The Nintendo Switch AC Power Brick

By Saiyan Lusitano, Mar 2, 2017 3,019 27 2

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  1. Saiyan Lusitano

    OP Saiyan Lusitano Newbie

    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:

     
    Bladexdsl and NekoMichi like this.
  2. CLOUD9RED

    CLOUD9RED GBAtemp Regular
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    I don't care. Give me the Switch already!
     
  3. Deleted User

    OP Deleted User Newbie

    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?
     
  4. thorasgar

    thorasgar Checkout my evil Soon-in-ator™
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    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
     
  5. xile6

    xile6 GBAtemp Maniac
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    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
     
  6. WiiUBricker

    WiiUBricker News Police
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    How much power does the brick deliver?
     
  7. Bladexdsl

    Bladexdsl ZOMG my posts...it's over 9000!!!
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    what happened to avgn anyway?
     
  8. thorasgar

    thorasgar Checkout my evil Soon-in-ator™
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    Switch brick? 5-15V 2.6A per FCC filing.
     
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  9. WiiUBricker

    WiiUBricker News Police
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    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.
     
  10. sarkwalvein

    sarkwalvein There's hope for a Xenosaga port.
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    15V 2.6A = 39W = sure it has to be bigger than normal
     
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  11. migles

    migles All my gbatemp friends are now mods, except for me
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    he made enough money and grew up
     
  12. xile6

    xile6 GBAtemp Maniac
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    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.
     
  13. sarkwalvein

    sarkwalvein There's hope for a Xenosaga port.
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    Many tests were done in some The Know video, and tested usbc cell phone chargers charge it in 8hs instead of 3hs.
     
  14. tech3475

    tech3475 GBAtemp Addict
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    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.
     
  15. migles

    migles All my gbatemp friends are now mods, except for me
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    funny, how the "universal" got into an age of "semi universal"
     
  16. xile6

    xile6 GBAtemp Maniac
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    But what chargers and voltage output?
    I have sone 5v, and 9v 2amps
     
  17. Issac

    Issac I
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    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).
     
  18. thorasgar

    thorasgar Checkout my evil Soon-in-ator™
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    They only used 5V chargers. They ordered a 15V but it hadn't arrived yet.
     
  19. Sheimi

    Sheimi A cute Vixen!
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    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.
     
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  20. Saiyan Lusitano

    OP Saiyan Lusitano Newbie

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