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Joy-Con Controller Power Issues

Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model

Use this article when:

  • Your Joy-Con controllers will not turn on.
  • The battery charge indicator for the Joy-Con controllers is not displaying correctly while paired to a Nintendo Switch system.
  • The battery charge on the Joy-Con does not last very long.

Before you start

You will need:

  • Your Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch – OLED Model
    • Only have a Nintendo Switch Lite

      Joy-Con cannot be charged using Nintendo Switch Lite. A Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch – OLED Model console or a compatible accessory, such as the Joy-Con Charging Grip (sold separately), is required to charge the controllers.

  • Your Joy-Con
  • Nintendo Switch AC adapter (MOD. HAC-002)
  • Access to power outlet

What to do

  1. Unplug the AC adapter from both the wall and dock/console.
  2. With the AC adapter unplugged, check that you are using the Nintendo Switch AC adapter.
  3. With the AC adapter unplugged, check to see if it is damaged. Damage can include a frayed or split cord, loose connectors, kinks in the cable, etc.
  4. Detach the Joy-Con controllers from the console.
  5. Reset the Joy-Con by pressing the SYNC ButtonDiagram showing the side of the Joy-Con controller once on each controller.
  6. Attach the Joy-Con to the console.
  7. Connect the AC adapter directly to the console and to a wall outletThe Nintendo Switch AC Adapter plugging into a wall socket and the Nintendo Switch console. The console screen will power on and the battery charging indicator will momentarily be displayed on the upper left corner of the console screen.
  8. From the HOME Menu, select ControllersControlesManettesControlesControllers icon selected on the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu Screen.
  9. Check to see if the Joy-Con are now charging.
    • How to check if the Joy-Con are charging

      The approximate battery charge for the console and any connected controllers will be displayed within the Controllers screen, along with an icon indicating whether or not they are charging.

      The approximate battery charge displayed on the Nintendo Switch Controllers screen

    • The Joy-Con charge, but do not charge fully or the charge does not last very long

      The affected Joy-Con will need to be serviced.

    • Joy-Con are not charging

      If the Joy-Con are not charging, try the following:

      • Ensure that the console is powered on or in Sleep Mode. The console must be connected to the AC adapter and powered on or in Sleep Mode for the Joy-Con to charge.
      • If available, try a different Nintendo Switch AC adapter.
      • If available, try charging the Joy-Con using the Charging Grip.
        • If the Joy-Con are able to charge correctly using a Charging Grip, but not while attached to the console, there may be an issue with the console and it will need to be serviced. Please contact us for additional support if this is the case.

      If the issue persists, the affected Joy-Con will need to be serviced.

Additional information

  • Joy-Con take approximately three and a half hours to fully charge.
  • The console must be connected to the AC adapter and powered on or in Sleep Mode for the Joy-Con to charge while attached to the console.
  • Joy-Con cannot be charged using Nintendo Switch Lite. A Nintendo Switch console or a compatible accessory, such as the Joy-Con Charging Grip (sold separately) is required to charge the controllers.
  • To ensure optimal performance, verify that the console has the latest system update.

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