If you’re a gamer who’s always on the go, you’ve probably wondered whether you really need a gaming power bank to keep your device charged while you're in the middle of a heated gaming session. Whether you’re gaming on a Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, or even your phone, the question remains: Do you need a gaming power bank?

Let’s dive into the factors that make a power bank for gaming a total game-changer (pun intended!) and whether it’s a must-have or just an extra accessory in your bag.

In this Article:

• Do You Really Need A Power Bank for Gaming?
• When Will a Power Bank for Gaming Be Your Best Friend?
• Battery Care While Playing with a Gaming Power Bank
• Picking the Right Gaming Power Bank: What to Look For
• How to Charge Your Phone (Or Device) While Gaming
• Final Thoughts: Is a Gaming Power Bank Worth It?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s get started!

Do You Really Need A Power Bank for Gaming?

With nearly 3 billion gamers worldwide and mobile gaming on the rise, gaming is more power-hungry than ever. Whether you're on a console or mobile, running out of battery can cut your session short. So, is a gaming power bank essential? Let’s break it down.

How Long Do You Game for, Anyway?

First things first, the length of your gaming sessions can determine whether you’ll need a gaming power bank or not.

• Short Sessions (1-2 hours)

If you're playing casually or sticking to less-demanding games (think indie titles or retro games), your device’s battery should last a decent amount of time. For example, the Steam Deck lasts anywhere between 3 to 5 hours with lighter games. So, if you tend to play for just an hour or two, you might not need a power bank for gaming. But hey, we all know how easy it is to lose track of time when you're in the zone.

• Longer Sessions (AAA Titles)

Now, if you’re diving into AAA games like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Baldur’s Gate 3, you’ll be lucky to get more than 1.5 hours of gameplay before your battery starts crying for help. This is where a gaming power bank steps in, like a trusty sidekick, to keep your gaming session going.

Where Are You Gaming? (Home vs. On the Go)

• At Home

If you’re mostly gaming at home with easy access to a charger (hello, comfy couch and power outlet), you might be able to skip the gaming power bank. A quick plug-in is all you need to keep things going.

• On the Go

But if you’re traveling, commuting, or gaming while out and about (on the bus, plane, or in a park), that’s when a power bank for gaming comes in super handy. Nothing worse than running out of juice mid-mission when you’re nowhere near an outlet, right? A high-capacity power bank (think 20,000 mAh or more) can keep you gaming for hours without worrying about the next stop.

Do You Really Want the Extra Weight?

Power banks can add a bit of extra weight to your gear. If you’re the kind of person who’s always looking to travel light, then carrying a power bank might feel like overkill. But for those of us who like a safety net (and let’s face it, who doesn't want to play for just a bit longer?), it can be a lifesaver—literally.

Power banks also give you the flexibility to charge other devices, like your phone, wireless earbuds, or tablet. So, it’s not just about the Steam Deck or Switch; you’re charging everything on the go!

When Will a Power Bank for Gaming Be Your Best Friend?

There are certain situations where a gaming power bank becomes indispensable:

• Frequent Travelers: If you're always on the move—whether for work or fun—having a power bank for gaming could be a total lifesaver. On long flights, road trips, or in airports where charging stations are scarce, a power bank means you’ll never be stuck without a charge when you need it most.
• Extended Gaming Sessions: If you're planning a marathon gaming session during a long commute or while on vacation, carrying a gaming power bank will keep you plugged in and fully charged for hours.
• Commuters: If your daily commute is longer than 30 minutes, or if you’re playing more demanding games, a power bank for gaming will help extend your playtime. For shorter commutes, you might not need one, but the peace of mind knowing you can top off your device is worth considering.

Battery Care While Playing with a Gaming Power Bank

Okay, so you're gaming while plugged in (or with a power bank)—but what about your device’s battery health? You don’t want to be replacing batteries every few months, right? Here are a few tips:

• Enable Battery Care: Most modern devices (like the Steam Deck or Switch) have a battery care feature that limits the charge to around 80%, which is great for keeping the battery healthy. If you’re always plugged in, this helps reduce battery wear.
• Use the Power Bank for Extended Sessions: Try not to always charge your device fully to 100%. Let the power bank take the strain and charge just enough to keep you gaming—this helps reduce wear on your internal battery.
• When to Charge to 100%: Of course, there are times when you’ll need to top up to 100% (like before a long flight), and that’s fine. Just don’t keep it at 100% for long periods, especially if you're not using the device.
• Frequent Battery Use vs. Plugged-in Play: If you’re mostly gaming while plugged in, then battery care should be on. If you're using the battery more frequently, then charge it fully as needed, but avoid charging past 100% all the time.

Picking the Right Power Bank for Gaming: What to Look For

If you decide a gaming power bank is the way to go, here are some things to consider:

• Capacity & Charging Speed: Look for a power bank with at least 20,000mAh for extended gaming sessions. A higher capacity means you can recharge your device more times without needing to plug in the power bank itself. Fast charging (30W-65W) is also a game-changer, ensuring you can charge your device without losing power. A power bank with 30W or more is ideal if you're gaming with demanding titles.
• Airline Regulations: Planning to take your power bank for gaming on a plane? Make sure it’s under the 100Wh limit for air travel. Power banks in the 20,000-30,000mAh range are usually safe for most airlines, but always double-check the airline’s specific rules. For example, a 27,650mAh power bank is just under the 100Wh limit and can be carried on flights.
• Portability vs. Power: The larger the gaming power bank, the more power it holds. But keep in mind that larger capacity models can get pretty heavy. If you're looking for the best balance, go for something in the 20,000-30,000mAh range that’s fast-charging and relatively portable.
• Multiple Output Ports: Charging more than one device? Look for a power bank with multiple USB-C or USB-A ports.
• Voltage & Current: Match the voltage and current to your device’s requirements. Devices like the Nintendo Switch need 9V or 15V output for optimal charging.
• Heat Dissipation: High-power usage generates heat. Choose a power bank with good cooling features to avoid overheating during long sessions.

How to Charge Your Phone (Or Device) While Gaming

A few of us like to game on our phones (or tablets) while charging. But is it safe to charge while you’re in the middle of an intense session?

• Charging and Heat: The real issue when charging while gaming is heat. Mobile games (especially resource-heavy ones) generate a lot of heat, and charging adds to it. Heat can degrade battery health over time.
• Performance: Some low-powered power banks may not charge your phone fast enough to keep up with the battery drain caused by intense games like PUBG Mobile. Look for power banks that output at least 2A or higher to avoid performance drops.

Best Practice: Charge during downtimes—like when you're waiting for a match or in between gaming sessions—to avoid overheating. If you’re serious about mobile gaming, consider a power bank with a higher output or even cooling accessories to help with heat management.

Final Thoughts: Is a Gaming Power Bank Worth It?

If you're mostly gaming at home, you might not need a gaming power bank. But if you game on the go—during long commutes, flights, or in parks—having one can make all the difference between a dead battery and a gaming marathon.

Final Pro Tip: When choosing a gaming power bank, always pick one that’s compatible with your device’s charging needs. A power bank that supports USB-C PD (Power Delivery) will give you the best experience, ensuring that your device charges quickly and efficiently, even during demanding gameplay.

Happy gaming—and may your battery always be full!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Okay to Charge My Phone While Playing?

Charging while playing won't harm your battery directly, but there are key factors to consider:

• Battery Cycles: Repeatedly charging from 100% to 0% can shorten battery life. Keeping your phone plugged in during gaming reduces charge cycles, which is better for battery health.
• Heat: Playing games generates heat, which can damage the battery over time. Ensure your power bank has heat management, or use a case with fans to help cool your phone.

For optimal battery health, keep your phone charged between 20% and 80%.

Will Playing a Heavy Game Affect My Battery?

Heavy games use more power and generate heat, which can degrade battery life. Use a power bank with cooling or charge in intervals to minimize heat buildup.

Is It Okay to Play and Charge Overnight?

While playing overnight won't ruin your battery, it can cause overheating and affect your phone's performance. Prolonged heat buildup from charging and gaming can stress the battery. Plus, gaming in bed can disrupt your sleep.

Recommendation: Avoid long gaming sessions while charging, especially overnight. If you must, keep the phone on a cool, hard surface for ventilation.

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Power Bank Lifespan: How to Maximize Performance & Longevity

Power Up: The Essential Guide to Choosing the Right Power Bank