The two ways to charge your Switch controllers

Nintendo Switch controllers charge in two different ways depending on which type you own. The Joy-Con controllers (the small ones that slide onto the sides of the console) charge through a USB cable connected to the Switch itself or a power adapter. The Pro Controller (the full-sized gamepad) charges through a USB-C cable, the same type used for many phones and tablets.

Both methods are straightforward once you know which cable goes where. The Joy-Cons do not have their own charging port — they only charge when attached to the Switch or when sitting in the charging grip accessory. The Pro Controller has a USB-C port on the bottom and can charge from any USB-C power source, including your phone charger if the wattage is compatible.

Key Takeaways

  • Joy-Con controllers charge by sliding them onto the Switch console or by placing them in an optional charging grip accessory.
  • The Pro Controller charges through a USB-C port on its bottom and works with any standard USB-C cable and power adapter.
  • Joy-Cons take roughly three to four hours to charge fully when attached to the Switch, and the Pro Controller takes about six hours.
  • You can play games while Joy-Cons are charging if they are attached to the Switch, but the console will charge more slowly.

Charging Joy-Con controllers attached to the Switch

The simplest way to charge Joy-Cons is to slide them onto the sides of the Switch console and plug the Switch into power. The Joy-Cons will begin charging when ready. You can see the charge status on the home screen — a battery icon appears next to each controller name, and it fills as they charge.

This method works whether the Switch is docked, in tabletop mode, or in handheld mode. If you are playing a game while the Joy-Cons charge, the charging will happen more slowly because the console is using power at the same time. A full charge typically takes three to four hours when the Switch is idle, and longer if you are actively using it.

Using a Joy-Con charging grip

The Joy-Con Charging Grip is an optional accessory that lets you charge Joy-Cons while holding a full-sized controller. It looks like a standard game controller with a USB-C port on the bottom. You slide the Joy-Cons into the grip, connect the USB-C cable, and they charge while you hold it.

This is useful if you want to keep playing while one pair of Joy-Cons charges, or if you prefer the feel of a larger controller. The charging grip costs around $30 and is sold separately from the Switch. Charge time is similar to attaching them to the console — roughly three to four hours for a full charge.

Charging the Pro Controller

The Pro Controller has a USB-C charging port on the bottom. Connect any USB-C cable to this port and plug the other end into a power adapter, a computer, or a USB power bank. The controller will begin charging when ready, and a battery icon will appear on the Switch home screen showing its charge level.

You can use the same USB-C cable that came with your Switch, or any other standard USB-C cable. The Pro Controller does not need to be connected to the Switch to charge — you can charge it from a wall outlet, a laptop, or a portable battery pack. A full charge takes about six hours and lasts roughly 40 hours of gameplay.

Checking battery levels before you play

Before starting a gaming session, check the battery status of your controllers on the Switch home screen. Look at the top right corner — you will see battery icons for each connected controller. A full battery shows a solid icon, and a low battery shows a nearly empty icon with a warning.

If a controller is critically low, the Switch will warn you and may disconnect it during play. Joy-Cons typically last 20 hours per charge, and the Pro Controller lasts around 40 hours. If you play for several hours a day, charging controllers every other night is usually enough.

What to do if a controller will not charge

If a Joy-Con is not charging when attached to the Switch, try removing it and reattaching it firmly. Make sure the metal contacts on the Joy-Con line up with the contacts on the Switch — they should click into place. If the Switch itself is not plugged in, the Joy-Cons will not charge.

For a Pro Controller that will not charge, check that the USB-C cable is fully inserted into the port on the bottom of the controller. Try a different USB-C cable if you have one, because the cable itself may be damaged. If the controller still does not charge, the battery inside may have failed, and Nintendo offers repair or replacement through their support website.

Extending controller battery life

Controllers drain faster when you use motion controls, rumble, or play graphically demanding games. If you want longer play sessions between charges, turn off rumble in the Switch settings under Controllers and Sensors. You can also reduce the brightness of the console screen, which does not affect controllers directly but lets you play longer overall.

Store controllers in a cool, dry place when you are not using them. Leaving them in direct sunlight or in a hot car can damage the battery. If you will not use the Switch for more than a month, charge the controllers to about 50 percent and store them — this is better for long-term battery health than storing them fully charged or completely drained.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge Joy-Cons without attaching them to the Switch?

Not directly — Joy-Cons have no charging port of their own. You must either attach them to the Switch console or use the optional Joy-Con Charging Grip accessory. If you want to charge them without the grip, you need the Switch plugged in.

Is it okay to leave controllers plugged in overnight?

Yes. Modern Nintendo controllers stop charging once they reach full capacity, so leaving them plugged in will not damage the battery. However, unplugging them once they are fully charged is slightly better for long-term battery health.

Can I use any USB-C cable to charge the Pro Controller?

Yes, any standard USB-C cable works with the Pro Controller. You can use the cable that came with your Switch, your phone charger, or any other USB-C cable. The power adapter should be at least 5 watts, though most phone chargers meet this requirement.

How do I know if my controller is fully charged?

On the Switch home screen, look at the battery icon next to the controller name in the top right corner. A full battery icon means it is fully charged. You can also check the controller details page under Controllers and Sensors in Settings to see the exact battery percentage.

What if I lose the USB-C cable that came with my Switch?

You can buy a replacement USB-C cable from Nintendo or from any electronics retailer. The cable is standard, so any USB-C cable rated for at least 5 watts will work for charging the Switch, the Pro Controller, or the Joy-Con Charging Grip.