The three ways to charge your Switch controllers

Nintendo Switch controllers charge in three different ways depending on which model you own. The original Joy-Con controllers charge through the console itself when attached to the sides of the device. The Pro Controller and Joy-Con controllers can also charge via USB-C cable connected to a power adapter. Some players use a separate charging dock designed for Joy-Cons, which holds two controllers upright while they charge.

The method you use depends on what hardware you have and where you are. If you're at home with your console, attaching Joy-Cons to the Switch is the simplest approach. If you need to charge controllers away from the console, or if you own a Pro Controller, a USB-C cable is your only option.

Key Takeaways

  • Joy-Con controllers charge when attached to either side of the Nintendo Switch console, taking roughly three to four hours for a full charge.
  • The Pro Controller charges only through a USB-C cable and power adapter, not by connecting to the console.
  • A separate Joy-Con charging dock is optional but useful if you want to charge controllers while playing handheld or docked mode.
  • All Switch controllers use USB-C, so you can use any standard USB-C cable and power adapter, not just Nintendo-branded ones.

Charging Joy-Con controllers attached to the console

When you attach Joy-Cons to the left and right sides of the Switch, they begin charging immediately if the console is powered on or in sleep mode. This is the default charging method for most players and requires no extra equipment beyond what comes in the box.

A full charge takes roughly three to four hours. You can check the battery level of attached Joy-Cons by looking at the controller icons in the top-right corner of the home screen — they display as full, half-full, or low. While the controllers charge, you can play games in docked mode by connecting the console to a TV, or you can set the console down and let it charge without playing.

This method works whether the console is plugged into power or running on its internal battery. However, if your console battery is low, charging both the console and the controllers simultaneously will take longer overall.

Charging the Pro Controller with a USB-C cable

The Pro Controller does not charge by connecting to the console. Instead, it charges through a USB-C port on the top of the controller using any standard USB-C cable and power adapter.

Nintendo includes a USB-C cable with the Pro Controller, but you do not need to use the official one. Any USB-C cable works, including the one that comes with the Switch console itself or cables you may have for phones or other devices. A full charge takes roughly three to four hours. You can check the battery level by pressing the home button and looking at the controller icon in the top-right corner of the screen.

The Pro Controller can charge while you play if you connect it to a power adapter with a long enough cable, though most players charge it while not in use.

Using a separate Joy-Con charging dock

Nintendo sells a separate charging dock designed to hold two Joy-Con controllers upright while they charge. This dock is optional — it is not required to charge your controllers — but it is useful if you want to charge Joy-Cons without attaching them to the console.

The dock connects to power through a USB-C cable and power adapter, the same way the Pro Controller does. It holds the left and right Joy-Con in vertical slots and charges both at the same time. A full charge takes roughly three to four hours, the same as charging them attached to the console.

This dock is helpful if you want to play in docked mode with a Pro Controller while your Joy-Cons charge separately, or if you own multiple sets of Joy-Cons and want to rotate them. The dock is sold separately and costs around $30.

What power adapter and cable to use

All Switch controllers use USB-C, which means you have flexibility in what power source you use. The Switch console comes with a USB-C power adapter in the box. You can use this same adapter to charge the Pro Controller or the Joy-Con charging dock by plugging in any USB-C cable.

You do not need to buy Nintendo-branded cables or adapters. Any USB-C power adapter rated for at least 5 watts will work. Phone chargers, laptop chargers, and power banks with USB-C all work fine. If you use a higher-wattage adapter (such as a 30-watt or 65-watt charger), the controllers will not charge faster — they will simply draw the power they need.

The only exception is if you want to charge the Switch console itself while also charging controllers. In that case, use the official Nintendo adapter or a high-quality third-party one rated for the console's power requirements, as cheaper adapters may not deliver enough power for both devices at once.

Battery life and how to know when controllers are fully charged

A fully charged Joy-Con or Pro Controller lasts roughly 20 hours of active play before the battery runs low. Battery life varies slightly depending on how intensively you use rumble and motion controls, which drain the battery faster than standard button input.

When a controller is low on battery, the home screen will show a low-battery icon next to the controller name. You can also check the exact battery percentage by pressing the home button and looking at the controller icon in the top-right corner. When a controller is charging, a lightning bolt appears next to the battery icon.

Controllers do not display a "fully charged" notification. Instead, the battery icon simply stops showing the lightning bolt once charging is complete. If you are unsure whether a controller is done charging, wait the full three to four hours or check the battery percentage on the home screen.

Troubleshooting controllers that won't charge

If a Joy-Con or Pro Controller is not charging, start by checking the USB-C port for dirt or debris. Use a dry cloth or a small brush to gently clean the port on both the controller and the cable. Lint or dust can block the connection and prevent charging from starting.

If cleaning does not work, try a different USB-C cable. The cable itself may be damaged even if it works fine with other devices. Also try a different power adapter if you have one available. If the controller still will not charge with multiple cables and adapters, the charging port on the controller itself may be damaged, and the controller may need to be replaced.

For Joy-Cons attached to the console, make sure the console is powered on or in sleep mode. Joy-Cons will not charge if the console is completely powered off. Detach the Joy-Cons, wait a few seconds, and reattach them to reset the connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can attach Joy-Cons to the console to charge them while also charging the Pro Controller with a USB-C cable and power adapter. You will need two power adapters or a power strip with multiple outlets, since the console and the Pro Controller cannot share a single adapter without slowing down both charges.

Do I need to buy Nintendo's official charging dock for Joy-Cons?

No. The dock is optional. Joy-Cons charge just fine attached to the console or through a USB-C cable if you buy a third-party dock. The official dock is only worth buying if you want to charge Joy-Cons separately while using the console in docked mode with a Pro Controller.

What happens if I leave controllers plugged in overnight?

Controllers will not overcharge or damage their batteries if left plugged in after they are fully charged. Modern lithium batteries in Switch controllers have built-in protection that stops charging once the battery is full. Leaving them plugged in overnight is safe, though it is not necessary.

Can I use my phone charger to charge Switch controllers?

Yes, as long as your phone charger has a USB-C port and is rated for at least 5 watts. Most modern phone chargers meet these requirements. The controller will charge at the same speed regardless of whether you use a 5-watt or 30-watt charger.

How do I know if my USB-C cable is working?

Try the cable with a different device that uses USB-C, such as a phone or tablet. If the cable works with another device but not your controller, the problem is likely the controller's charging port. If the cable does not work with any device, the cable itself is damaged and should be replaced.