Best USB-C cables for Nintendo Switch iMore 2020

You might have noticed the cable you use for your Nintendo Switch is a little different. This kind of port is called USB-C and is used on the Nintendo Switch for high-speed data transfer, video output, and rapid charging. High-quality USB-C cables, like the ones included with your Switch, are essential to get the best results. If you need a few extra USB-C cables for your Nintendo Switch, this guide breaks down which cables you're going to want and why.

Reliable workhorse: Anker Thunderbolt 3 USB-C Cable

Staff Favorite

The Anker Thunderbolt 3 Type-C cable was designed to simultaneously deliver power and data for desktop graphics cards or more. That's considerably more power than what your average USB-C cable is asked to do, making it an exceptional cable for anyone eager to experiment with their Nintendo Switch and an external monitor without the Nintendo-made dock.

The Basic option: Amazon Basics 9ft USB-C Cable

You don't frequently see a USB-C cable longer than 6 feet for a couple of reasons. First, the price of the cable typically goes up considerably after the 6-foot mark. Second, and more importantly, longer cables attenuate and frequently cause things to charge slower. The Amazon Basics USB-C cable comes in a handy 9-foot option to help deal with this and does so without breaking the bank.

$11 at Amazon

Good looks and function: CableCreation braided USB-C cable

This cable has a fabric braid on the outside, giving it a nice texture that is easy to wind up and stick in a bag without having to worry about a bunch of knots. Best of all, this braided design comes in five colors! Choose from Blue, Rose Gold, Hot Pink, Gold, and Space Gray. Either way you go, your cable will stand out and be much easier to find when lost.

Avoid the bend: UGREEN USB C to USB C Cable Right Angle 90 Degree

This cable has one end at a 90-degree angle, making it easier to plug into the bottom of your Switch without causing wear over time by bending the cable sideways. The cable is also surrounded with braided nylon for added durability and a 24-month worry-free warranty. This is a great cable for charging and data transfer, with speeds up to 480 Mbps. However, it doesn't have a video output option.

3-in-1: JSAUX USB C to C Cable 60W, 3-Pack

Maybe you like to have a charger suited for in the car, in a bag for travel, by the bed, wherever! This is a three-pack that includes a 3.3-foot, 6.6-foot, and 10-foot cable. Get the durable nylon braid plus an extra measure of strain relief made for safer bends at the end of the cable. This is another cable that is good for charging and data transfer but not suitable for video signal.

$12 at Amazon

Quick Note: NEVER use USB-A to USB-C cables with your Nintendo Switch

Before we get too deep into which cables I like, it's important to warn you against some of the cheap cables you're likely to find in stores and on Amazon. It's easy to find long, braided USB-C cables for cheap. At first glance, these cables look nice and feel like they were made to last. The biggest problem with these cables is the connector at the other end. Many of these cables have the standard rectangular USB-A cable at the end, the port you usually see on laptops and cheap battery backups. If you can avoid it, you should never use these cables.

USB-A is an older kind of cable and will be phased out over the next couple of years. Put simply, the tech inside this cable can't keep up with what a cable with USB-C on both ends can do. As a result, these hybrid cables will charge slower and will never be cable of features like video output to a secondary display. These cables also frequently break down faster due to a cheaper design.

What we recommend

The only cables I recommend in this guide have a USB-C port on both ends and have been tested to safely deliver the kind of power needed to keep your Switch up and running. Using anything else would not be advised. Our favorite is the Anker Thunderbolt 3 USB-C Cable, which is best suited for charging, data transfer, and video output on the Switch.

However, if you're mainly concerned with getting a good charge without having to carry the same cable around everywhere, you can stock up with the JSAUX USB C to C Cable 60W, 3-Pack without spending as much.

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