Charge It Up: A Complete Guide to Switch Controller Charging

I. Introduction

If you’re an avid gamer, you know the frustration of having a dead battery mid-game. There’s nothing worse than having to pause your playtime to charge up your controllers. The Nintendo Switch controllers, in particular, have received criticism for their lackluster battery life. But fear not, as we’ve compiled a complete guide to help you charge your Switch controllers effectively and efficiently.

If you’re a Switch owner looking to extend the life of your controllers, then this article is for you. We’ll cover everything from best-practices for charging to DIY options and troubleshooting common charging issues.

A. Explanation of the Problem: Why Switch Controller Charging is Important

The Switch controllers are essential to the gaming experience, and one of the biggest criticisms of the console is its battery life. The Joy-Cons can last anywhere between 4-20 hours, depending on how you use them. With such varying battery life, it’s important to know how to charge them correctly, not only to extend their longevity but also to avoid stressful mid-game charging scenarios.

B. Purpose and Audience of Article

The purpose of this article is to provide Switch owners with a comprehensive guide to charging their controllers. Whether you’re new to gaming or a seasoned expert, our guide will help you extend your battery life and avoid any issues that may arise while charging. Our primary audience is Switch owners of all levels of experience, looking to maximize their gaming potential while avoiding any unnecessary setbacks.

C. Preview of Sections

Our complete guide to Switch controller charging will be divided into seven sections that cover all aspects of charging your controllers:

1. A Complete Guide to Charging Your Switch Controllers
2. Quick and Easy Ways to Charge Your Switch Controllers on the Go
3. Troubleshooting Your Switch Controller Charging Issues
4. DIY Charging Options for Switch Controllers
5. Breaking Down the Best Chargers for Switch Controllers
6. Conclusion

II. A Complete Guide to Charging Your Switch Controllers

A. Explanation of Switch Controller Battery Life

The Nintendo Switch controllers, or Joy-Cons, have a battery life of between 4-20 hours, depending on how you use them. For example, using the HD Rumble and the IR Motion Camera can reduce the battery life to around 4-5 hours. In contrast, deactivating vibration, motion controls, and using lower brightness can help double the battery life, lasting up to 20 hours.

B. Tips for Maximizing Battery Life

You can improve the battery life of your Switch controllers by:

1. Reducing Brightness
2. Disabling Vibration
3. Reducing Sound Effects

C. Best Practices for Charging Switch Controllers

Here are some useful tips for charging your Switch controllers:

1. Use the Official Nintendo Charger – using an unofficial charger can lead to damage to your controllers, and in some cases, overheating or fire hazards.
2. Avoid Using Third-Party Chargers – third-party chargers might be cheaper, but they’re also more prone to failure, overheating, and low-quality charging.

D. Usage of Joy-Con Charging Dock

The Joy-Con charging dock is an essential accessory that lets you charge multiple controllers at once. It’s an easy-to-use device that does not require the use of cables, making it convenient for charging your controllers in-between gaming sessions.

III. Quick and Easy Ways to Charge Your Switch Controllers on the Go

A. Portable Charging Solutions

If you’re the type that wants to game while on the go, you’ll need a reliable way to charge your controllers. Here are some portable charging solutions:

1. Power Banks – portable battery packs that can charge your Switch controllers, smartphones, and tablets. They’re easy to carry and can be charged via USB.
2. Charging Cables – carry a USB cable with you alongside a power bank, or accessories such as laptop battery charging, or USB wall chargers.

B. Comparison of Charging Options for Portable Gaming

Out of the portable charging solutions discussed above, the most convenient is a power bank. Power banks are small, so they can be carried around with ease, and they can also keep your other devices powered up along with your controllers. You can also find power banks with a built-in stand that props up your device while gaming.

C. DIY Charging Solutions

If you’re more interested in DIY opportunities, here are some suggestions:

1. Solar-Powered Chargers – devices that can be charged with the help of sunlight and can hold a charge to provide power to your Switch controllers.
2. Hand-Crank Chargers – devices that operate manual rotation and can generate electrical energy to power the Switch controllers.
3. Wireless Chargers – charging pads that use electromagnetic induction to charge compatible devices without the need for cables.

IV. Troubleshooting Your Switch Controller Charging Issues

A. Common Issues with Switch Controller Charging

Over time, you may encounter some issues when charging your Switch controllers. These can include:

1. The controllers not charging correctly
2. The controllers not holding a charge
3. The controllers over-heating when charging

B. Diagnostic Steps for Fixing Charging Issues

Here are some possible solutions for troubleshooting your charging issues:

1. Cleaning Your Controllers – controllers with debris or dirt on them may not function optimally. Clean your Switch controllers with a dry microfibre cloth or alcohol wipe gently.
2. Resetting the Battery – press the small reset button at the back of your controller in between the ZR and the minus (-) button
3. Charging with a Different Charger – the USB port on the controller may be faulty, so try using another charger or AC adaptor.

C. When to Consider Seeking Professional Help

If none of these solutions fixes your Switch controller charging issues, you should consider seeking professional help from the Nintendo service centre or purchasing a new controller altogether.

V. DIY Charging Options for Switch Controllers

A. Benefits of DIY Chargers

DIY chargers can be cost-effective and free from charging infrastructures. Additionally, these DIY solutions can sometimes serve as backups if you can’t access a conventional charger or a power source.

B. Best Materials for DIY Chargers

The ideal material or component for DIY chargers is the parts, which are easy to source and won’t be a significant drain on resources. Semi-affordable materials such as affordable solar panels and circuitry kits, which can be found online.

C. Comparison of DIY Charging Solutions

If you’re considering making your Switch controllers, you may want to compare a few different options to find the best one for your needs. Here are some options:

1. Solar-Powered Chargers – as noted earlier, solar devices can be handy when you want to charge your controllers outdoors or when you can’t find a power source.
2. Hand-Crank Chargers – with this DIY project, you’ll need to attach a motor/generator to a hand crank to create electrical energy to charge your devices, including your Switch controllers.
3. Wireless Chargers – to make your own wireless charger, you’ll need to purchase an electromagnetic induction charging kit and attach it to a charging pad that can accommodate your Switch controllers.

VI. Breaking Down the Best Chargers for Switch Controllers

A. A Comprehensive Review of the Top Charging Options on the Market

There are many chargers on the market that promise to keep your Switch controllers charged up and ready to go. Here are our top picks based on durability and charging speed:

1. Official Nintendo Charger – the official charger comes with your Switch and is the most reliable option for charging your controllers.
2. Anker PowerCore 20100 Nintendo Switch Edition – it boasts up to 15 hours of charge time for your Switch controllers, smartphone, and tablet, and it charges quickly.
3. Nyko Power Pak and Dock – this dock charges both Joy-Con and Pro controllers at once, with touch charging capability and a low profile that makes it perfect for gaming on the go.

B. Comparison of Chargers based on Price, Durability, and Charging Speed

Here’s how these chargers compare based on price, durability, and charging speed:

C. Additional Considerations for Choosing a Charger

Considerations to keep in mind when deciding on a charger include:

1. Portability- if you plan to travel with your charger, go for a portable, lightweight option.
2. Compatibility – ensure that the charger you choose is suitable for your Switch model and any other devices you plan on charging together with the controllers.

VII. Conclusion

A. Highlights of the Article

We hope you found this guide to Switch controller charging helpful. We’ve covered a lot of information, including:

1. A complete guide to charging your Switch controllers
2. Quick and easy ways to charge your Switch controllers on the go
3. Troubleshooting your Switch controller charging issues
4. DIY charging options for Switch controllers
5. Breaking down the best chargers for Switch controllers

B. Final Thoughts

The Nintendo Switch is an excellent gaming console, and its controllers are an essential part of the experience. With our complete guide, you’ll be able to keep your controllers charged without any stress.

C. Call to Action for Readers

Bookmark this article as a reference guide and share it with other Nintendo Switch owners. By following our tips, you’ll be able to extend the battery life of your controllers and enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions.