October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

Do Joy-Cons Charge While Docked?

Original Joy-Con charge while attached to a Switch connected to AC power. The standard grip does not charge; the HAC-012 Charging Grip does.
Length2 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Yes. Original Nintendo Switch Joy-Con charge while attached to the console when it is connected to its AC adapter and powered on or in Sleep Mode. A Joy-Con attached to a grip charges only if it is the separate Joy-Con Charging Grip (HAC-012); the standard included grip (HAC-011) does not charge.

What “docked” means for Joy-Con charging

Joy-Con slide onto the rails on either side of the Switch console. In that arrangement, they charge when the console is connected to the AC adapter and is on or in Sleep Mode. The console can be in its dock; the key conditions are that the Joy-Con are attached to the console and the console is connected to AC power. Nintendo estimates about 3.5 hours for a full charge, without specifying a publication year for that figure. Nintendo’s Joy-Con charging instructions cover the original controllers.

Does the Joy-Con grip charge the controllers?

It depends on the grip. Nintendo Switch bundles include the Joy-Con Grip, model HAC-011, which holds both controllers together but does not charge them. The separately sold Joy-Con Charging Grip, model HAC-012, does charge them. Nintendo identifies the two models and their charging behavior.

Setup Does it charge Joy-Con? Power requirement
Joy-Con attached to the Switch console Yes Console connected to the AC adapter and on or in Sleep Mode
Joy-Con in standard Joy-Con Grip (HAC-011) No Not applicable; this grip does not support charging
Joy-Con in Joy-Con Charging Grip (HAC-012) Yes Connect the grip to the Switch dock with the cable included with the grip, or directly to the Nintendo Switch AC adapter

Charging a Joy-Con Charging Grip through the dock

The HAC-012 Charging Grip can connect to a USB port on the Switch dock using its included cable. Nintendo also says compatible accessories can charge through the dock’s USB port even when the console itself is not docked. That is a separate power arrangement from charging Joy-Con attached directly to the console. Nintendo’s dock USB guidance describes accessory charging through those ports.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Switch JoyCon Charging Dock for Nintendo Switch Controller Charging Station
  • Charging Dock for Switch1 JoyCon - Support 4 Nintendo Switch 1 Joycons to charge at same time, or storage your unuse switch controllers. Imitate official track design is simple to plug and unplug, Easy to set up plug and play.
  • Ideal Accessories for Switch - Reliable and durable joycon charging dock. Made of quality ABS material. The matte color design is stylish and simple. Anti-slip rubber pad at the bottom ensure solid and reliable.
  • More Way to Charge Joycons - The joy-con charging base station can provide power by game console, usb charging hub or wall charger. Usb-type c charging port design that easy to power.LED support charging status indicator.
  • Built Protection IC Chip - The switch controller charging dock built smart IC chip that provide over-charging, over-voltage, over-current, short-circuit protection. Fireproof panel design ensure safe to charge switch controllers.
  • Package Description - Include joy con charging dock*1 and 100cm usb-c charging cable*1 and one year quality promise. Note:No any joy cons switch controller include. Product is a charging dock for switch joy cons controller.

How to check whether the Joy-Con are charging

  • On the Switch HOME Menu, select Controllers to view controller charging status.
  • When using the HAC-012 Charging Grip, its recharge LED stays lit while charging and turns off when charging is complete.

If the Joy-Con do not charge

  1. If the Joy-Con are attached to the console, confirm the Switch is connected to its AC adapter and is powered on or in Sleep Mode.
  2. If they are in a grip, check its model number. HAC-011 is the non-charging grip; HAC-012 is the Charging Grip.
  3. If using HAC-012, connect it to the dock with the cable supplied with the grip, or connect it directly to the Nintendo Switch AC adapter.
  4. Check the Controllers screen or the Charging Grip’s recharge LED to confirm whether charging has started.
  5. If the Joy-Con charge while attached to the console but not in the HAC-012 Charging Grip, Nintendo’s troubleshooting guidance says the grip may need replacement. Check the grip setup before assuming the console dock is faulty.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Scope: original Joy-Con, not Joy-Con 2

These instructions apply to original Joy-Con and Nintendo Switch, including the Switch OLED charging path described by Nintendo. Joy-Con 2 for Nintendo Switch 2 are a different generation with separate charging guidance, so do not apply these steps to them automatically.

Best Value
Switch Controller Charger for Joy Cons & Dock Station for Nintendo Switch
  • Display and Charging - Connect the Charging Dock USB cable directly to the charging. You can use your AC adapter to charge it. The switch charging dock is small so it sits neatly beside your Switch Console taking up little space
  • Light Indicators - Transparent light bar can show the beautiful effects.The transparent light bar is red at charging,fully charged or empty is green
  • Easy to Use - Easy slide-in design connects each controller for JoyCon to the charger.It provides stability and keep your controller for joy cons neat
  • Save Time - Charges up to 4 controller for JoyCons simultaneously. Fully charged to 4 controllers simultaneously within 2 hours.Power through the Type C port.Comes with a 3FT Type C Cable.The charging cord fits Galaxy S8
  • Note: Not include Switch Controller for Joy Cons and Console
Rank #4
FASTSNAIL Charging Dock for Nintendo Switch 2(2025) for Joy-Con 2, Dual-Direction Magnetic Fast Controller Charger Station with 9 RGB Light & Charging Cable for Joycon 2 Stand Accessories
  • 【Magnetic Charging Dock for Switch 2 (2025)】Our Fastsnail switch2 controller charger is designed exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 Joycon, the switch2 joycon charger dock features magnetic alignment for effortless charging—no need to distinguish +/- joypads. Securely holds for Switch 2 Joycons in place while preventing damage from repeated plugging. Perfect for quick swaps during intense gaming sessions (Switch 2 Console and Joypads are not included).
  • 【Simultaneous 4-Joypad Charging & Storage Function】This Switch 2 joycon charging dock can quickly charge up to 4 controllers simultaneously, Plug and play charging, A full charge takes about 2.5-3 hours, ensuring you never run out of battery while playing. Ideal for multiplayer nights or solo gaming marathons. Our joycon charger for nintendo2 also serves as a convenient storage stand, helping to keep your desktop clean and organized for Switchfor Sega Game Gear Accessories.
  • 【Customizable RGB Lights with Memory Function】The switch2 joycon charger can enhance your gaming ambiance with 9 vivid lighting modes: 7 static colors + 2 dynamic effects. The switch2 charging stand for Nintendo 2 features a LED button, Touch the button switch light mode, long press 3 seconds to turn off the light. Smart memory function retains your last setting, so lights reactivate automatically when powered on, Can't wait to start the next game adventure for Nintendo Switch for Sega Game Gear Accessories.
  • 【Clear Charging Indicators & Touch Controls】Clear LED indicators light post show charging status of controllers for Nintendo Switch 2 joycon, blue (standby/fully charged) and orange (charging), Let you clearly know the charging status of the switch 2 controller. The touch-sensitive switch allows you to easily turn off the charging and indicators, creating a sleep-friendly environment for Nintendo Switch for Sega Game Gear Accessories.
  • 【Advanced Safety & Multi-Power Compatibility】Our charging dock for Switch 2 Joycon equipped with multiple protection features(overcharge/overcurrent/short-circuit/overvoltage protection) , ensuring a safe charging experience. With various power supply options, including AC adapters, the console dock, or your computer—you can conveniently charge for Joy-Cons 2 wherever you play. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time, we will provide 7*24h friendly service.
Rank #3
Sale
HORI Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Charge Stand by HORI Officially Licensed by Nintendo
  • Officially Licensed by Nintendo
  • Charge up to 4 Joy-Con at once
  • LEDs indicate charge status
  • Plugs into Nintendo Switch Dock
Rank #2
FASTSNAIL Switch Controller Charging Dock for Nintendo Switch for JoyCons
  • 2 SET CHARGER - FastSnail Charging Stand Compatible with Joy Cons is a professional design to perfect fit for Joy Cons. Charge up to for 4 controllers for joycon simultaneously.(No include for Joycons)
  • LIGHTWEIGHT BUT SOLID - Made of high quality materias, lightweight, portable, solid and durable.
  • SIMPLE OPERATION DESIGN - Easy slide-in design & plug and play. Put for JoyCons into the charging dock, and plug it into any USB port, then it will charge. The individual LED lampposts will indicate charge level for JoyCon. So convenient.
  • STORAGE AND DISPLAY STAND - It is safe and convenient to put for JoyCon on the stand and keep your controllers organized and ready for play. It also allows you to display for JoyCons Team.
  • GREAT GIFT - It is a great gift for Switch Gamers. Moreover, If you are not 100% happy with the charging dock for any reason, please contact us. No questions. No charge. No kidding.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How to Turn On Vibrant Visuals in MinecraftMinecraftBlog3min
  2. Best Multiplayer Games for Low-End PCsBlog4min
  3. Minecraft: How To Use And Install OptiFineBlog5min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.