Introduction

The Nintendo Switch 2 features upgraded hardware, including a 7.9-inch 1080p HDR10 LCD, a powerful Nvidia T239 SoC, and improved battery capacity. This report dives deep into the real-world charging behavior, device compatibility, and theoretical justifications behind the advertised 60W charging adapter.

Comparison: Switch 1st Gen vs Switch 2

Product Name	Nintendo Switch 2	Nintendo Switch	Nintendo Switch Lite	Nintendo Switch OLED
Product Image
Screen	7.9-inch wide color LCD touchscreen, 1920×1080 resolution	6.2-inch touchscreen, 1280×720 resolution	5.5-inch LCD touchscreen, 1280×720 resolution	7.0-inch OLED screen, 1280×720 resolution
Refresh Rate	120Hz variable refresh rate	60Hz	60Hz	60Hz
Processor	NVIDIA custom Tegra 239	NVIDIA custom Tegra X1	NVIDIA custom Tegra X1	NVIDIA custom Tegra X1
Dimensions	116mm × 272mm × 13.9mm	102mm × 239mm × 13.9mm	91.1mm × 208mm × 13.9mm	102mm × 242mm × 13.9mm
Weight (with Joy-Con)	534g	398g	275g	420g
Battery Capacity (mAh)	5220	4310	3570	4310
Charging Port	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
Charging Power (W)	60	45	18	45
Video Output (TV Mode)	Up to 3840×2160 (60FPS), 1920×1080/2560×1440 supports 120FPS	Up to 1920×1080 (60FPS)	Not supported	Up to 1920×1080 (60FPS)
Dock Support	Not supported	Supported	Supported	Supported
USB-C Ports	2	1	1	1
3.5mm Jack	1	1	1	1
Game Card Slot	1	1	1	1
microSD Express Slot	1	\	\	\
microSD Slot	\	1	1	1

Charging Speed Differences Between Switch Models

Switch 2’s maximum input is rated for 60W (20V/3A), but real-world measurements consistently show charging power between 15-17W across most third-party and official adapters.

Comparative data shows that:

• Switch OLED and V2 models draw less power (~12W peak).
• Switch 2 maintains 16W steadily with certified chargers.

Why Use a 60W Charger?

Despite a lower draw, Nintendo recommends a 60W PD charger. This ensures:

1. Stable voltage during gaming and docked use.
2. Extra headroom for performance spikes and accessory use.
3. Future compatibility and safety certifications (CE/UKCA).

Important: Only PD chargers that support 20V 3A (60W) can activate the Switch 2’s docked TV mode. Although actual charging power stays around 15–20W, using a 60W-capable PD charger is essential. Both ZMI and CUKTECH chargers rated above 60W are confirmed compatible with this mode.

Device Compatibility Tested

The following table summarizes tested chargers and power banks with their specifications:

Performance and Heat During Charging

Using infrared thermography, the Switch 2 was shown to maintain temperatures between 28.7°C and 29.6°C during 30-minute fast charging sessions.

Engineering Summary

Switch 2’s optimized charging profile peaks around 16W from a 60W PD adapter. This avoids overheating and allows smooth play-and-charge usage. The wide compatibility with PD adapters and power banks makes it versatile across multiple scenarios. Nintendo’s choice of a 60W charger is justified for consistent performance, thermal safety, and universal USB-C power delivery support.

Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Compatibility Test