cases attach directly to the console for a layer of protection that adds minimal bulk while also slotting into the USB-C port, powering the device. With these cases installed, the Switch should function just like normal. Many of the battery cases we’ve selected even provide additional ports to charge other devices, like earbuds or smartphones.
A battery case is one of the best Switch accessories you can grab, and our experts have selected a range of options to suit just about anyone's needs or playing style. Who knows? You could even score a Switch deal on one. However, if you’re looking to grab the Switch 2 when it comes out later this year, its larger dimensions mean not all of our picks will fit the new console.
1. Newdery External Battery Station
Best Nintendo Switch Battery Case
The Newdery External Battery Station adds a beefy 10,000mAh battery to your Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch OLED. That’s no small backup, and it can stretch the battery life of your console considerably, up to an extra eight hours. You’re not limited to just juicing up your Switch, as it also works as a portable charger to top up your phone or tablet.
This battery case is rocking some handy extras, like a kickstand in the back to use your Switch in tabletop mode, and a slot behind that kickstand can stow two game cartridges. It also offers an 18W PD, ensuring your Switch’s fully drained battery is back to full in under 2 hours. There’s even a smart chipset to help protect your device against overvoltage and short-circuiting, while cutouts and air vents on the case prevent overheating. It's one of the overall best Nintendo Switch chargers you'll ever use on the go.
2. Newdery Battery Charger Case for Nintendo Switch Lite
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Battery Case
The Nintendo Switch Lite is more compact and lacks detachable Joy-con like the other Switch models, which means you’ll want to grab the best Switch Lite accessories to fit its smaller dimensions. The Newdery Battery Charger Case for Nintendo Switch Lite is the perfect partner. It's our top pick in a smaller form.
This option integrates a battery and USB-C into a lightweight, ergonomic case for your Switch Lite. You’ll enjoy an additional 10 hours of playtime on your console thanks to the 10,400mAh battery that can handle speeds up to 18W. There’s an additional USB-A output to charge another device, so it’s possible to charge both the Switch Lite and the battery case simultaneously. This Battery Charger Case also comes with a kickstand and storage for one game card.
3. Nyko Power Pak
Best Slim Nintendo Switch Battery Case
The Nyko Power Pak will let you keep playing with your Switch virtually unaltered. It doesn't cover up the Joy-con, doesn't block any ports or vents, and it only adds a half-pound onto the device. It does cover the Switch's built-in kickstand, but it compensates with a kickstand of its own.
Once you have the Nyko Power Pak strapped onto your Switch, you'll get an extra 5,000mAh of battery capacity for all your mobile gaming needs. Nyko suggests that this can almost double the battery life of your Switch, letting you really grind out the levels when you're nowhere near a power outlet. When you need to charge up the Nyko Power Pack, you can do so with the same USB-C cable you'd use to charge your Switch outside of the dock. That all makes for a pretty strong product, especially given it costs just about $20.
4. Bionik Power Commuter
Best Nintendo Switch Carrying Case With a Battery
You can get one of the best Nintendo Switch cases and an on-the-go battery pack for your Nintendo Switch all in one with the Bionik Power Commuter. This carrying case is designed to fit your Switch and a handy assortment of extras safely inside while providing a 10,000mAh battery pack to charge up your console (or your phone for that matter) between play sessions when you’re on the move and can’t get to a wall outlet.
The case has a main pouch for the Switch to slot into, and there’s a second compartment for accessories. You can store a bunch of game cartridges in a built-in organizer, and there’s a pocket to hold extra Joy-Con. The case itself is padded and uses water-resistant YKK zippers to keep all your gear safe. There’s a simple carrying handle on the case, but it can also attach to the straps of a backpack or sling, or you can attach the included shoulder strap for hands-free transport.
5. Anker Zolo Power Bank
Best Nintendo Switch Power Bank
Power banks made specifically for the Nintendo Switch can be handy for their ability to attach and almost integrate with the portable console, but they may lack some of the flexibility and capacity (and often the price) of more universal power banks. Anker's Zolo Power Bank, which also goes on sale fairly often, is a prime example of how much you can get for a good price.
This power bank offers 10,000mAh of juice, and it can pump that out at up to 30W. Many of Anker's current-gen power banks, including the Zolo, have a built-in USB-C cable so extra cable management is a non-issue, but it does have two extra ports, USB-C and USB-A, for charging itself (at a 20W input) or other devices.
6. Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank
Best Attachable Battery for Nintendo Switch
The Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank is a simple yet effective solution to extend your Nintendo Switch's battery life. This option is rather unique, as it actually straps onto the backside of your Switch, adding a slight amount of bulk and weight to the device. But you’ll still have an enjoyable playing experience while your portable console juices up.
The 10,000mAh should significantly extend your gaming time, and it can pump out 15W of power, keeping your Switch topped up even when it's running demanding games. A built-in USB-C cable makes it easy to plug into your Switch without any cable management or needing to remember a cable in the first place. There also are USB-A and USB-C ports on the power bank, so you can charge other devices without unplugging the Switch. Plus, short circuit and overvoltage protection ensure everything is done safely.
7. Nyko Boost Pak
Best Compact Nintendo Switch Battery Pack
If you like the idea of having a little extra battery pack that can attach to your Nintendo Switch but don't see yourself needing something that adds a ton of extra power at the cost of taking up space, then the Nyko Boost Pak will be right up your alley. This slim unit latches onto the bottom of the Nintendo Switch, connecting right into the USB-C port and adding virtually no thickness (though it will make your Switch a bit taller). It's actually slim enough that you can keep it attached even when docking the Switch. And, when you're on the go, it only weighs 55g, so you'll hardly notice it.
The Nyko Boost Pak adds on a modest but useful 2,500mAh of battery power. Rather than just always running when it's attached, the Boost Pak has a power switch, so you can decide when it kicks into gear. Perhaps best of all, this is one of the cheapest Nintendo Switch accessories you'll find. The unit costs less than $20.
Nintendo Switch Battery Case FAQ
How long does the Nintendo Switch battery last?
The battery life of a Nintendo Switch can vary based on the demands of specific applications and features being used. According to Nintendo, users of the most recent Nintendo Switch consoles (both standard and OLED) can expect 4.5-9 hours of battery life, while Switch Lite devices can last anywhere from 3-7 hours. As seen above, however, these projected times are pretty optimistic, so it’s not hard for any of the battery cases on this list to double your Switch’s lifespan.
The Switch’s lithium-ion battery will also inevitably degrade over time. One general way to keep your Switch battery as healthy as possible is to ensure your device stays charged. Try to avoid letting your device die, and, if possible, plug it in when it gets to or below 20%.
Do I need a battery case for the Nintendo Switch?
Nintendo recognized that the original Switch had a pretty grim battery life, which is why the Switch OLED nearly doubled it. Still, many players continue to find that low battery notification interrupting their gaming sessions.
Switch players who stick to using the TV display and keep their system docked most of the time will have little use for portable charging. However, Switch Lite users or gamers more often playing in handheld mode could certainly benefit from the extended playtime that comes with battery cases. If you have upcoming travel plans and want to make sure your Switch goes the distance, it could also be worth making the investment. Luckily, most of the products featured above cost less than $50.
Will a battery case harm my Switch?
No, a battery case shouldn’t harm your Switch. If it hits all the device’s power requirements and comes with a quality USB-C, there shouldn’t be any major concerns when leaving your console plugged into it. The only thing you’ll want to watch out for is overheating, as the case and battery could cause heat to build up, potentially degrading components. Generally, any battery case designed for the Switch should work perfectly fine. Luckily, the Switch itself even offers features for protection against issues charging, including overcharging.
Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer and unpaid music historian.
