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 ones that slide onto the sides of the console) charge through a USB cable connected directly to them or to the console itself. The Pro Controller (the full-sized gamepad) charges through a USB-C cable, the same type used by many phones and tablets.

Both methods are straightforward once you know which cable goes where. The confusion usually comes from not realizing you have options — you don't have to use the console to charge the Joy-Cons, and you don't need a special dock or cradle for either controller type.

Key Takeaways

  • Joy-Con controllers charge by connecting a USB cable directly to the controllers themselves or by sliding them onto the console while it charges.
  • The Pro Controller charges through a USB-C cable, which is the same connector found on most modern phones and many other devices.
  • You can charge Joy-Cons while playing by leaving them attached to the console, and the console will charge them at the same time.
  • A full charge on Joy-Cons takes about three to six hours, while a Pro Controller takes about the same time.

Charging Joy-Con controllers with the console

The easiest way to charge Joy-Cons is to slide them back onto the sides of the Switch console. When the console is plugged in or docked, the Joy-Cons charge automatically. You don't need to do anything special — just attach them and the charging begins.

This method works whether the console itself is powered on or off. If you're playing handheld mode and the console is plugged in, your Joy-Cons charge while you play. This is the most common way people charge their controllers because it requires no extra cables or setup.

Charging Joy-Con controllers with a USB cable

You can also charge Joy-Cons without the console by using a USB cable. Nintendo sells a Joy-Con Charging Grip (a controller grip with a built-in USB port) for this purpose, but you don't have to buy one. A standard USB-C to USB-A cable works directly on the Joy-Cons themselves — there's a small USB-C port on the bottom of each controller.

Plug the USB-C cable into the bottom of the Joy-Con, then plug the other end into any USB power source: a wall adapter, a computer, a portable battery pack, or even a car charger. The controller will charge whether it's attached to anything or not. This is useful if you want to charge one controller while using the other, or if you're away from your console.

Charging the Pro Controller

The Pro Controller has a USB-C port on the top edge. Plug a USB-C cable into this port and connect the other end to any standard USB power source. The controller will charge immediately — you'll see a light indicator on the front that shows charging status.

Unlike Joy-Cons, the Pro Controller does not charge by connecting to the console. It only charges through the USB-C cable. You can use the same USB-C cable that came with your Switch console, or any other USB-C cable you have on hand. The Pro Controller takes roughly the same time to fully charge as Joy-Cons do, usually three to six hours depending on how depleted the battery was.

How long charging takes and how to check battery level

Joy-Cons and the Pro Controller both take three to six hours for a full charge from completely empty. The time varies based on how much battery is left and what power source you're using. A wall outlet charges faster than a computer USB port.

To check the battery level of your controllers, go to the Switch home screen and look at the top right corner. You'll see small battery icons for each connected controller showing roughly how much charge remains. The Pro Controller also has LED lights on the front that indicate charging status while plugged in — a solid light means it's charging, and the light turns off when the battery is full.

Troubleshooting controllers that won't charge

If a controller isn't charging, first check that the cable is actually plugged in at both ends. Look at the USB-C port on the controller itself — it should be clean and free of lint or debris. If you see anything inside the port, use a dry cotton swab or compressed air to gently clean it out. Do not use water or push anything sharp into the port.

Try a different USB cable if you have one available. Sometimes the cable is damaged even if it looks fine. If the controller still won't charge with a different cable, try charging it with the console instead (for Joy-Cons) or leave it plugged in for at least 30 minutes — occasionally a completely dead battery needs time to begin accepting a charge again. If nothing works after that, the battery itself may have failed and the controller may need replacement.

When to replace your controller battery

Joy-Con and Pro Controller batteries degrade over time with normal use. After two to three years of regular play, you might notice the battery doesn't hold a charge as long as it used to. When this happens, you have two choices: buy a replacement controller, or replace just the battery inside.

Nintendo does not officially sell replacement batteries for consumers, but third-party batteries are available online and are relatively inexpensive. Replacing the battery yourself requires opening the controller with a small screwdriver, which is straightforward but voids any remaining warranty. Many game stores and repair shops also offer battery replacement services if you'd rather not open the controller yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge Joy-Cons and the Pro Controller at the same time?

Yes. You can charge Joy-Cons by sliding them onto the console while the console charges, and simultaneously charge the Pro Controller with a separate USB-C cable plugged into a wall outlet or other power source. You just need two power sources available.

What if I don't have a USB-C cable for the Pro Controller?

USB-C cables are standard now and inexpensive. You can buy one at any electronics store, or use a cable from another device like a phone or tablet if it's USB-C. The cable that came with your Switch console also works for the Pro Controller.

Do Joy-Cons charge faster when attached to the console or with a cable?

Charging speed is roughly the same either way. The main difference is the power source — a wall outlet charges faster than a computer USB port. Using a wall adapter with a USB-C cable will charge Joy-Cons about as quickly as sliding them onto a docked console.

Can I play while my Joy-Cons charge on the console?

Yes. When Joy-Cons are attached to the console and the console is plugged in, the controllers charge while you play in handheld mode. You can also detach them and use a Pro Controller or other controllers while the Joy-Cons charge on the console.

Why is my controller showing a low battery icon even though I just charged it?

The battery may not have fully charged. Leave it plugged in for the full three to six hours. If it still shows low after a complete charge cycle, the battery may be degraded and nearing the end of its lifespan, which is normal after a few years of use.