Hardware The Nintendo Switch AC Power Brick

[Saiyan Lusitano]

I just got done watching IGN's unboxing video and noticed that the AC power adapter is a damn brick. Yes, it's not like we didn't already know, but why?! This is so backwards in design and convenience. NES, SNES, N64, NGC, Wii and WiiU all had those power bricks in between but the end of the power adapter was standard and would fit on any power mains. To be fair, it's not oversized (except the European plug which seems like it could take two spots) but ultimately still a bad call on its design.

It reminded me of this AVGN video:

 

[CLOUD9RED]

I don't care. Give me the Switch already!

 

[Deleted User]

wow I just watched that AVGN video a week ago LOL so funny
but why so big? thats compatible with normal USB C cables isnt it? and most of the usb adapters are really tiny... why then?

 

[thorasgar]

Both styles have their pros and cons. The brick in the middle is not as mobile because having two cords to tangle up is a pain, but works well for a stationary solution. But as you mention brick on the end is pain as well to plug in.

My fix is buying a 10 pack of 1' extension cords for $10 that I plug into power strips for all the brick on the end cables.

FWP

 

[xile6]

No clue, a few people fussed about it to. Why not stick to the brick in the middle of the cabel vs at the outlet plug.
No idea why theu made the "switch" (lol just had to)
But it will effect some that dont have the outlet with space.
I already clear space for mines, unplug the wii and move some other stuff up so i have 2 free spots at the end of my power strips.
Also i use powercubes which are great for things like this

 

[WiiUBricker]

How much power does the brick deliver?

 

[Bladexdsl]

what happened to avgn anyway?

 

[thorasgar]

How much power does the brick deliver?

Switch brick? 5-15V 2.6A per FCC filing.

 

[WiiUBricker]

Switch brick? 5-15V 2.6A per FCC filing.

Thanks. So I guess if people don't like the size of the official brick, they can try to find a regular USB-C power brick that has the same power output.

 

[sarkwalvein]

15V 2.6A = 39W = sure it has to be bigger than normal

 

[migles]

what happened to avgn anyway?

he made enough money and grew up

 

[xile6]

Thanks. So I guess if people don't like the size of the official brick, they can try to find a regular USB-C power brick that has the same power output.

Yes and no.
The cellphone ones i dont believe will be enough. I will test this when i get mines.
But something like the usb laptop charges should work as long as the voltage and amps are match.

 

[sarkwalvein]

Yes and no.
The cellphone ones i dont believe will be enough. I will test this when i get mines.
But something like the usb laptop charges should work as long as the voltage and amps are match.

Many tests were done in some The Know video, and tested usbc cell phone chargers charge it in 8hs instead of 3hs.

 

[tech3475]

Thanks. So I guess if people don't like the size of the official brick, they can try to find a regular USB-C power brick that has the same power output.

I suspect post-launch there will be lists of suitable alternatives and soon third parties will come out with specific alternatives.

I personally would prefer something which can replicate the dock's features but is more the size/shape of a small USB hub to make it more portable for e.g. holidays.

 

[migles]

Yes and no.
The cellphone ones i dont believe will be enough. I will test this when i get mines.
But something like the usb laptop charges should work as long as the voltage and amps are match.

funny, how the "universal" got into an age of "semi universal"

 

[xile6]

Many tests were done in some The Know video, and tested usbc cell phone chargers charge it in 8hs instead of 3hs.

But what chargers and voltage output?
I have sone 5v, and 9v 2amps

 

[Issac]

To be fair, it's not oversized (except the European plug which seems like it could take two spots)

I think the European one looks like it is the smallest of the bunch. Especially considering the direction of the two "sticks" that goes into the socket. (sideways instead of the other's that goes vertically).

 

[thorasgar]

But what chargers and voltage output?
I have sone 5v, and 9v 2amps

They only used 5V chargers. They ordered a 15V but it hadn't arrived yet.

 

[Sheimi]

The actual power brick I saw at work, since it comes right off the truck. It is small. Box is small. It's not big as you think.

 

[Saiyan Lusitano]

I think the European one looks like it is the smallest of the bunch. Especially considering the direction of the two "sticks" that goes into the socket. (sideways instead of the other's that goes vertically).

And that's the problem, going it sideways means it can take two spots even though it's the slimmest of all.