July 19, 2024, 10:47 am | Read time: 4 minutes

Since its launch in 2017, the Nintendo Switch has posted fantastic numbers. In the ranking of best-selling consoles of all time, it now ranks third, surpassing successful devices like the Game Boy and PlayStation 4. Part of this success is the hybrid concept employed. With the Joy-Cons on the base and OLED models, Nintendo has integrated flexible elements that can be left on the console or removed for control.

Removing the controllers is a key control element in gamessuch as “Nintendo Switch Sports”. However, the Joy-Cons have a significant drawback: They need to be charged regularly. Now, Nintendo has announced a suitable standing charging station for its Joy-Cons. The reactions, including from TECHBOOK editor Marlene Polywka, are rather mixed.

Charging Station for Joy-Cons to Come

The newly announced accessory is something that owners and fans of the Nintendo Switch have been wishing for years. Although the battery life of new Joy-Cons is approximately 20 hours and is generally sufficient, one should not forget to reattach them to the Switch for charging.

Over the years, Nintendo has released various accessories for its console. Among them is a so-called charging grip for the Joy-Cons in a controller design. Curiously, there was never a separate charging station for the crucial Joy-Cons. Instead, third-party providers filled this gap. Nintendo now seems to want to change that and presented a corresponding device on its X account (formerly Twitter).

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The posted images show the corresponding stand, which is powered by a cable. However, it also seems possible to detach the charging station from the base to charge the Joy-Cons lying down or during gameplay. The “dual function” described in the text may refer to this or to the note that NES controllers can also be charged with the device.

Also interesting: All rumors and information about the “Nintendo Switch 2”

The accessory is also supposed to come to Germany; however, not until October 17, 2024. The German price is not yet known, but the price in the home country of the Japanese company is 3,300 yen, which currently corresponds to a little more than 19 euros. A price between 20 and 25 euros is conceivable.

Why Is Nintendo Bringing the Joy-Con Charging Station Only Now?

The announcement caused both joy and amusement on social media. “Seven years too late,” writes one X user. Another points to the likely soon-to-be-released Nintendo Switch 2. So far, almost nothing is known from official sources about Nintendo’s next console. The only certainty is that it’s high time for a successor. Whether it will also come with Joy-Cons and whether they will be compatible with the new charging station is not foreseeable.

Many also dislike the design of the accessory, as Nintendo has attached the cable access to the top of the device. While this may make usage during gameplay more straightforward, in the standing mode, the cable sticks out upward–for many, at least visually, a downside and more of a counterargument to adding the new accessory to the existing setup.