Can a $25 External Battery for the Switch be Good? Long-Term Test of the Insten External Battery
47In this video we take an initial look at the Insten Nintendo Switch Powerbank Power Bank Battery Case 10000mAh Portable Charger featuring USB Type-C for the Nintendo Switch.
To order an Insten Nintendo Switch Powerbank for yourself please visit http://amzn.to/2FreEun
One of the things that has really helped to take the Nintendo Switch to the next-level in-terms of popularity is the fact that it allows you to play home console-quality games just about anywhere due to its portable design. But one drawback about being on the go is the fact that you need some sort of power supply to keep the fun going otherwise you're dead in the water.
In my planning for a recent trip from the USA to Germany I knew I wanted to be able to play my Switch on the 10-hour flight overseas. I knew the integrated battery would be good for around 3-5 hours but that still left over half of my travels where I'd be without my Switch. I know some international flights (and I found out mine did) do feature USB charging built into the infotainment system in the seats, however I didn't want to rely on that option or that the USB output would have enough current to actually be able to charge my Switch. Searching on Amazon I found the Ensten Switch External Battery for around $25, featuring USB-C, a kickstand and a whopping 10,000mAh of capacity. Intrigued I ordered one up.
The packaging is minimal, something I'd almost expect from, say, Alibaba. The entire casing is a fixed molded design which locks the Switch in place. It can be charged via Micro USB or USB-C, depending on the connectors you have available, plus it has a USB OUT so you can charge another device like a tablet using a cable. On the back it has a nice kickstand, much more sturdy than the stock Nintendo piece. Pretty nice thus far for $25.
Once docked the one minor issue I ran into cropped up. When just plugging the USB-C into the Switch it didn't seem like it wanted to stay in. As such it wasn't charging my Switch. On a whim I really pushed it in hard and, after an audible snap, I at first was concerned I broke my Switch's Port! After investigating it just really needs a solid push to get into the port to make the connection. I was relieved, but this was more concerning than I expected.
Initial Thoughts:
Thus far the Insten Power Bank has worked as advertised. I've been able to keep my Switch charged on my trip without issue. I still cringe every time I attach the USB-C to my Switch due to the tight connection. One bummer is that the standard USB port on the side is ONLY for voltage out, you cannot connect an external controller to it and have it work. Beyond that it does get rather toasty when charging but then again it is putting out a lot of current too.
Why it RoX:
- HUGE Capacity
- Great Pricing
- Solid Kickstand
- Micro USB or USB-C Charging options
- USB port for charging other devices
- LED charge-level indicator
What could be improved:
- It is WAY too hard to plug into the Switch
- USB port on the side is a voltage output-only, you cannot attach a USB controller thru it
- Plastics feel a bit cheap
- Generates heat when charging
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