Joy-Con power problems are not something to be ignored. And players can’t simply ignore such issues as they prevent them from using their Joy-Con controllers. If your Joy-Con battery depletes way too fast or even fails to charge, this will have a negative impact on your gaming experience.
The solutions listed in this guide will help you fix the following issues:
- Nintendo SwitchJoy-Con not charging
- Joy-Con not holding charge
- Switch Joy-Con always low battery
- Nintendo Switch Joy-Con not turning on due to battery problems
Fixing Joy-Con Power Issues For Good
Preliminary checks:
- Connect your Nintendo Switch console to its AC adapter and make sure it’s powered on or at least in Sleep Mode. Otherwise your Joy-Con controllers won’t charge.
- Use only original chargers, don’t use third-party chargers as they might not be compatible with your controllers and console. Keep in mind that the Joy-Con controllers require an original Joy-Con Charging Grip to actually charge. The charging is sold separately.
- Keep in mind that the Joy-Con controllers need between 3 and a half hours or sometimes even 4 hours to fully charge. Try to dignose and fix Joy-Con charging issues only after 4 hours have passed since you plugged in the charger.
Fix 1 – Reset the AC adapter
According to Nintendo’s official support page, the first thing you should do is reset your AC adapter.
- To reset your AC adapter, unplug in from both ends and leave it like that for 1 minute
- Press the SYNC Button once on each controller to reset them individually
- Attach the Joy-Con to the console
- Plug in the AC adapter directly to a wall outlet and then to your Switch
- The battery charging indicator should now be visible in the left corner
- Press the Home button and go to Controllers to check the battery charger for your console and chargers.
After the first step, while you’re waiting, make sure to check the adapter for any traces of cuts or other such issues. If you find any traces of damage, consider replacing the charger.
If your Switch battery is nearly depleted when your first plug in the AC adapter, keep in mind that the screen will remain off with only the charging indicator displaying on the screen. In this case, let the console charge for 30 minutes, and then boot it up.
After a full charge, your Joy-Con battery can last anything from 15 to 20 hours depending on the apps and functions you’re using.
Fix 2 – Test with another AC adapter and charging grip
If you’ve got another Switch AC adapter and charging grip at hand, test to see if you can properly charge your console and Joy-Con using them. If you’ve got a friend who also owns as Nintendo Switch console, ask them to borrow their AC adapter and charging grip for testing purposes.
If you can’t charge your Joy-Con controllers when attached to your Switch but they do charge with a charging grip, this indicates there might be an issue with your console.
Fix 3 – Reconnect your controllers
- Open the System Settings
- Select Controllers and Sensors
- Select Disconnect Controllers and physically disconnect them
- Now, attach your Joy-Con controllers again
- Hold the X button down
- Pair the same controllers again or additional controllers you may have.
If your Joy-Con battery issues are still present , you need to have your controllers repaired. Contact Nintendo’s support team for additional support.