As the Amazon Black Friday Sale kicks off, tech enthusiasts have the perfect opportunity to grab the Anker PowerCore 737 24,000mAh 140W Power Bank at an unbeatable price. Priced at just $79.99, this deal offers nearly a 50% discount. If you’re a proud owner of a Steam Deck or an Asus ROG Ally X, this power bank is an essential accessory. Personally, I have been using this model for over a year for my ROG Ally and my kids’ Nintendo Switch, and it has proven to be incredibly reliable through numerous flights and road trips.
Key Features of the Anker 737 Power Bank
The Anker 737 is a robust power bank, measuring 4.6″x2.2″x2″ and weighing 1.4 lbs. While it’s not pocket-sized, it fits perfectly in your travel bag or backpack. This power bank features two USB Type-C ports and one USB Type-A port, capable of delivering up to 140W of power. This means you can use one port for 140W or split the output between devices (for instance, 70W + 70W or 100W + 40W).
When it comes to gaming handhelds, the charging capabilities are impressive. The Steam Deck supports up to 38W, the Asus ROG Ally goes up to 65W, and the ROG Ally X can handle up to 100W. The Nintendo Switch, on the other hand, charges at 18W. The Anker 737 can comfortably charge all these devices at their maximum rates, allowing you to play and charge simultaneously without a hitch.
Understanding the Power Capacity
With a 20,000mAh capacity translating to a 74Whr capacity, and considering an 80% power efficiency typical for power banks, you can expect around 59Whr of usable charge. This means the Anker 737 can fully charge a Steam Deck (40Whr) or an Asus ROG Ally (40Whr) about 1.5 times from empty, the ROG Ally X (80Whr) approximately 0.75 times, and the Nintendo Switch (16Whr) nearly 3.7 times. Hence, a power bank with at least 20,000mAh is essential for high-demand gaming devices like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally.
Travel-Friendly and TSA-Approved
Travelers will be pleased to know that the Anker 737 is TSA-approved, as it has a capacity under the 100Whr limit for carry-on luggage. While the power bank may draw some attention due to its size, I’ve personally passed through numerous airport checkpoints with it, encountering minimal issues. In fact, I was only checked once while traveling through Tokyo’s Narita Airport, and I cleared security without any complications.
Explore an Alternative: Anker Prime 20,000mAh Power Bank
For those seeking a slightly different option, the Anker Prime 20,000mAh USB Power Bank is currently available for just $77.99, following a 40% discount coupon on the product page. This price is the lowest we’ve seen for 2024, previously hitting $89.99 during Amazon Prime Day. The Anker Prime offers significant upgrades over the 737, including a higher power delivery output of 200W and an enhanced charging rate via USB Type-A (65W compared to 18W).
Why the Asus ROG Ally X Stands Out
Since its release last summer, the Asus ROG Ally X has established itself as the premier Windows gaming handheld. Enhancements over the original ROG Ally include a more substantial 80Whr battery for extended runtime, increased RAM, improved cooling systems, double the storage capacity in the base model, and upgraded controls. While it starts at $799.99, this device represents a remarkable advancement in handheld gaming technology.
Should You Buy Now or Wait for Black Friday?
With Black Friday just around the corner, many wonder whether to buy now or hold off for better deals. In this case, it’s likely that these two offers—the Anker 737 and the Anker Prime—are already at their lowest prices. Therefore, waiting may not yield better discounts this year. However, if you’re considering a more compact power bank for travel, it’s worth waiting for additional Black Friday deals.
In conclusion, investing in a high-quality power bank like the Anker 737 or Anker Prime can significantly enhance your gaming experience, ensuring your devices stay powered up during your adventures.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager, dedicated to uncovering the best gaming and tech deals every day. When not on the hunt for deals for others, he’s busy scouting for his own finds in his spare time.
