So you’ve just unboxed your shiny new Nintendo Switch 2. The screen looks crisp, the Joy-Con 2 controllers snap on with a satisfying click, and you’re seconds away from diving into Metroid Prime 4 or crushing shells in Mario Kart X.
But wait… 🛑 Before you hit “Start,” there’s one setting you absolutely must change—or your brand new Joy-Cons could become fancy, lifeless thumb holders.
The Joy-Con 2 Bug: What’s Going On?
Early adopters have noticed a terrifying issue: if you don’t update your Joy-Con 2 firmware right away, they can lose all charge and stop responding entirely. No lights. No movement. Just dead plastic.
Some are calling it “Joy-Concoma.” Okay, not really. But they should. It’s that bad.
How to Avoid Joy-Concatastrophe
Here’s your power-up combo to avoid disaster:
Step-by-Step:
- Turn on your Nintendo Switch 2 (duh).
- Go to the HOME Menu ➝ Tap on System Settings.
- Scroll down to Controllers and Sensors.
- Select Update Controllers.
- Make sure your Joy-Cons are attached to the console in handheld mode during this.
🕹 Pro Tip: Do this immediately—even before setting up your Wi-Fi or changing your profile icon to an edgy Waluigi. The firmware update ensures the Joy-Cons can properly charge, stay connected, and won’t randomly become non-functional.
What If They’re Already “Dead”?
Fear not, Nintendo warrior.
If one or both Joy-Cons have already gone flat and won’t charge even when docked:
🛠️ Try This Fix:
- Get yourself a Joy-Con Charging Grip (sold separately, because of course it is).
- Plug the dead Joy-Con into the charging grip.
- Let it charge for 15–30 minutes.
- Reconnect to your console and attempt the update again.
Many players report this method brings them back to life like a Phoenix Down. 🔥
Bonus Settings to Change on Day 1
Since you’re already poking around in the settings menu, here are 3 bonus pro moves to improve your Switch 2 experience:
- Turn on “Battery Health Preservation Mode”
- Helps maintain lithium battery life over time. Great if you’re a heavy user or often leave it charging.
- Enable “Dark Mode”
- Saves battery and looks 100x cooler. (Also gives you +3 stealth if you’re playing Splatoon.)
- Link Your Nintendo Account Right Away
- So your save data and eShop purchases are backed up. Trust me—you don’t want to replay 25 hours of Tears of the Kingdom because you forgot.
First-Time Setup Checklist
| Task | Status |
|---|---|
| Joy-Con firmware updated | ✅ |
| Console firmware updated | ✅ |
| Battery Saver settings adjusted | ✅ |
| Played 5 hours straight without blinking | 🔄 (working on it) |
Final Thoughts
The Nintendo Switch 2 is already shaping up to be one of the hottest consoles of the year, but don’t let an overlooked firmware update ruin your fun. A few minutes in the settings menu could save you from a week of frustration, warranty emails, and awkward Joy-Con CPR attempts.
