How to Stop Your Joy-Cons from Dying on the Nintendo Switch 2
- lkent47
- Sep 3
- 1 min read
Some Nintendo Switch 2 players are reporting a frustrating issue: Joy-Cons that won't charge or turn back on. The cause? Outdated controller firmware. Unlike older controllers, modern Joy-Cons are packed with advanced tech meaning they need firmware updates just like your consoles do. If left outdated, some Joy-Cons may stop charging entirely and become unusable. Once a Joy-Con 'dies' you may not be able to update or charge it normally—so it’s crucial to act early and update them ASAP.
Avoid Dead Joy-Cons with This Quick Switch 2 Fix
How to Update Switch 2 Joy-Cons:
Go to the Home Menu on your Switch 2
Navigate to System Settings
Scroll down and select Controllers and Sensors
Tap on Update Controllers
Make sure the Joy-Cons are attached in handheld mode
*If you have multiple Joy-Cons, repeat the update process for each pair.
Extra — Reviving a Dead Joy-Con:
If a Joy-Con has already 'died' and stopped charging, you may still have a chance:
Use a Joy-Con Charge Grip (sold separately)
Plug in your Switch with the Joy-Con inserted. This can sometimes jumpstart it, allowing you to run the update afterwards on your Switch 2.
Even if your Joy-Cons seem fine now, it’s worth checking for updates right after setting up your console. A minute spent now can save your controllers (and your wallet) later.