Running out of juice for your Nintendo Switch controller is a surefire way to ruin any gaming session. There’s nothing worse than seeing that flashing indicator on the screen, warning you that your battery is low and your ability to play your favorite Switch games is about to come to a screeching halt. Thankfully, Nintendo makes it easy for players to keep their Joy-Cons charged up and ready for action. Beyond several techniques that work right out of the box, there are also dedicated Switch accessories you can use to power up your controller.
Contents
- How to charge Joy-Cons
- Use a charging dock
- How to charge Joy-Cons while playing
- How to charge using the Charging Grip
- How to charge using a charging case
- How to charge a Pro Controller
- How to charge using a charging dock
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
5 minutes
What You Need
Joy-Con controllers or Switch Pro Controller
And -- if you happen to use the Switch Pro Controller -- you'll have even more options when it comes to keeping the battery full. Here all the different ways to charge your Joy-Cons or Pro Controller for the Nintendo Switch, including the best Nintendo Switch chargers money can buy.
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- The best Nintendo Switch tips, tricks, and hacks
- Nintendo Switch vs. Switch Lite
How to charge Joy-Cons
If you use the Joy-Con Grip as your mainstay Nintendo Switch controller, then battery life will drain before you know it. Luckily, there are a few ways you can charge it. The easiest way to charge the Joy-Con controllers doesn’t require any extra cables, accessories, or shelf space.
Step 1: With the Switch on, attach the Joy-Con controllers to either side of the console until they click. You should see a notification on the screen showing that they’re connected.
Step 2: Ensure the Switch’s dock or AC adapter is plugged into a power outlet. Either connect the adapter’s plug to the USB-C port on the bottom of the Switch or place the Switch in the dock.
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Step 3: Put your Nintendo Switch into “sleep” mode by hitting the power button located on the top. The Joy-Con controllers will not charge if the Switch is powered off completely
Step 4: Wait! Nintendo estimates that it will take about three and a half hours to fully charge the Joy-Con controllers. To see how much charge they have, simply hit the Joy-Con icon on the Switch’s main menu and you’ll see their current charge level.
Use a charging dock
If you prefer to use a charging dock, the process is simple, and you don’t need to leave your Switch turned on.
Step 1: For the Joy-Con charging dock, plug the included cable into the USB port on the Switch’s dock.
Step 2: Place up to four Joy-Con controllers into the dock and ensure the lights on the top are red. When they’ve turned green, the controllers are fully charged.
How to charge Joy-Cons while playing
Want to keep playing on your Nintendo Switch while your Joy-Cons charge? There are a few ways to do that, as well.
Step 1: Take a Nintendo Switch AC adapter and plug it into a wall so that the cord still reaches where you’ll be playing, and plug the USB-C end into the port on the bottom of the console.
Step 2: Attach the Joy-Con controllers and get gaming! As long as the Switch is charging, so are the Joy-Con controllers.
How to charge using the Charging Grip
If you want to play on the television while the Joy-Con controllers are charging, you’ll need to get the Joy-Con Charging Grip. It’s shaped identically to the standard Joy-Con Grip, but can connect to your Switch dock to continue charging the controllers while they’re in use.
Step 1: Use the included cable to connect the Charging Grip to the Switch’s dock, then open the small slider on the top of the Charging Grip and insert your Joy-Con controllers before closing the slider.
Step 2: Play! Your controllers will now charge as you’re using your Switch.
How to charge using a charging case
The S-Charge is a Nintendo Switch charging case that includes its own backup battery similar to that of portable USB chargers, and it can be used to charge the Switch and its attached Joy-Con controllers on the go.
Step 1: With the S-Charge itself charged (it can plug into the Switch dock like a Pro Controller can), press the power button located on the left side.
Step 2: Lift up the flap on the top and attach the Switch with Joy-Con controllers, then close the flap.
Step 3: Your controllers should now be charging! On the Switch’s home menu, tap the Joy-Con symbol to go to the controller page, and it should indicate that it’s connected to a power source.
Step 4: The S-Charge has a battery with more than double the capacity of the Switch itself, so you can continue charging your Joy-Con controllers this way for hours without having to worry about the case running out of battery.
Step 5: When not using the S-Charge, make sure you turn it off by holding down the power button for a few seconds. If you don’t do this, it could be dead the next time you need it.
How to charge a Pro Controller
If you play your Nintendo Switch docked and using the television, you’ll want to invest in a Pro Controller since the battery life is good, but you will still need to charge it after about 40 hours of play.
The simplest way to charge a Pro Controller is to plug it into the USB port on the front of the Switch’s dock using the included cable.
Step 1: Once plugged in, an orange light will light up on the top of the Pro Controller. It should take about six hours to charge fully. When the battery is full, the light will go out.
Step 2: You can continue to use the controller while it’s charging, though the cable is too short for this to work in some setups.
Step 3: The Nintendo Switch does not need to be docked for the Pro Controller to charge. You’re free to remove it and play in handheld mode as you wait for the controller to recharge.
How to charge using a charging dock
If you want to charge the Pro Controller without using the Switch dock, you can also use the Nyko Charge Block Pro for Nintendo Switch, which features a low-profile design that fits anywhere and uses a patented dongle system attached to a USB Type-C port on your controller.
Step 1: Take the included charging dongle and insert it into the port on the top of your Pro Controller.
Step 2: Then take the USB cable (included) and connect it to the AC adapter (also included) before plugging the AC adapter into a wall outlet.
Step 3: At this point, place your controller onto the Charge Block Pro. The light on the front of the dongle should turn orange; that’s your indicator that the charger is doing its job. When your controller is ready and finished charging, the light will turn off.
The method for recharging a Nintendo Switch controller largely depends on the make and model device a player is using. The proprietary Joy-Con controller charges differently than other devices, for example.
Switch controllers charge at different speeds. The time it takes to fuel up is dependent on the equipment you use — some items simply charge faster than others. Other factors can play a role in the recharge rate for your controller. For that reason, it’s best to test out different cables, Switch modes, and more to figure out which setup works best for you and your preferences.
Luckily, finding Switch accessories is pretty easy. If you’re hoping to get back to your game quickly, you could always consider buying a backup controller to use while the other one is charging.
Recent Updates
January 30, 2023: Verified accuracy of instructions; no change in information.
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FAQs
How do I charge the Nintendo Switch Controllers? ›
There is a really simple way to charge the Nintendo Switch controllers – just dock them to the sides of the console itself. As long as the main tablet-like part of the console has power, it will start charging the controllers the second that you connect them and it does not take too long.
How do I know if my Switch controller is charging? ›- Attach the Joy-Con to the console and connect the Nintendo Switch AC adapter.
- From the HOME Menu, select "Controllers." The screen will indicate that the console and Joy-Con are charging.
It takes approximately 3 ½ hours to fully charge the Joy-Con controllers. The Joy-Con Charging Grip (model No. HAC-012) is not included in any Nintendo Switch bundle.
How do you charge dead Joycons? ›Attach the Joy-Con to the Joy-Con charging grip. Connect the Joy-Con charging grip to the Nintendo Switch dock using the USB cable that was included in the box, or connect it directly to the Nintendo Switch AC adapter (HAC-002).
Is the switch controller rechargeable? ›The Pro Controller can be charged in the following ways: While connected to the Nintendo Switch dock. Connect the Nintendo Switch AC adapter to the dock and then to a wall outlet. Note: In order to charge the Pro Controller, the Nintendo Switch console does not need to be docked.
Why won t my Switch controller charge? ›If the Joy-Con controllers are not charging, try the following: Ensure that the console is powered on or in sleep mode. In order for the Joy-Con controllers to charge while attached to the Nintendo Switch console, the console must be connected to the AC adapter and either powered on or in sleep mode.
Why won't my Switch controller charge? ›Unplug the Charging Dock's USB Power Cable and plug it back in. Ensure the controllers are completely connected by removing and re-docking. If your Pro Controller is not charging, ensure the USB-C Charging Adapter is fully inserted into the USB-C port on the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, and re-dock the controller.
Why is my Nintendo Switch controller blinking? ›When your controller is connected to a console, the player LEDs indicate the controller number. Also, when attempting to connect to the console or when remaining battery charge is low, the LEDs will flash.
Do Joy-Cons only charge on the dock? ›A: Normally the joy-cons can only be charged by attaching them to the Switch while it's docked. You can get around that either with this product or with the joy-con charging grip, which is similar to the grip that comes with the Switch but also charges the controllers.
Do Joy-Cons charge wirelessly? ›Wireless Charging Grips for Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Controllers automatically charge when within two feet of Powercast's PowerSpot wireless transmitter without wires, plugs or charging mats. Users never have to dock their controllers, plug into power, or stop playing due to a low battery.
How do I check my Joycon battery? ›
You can check how much battery your connected controllers have remaining under "Controllers" on the HOME Menu.
Does the Nintendo Switch charge controllers while off? ›You can charge your Nintendo Switch when it is completely turned off, but any attached Joy-Con controllers will not be charged in that case. If you want to charge your Joy-Con controllers, please do so in Sleep Mode.
How long do fully charged Switch controllers last? ›When fully charged, the battery duration for the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller can last approximately 40 hours.
How long does Switch battery last? ›For Nintendo Switch, model number: HAC-001(-01) [product serial number begins with "XKW"], the battery life is approximately 4.5 to 9 hours. For Nintendo Switch Lite, model number: HDH-001, the battery life is approximately 3 to 7 hours.
Why my Switch controller won t turn on? ›Make sure you've given your controllers time to charge (allow 6 hours or until the orange light at the top of the controller turns off). If they're still not connecting, you may need to replace the battery in your console or controller. We recommend getting expert help for this Nintendo repair issue.
Why won't my Joy-Con turn on? ›Reset the Joy-Con by pressing the SYNC Button once. Then press any other button on the controller to power it on again. Attach the Joy-Con to the console, ensuring that it is correctly oriented and inserted all the way.
Does a Switch controller need batteries? ›Yes, though keep in mind that if the batteries are left inserted in the AA battery pack then power will still be supplied to the Joy-Con even after it is fully charged. To avoid depleting the batteries, remove them when not in use.
Why is my controller blinking and not connecting? ›3. If Your Xbox One Controller Is Blinking. If you press the Xbox button on your controller and it blinks or flashes, this usually indicates that your controller isn't paired to a console. As mentioned above, this can happen when you pair the controller to another system and aren't in range of it.
Why is my controller not turning on and the light is just blinking when it is plugged up to the Xbox? ›The batteries are low. Just plug in your controller to recharge its internal battery. Once it's charged, the blinking will stop.
Why is my controller charger blinking orange? ›Solid orange means its charging Blinking orange means your controller is not positioned properly for charging.
Do Joy-Cons charge while playing? ›
Without a pair of charged up Joy-Con controllers, your Nintendo Switch isn't going to be much fun. The good news is that you can charge the controllers even while playing, and you can enjoy up to 20 hours of active gaming when the Joy-Con's batteries are fully powered up.
How do Joy-Cons get charged? ›The main way to charge Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons is to simply attach them to the console while it's charging by sliding them down from the top until they click into place either side of the device screen. This can be while it's in the dock, or in handheld mode but attached to the AC adapter.
Can you charge Joycons backwards? ›Yes tou can face them forward or backwards and they will still charge.
How many joy cons can you charge? ›Smart charging station. Powered by USB, the quad charger can support the simultaneous charging of up four Nintendo Joy-Con Controllers.
Can you use your phone as a Joy-Con? ›To use your phone as a Nintendo Switch keyboard and controller, you'll need to install the JoyCon Doid app on your phone. The app turns your phone into a virtual controller once paired with your Nintendo Switch. And if you have many other players who want to join the game, they can pair up their phones.
Why is my left Joy-Con not charging? ›If the Joy-Con are not charging, try the following: Ensure that the console is powered on or in Sleep Mode. In order for the Joy-Con to charge while attached to the Nintendo Switch console, the console must be connected to the AC adapter and powered on or in Sleep Mode.
Why is my Joy-Con charger flashing red and green? ›The charging indicator LEDs will momentarily flash GREEN and then RED to indicate the dock is powered ON.
Should I leave the Switch docked? ›The Nintendo Switch console can be left in the dock while not in use to ensure that it is fully charged. If you put the console in the dock or plug in the AC Adapter directly to charge before the battery is completely spent, it will only count as a partial charging cycle.
Does the Switch charge faster in sleep mode? ›Again, they charge faster when the system is in sleep mode. The Joy-Cons will also charge from the Switch even when it's in handheld mode and not connected to a power source.
How many times can you charge a Nintendo Switch? ›After about 800 charge cycles, the console battery life will decrease to about 80% compared to the battery on a new console. This is normal and does not represent an issue with the console or with the battery.
Which Switch has better battery life? ›
Please check the device's serial number, which you can find on a sticker visible in the window on the bottom of the package as well as on the bottom of the Nintendo Switch console. A serial number beginning with “XK” indicates a Nintendo Switch model with improved battery life.
How often should I charge my Switch? ›Make sure that you charge the product at least once every six months. If not charged for an extended period of time, the battery may lose its ability to retain charge.
How long does it take to charge a Nintendo Switch to 1 percent? ›How Long Does the Switch Need to Charge Before It Turns On? The battery will usually need at least a 1-percent charge before it turns on. A 1-percent charge should be available after 10-15 minutes of charging.
Can I use a switch charger to charge my controller? ›Step 1: Take a Nintendo Switch AC adapter and plug it into a wall so that the cord still reaches where you'll be playing, and plug the USB-C end into the port on the bottom of the console. Step 2: Attach the Joy-Con controllers and get gaming! As long as the Switch is charging, so are the Joy-Con controllers.
Do Nintendo Switch wired controllers need to be charged? ›This is a hard wired controller like the old schooled ones from long ago. It does not charge, no batteries. Only works when the cable is plugged in.
How do you use the Nintendo Switch controller charging dock? ›Using the Nintendo Switch Dock
Connect the Nintendo Switch AC adapter (HAC-002) to the Nintendo Switch dock (HAC-007) or the Nintendo Switch dock with LAN port (HEG-007). Open the back cover of the dock. Connect the USB plug from the AC Adapter into the top terminal of the dock labeled AC Adapter then close the cover.
The Joy-Con controllers take approximately three and a half hours to fully charge. When fully charged, the battery for the Joy-Con controllers can last approximately 20 hours. This may be shorter depending on the software application and functions being used.
Where do I plug in my Nintendo Switch wired controller? ›Make sure your Nintendo Switch System is powered on and connected to your TV. Insert the USB cable into a USB port on the Nintendo Switch Dock. Connect the other end of the cable to the wired controller. Your wired controller is now ready for use.
Is the dock a charging Switch? ›The Nintendo Switch console can be left in the dock while not in use to ensure that it is fully charged. If you put the console in the dock or plug in the AC adapter directly to charge before the battery is completely spent, it will only count as a partial charging cycle.
Do Switch controllers charge off the dock? ›The controllers will also charge as long as they're hooked up to the Switch unit, even if the device isn't plugged into power itself. If the Joy-Con are removed from the Switch, they can be charged with the Charging Grip.
Is it OK to leave my Switch in the dock? ›
The Nintendo Switch console can be left in the dock while not in use to ensure that it is fully charged. If you put the console in the dock or plug in the AC Adapter directly to charge before the battery is completely spent, it will only count as a partial charging cycle.
Why won t my Joy-Cons charge? ›If the Joy-Con are not charging, try the following: Ensure that the console is powered on or in Sleep Mode. In order for the Joy-Con to charge while attached to the Nintendo Switch console, the console must be connected to the AC adapter and powered on or in Sleep Mode.