With all sorts of new games releasing, you might be thinking of purchasing a Switch. Even six years after its initial release, and with a handheld version on the market, the original Switch is still an absolutely solid console. If you're used to slotting AA batteries into the Wiimote though, you might be unsure how to charge the Switch controllers.

It's understandable to be confused, given the nature of the Switch as both a handheld and a home TV console. It's liberating to have the choice. However, the joycons are used for both situations, too, so you might be wondering what the deal is with detaching and charging.

We're here to clear up any confusion. Keep reading to find out to charge the Switch controllers – both the regular joycons and the more comfy Pro Controller!

Buy the Nintendo Switch OLED for £294 at Amazon

If you fancy getting your hands on a bargain, check out our guides to the Amazon Spring Sale, including the most useful Amazon Spring Sale UK deals and when does the Amazon Spring Sale end?

Save 20% on the Charging Dock for Nintendo Switch

While we’re on the topic of charging your Switch, you can save 20 per cent on this FYOUNG charging dock – capable of charging up to four Nintendo Switch remotes at once.

It can charge your remotes in under two hours and comes with an LED bar that turns green when the charging is done. It's now on sale for £13.59.

FYOUNG Charging Dock for Nintendo Switch | £16.99 £13.59 (save £3.40 or 20%)

How to charge Nintendo Switch controllers

There is a really simple way to charge the Nintendo Switch controllers – just dock them to the sides of the console itself. As long as the main tablet-like part of the console has power, it will start charging the controllers the second that you connect them and it does not take too long.

If the controllers and the console both need charge, you'll need to connect the whole thing to your power supply. You will have received a charger with your console, and you can either keep this in your dock or just use it like a traditional phone charger cable.

But how long does it take for Nintendo Switch controllers to charge? To hit full charge it will take around three hours, so you'll want to plan your play sessions around that.

But how do I know my Nintendo Switch controllers are charging? From the console's main home screen, click the 'Controllers' icon and it should show you if they are charging on there. If they aren't, try connecting them again and that should do the trick.

Another common question is this: how do you charge a Switch controller without a Switch? The answer is to buy a Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Charging Grip. That special version of the controller grip will allow you to keep playing without having to enter handheld mode. And it answers the question of how do you charge Joy-Cons without a dock!

Buy the Nintendo Switch OLED for £294 at Amazon

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But what if you own a Nintendo Switch Pro controller? Well, you will notice the charging port on the controller and it is a trusty USB-C, a standard charger for many things including most phones that are not made by Apple.

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One thing we do advise, whichever your preferred method is, is to just pop them on charge when you are not using them. If that becomes part of your gaming shutdown ritual then you will never be caught short with that annoying 'battery low' warning then tends to happen at the most crucial part of a game for us.

Nintendo Switch deals

Here are some of the deals we have found at the moment if you are debating going ahead and getting one - and if you love gaming, we highly recommend you do!

Hungry for more gaming? Visit our video game release schedule, or swing by our hubs for more Gaming and Technology news.

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