Nintendo Switch Controller: Adjusting The Lights

Hey everyone! Ever wondered how to tweak those little lights on your Nintendo Switch controller? Whether you're trying to save battery, reduce distractions, or just customize the look, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll dive deep into everything you need to know about adjusting the lights on your Nintendo Switch controllers. Let's get started!

Understanding the Lights on Your Nintendo Switch Controller

First off, let's talk about what lights we're actually dealing with. There are a few different types of lights you might notice on your Nintendo Switch controllers:

• Player LEDs: These are the small lights that indicate which player number you are (1 through 4). They're usually located near the bottom of the controller.
• Charging Indicator: This light shows when your controller is charging. It usually turns off once the controller is fully charged.
• System Indicator: This light indicates the status of the system.

Understanding these lights is the first step in knowing what you can and can't adjust. Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to actually change the brightness and behavior of these lights.

Why Adjust the Controller Lights?

Before we dive into how to adjust the lights, let's quickly cover why you might want to. There are several reasons:

• Battery Life: Dimming or turning off lights can save precious battery life, especially during long gaming sessions.
• Reduced Distraction: Sometimes those bright lights can be distracting, especially in a dark room. Lowering the brightness can help you focus on the game.
• Customization: Maybe you just want a different look for your controller. Adjusting the lights can add a personal touch.

How to Adjust the Brightness of the Player LEDs

Unfortunately, Nintendo doesn't provide a direct way to adjust the brightness of the player LEDs on the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons or Pro Controller. These lights are designed to be either on or off, indicating the player number. However, there are a few workarounds and settings you can tweak that might indirectly affect their visibility.

Checking Controller Settings

While you can't dim the player LEDs, it's always a good idea to ensure your controller settings are optimized for battery life. Here's how to check them:

1. Go to System Settings: From the Nintendo Switch home menu, select "System Settings".
2. Navigate to Controllers and Sensors: Scroll down and select "Controllers and Sensors".
3. Check Connection Settings: Ensure that your controllers are properly connected. Sometimes, a poor connection can cause the lights to behave erratically.

Workarounds to Reduce Light Distraction

Since you can't directly dim the LEDs, here are a few creative solutions to minimize their distraction:

• Use a Skin or Decal: Applying a skin or decal to your controller can cover the LEDs, reducing their brightness. You can find these online or at most gaming stores.
• DIY Cover: Create your own cover using a small piece of opaque tape or sticker. Just make sure it doesn't interfere with the buttons or joysticks.
• Play in a Well-Lit Room: Playing in a brighter environment can make the LEDs seem less intense.

Understanding the Limitations

It's important to understand that the player LEDs are primarily designed for functionality – to show which player is which. Nintendo's design philosophy prioritizes this functionality over customization options for these specific lights. So, while the above workarounds can help, they're not perfect solutions.

Managing the Charging Indicator Light

The charging indicator light behaves a bit differently. This light usually appears when you plug your controller in to charge and turns off once the controller is fully charged. Here’s what you need to know about managing it:

Charging Behavior

• When Charging: The charging indicator light will typically be a solid color (usually red or orange) while the controller is charging.
• Fully Charged: Once the controller is fully charged, the light should turn off automatically.
• Troubleshooting: If the light doesn't turn on when you plug in the controller, or if it stays on even after several hours, there might be an issue with the charging cable, the controller, or the power source.

Tips for Optimal Charging

To ensure your controller charges properly and the indicator light behaves as expected, follow these tips:

• Use the Official Nintendo Charger: Using the official charger or a high-quality third-party charger can prevent charging issues.
• Check the Cable: Make sure the charging cable is not damaged. A frayed or broken cable can cause charging problems.
• Clean the Charging Port: Dust or debris in the charging port can interfere with the connection. Gently clean the port with a soft brush or compressed air.

Addressing Common Issues

Sometimes, the charging indicator light can be misleading. Here are a few common issues and how to address them:

• Light Doesn't Turn On: If the light doesn't turn on when you plug in the controller, try a different charging cable and power source. If the problem persists, the controller might need repair.
• Light Stays On: If the light stays on even after the controller is fully charged, try restarting the controller. If that doesn't work, it could indicate a battery issue.

System Indicator Light

The System Indicator Light on the Nintendo Switch console itself also provides important information. While you can't directly adjust its brightness, understanding its behavior can help you troubleshoot issues.

Interpreting the System Indicator Light

• Solid Green: Indicates that the console is docked and outputting to the TV.
• Flashing Green: Indicates that the console is trying to connect to the TV.
• No Light: Indicates that the console is in handheld mode or turned off.

Troubleshooting System Light Issues

If the system indicator light is behaving unexpectedly, here are a few things to check:

• Docking Connection: Ensure the console is properly seated in the dock.
• HDMI Cable: Check the HDMI cable connection between the dock and the TV.
• Power Supply: Make sure the dock is receiving power.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Let's explore some more advanced tips and tricks to enhance your Nintendo Switch experience.

Using Third-Party Accessories

Many third-party accessories can add functionality and customization options to your Nintendo Switch controllers. For example, some charging docks come with their own indicator lights that might offer different brightness levels or colors.

Custom Controller Mods

For the adventurous, custom controller mods can provide even more control over the lighting. These mods often involve disassembling the controller and replacing the LEDs with different colors or brightness levels. However, this is an advanced technique that can void your warranty, so proceed with caution.

Battery Saving Techniques

Since adjusting the lights directly isn't always an option, focus on other battery-saving techniques:

• Lower Screen Brightness: Reduce the screen brightness on your Nintendo Switch console.
• Turn Off Wi-Fi: Disable Wi-Fi when not needed.
• Use Headphones: Headphones consume less power than the built-in speakers.

Conclusion

While adjusting the lights on your Nintendo Switch controller isn't as straightforward as you might hope, there are still ways to manage and minimize their impact. By understanding the different types of lights, troubleshooting common issues, and employing creative workarounds, you can optimize your gaming experience. Whether it's saving battery life, reducing distractions, or simply adding a personal touch, these tips should help you get the most out of your Nintendo Switch controllers. Happy gaming, folks!