Anker PowerCore 13400 Nintendo Switch Edition - My favorite Switch carrying case power bank Summary The Anker PowerCore 13400 Nintendo Switch Edition is a unique power bank. Anker doesn’t have a non-Nintendo version with the same specs. It is a favorite to keep in a Switch carrying case. Overall 4.9 Performance (4.5)

Design (5)

Safety (5)

Recharge Time (5) Sending User Review 3 ( 5 votes) Pros Fast charges iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel

Charges Switch while you play

Can be recharged by Nintendo Switch AC Adapter

Fits in most Switch carrying cases

Licensed by Nintendo for the Switch

Includes a USB-C to USB-C cable

Charge two devices at once

Within FAA limits for lithium batteries and flights

Cons Won’t fast charge Quick Charge 3.0 enabled phones; but does normal charging

USB-A port has low output

Price

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I purchased the product in this review.

Model: A1241J11

Tech Specs:

Ports: USB-C, USB-A

USB-C Output: 22.5W USB-C Power Delivery 2.0 (5V/3A, 9V/2.5A, 12V/1.8A, 15V/1.5A)

USB-A Output: 7.5W USB (5V/1.5A) Apple 2.4A (won’t reach full potential)

Input: 20W USB-C PD (5V/3A, 9V/2.5A, 15V/1.4A, 20V/1A)

Capacity: 13,400mAh | 49.58 Wh

Size: 3.8 x 3.1 x 0.9 inches | 97 x 80 x 22 mm

Weight: 9.2 oz | 260 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Included In Box:

Anker PowerCore 13400 Nintendo Switch Edition

USB-C to USB-C 2.0 cable, 3 feet/0.91 meter

Pouch

Good For:

Commute

Travel

iPhone

Android

iPad Pro (pre-2018)

Nintendo Switch (handheld)

Estimated Number of Charges:

iPhone 6/7/8: 4 charges

iPhone Plus/X/XR: 3 charges

Samsung Galaxy S8/S9: 3 charges

Samsung Galaxy S10: 2 charges

Nintendo Switch: 5.5 hours of play

First Impression

The Anker PowerCore 13400 Nintendo Switch Edition was the smallest 15V USB-C PD power bank on the market when released. Today it is still among the smallest. Despite the Nintendo brand it is still an Anker power bank, with the familiar ascetics. The Anker logo is on one side, the Switch logo on the other. The included cable is an Anker PowerLine USB-C to USB-C 2.0. Those are good cables, I use them often with my own testing. But they aren’t USB-IF certified as they pre-date certification. A Nintendo Switch owner with device safety as their top priority may want to pick up an Anker PowerLine II cable, which is certified. The included pouch has room for the power bank and cable. Unlike the power bank, the pouch only has the Anker logo.

Anker PowerCore 13400 Nintendo Switch Edition with Moto G6 Anker PowerCore 13400 Nintendo Switch Edition with Nintendo Switch Anker PowerCore 13400 Nintendo Switch Edition in Switch carrying case

Compared To Similar Power Banks

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2020-09-24.

Top: Anker PowerCore 13400 Nintendo Switch Edition. Bottom: Anker PowerCore 20100 Nintendo Switch Edition. Top: Anker PowerCore 13400 Nintendo Switch Edition. Bottom: AUKEY PB-Y13 10000 USB-C PD.

You can see more USB-C power banks here.

Device Testing

Check with your device’s manufacturer to verify which charging standards it supports.

USB Power Delivery & Quick Charge 4+ Phones

Apple iPhone 8/X/XR/XS

Essential Phone

Google Pixel

LG ThinQ/V30

Razer

Samsung Galaxy S8/S9/S10

Samsung Galaxy Note 8/9

Xiaomi Mi 8/9

ZTE Axon Pro 9/10

iPhone 8 power meter (USB-C) iPhone 8 power meter (USB-A) iPhone 8 power negotiation (USB-C)

Using an iPhone 8 for testing we find USB PD phones will fast charge over the USB-C port. iPhones will need to use a USB-C to Lightning cable, not included. And Android phones will need a USB-C to USB-C cable, also not included.

For iPhones the USB-A port supports Apple 2.4A. An older, but still functional fast charging standard. Older iPhones (4-7) can fast charge using USB-A. Newer iPhones will charge ~15 minutes faster using USB-C.

Quick Charge 3.0 Phones

HTC

LG

Motorola

Nokia

Samsung Galaxy

Sony

Xiaomi Mi 5/6

ZTE

Moto G6 power meter (USB-C) Moto G6 power meter (USB-A)

Using a Moto G6 for testing we see charging is at its normal rate. The power bank doesn’t offer any fast charging tech outside of USB PD. So Quick Charge enabled phones will only charge at their regular rate.

Nintendo Switch

Switch gaming power meter (USB-C) Switch sleeping power meter (USB-C) Switch power negotiation (USB-C)

The Nintendo charges at its max rate, charging while you play. Its charge rate while sleeping is above normal, 12W instead of the usual 10W. That might be from Anker’s listed optimization with the Switch. While this power bank offers 15V there isn’t enough current to power a docked Switch. That requires at least 2.6A, this tops out at 1.5A.

Learn more about charging the Switch.

The PD protocol negotiation with the Switch is typical. As this is licensed by Nintendo it provides us with a base line for other power banks. It connects at 5V and moved up to 15V after negotiations. Current steps up once the 15V connection is made.

Optimized for the Switch?

Anker states this portable charger is optimized for the Nintendo Switch. They don’t go into the specifics, but there are signs of some optimization. The biggest is the Switch charging at 12W while sleeping. With other power sources it draws 9-10W. Not enough to justify the extra cost on its own. But that could save you up to half of hour when charging while asleep.

You can recharge the portable charger quickly using the Nintendo Switch AC Adapter. Not all portable chargers can make that claim. And Anker mentions it in the user manual.

Summary

The Anker PowerCore 13400 Nintendo Switch Edition is one of the smallest 15V outputting USB-C PD portable chargers on the market. It is a unique offering from Anker worth considering. Even without the Nintendo licensing.

The licensing agreement from Nintendo entails more than logos and a money grab. Nintendo runs all licensed products through their own quality assurance testing. Nintendo has signed off that this portable charger will is safe and performs well. While it is safe to charge the Switch with third party USB-C chargers some prefer Nintendo approved accessories. For them this is an excellent travel portable charger which offers peace of mind.

Size, optimized performance, and Nintendo’s stamp of approval make it a premium product. And the price reflects that. There are plenty of alternatives for less, but you’ll need to give up something for the savings. Most other USB-C PD portable chargers of similar size use 12V output, which charges the Switch slower (12W vs 18W). portable chargers with equal performance tend to be larger. And none of them have the Nintendo licensing.

Away from the Switch it works well for smaller USB-C devices. Especially phones that support USB Power Delivery. Lack of Quick Charge makes it less optimal for most Android phones. Its 22.5W output isn’t enough to complete with a 30W portable charger, while not doing anything an 18W portable charger couldn’t. Its 15V advantage is great for the Switch, but not much else.

About Anker

Anker has U.S. based support (web, email, phone) and a 18 month warranty. They are a beloved brand within many communities.

You’ll need to contact Anker about any issues with the power bank. Nintendo support should be open to helping with Switch issues that involve this power bank.

Bottom Line

The Anker PowerCore 13400 Nintendo Switch Edition is the best carrying case power bank available for the Switch. Its capacity offers an extra 5.5+ hours of Mario or Zelda. If you need more playtime check out the larger Anker PowerCore 20100 Nintendo Switch Edition.

Buy if you:

Want a power bank that’ll live in your Switch’s carrying case

Feel more comfortable with the Nintendo licensing

Need a bit more capacity than a 10,000mAh power bank provides

Don’t buy if you:

Will use USB-A port to charge a tablet or larger mobile device

Want to fast charge a LG or Motorola Android phone

Need more than an extra 5.5 hours of play time

Also available from:

You’ll want a USB-C wall charger to quickly recharge this USB-C power bank. The Switch’s own charger works. But for a better travel companion check out the Anker PowerPort Atom PD 1.

Be sure to check the Deals page to see if this or a similar charger is on sale.

Enjoyed this review? Sign up for the Switch Chargers newsletter and get updates on future reviews and Nintendo Switch related deals.

Leave this field empty if you're human: