How to Charge Nintendo Switch Controllers

Ash (362)

Nov 19, 2020

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 Switch

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Connect the Joy-Con controllers to the Switch.
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.

Connect the Joy-Con controllers to the Switch.
Plug the Nintendo AC Adapter into the Switch.

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

Nintendo

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

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

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.

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.

Nintendo

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.

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