USB-C has now become an integral part of our lives, and pretty much all gadgets have it. But there are still a few devices that the port can’t support, like bulky gaming laptops that need higher wattage to power the hungry components.

This could soon change as the USB-C standard is getting an update. The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) has revealed that the next standard of USB-C will support up to 240 watts, up from the current limitation of 100 watts.

The power delivery specification of any USB-C wire in service today is capped at 100 watts. A few companies like Dell have managed some custom turnarounds like adding 130 watts support, but it’s an isolated case.

Usually, 100 watts is more than sufficient for mobile phones, smartwatches, smaller or portable laptops, power banks, and even tablets. But beefy laptops like a gaming rig require much more energy, and hence, higher wattage. This is the core reason why gaming laptops are accompanied by a brick-lick charging cord that’s considerably heavy.

The 15-inch MacBook Pro churned out a maximum of 96 watts. In comparison, Razer’s 17-inch Blade laptop with an Nvidia RTX 3080 comes with a 230W charger, a feat that USB-C cannot accomplish.

According to Android Central, the new USB-C upgrade will be followed by two types of cables — extended power range and standard power range. This will make it easier for customers to buy a new cable, based on their requirements. The new standard is expected to churn out new cables by the beginning of 2022.

USB (Universal Serial Bus) has a long history of serving humanity and was first conceptualized for keyboards, mice, and other peripherals. Over the years, it enables faster-localized data transfer, charging, and now, supercharging. The port changed its shape multiple times over the decades but continues to be the port of choice for almost everyone.