Review: Nyko’s ChargeBlocks keep your Nintendo Switch controllers ready for action

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One of my favorite things about the Nintendo Switch is the versatility it offers. With the system, you aren’t limited to just one method of control, but rather have several different options for playing your favorite games. However, you’ll still need to keep everything charged. Thanks to Nyko, it’s incredibly easy to do just that.

Nyko’s new “ChargeBlocks” for the Switch’s JoyCons and Pro Controller are designed to make it as easy as possible to keep your controllers charged up and ready for your next adventure through Hyrule or battle in Splatoon 2.

ChargeBlock – Nintendo JoyCons

First, let’s talk about the ChargeBlock for the JoyCons. I’ve said before that if you own a Switch, you’re going to want to pick up another set (or two) of JoyCons for family or friends. After all, Nintendo has some of the most fun local multiplayer games available today with MarioKart 8 Deluxe, ARMS, and more.

However, the only easy way to charge the JoyCons is with the Switch, meaning you’ll eventually have a couple of JoyCons run out of power. With the Nyko ChargeBlock, you can easily slip 2 sets of JoyCons into the available slots to keep them easily charged over USB. A wall adapter is included for this, but you can also easily use the USB ports on the Switch’s dock.

Sliding the JoyCons in and out of the ChargeBlock is easy, and I love how well the product’s design goes with the Switch’s dock. It also acts as a nice way to display your collection.

ChargeBlock Pro – Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Alternatively, if you use Nintendo’s Pro Controller, there’s the ChargeBlock Pro. This dock for the Pro Controller essentially adds wireless charging to Nintendo’s more traditional controller. How does it work? A small dongle that is perfectly shaped to the design of the Pro Controller inserts into the USB-C port and extends down with the pins on board. Those pins then get power through the ChargeBlock Pro itself.

The dock itself is simple. You can  drop the controller onto the dock and, as long as you properly line it up, get a full charge. This works great and it’s honestly not difficult at all to line up the pins. I’ve yet to have a single complaint about the setup, but I do with the charging indicator light was a bit brighter and more obvious.

What’s best about these products is the pricing. Nyko charges just $19.99 for either the ChargeBlock or the ChargeBlock Pro. For gamers obsessed with their Switch, I can’t recommend picking these up enough.

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