The two ways to charge your Switch controllers

Nintendo Switch controllers charge in two different ways depending on which controller you own. The Joy-Con controllers (the small controllers that slide onto the sides of the console) charge by sliding back onto the Switch itself — they draw power directly from the console's battery. The Pro Controller (the full-sized controller that looks like a traditional gamepad) charges through a USB-C cable, the same type used by many phones and tablets.

Most people use Joy-Cons because they come with every Switch, but if you play handheld games or want a more comfortable grip for longer sessions, you may also own a Pro Controller. Both methods are straightforward once you know which controller you have.

Key Takeaways

  • Joy-Con controllers charge by sliding onto the sides of your Switch console — they do not need a separate cable.
  • The Pro Controller charges with a USB-C cable, which you may already have from a phone or tablet charger.
  • A full charge on Joy-Cons takes about three to six hours when attached to the console.
  • You can play while Joy-Cons are charging, but the console will charge them more slowly if you are using them at the same time.

Charging Joy-Con controllers on the console

To charge Joy-Cons, slide them onto the left and right sides of your Switch console until you hear or feel a click. The controllers will begin charging when ready — you do not need to turn on the console or do anything else. A small LED light on each Joy-Con will glow while charging and turn off when the battery is full.

Joy-Cons take roughly three to six hours to charge completely, depending on how depleted they were. If you leave them attached overnight, they will stop charging once they reach 100 percent and will not overcharge. You can detach them and use them while they are still charging, but they will charge more slowly if you are actively playing.

If you want to charge Joy-Cons without attaching them to the console, you can buy a separate Joy-Con charging dock (sold by Nintendo). This dock plugs into power and holds the controllers while they charge, which is useful if you want to keep the console in your bag or if you have multiple sets of Joy-Cons.

Charging the Pro Controller with USB-C

The Pro Controller charges through a USB-C port on the top edge of the controller. Plug a USB-C cable into that port and connect the other end to a power adapter — you can use the same adapter that came with your Switch console, or any USB-C power adapter rated for at least 5 watts. Phone chargers and tablet chargers usually work fine.

A full charge takes about six hours. Unlike Joy-Cons, the Pro Controller does not charge when connected to the console itself — it only charges when plugged into a power source. You can use the controller while it is charging if the cable is long enough, though most people charge it while not playing.

The Pro Controller battery lasts roughly 40 hours on a single charge under normal play, so you will not need to charge it as often as Joy-Cons. If the controller stops responding during a game, it is usually out of battery — plug it in and wait a few minutes before trying again.

What to do if your controllers will not charge

If Joy-Cons are not charging when attached to the console, first make sure they are pushed all the way in until you feel the click. Sometimes they look attached but are not making full contact. Remove them and try again, pushing firmly.

If the Pro Controller will not charge, check that the USB-C cable is fully inserted into the port on top of the controller. Try a different USB-C cable if you have one — the cable itself may be damaged. Make sure the power adapter is plugged into a working outlet by testing it with another device, like a phone.

If neither controller charges after trying these steps, the battery inside may be faulty. Nintendo offers repair and replacement services through their support website, though there is usually a fee unless the controller is still under warranty.

Checking your controller battery level

To see how much battery your controllers have, go to the home screen on your Switch and look at the top right corner. You will see small battery icons for each connected controller — a full battery icon means the controller is fully charged, and a low battery icon with a red warning means it needs charging soon.

For the Pro Controller, the battery icon appears in the same location when the controller is connected wirelessly. If you want more detail, you can go to System Settings, then Controllers and Sensors, then Battery Levels to see the exact percentage for each controller.

Buying extra controllers and charging docks

If you play with multiple people or want a backup controller, Nintendo sells additional Joy-Con pairs and Pro Controllers through their official store and through most retailers that sell games. Extra Joy-Con pairs cost less than a Pro Controller but require charging on the console or a separate dock. A Pro Controller costs more but is more comfortable for long play sessions and charges independently.

Nintendo also sells a Joy-Con charging dock that holds two Joy-Cons and plugs into any USB power source. This is useful if you want to charge controllers while the console is in use or if you own multiple sets. Third-party charging docks exist as well, though Nintendo's official dock is the most reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but you need a separate Joy-Con charging dock sold by Nintendo. The dock plugs into any USB power source and holds two Joy-Cons while they charge. Without a dock, Joy-Cons only charge when attached to the console itself.

What USB-C cable should I use for the Pro Controller?

Any USB-C cable works, including the one that came with your Switch console or a phone charger cable. The power adapter should be rated for at least 5 watts. Most modern phone and tablet chargers meet this requirement.

How long does a full charge last on each controller?

Joy-Cons last roughly 6 to 20 hours depending on the game and how you play. The Pro Controller lasts about 40 hours on a single charge. Battery life is shorter in games that use more features like vibration or motion controls.

Can I use my controllers while they are charging?

Yes, but Joy-Cons charge more slowly when you are actively using them. The Pro Controller charges at the same speed whether you are using it or not, as long as the cable is long enough to reach your play area.

What does the LED light on Joy-Cons mean?

The LED glows while the controller is charging and turns off when the battery reaches 100 percent. If the LED does not glow at all, the controller may not be making full contact with the console or dock — try removing and reattaching it.