Platform: Switch
Release Date: October 31, 2017
Nyko has created another portable charging solution for the Nintendo Switch with the Nyko Boost Pak, a 2500 mAh battery that connects to the bottom of your Switch. One of the special things about this portable charger is that it allows you to dock your Switch without needing to remove the Boost Pak. This feature lets you play your Switch on the TV while your Switch and Boost Pak charge on the dock. The Boost Pak is a good charging solution for the Nintendo Switch that allows you to charge your Switch and the portable charger without changing anything about your Switch habits.
Setup, Design, and Battery Life
Like other Nyko products, setting up the Boost Pak is simple. To connect the Boost Pak all you have to do is attach it to the USB-C port at the bottom. On the right side of the Boost Pak there will be a switch, with the up configuration for charging the Boost Pak and the bottom configuration for charging your Switch. It also has LED indicator lights to indicate the battery life of the Boost Pak. The Boost Pak will not charge if you do not have the switch in the correct configuration. It can charge on the dock and it can also be charged with any USB-C cable. Conversely, the Boost Pak will not charge your Switch unless the switch is in the proper configuration and you press the power button on the Boost Pak.
The design of the Boost Pak is quite simple, it’s a black rectangle the length and width of the Switch. The only thing off-putting about the Boost Pak is that when connected to the Switch, it gives it an extra long chin. This “chin” means that you won’t be able to use the kickstand or place it inside a standard Switch carrying case without removing the Boost Pak first. The Boost Pak is small enough to fit just fine unattached in a case. The Boost Pak is also made of a durable plastic that doesn’t smudge or show fingerprints easily, which I am extremely thankful for.
Like I stated in my Nyko Power Pak review, it’s difficult to give exact numbers on how much extra time you will get to play when using the Boost Pak. When playing Morphite at 50% brightness with auto-brightness enabled, I was able to play for almost an hour and 45 minutes before the Switch started to use the internal battery. At the very least, you will get an extra hour of game time with the Nyko Boost Pak.
Concerns
There are two things about the Nyko Boost Pak that give me pause. First, the Boost Pak is not as easy to connect to a Switch if it has a tempered glass screen protector on. The tempered glass screen protector on my Switch is 0.3mm thick and in order to connect the Boost Pak without damaging anything, I have to press down on the Switch and gently force the Boost Pak into place. It’s not a real problem but if you’re not careful with connecting it, your screen protector may get damaged. My other issue with the Boost Pak is that when you dock your Switch with it connected, the vents on the back of the Switch are blocked because the Switch is raised. After extended playtime, while docked, my Switch fans were loud and the device was warmer than usual. Even after a 4-hour session of Super Mario Odyssey, it did not overheat. I would still recommend being vigilant and careful about how warm your Switch gets when using it docked with the Boost Pak attached.
Unfortunately, I must report some issues I had with the Boost Pak that is more than likely a result of a defective product. A few days after using the Boost Pak, I heard a small clicking coming from the device. Even when it’s off or discharged, the Boost Pak will continue to click. Sometimes the LED indicators would flash full as if it was at 100% charge even after using it to 0%. I’m not sure what is going on with our review product, but either way, I am not comfortable using the Boost Pak while it is in that state. We have emailed Nyko in regards to this issue to ensure that using the Boost Pak does not put myself or my Switch at risk.
Final Thoughts
Even though it gives the Switch a big chin, the Nyko Boost Pak is a convenient charging solution that can give you extra game time on the Nintendo Switch. I love that it’s small enough to be carried easily in standard Switch carrying cases and it has a sufficiently sized battery to give you at least an hour of extra playtime. It’s a bummer that you won’t be able to use the kickstand or that if you have a screen protector you need to be extra careful when connecting it. It’s also important to pay attention to your Switch’s temperature when using it docked for extended playtimes. All in all, though, having an extra 2500 mAh of battery life with me that charges just as easily as docking the Switch is a worthy convenience. We will update this article with Nyko’s response as it relates to the clicking. The Nyko Boost Pak for Nintendo Switch is $29.99 and is available for purchase at Amazon and GameStop.
Review Product Provided by Nyko
