Hacker News Reader

Comment by subway | Hacker News Reader

Was this applied in a later software update? I distinctly recall using my Thinkpad's charger with my Switch, prior to giving it to a friend.

edit: Keep in mind that a charger meant for a phone is unlikely to provide anywhere enough power for the Switch. You likely need a charger that implements at least USB-C PD.

View on HN

The issue specifically arises when using third-party chargers and/or docks with the system docked. In docked mode, the Switch draws more power than when undocked, and requests an amount of power which is not the same as the amount of power that it actually expects, or that is delivered by the first-party charger and dock. This can result in bricking your system.

In short, the Switch does not properly implement the USB-PD standard.

There's a nice write-up of the USB spec violations done by the Switch: https://plus.google.com/102612254593917101378/posts/2CUPZ5yV...

I read that the situation is more nuanced than that. The Switch requests more power than expected because USB devices plugged into the dock might use a lot of power. So it needs to make sure enough power is available just in case.

I've heard that third-party chargers work. I could be wrong though.

The problem is that the Switch isn't to spec in regards to how it negotiates power. It generally isn't a problem, but some third-party docks would toast your Switch because of it.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com