Product Info

Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD 45W

Type

Price

　　Anker is among the best brands for power banks and back in 2018, it released the officially Nintendo-licensed 'PowerCore Speed 20100 PD Nintendo Switch Edition'. Following this portable charger's success, the company released a more compact version, the 'PowerCore 13400 PD Nintendo Switch Edition'.

　　I reached out to Anker to enquire whether there was an opportunity to review one of their Nintendo-licensed power banks, but due to both of the above-mentioned chargers not being available at the time, I was asked to review Anker's first premium power bank with 45W PD - the 'PowerCore+ 26800 PD 45W' with 60W USB-C wall charger. Let's find out how this colossal-capacity charger performs when using the Nintendo Switch.

　　The following items are included in the box:

　　- PowerCore+ 26800 PD

　　- 60W USB-C wall charger

　　- USB-C to USB-C cable

　　- Travel pouch

　　- Welcome guide

　　Design and features

　　Let's start off by pointing out that this charger hasn't been officially licensed by Nintendo, but aside from offering much higher capacity and energy transfer rate, the internal specs don't really differ from the officially Nintendo Switch-licensed PowerCore Speed 20100 PD and PowerCore 13400. Like its smaller relatives, the PowerCore+ 26800 offers full Power Delivery (PD) support, allowing the Switch to charge while playing.

　　While the PowerCore Speed 20100 PD, and especially the PowerCore 13400, can be considered quite compact, this can't be said about the Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD. Weighing approximately 1.1lbs, its substantially heavier than the Nintendo Switch and fairly large as well - 180 x 81.5 x 22mm. Then again, the PowerCore+ 26800 packs a massive 26800mAh battery, resulting in a less portable charger that is best carried separately from the Switch.

　　On the bank itself, we find a 45W USB-C port alongside two 15W USB ports and a led indicator sporting 10 lights to indicate how much power remains. Anker's premium offering has a strong metal body, but please be advised that metal objects can easily leave permanent scratches.

　　Performance

　　According to Nintendo, the battery life of the original Switch model is approximately 2.5 to 6.5 hours, while the battery inside the updated Switch model lasts considerably longer on a single charge -  roughly 4.5 to 9 hours. For the Nintendo Switch Lite, the battery life is approximately 3 to 7 hours.

　　The use of a portable charger can greatly extend the playtime in handheld mode, and the additional playtime gained depends on the capacity of the charger. In general, higher capacity results in more playtime, but the faster charge of the 26800+ PD slightly lowers the amount of available capacity.

　　While Anker has listed the capacity of the power bank to be 26,800mAh, the actual capacity available to devices is always less due to differences in voltage and energy loss during transfer.

　　Using the PowerCore+ 26800 PD on my original Switch model resulted in roughly 11/12 hours of additional playtime. This was when using somewhat more demanding titles such as Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey and DOOM. During testing, the Switch's Wi-Fi connection was enabled and I didn't cut down on brightness. When using the 26800+ with the new Switch model or Switch Lite, players will experience even more additional playtime.

　　When playing less demanding games with Wi-Fi disabled, and turning down brightness, more additional playtime will be gained.

　　The 26,800mAh battery allowed me at least 3 full recharges of my Switch and there was still some juice left in the Anker after that. This leftover, however, didn't allow for another full recharge.

　　Anker's premium offering charges Nintendo's hybrid platform under all gaming conditions. While playing a game, the charger completely recharges in the Switch in approximately 3.5 hours. In sleep mode, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours is required to top the Switch off.

　　The Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD 45W comes with a 60W USB-C wall charger which allows you to fully recharge the power bank within 3.5 hours.

　　Another interesting thing to note is that this 45W PowerCore is also able to power the Switch dock for playing in TV mode. While I don't advise using third-party chargers for the Switch dock, it does show just how powerful Anker's premium portable charger is.

　　Conclusion

　　Overall, the Anker PowerCore + 26800 PD 45W is one of the best portable chargers currently available. If offers amazing capacity and allows users to fully recharge their Switch while gaming within 3.5 hours. Anker's premium offering, however, isn't as portable as the officially Nintendo-licensed Anker products and I would only recommend this offering over the considerably less expensive Nintendo-licensed PowerCore Speed 20100 PD and PowerCore 13400 if you're in the market for a charger that is also able to power your Switch dock or other high-powered devices.

　　Review unit provided by the manufacturer.

　　9

　　Wccftech Rating

　　The Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD is one of the best power banks currently on the market. It offers massive capacity and the supplied 60W wall mount allows for lightning-fast recharges. This premium product, however, is a bit of overkill for the 'casual' Nintendo Switch user.

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