For all of the newNintendo Switchowners out there, it’s important to know that multiple components need to be charged to fully enjoy the Switch gameplay experience. Not only does the Switch console itself need to be charged to play it in handheld mode, but the two Joy-Con controllers that attach to the sides of it also need to be charged before being used. Luckily,charging Nintendo Switch controllersisn’t difficult at all, and if players follow the necessary precautions, theirSwitchcontrollers should never fully deplete their battery.

How to Charge Nintendo Switch Controllers

The two mini controllers that come included with every regular Nintendo Switch console (sorry, Lite owners) are called Joy-Con and can connect wirelessly to the Switch system or be attached to the Switch to play it in portable mode. There’s only one way tocharge Joy-Con controllers,and that’s by connecting them to the Switch itself.

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Nintendo-Joy-Cons

However, if the Joy-Con needs to charge, the Switch console needs to be charged too. If users connect their Joy-Con to a dead Switch, there’s no juice there to charge the controllers. Because of this, the best way to ensure that Joy-Con are always charged is to leave them on the Switch while it’s charging in its dock or just being charged using the USB-C cable included in the box. Technically, people only need to use the dock if they plan onconnecting their Switch to a television or monitor.

Unfortunately,the Switch Lite modelcannot physically connect with a pair of Joy-Con, but they can be paired wirelessly. As for the Switch OLED model, it works the same way as the original 2017 Switch model when it comes to charging controllers.

switch home screen

How to Check Switch Controller Battery Life

If a pair of Joy-Con (or any other types of wireless controllers) are connected to a Nintendo Switch, here’s how users can check the battery life for the controllers and the Switch itself:

TheNintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and the Switch OLED model are available now.

switch battery life controllers

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