When it comes to Nintendo Switch, there are many different controller options to choose from. You can use the Joy Cons, which attach to the sides of the Switch console and are included in the box.
There are also Pro controllers, which are more similar in shape to traditional controllers. This can make the gameplay smoother. However, all of these controllers have different ways to charge them.
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If you’re looking to play long sessions but aren’t sure about the best way to charge your Nintendo Switch controller of your choice, below are the steps for each controller type available and how to keep them charged.
Charging Nintendo Switch Joy Cons
The Joy Cons that comes with the Nintendo Switch can be charged in several ways. Depending on where you are and how you play on the Switch, one of these methods may be better for you. Here are your options for charging the Joy Cons.
Connect to switch
The easiest way to recharge your Joy Con controllers is to attach them to the sides of the switch. This option is best when you are not currently playing or are playing handheld.
- Attach the Joy Cons by sliding them along the sides of the switch from the top. Make sure the left control is on the left and vice versa.
- Plug the switch into the docking station so the controllers can charge. Make sure your switch is plugged into an outlet and will charge. Also make sure the switch is not turned off or it will not charge. However, they will charge while in sleep mode.
- If you are playing in handheld mode, the controllers will still charge when connected to the switch without docking, but will stop charging when they are half charged to save battery charge of the switch.
Use the charging handle
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Nintendo also sells separate chargers for the Joy Con controllers. This option is ideal if you want to play on your TV, but your Switch controllers need to be charged. This handle is different from the one that comes with the Switch, as it cannot charge the Joy Cons.
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- Attach the Joy Cons to the charging handle by opening the slider at the top.
- Use the USB cable that came with the handle to connect it to the switch via the USB port. The handle should now be charging your Joy Cons.
Use the charging dock
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Another accessory available for charging the Joy Cons is the Charging Dock, which is sold separately by Nintendo. Charging docks are great if you have more than two Switch controllers to charge simultaneously, as they can charge up to four.
- Connect the supplied USB cable from the charging dock to the switch port.
- Insert the Joy Cons into the connectors on the charging dock
- The lights on the top should be red, and when the controllers are fully charged, they will turn green.
- Connect the USB cable to the switch and the other end to the controller.
- The controller should illuminate orange to indicate that it is charging. After charging, it will turn off.
- You can use the controller while charging if you are playing in TV mode. In addition, the Switch does not need to be in the docking station to charge if you want to play handheld while the controller is charging.
- Connect the Pro controller and / or Joy Cons to the charging station.
- Using the supplied USB cable, connect it to the Switch console to charge the controllers. Make sure the switch is powered on and in sleep mode.
- The lights on the top of the charging dock will turn red while your controllers are charging, and turn green when fully charged.
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Shipping Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers
If you’ve purchased one of the Switch Pro controllers, you’ll find that there are several ways to keep them charged. It’s also the best option if you use TV mode a lot, as these controllers have a much longer battery life.
Since there are many third-party controllers out there, there can be many different ways to charge Switch controllers depending on which controller you have. But for Pro Controllers licensed by Nintendo, you can follow the instructions below.
Use a USB cable
Your Pro controller should come with a USB cable that you can use by plugging it into the switch.
Use the charging dock
There are third-party charging docks made specifically to charge the Pro Switch controller. You can find many different versions with many features, but this officially licensed PowerA charging dock charges both the Pro controller and the Joy Con controllers.
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Controller Battery Life
With all the options the Switch has for controllers, you might wonder if it’s better to just stick with the included Joy Cons or buy the Pro controller. It all depends on how you like to play on the Switch console.
Pro controllers have the best battery life – at least 40 hours of use. The battery life of the Joy Con is about half that. If you are an avid Switch gamer, this is probably the reason, among other things, to get the Pro controller.
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It takes about 6 hours to fully charge the Pro controller and about 3.5 hours for the Joy Cons. If you rarely play on the Switch, or prefer to play handheld, it’s best to stick with the original Joy Cons.
Either way, there are so many options for charging Switch controllers that you probably don’t have to worry too much about your game being interrupted by a faulty controller.
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