How to turn off the Nintendo Switch (and its controllers)

Ophicial Wisdom June 11, 2023

The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid gaming device that can be used both as a handheld console and as a traditional home gaming system when docked. It features detachable Joy-Con controllers and a touch-sensitive screen, providing a unique gaming experience. If you’re looking to power off your Nintendo Switch and its controllers, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re done playing for the day or just need a quick break, knowing how to properly turn off your console and controllers can help you conserve battery life and keep everything in good shape. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to power off the Nintendo Switch and its controllers effectively.

Table of Contents

How to turn off the Nintendo Switch

To turn off your Nintendo Switch, follow these simple steps:

Make sure the Switch is in the main home screen or any other app or game.

Locate the Power button on the top-left side of the Switch’s screen. It is a small circular button.
Press and hold down the Power button for a few seconds until a power menu appears on the screen.
On the power menu, select the “Power Options” by tapping on it.

A new menu will appear with different options. Choose “Turn Off” to shut down the Switch completely.
Confirm your selection by selecting “Turn Off” again on the confirmation prompt.
The Nintendo Switch will now power off, and the screen will go dark.

How to put the Switch into Sleep Mode

To put your Nintendo Switch into Sleep Mode, here’s a quick guide:

Ensure that you are on the main home screen or any other app or game.

Locate the Power button on the top-left side of the Switch’s screen.
Press the Power button once, but do not hold it down.
The Switch will display a quick menu on the screen with several options.

On the quick menu, select “Sleep Mode” by tapping on it.
The screen will turn off, indicating that the Switch has entered Sleep Mode.

In Sleep Mode, the Switch’s screen will remain off, but the system will continue running in a low-power state. You can quickly resume your game or app by pressing any button or touching the screen.

How to turn off the Nintendo Switch controllers

In addition to powering off the console, it’s important to turn off the Nintendo Switch controllers to conserve battery life.

1. Disconnecting Joy-Cons

To disconnect Joy-Cons on the Nintendo Switch, follow these simple steps:

Start by ensuring that your Nintendo Switch is turned on and the Joy-Cons are connected to the console.
Hold the Switch console in your hands or place it on a stable surface.

Locate the small release buttons on the backside of each Joy-Con. These buttons are located right next to the rail that connects the Joy-Cons to the Switch console.
Press and hold the release button on the back of the Joy-Con that you wish to disconnect. While holding the button, gently slide the Joy-Con away from the console.
Repeat the same process for the other Joy-Con if you want to disconnect both.

Once disconnected, the Joy-Cons will become individual controllers that can be used wirelessly or attached to other compatible devices.

2. Powering off Pro Controller

To power off the Pro Controller on the Nintendo Switch, here’s a quick guide:

Ensure that your Nintendo Switch console is turned on and the Pro Controller is connected or synced to the console.
Hold the Pro Controller in your hands or place it on a stable surface.
Locate the “Home” button on the Pro Controller. It is the button with the Nintendo logo located in the center of the controller, just below the screen.

Press and hold the “Home” button for a few seconds.
After holding the “Home” button, a power options menu will appear on the Nintendo Switch console screen.
On the power options menu, you will see an option labeled “Turn Off Controller.”

Use the directional buttons on the Pro Controller or the Joy-Con controllers attached to the console to navigate to the “Turn Off Controller” option.
Press the “A” button on the Pro Controller or the “A” button on the attached Joy-Con to select the “Turn Off Controller” option.
The Pro Controller will power off and disconnect from the Nintendo Switch console.

How to Manage Your Nintendo Switch battery life

To maximize your gaming sessions, it’s important to manage the battery life of your Nintendo Switch effectively.

1. Enabling Airplane mode

Enabling Airplane mode is a useful feature on the Nintendo Switch that can help extend battery life. When you activate Airplane mode, the console disables wireless communication features such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, reducing power consumption.

To enable Airplane mode, navigate to the system settings on your Nintendo Switch. From there, select the “Airplane Mode” option. Toggle the switch to the “On” position, and the console will disconnect from any wireless networks and disable Bluetooth. This is particularly beneficial when playing offline games or if you’re not using any online features.

2. Adjusting screen brightness

Another effective way to manage battery life on the Nintendo Switch is by adjusting the screen brightness. Adjusting the brightness level can reduce power consumption, allowing you to play games for a more extended period.

To adjust the screen brightness, go to the system settings and select “System.” From there, choose “Screen Brightness.” You can then move the slider to the left to decrease the brightness.

Final Words

That’s it! In this article, we’ve discussed everything you need to know about turning off Nintendo Switch and it’s Controllers. If you have further questions, you can go through the FAQ section below or use the comment box.

FAQs

Can I just put the Nintendo Switch into sleep mode instead of turning it off?

Yes, you can put the Nintendo Switch into sleep mode if you plan to resume your gameplay shortly.

How long does it take for the Joy-Cons to power down automatically?

The Joy-Cons will power down automatically after a period of inactivity. The exact duration may vary, but it typically takes a few minutes.

Will turning off the Pro Controller affect its connection to the Nintendo Switch?

No, turning off the Pro Controller will not affect its connection to the Nintendo Switch. You can easily reconnect the controller by pressing any button on it when you’re ready to play.

Does enabling Airplane mode affect game progress or saved data?

Enabling Airplane mode does not affect game progress or saved data. It only disables wireless communication features to conserve battery life.

Can I adjust the screen brightness while playing a game?

Yes, you can adjust the screen brightness even while playing a game. Simply access the system settings and adjust the brightness accordingly without interrupting your gameplay.

Is it safe to remove the Joy-Con controllers while the Nintendo Switch is on?

Yes, it is safe to remove the Joy-Con controllers while the Nintendo Switch is on. The console will automatically switch to handheld mode or prompt you to use the detached Joy-Cons, depending on the configuration.

Does putting the Nintendo Switch into sleep mode save my game progress?

Yes, putting the Nintendo Switch into sleep mode saves your game progress. When you wake the console from sleep mode, you can resume playing from where you left off.

Can I charge the Nintendo Switch while it is turned off?

Yes, you can charge the Nintendo Switch while it is turned off. Simply connect the AC adapter to the console and plug it into a power source.

Can I turn off the Nintendo Switch by simply closing the game?

Closing the game does not turn off the Nintendo Switch. It only exits the game and returns you to the home screen. To power off the console, you need to follow the steps mentioned earlier in the article.

Can I use the Nintendo Switch in handheld mode while it is charging?

Yes, you can use the Nintendo Switch in handheld mode while it is charging. The console will charge the battery while you play, allowing for uninterrupted gameplay.

How can I check the battery level of the Nintendo Switch?

To check the battery level of the Nintendo Switch, go to the home menu and look for the battery icon in the top-right corner of the screen. The icon displays the remaining battery percentage.

Can I turn off the vibration feature on the Nintendo Switch controllers?

Yes, you can turn off the vibration feature on the Nintendo Switch controllers. Go to the system settings, select “Controllers and Sensors,” and then choose “Controller Vibration.” Toggle the switch to the “Off” position to disable the vibration.

Ophicial Wisdom June 11, 2023