How to Charge Nintendo Switch Controllers

A charge a day keeps the dead battery away.
Ash Ash (362)
5 minutes

Charging your Nintendo Switch controller is easy enough, and most of them can be charged with a Nintendo AC Adapter. But there are a few additional methods that can help power your Switch devices. First, you'll need to identify what kind of controller you want to charge.

How long does it take to charge a Nintendo Switch controller?

It takes about 3 ½ hours to fully recharge a set of Nintendo Joy-Con controllers.

Nintendo SwitchNintendo Switch ×1

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Nintendo Switch on Dock
  1. Connect the Joy-Con controllers to the Switch.
  2. Put the Nintendo Switch onto the docking station

The Joy-Con controllers will charge while the Switch is docked. Of course, this will charge your Switch at the same time.

Switch charging with AC Adapter
  1. Connect the Joy-Con controllers to the Switch.
  2. Plug the Nintendo AC Adapter into the Switch.

The Joy-Con controllers will charge while the Switch is receiving power from the adapter.

Joy-Con Charging Grip
  1. Connect the Joy-Con controllers to the Charging Grip.
  2. Plug the Nintendo AC Adapter into the Charging Grip.

The Joy-Con controllers will charge while the Charging Grip is receiving power.

Nintendo Switch

If the Joy-Con controllers have a low battery, they will charge off the Switch—even if it's not connected to a power source. However, the charging stops around halfway to conserve console power.

Switch Pro Controller

The Switch Pro Controller comes with a USB charging cable. The cable can be plugged into the back of the Switch docking station.

You can also charge the controller with a Nintendo AC Adapter.

Poké Ball Plus Controller

The Poké Ball Plus controller can be charged using the Nintendo AC Adapter. The controller uses a USB C input and can take up to three hours to charge.

Let’s-a-go!
Ash Ash (362)
0

The Switch is one of Nintendo's most impressive handheld consoles yet. But with mobility comes the need for serious power.