PSA: If your Switch Pro Controller seems dead, there might be an easy fix

Is your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller dead? Well, thanks to this post on reddit by imnotgoats that’s been gaining traction this week (update note: not actually this week), you might have an option before sending it off to Nintendo for repair.

If your Switch Pro Controller is dead, try the sync button

Although Switch Pro Controllers have a fairly good reputation, it isn’t foolproof. Some folks, even after years of use, have reported that their controllers have entered a weird state where they seem completely dead. As in, the battery seems to be out of operation, and no amount of charging will work (the charging light won’t even come on).

As the reddit thread points out, even swapping docks/cables might not solve the issue. However, upon pressing the sync button, the controller “sprang to life,” and hasn’t had the same issue. It’s such a simple little fix but it’s not something a lot of folks wouldn’t think of in the moment. I mean logic would dictate that plugging it into a perfectly working cable and dock and not having the charging light come on indicates a critical battery issue, but there is one last ray of hope with the sync button.

Someone in the post even mentions they’ve had one that’s been sitting on a shelf for at least a year with this problem! Another good point is that a lot of folks play with it permanently plugged into a PC, and wouldn’t even think to ever press the sync button for any reason.

2024 Update: It could still actually be the battery

It’s been a couple of years since this was first written, so I’d like to add to this PSA with a PSA of my own; it’s getting to be about time to check the batteries in your most trusted controllers. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries like the ones in Switch controllers (not just Pro Controllers) don’t last forever. After frequent recharging and especially if it tends to get hot in your gamer mits, the battery can start to bloat.

A bloated battery might still work. In fact, it will probably still work until it hits a certain point. However, if that battery cracks or becomes pierced, it can let out the gas that is causing it to swell. It can also explode or catch fire. Obviously we don’t want that. So, if you’ve had a controller since 2017 (or whenever) and it’s not working, this is something you’ll want to check into.

Thankfully, the casing of a Switch Pro Controller is translucent. You can see the battery through the back. It’s not the best visual, but the rows of text on it can give you a decent indication if things are starting to bloat in there. If you’re not sure, then checking up close isn’t too much of a chore. If you have a small enough screwdriver, the handles are held on by Phillips screws, once they’re off, there are four more screws and the back battery cover will come off without needing to get too far into the controller’s more sensitive parts. You can then check to see if the battery is bloated. If so, take it out, take it to a place where you can recycle batteries. Usually, Best Buy or Home Depot offers drop-offs. You can then talk to Nintendo about repair or replace it yourself with a CTR-003 Battery.

You definitely want to try the sync button method first. Even for old controllers, battery bloat isn’t a certainty. However, making a visual inspection of the battery through the casing is a good best practice. You want to catch a bloated battery before it becomes a problem.

The Switch Pro Controller is still incredible

The Switch Pro Controller might be my single favorite device of this generation, just because of how stable it is. It holds a charge for…forever, to the point where I just don’t even need to think about it. Plus, the Monster Hunter Rise special edition Pro looks gorgeous, so I get to look down every once in a while and enjoy the design. Functionality and flair: win-win!