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To check a paired Joy-Con or Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, open the Switch HOME Menu and select Controllers. The screen shows an approximate battery level for each controller paired to the console.
Check a Joy-Con or Pro Controller’s battery
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Wake the console and open the HOME Menu.
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Select Controllers, marked by the Joy-Con icon.
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Check the battery indicators shown for the controllers paired to the console. Nintendo describes these readings as approximate. Nintendo’s instructions cover the controller battery display.
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If a controller does not appear in the list, make sure it is connected or paired with the console; the screen reports battery life for paired controllers.
Controller battery and console battery are different
The HOME Menu’s Controllers screen is where you check controller charge. The console’s own battery percentage is a separate indicator: press ZL + ZR together to show it temporarily, or go to System Settings > System > Console Battery (%) and press A to keep it visible on the HOME Menu. Press A again to turn that setting off. These steps change the console battery display, not the controller indicators. Nintendo Support documents both features.
#1 Best Overall
- Take your game sessions up a notch with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- Handheld Nintendo Switch gaming at a great price
- Comes with charging cable (USB C to USB A)
If a Joy-Con will not charge or its reading looks wrong
The battery indicator is not a diagnosis of battery health. If a Joy-Con will not power on, will not hold charge, or its battery indicator seems incorrect, follow Nintendo’s Joy-Con Controller Power Issues troubleshooting.
Switch Lite cannot charge Joy-Con directly. Nintendo says to use a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch – OLED Model console, or a compatible accessory such as the separately sold Joy-Con Charging Grip. This is a charging limitation; it does not change the menu route for checking a paired controller’s battery. See Nintendo’s guidance.
Rank #2
- HD Rumble 2
- Motion controls
- Built-in amiibo functionality*
- Capture Button
- C Button for GameChat**
The small player-number LEDs on a controller are not the battery-level display. Check the HOME Menu’s Controllers screen for the approximate charge reading.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- This controller also works with Nintendo Switch 2 - C Button not available
- Eight RGB zones with four pre-set modes for dynamic lighting combinations
- Two programmable quick-action back buttons for customizable gameplay
- Built-in motion controls for immersive gameplay
- Ergonomic design for extended comfort
Rank #4
- WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: Get the freedom to game anywhere with a 30-foot wireless range, and without the hassle of wires.
- RECHARGEABLE BATTERY: Save money and never need to buy, or waste, batteries again.
- UP TO 40 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE: Enjoy longer game play before needing to recharge.
- PRISMATIC LED LIGHTING: Customize the look of your controller to match your mood with the full color range and four lighting modes.
- MOTION-CONTROLS: Enhance your gaming experience to play the way the developer intended.
Rank #3
- This Amazon Renewed product is professionally inspected and tested by an Amazon qualified supplier. Box and accessories may be generic.
- Take your game sessions up a notch with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
- Includes motion controls, HD rumble, built-in amiibo functionality, and more.
- Comes with charging cable (USB-C to USB-A)
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.
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