NES Controllers Will Not Power On
Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model
The information in this article can help you when:
- The NES Controllers will not power on.
- The player LEDs on the NES Controller will not light up or blink when pressing a button.
Important:
- The Nintendo Entertainment System™ controllers can be paired and used wirelessly with Nintendo Switch Lite.
- A Nintendo Switch console is required to charge the controllers.
Note
- It takes approximately 3.5 hours to fully charge the NES Controllers.
- When fully charged, the battery duration for the NES Controllers can last approximately 20 hours. This may vary depending on use.
- You may also find our information on what to do when your Nintendo Switch console is not receiving power while attempting to charge it helpful.
What to do
- Ensure your console has the latest system update.
- Verify that you are using the NES Controllers, model No. HAC-033 (Left) and HAC-034 (Right). The model number can be found on the back of the controllers.
- Allow the NES Controllers to charge.
- When the NES Controllers are charging, a battery and lightning bolt icon will be displayed below each controller on the Controllers screen within HOME Menu.
- When the NES Controllers are charging, a battery and lightning bolt icon will be displayed below each controller on the Controllers screen within HOME Menu.
- Once charged, detach the NES Controllers from the console and press a button, such as the A Button on each controller.
- If the player LEDs do not flash and shut off, or flash and remain solid when pressing a button on the NES Controllers, try the following:
- Reset the NES Controllers
Press the SYNC Button once on each controller, then press a button such as the A Button to power them on.
- Verify if other controllers can charge properly on the console
Attach a pair of Joy-Con to the console and connect the AC adapter.
- When the Joy-Con controllers are charging, a battery and lightning bolt icon will be displayed below each controller on the Controllers screen within HOME Menu.
- When the Joy-Con controllers are charging, a battery and lightning bolt icon will be displayed below each controller on the Controllers screen within HOME Menu.
- Reset the NES Controllers
Situation not resolved
If one or both NES Controllers do not power on after charging them with the console, but the Joy-Con work fine on that same console, the non-working NES Controller(s) will need to be serviced.
