You just dropped serious cash on a Nintendo Switch 2. It’s sleek. It’s powerful. But then you realize something annoying: those fancy new Joy-Con 2 controllers are out of juice, and you’re stuck playing in handheld mode just to charge them. Honestly, it’s the same "problem" we had back in 2017.
Nintendo still bundles the basic, non-charging plastic shell with the console. It looks like a controller, but it's basically a hollow plastic skeleton. If you want to keep playing on your 4K TV while your controllers actually gain power, you need the Joy-Con 2 charging grip.
It’s one of those accessories that feels like it should’ve been in the box. But here we are. Is it worth the extra $39.99? Let's get into the weeds of why this version is actually a massive upgrade over the original one, because it’s not just about the battery anymore.
Why the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip actually matters now
The original Switch charging grip was just a pass-through. You plugged in a USB-C cable, and it sent power to the rails. Simple. The Joy-Con 2 charging grip does that too, but it adds something players have been begging for since the Wii U era: programmable back buttons.
These are called the GL and GR buttons.
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Basically, they sit on the back of the grip where your middle fingers naturally rest. You can map them to almost any other button. Imagine playing The Duskbloods and being able to dodge or parry without taking your thumb off the right stick. It’s a game-changer for ergonomics. If you’ve ever used a Pro Controller or a Steam Deck, you know how hard it is to go back to "normal" controllers once you have back paddles.
The build quality feels different this time around, too. The new grip uses a slightly translucent, clear-grey plastic instead of the matte black "sandpaper" feel of the first generation. It’s a bit heftier, coming in at about 0.6 lbs, which makes the whole setup feel more like a premium peripheral and less like a toy.
The specs you actually care about
- Connectivity: USB Type-C (standard stuff).
- Customization: Dual programmable GL/GR rear buttons.
- Compatibility: Strictly for Joy-Con 2. It won't fit your old 2017 Joy-Cons because the rail thickness and magnetic locking mechanism changed.
- Price: Usually sits at $39.99 at major retailers like Target and Walmart.
- Release Date: It officially hit shelves alongside the console launch, with new stock arriving for the February 2026 color refreshes.
The "Hidden" Feature: Mouse-Style Precision
A lot of people miss this, but the Joy-Con 2 hardware includes a new mouse-style tracking sensor. When you slide them into the charging grip, the grip acts as a stabilizer for this sensor. In games like Mario Tennis Fever, using the grip actually feels more precise than holding the Joy-Cons loosely in your hands.
The grip keeps the controllers at a fixed distance. This helps the console's "HD Rumble 2" and the tracking sensors stay synced. If you’re trying to climb the ranks in competitive online play, the stability of the grip is actually a tactical advantage, not just a convenience.
Is it better than just buying a Pro Controller?
This is where things get tricky. A Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller retails for about $89.99. The charging grip is less than half that price.
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If you already have the extra pair of Joy-Cons—maybe those new Light Purple and Light Green ones launching on February 12—then the grip is a no-brainer. It effectively turns your spare Joy-Cons into a second full-sized controller for local multiplayer.
However, if you only own the pair that came with your console, you might find the constant sliding in and out of the grip a bit tedious. Honestly, some players find the "flex" in the Joy-Con rails annoying compared to the rock-solid feel of a Pro Controller. But for $40, getting charging capabilities and those two extra back buttons is a solid deal.
Dealing with the "Tariff" Price Hikes
We have to talk about the price. Hardware costs in 2026 have been... volatile. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa has mentioned that they are monitoring RAM prices and tariff impacts closely. This is likely why the Joy-Con 2 sets are $99 and the grip hasn't seen the "budget" discounts we saw in the previous generation.
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If you see the grip for under $35, grab it. Retailers like GameStop occasionally have "Pro Member" deals that bring it down to around $22.49, but those sell out within hours.
How to get the most out of your setup
If you decide to pick one up, don't just use it for charging. Dive into the Switch 2 system settings and map those GL/GR buttons immediately.
Mapping L3 (Left Stick Click) to the back left button is a life-saver for your thumbs, especially in games that require sprinting. It also saves your control sticks from the dreaded "drift" caused by clicking them in too hard over hundreds of hours of gameplay.
Also, remember that you don't need the official AC adapter to use the grip. Any high-quality USB-C cable plugged into the Switch dock will work. However, if you want the fastest charge, using a 67W wall charger (like the ones from Onn or Anker) will top off your controllers significantly faster than the dock's USB ports.
Next Steps for Your Setup:
- Check your local Target or Walmart for the Joy-Con 2 charging grip (SKU: 045496886028) to ensure you're getting the official Nintendo model with the back buttons.
- Update your console firmware to the latest version (21.2.0 or higher) to ensure the GL/GR button mapping works correctly in all titles.
- Consider a third-party carrying case that has extra depth; the new grip is slightly thicker than the old one and won't fit in most first-gen Switch 1 cases.