Nintendo Switch Joy Con – Guide to Buying, Prices, and Setup

For anyone looking to buy a new, used, or refurbished pair of Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers, the market in 2025 offers a wide range of prices, conditions, and places to shop. This guide combines purchase guidance, price benchmarks, and official setup steps to help you make the right choice.

Where Can You Buy a Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Pair?

• Most searches combine both purchase and setup, showing a need for a single, comprehensive guide.
• Price comparison sites like Idealo show a broad range (£38–£70) but rarely explain quality differences.
• Refurbished options from CeX and eBay include a 1-year warranty, making them a viable alternative to buying new.
• Joy-Con drift remains a major frustration, and many users ultimately need a replacement rather than just pairing help.
• Nintendo’s official support page is the most authoritative source for setup but lacks pricing and purchase context.

Does Argos sell Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons?

Yes. Argos stocks a variety of Nintendo Switch controllers, including official Joy-Con pairs. Their product pages typically show stock availability for delivery or collection.

Does CeX sell Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons?

CeX offers used and refurbished Joy-Cons. They are known for providing a 24-month warranty on most items, which adds a layer of security compared to private sales.

Where can I find a Joy-Con holder?

A standard Joy-Con grip is often included with the console. For charging, a dedicated charging grip or charging stand is required, as a regular grip alone does not charge the controllers.

How Much Do Replacement Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons Cost?

Official Joy-Con pricing from Nintendo sits around £59.99 for a pair. TechRadar notes that anything below that figure is generally a good deal when buying new. In the US, Walmart lists a pair at $82.50, while Best Buy prices range from $65.99 for open-box units to $93.89 for new sets.

For used or refurbished options, PriceCharting shows a “New” price of $55.00 and a “Complete” price of $64.95 for gray Joy-Cons. Actual prices vary by color and condition, so CeX, eBay, and refurbished listings are worth comparing against official retail if you only need a replacement pair.

Are refurbished Joy-Cons from eBay or CeX reliable?

Refurbished units from reputable sellers, such as Baxtros on eBay, often come with a 1-year warranty. CeX provides a 24-month warranty on used consoles and accessories. However, quality can vary between sellers, so checking the return policy is always wise.

How Do You Pair Joy-Cons to a Nintendo Switch?

Pairing is straightforward. Slide the Joy-Con along the rail of the console until it clicks into place. For wireless pairing, press the sync button on the side of the controller. The official Nintendo support page provides detailed steps and troubleshooting.

Why is my left Joy-Con not responding?

Common causes include a sync issue that can be fixed by re-pairing, a low battery, or internal hardware failure such as drift or a loose ribbon cable. If re-pairing does not work, the controller may need repair or replacement.

How do I replace a faulty Joy-Con?

You can send the controller to Nintendo for repair if it is under warranty. Alternatively, you can purchase a replacement from retailers like Argos or Amazon, or a refurbished unit from CeX or eBay. Nintendo also offers troubleshooting and help-ticket-based repair options, which may be free in some cases.

What Is the Warranty on Refurbished Joy-Cons?

Refurbished Joy-Cons from eBay sellers like Baxtros generally include a 12-month warranty. CeX offers a 24-month warranty on used products. These policies make refurbished controllers a safer bet than private sales, though terms vary by seller.

Timeline: The Evolution of Joy-Con Pricing and Issues

1. March 3, 2017 — Nintendo Switch launches with Joy-Con controllers.
2. July 2019 — Joy-Con drift lawsuits emerge in the US as a class action.
3. October 2021 — Nintendo releases the OLED model, which uses the same Joy-Con design.
4. 2023 — Multiple third-party replacement options become mainstream.
5. 2025 — Current market. New Switch 2 rumors may affect Joy-Con compatibility.

What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About Joy-Con Purchases?

Background: Why This Guide Fills a Gap

The Nintendo Switch Joy-Con ecosystem includes multiple purchasing channels — retail, refurbished, and price comparison sites — along with a well-documented setup process. Many users land on shopping pages first but then need troubleshooting or pairing advice. This guide bridges that gap by combining purchase guidance, price benchmarks, and official setup steps.

Sources and Expert Quotes

“Slide the Joy‑Con along the rail until it clicks into place.” — Nintendo Support

“Prices start at £38.65 for a refurbished pair.” — Idealo price page

“Refurbished in excellent condition complete with a 1-year warranty.” — eBay listing (Baxtros)

Summary: What to Do Next?

If you need a new pair, official Nintendo Joy-Cons remain the most reliable option. For budget-conscious buyers, refurbished units from CeX or eBay with a warranty offer solid value. Should you encounter drift, a simple joystick replacement kit can save you money. For a full overview of the console itself, see our Nintendo Switch buying guide.

Frequently Asked Questions