Joy-Con Controller Power Issues

The information in this article can help you when: 

• The Joy-Con controllers will not power 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 despite charging them for at least three and a half hours. 

Important: 

• In order for the Joy-Con to charge while attached to the Nintendo Switch console, the console must be connected to the AC adapter and powered on or in Sleep Mode. 

• The 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. 

Note 

• The Joy-Con controllers take approximately three and a half hours to fully charge. 

• When fully charged, the battery duration for the Joy-Con controllers can last approximately 20 hours. This can be shorter depending on the software application and functions being used. 

What to Do: 

1. Reset the AC adapter by leaving it unplugged from both ends for at least 30 seconds. 

   • While performing this step, verify you are using the Nintendo Switch AC adapter (model No. (HAC-002(AUS)) and check for any cuts, kinks, frayed cables, etc. 

   • If any damage is found, or if a different charger is being used, replacing it with the correct accessory may resolve the problem

     • Australian and New Zealand customers can purchase the Nintendo Switch AC adapter from the My Nintendo Store. 

2. With the Joy-Con controllers detached from the console, reset them by pressing the SYNC Button once on each controller. 

3. After resetting the AC adapter and the Joy- Con, attach the Joy-Con to the console, then connect the AC adapter directly to the console and to a wall outlet. 

   • The console screen will power on and the battery charging indicator will momentarily be displayed on the upper left corner of the console screen. 

   • Important 

     • If the battery charge on the console is nearly depleted when the AC adapter is first plugged in, the screen will remain off and a charging indicator will be momentarily displayed on the top left corner of the console screen. If this happens, allow the console to charge for at least 15 to 30 minutes, then press the POWER Button to boot it up. 

     • If the console is not charging at all, troubleshoot it by clicking here. 

4. From the HOME Menu, select Controllers. 

   • The approximate battery charge for the console and any connected controllers will be displayed within the Controllers screen. 

     

     The approximate battery charge displayed on the Nintendo Switch Controllers screen

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

   • Ensure that the console is powered on or in Sleep Mode. 

     • In order for the Joy-Con to charge while attached to the Nintendo Switch console, the console must be connected to the AC adapter and powered on or in Sleep Mode. 

   • If available, use another Nintendo Switch AC adapter. 

   • If available, try charging the Joy-Con using the Joy-Con Charging Grip. Please note this accessory is not included with the console and must be purchased separately. 

     • If the Joy-Con are able to charge correctly using a Joy-Con Charging Grip, but not while attached to the console, there may be an issue with the console. 

Situation Not Resolved 

If the problem persists, the affected Joy-Con may have a issue. 

Please contact us for additional support.