Charging time depends on which Switch model you own and what you're doing while it charges

A Nintendo Switch takes roughly 5.5 to 6.5 hours to charge fully from completely dead, using the official USB-C charger that comes in the box. The original Switch and the Switch OLED model charge at the same speed. The Switch Lite, which is smaller and has a smaller battery, charges in about 3 to 4 hours. These times assume the console is off or in sleep mode — if you're playing while charging, it will take longer.

The charger matters. Nintendo's official USB-C power adapter (the one included with your Switch) outputs 39W. Third-party chargers vary widely in power output, and a weaker charger will extend charging time. A 5W phone charger, for example, will charge your Switch very slowly — possibly taking 12+ hours or barely keeping up if the console is in use.

Key Takeaways

  • The original Switch and Switch OLED take 5.5 to 6.5 hours to charge fully with the official charger, while the Switch Lite takes 3 to 4 hours.
  • Playing games or using the console while charging adds 1 to 3 hours to the total charging time.
  • Third-party chargers with lower wattage (under 18W) will charge much more slowly than Nintendo's official 39W adapter.
  • The USB-C port on your Switch can accept any USB-C charger, but Nintendo's official charger is designed specifically for the battery and charging circuit.

Why the original Switch and Switch OLED take the same time

Both models use the same 39W USB-C charger and have similar battery capacity — the original Switch has a 4310 mAh battery, and the OLED model has a 4310 mAh battery as well. The OLED screen uses more power when the console is on, but that does not affect charging speed when the device is off or asleep.

The Switch Lite is faster because its battery is smaller (3570 mAh) and it uses a lower-power processor. Even though it charges at the same wattage as the larger models, there is less total capacity to fill, so the job finishes sooner.

How playing games while charging slows things down

When your Switch is powered on and in use, the battery is discharging at the same time the charger is trying to fill it. The charger has to overcome that power draw before it can actually add charge to the battery. Depending on what you're playing, this can add 1 to 3 hours to the total time.

Handheld mode uses less power than docked mode, so playing in handheld while plugged in will charge faster than playing on a TV. If you want the fastest charge, turn the console completely off — it will not charge at all while powered down, but it will charge much faster once you turn it back on.

Third-party chargers and why wattage matters

The Nintendo Switch USB-C port will accept any USB-C charger, including phone chargers and laptop chargers. However, the charging speed depends on the charger's wattage output. Nintendo's official charger is 39W. A charger rated for 18W or higher will charge your Switch reasonably quickly — roughly the same speed as the official charger. Chargers below 18W will charge noticeably slower.

A 5W charger (common on older phone chargers) might take 12 to 15 hours or longer. A 10W charger might take 8 to 10 hours. If you use a very weak charger while playing, the console might not charge at all — the power draw from gameplay can exceed the charger's output.

Third-party chargers are safe to use as long as they are from a reputable manufacturer and certified for USB Power Delivery. Avoid very cheap or uncertified chargers, as they may not regulate power correctly and could damage the battery over time.

Dock charging versus direct USB-C charging

The official Nintendo Switch dock has a USB-C port on the back where you plug in the charger. When you place the Switch in the dock, it charges through the dock's connection. This is the same speed as plugging the charger directly into the Switch's USB-C port — the dock does not slow down or speed up charging.

The advantage of the dock is convenience: you can charge and play on a TV at the same time. The disadvantage is that the dock itself generates heat, and the Switch generates heat while docked and in use, so the console may charge slightly slower in docked mode during active play simply because the battery management system throttles charging to protect the battery from overheating.

Battery health and why you should not leave it plugged in constantly

Lithium batteries, which the Switch uses, degrade faster when kept at 100% charge for long periods. If you leave your Switch plugged in all the time, the battery will lose capacity more quickly than if you let it drain and recharge regularly. Nintendo does not publish specific numbers on how much faster, but the effect is real and measurable over months and years.

For everyday use, this is not a major concern — modern batteries are designed to handle daily charging. But if you primarily play your Switch docked and never unplug it, you may notice the battery drains faster during handheld play after a year or two. Unplugging it once it reaches 100% and letting it drain to around 20% before charging again will extend the battery's useful life.

What to do if your Switch is charging very slowly

If charging is taking much longer than expected, check the charger first. Make sure you are using the official Nintendo charger or a certified third-party charger rated for at least 18W. If you are using a phone charger, check its wattage — it may be too weak.

Next, check the USB-C port on your Switch for debris or corrosion. Lint or dirt in the port can prevent a good connection. You can carefully clean it with a dry cotton swab or a small brush. Do not use liquid cleaners or force anything into the port.

If the console is very hot while charging, let it cool down before continuing. Overheating can cause the battery management system to slow charging as a safety measure. If charging remains slow even with the official charger and a clean port, the battery or charging circuit may be failing, and you may need to contact Nintendo for repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone charger to charge my Switch?

Yes, if it is a USB-C charger. Check the wattage — anything 18W or higher will charge at a reasonable speed. Below 18W will be slow. A 5W charger will take many hours or may not charge while you are playing.

Does the Switch charge faster if I turn it off completely?

No — the Switch does not charge at all when powered off. It charges fastest when off or in sleep mode, but the actual charging speed is the same. The benefit of turning it off is that you are not using the battery while charging, so the charger's full output goes toward filling the battery.

Is it bad to leave my Switch plugged in overnight?

It is not immediately harmful, but it does wear the battery faster over time. Lithium batteries degrade when held at 100% charge for long periods. If you regularly leave it plugged in, the battery may lose capacity noticeably within a year or two. Unplugging it once it is fully charged will extend battery life.

Why does my Switch charge slower when docked?

It usually does not — the dock itself does not slow charging. However, if you are playing games while docked, the console generates heat, and the battery management system may throttle charging to prevent overheating. This is a safety feature and is normal.

What wattage charger do I need for the fastest charge?

18W or higher will charge at nearly the same speed as Nintendo's official 39W charger. Going higher than 39W will not make it faster — the Switch's charging circuit is designed for 39W and will not accept more than that safely.