Surge Protection for Gaming Consoles & Gaming PCs

July 30, 2025

Your Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X, PS5 PRO, and Gaming Rigs, need more than just a wall outlet.

With the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, and other refreshed gaming consoles on the horizon, gamers expect an upgrade that promises better graphics, faster load times, and more immersive gameplay. But before you plug in your new console and dive into the next-generation experience, there’s one crucial piece of hardware you shouldn’t overlook: surge protection. Let’s break down why surge protection is essential for your gaming setup, and what to look for to keep your gear safe.

A modern workspace featuring a wall-mounted Belkin surge protector with multiple outlets and USB ports, plugged in with several white charging cables. On the desk below are a computer monitor, wireless headphones, a wooden accessory holder, a wireless mouse on a pad, and part of a keyboard. The background is minimalistic with neutral tones.

One Bad Power Surge Means No Extra Lives for Gaming Consoles

A power surge is a sudden spike in electrical voltage that can damage or degrade electronic components. These surges can be caused by:

  • Lightning strikes

  • Power outages and restoration

  • Faulty wiring

  • Large appliances cycling on and off (like HVAC units)

Gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X are packed with delicate, high-performance circuitry. A single surge can fry internal components or shorten the life of your device significantly.


Why the Nintendo Switch 2 (and Other Modern Consoles) Are More Vulnerable

The Switch 2 is a major leap in performance, with upgrades like:

  • 4K output in docked mode

  • NVIDIA DLSS upscaling

  • Faster SSD-like loading

  • More powerful chipset and RAM

These enhancements mean more sensitive components, ones that are more easily damaged by inconsistent power. Additionally, with more devices connected (external storage, monitors, routers, etc.), a single surge could take out your entire setup.


A modern conference room setting with a wooden table and two gray chairs. A person is working on a MacBook connected to a slim black power strip with multiple devices plugged in, including phone chargers. A Dell laptop is closed on the table, and a mounted phone stand with a smartphone is placed nearby. The room has large windows with raindrops visible on the glass, suggesting a rainy day outside.

What to Look for in a Surge Protector

Not all surge protectors are created equal. Here’s what to prioritize with your gaming power setup, based on our tips for home office power protection:

1. Joule Rating

This measures how much energy the protector can absorb. Look for at least 1,000–2,000 joules for gaming consoles.

2. Clamping Voltage

This indicates when the protector will start diverting excess voltage. A lower number (around 500V) is better.

3. Response Time

Good surge protectors respond in nanoseconds, offering near-instant protection.

4. Number of Outlets + USB Ports

Make sure there are enough ports for your console, monitor, router, and any accessories.

5. UL Certification

Only buy protectors that are UL-listed (specifically UL 1449 for surge protection).

6. Warranty or Equipment Coverage

Some surge protectors come with warranties that cover connected devices. It’s a bonus layer of protection and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts on Gaming Surge Protection

The Switch 2 is heralding the next generation of powerful consoles. But with great performance comes great responsibility, namely, protecting your investment. A quality surge protector can give peace of mind, and great options from Belkin won’t break the bank. Whether you're a casual gamer or a hardcore tech enthusiast, clean, reliable power to your gaming gear is a must.

Before you plug in, make sure you’ve plugged into protection. Discover our bestselling solutions for sure protection:

Belkin surge protector power strip with twelve outlets, flat plug, and a long black extension cord neatly coiled beside it.

Best for: Full gaming setups with multiple consoles, monitors, and accessories

12-Outlet Surge Protector

Spacious layout with high joule rating provides strong protection for larger, high-powered gaming environments.

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Belkin white surge protector power strip with twelve outlets, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports, featuring a power switch and indicator lights at the top.

Best for: Charging everything from consoles to phones—no extra adapters needed

12-Outlet Surge Protector with USB-C and USB-A Ports

Built-in USB-C and USB-A ports let you power your Switch 2 and charge mobile devices all in one place.

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Belkin white surge protector power strip featuring twelve outlets in a circular and vertical layout, two USB-A ports at the bottom, a flat plug with a coiled black cord, and indicator lights for protection and grounding status near the power switch.

Best for: Versatile setups needing classic USB charging

12-Outlet Surge Protector with USB-A Ports

Ideal for setups with older accessories, smart home gear, and streaming devices.

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Belkin black surge protector power strip with twelve outlets, angled flat plug, two wide-spaced outlets for large adapters, and indicator lights showing protection and grounding status.

Best for: Smaller or shared gaming spaces

8-Outlet Surge Protector

Reliable protection in a compact design that fits desks, bedrooms, or living room setups.

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Belkin white wall-mounted surge protector with six side-facing AC outlets, two front-facing USB ports (one USB-C and one USB-A), three front-facing AC outlets, and indicator lights showing protection and grounding status.

Best for: A compact, cable-free setup

6 Outlet Wall Surge Protector with USB-C and USB-A

Power up to 8 devices with this small space-friendly design—charge Switch 2, laptops, phones, and tablets simultaneously with overvoltage protection.

Shop now

Want to protect your devices with confidence? Explore our complete guide to surge protectors and find the right solution for your home or office.


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