A growing number of Nintendo Switch 2 owners are reporting an unexpected problem with their Joy-Con controllers — the rumble feature is turning off automatically during gameplay. While haptic feedback may not be a dealbreaker for many, it’s long been a highlight of the Joy-Con experience, especially given Nintendo’s marketing emphasis on enhanced HD Rumble in the Switch 2.
Quieter, Stronger — But Too Sensitive?
Before launch, Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2’s rumble would be quieter yet more powerful than that of the original console. This was intended to address user complaints that the original Joy-Con vibration was too loud or disruptive. But it seems that the system’s internal safeguards may now be overcorrecting.
On Reddit, user Wonderful_Guava1533 shared a screenshot showing an alert that read:
“Joy-Con rumble has been turned off due to prolonged use.”
According to their post, the issue first appeared after 90 minutes of playing Tears of the Kingdom in handheld mode. More concerning, however, is that the rumble now disables itself after just 20 minutes of play. And they’re not alone.
More Users Experience the Same Glitch
Dozens of other players commented with similar experiences. Some noticed the automatic rumble shut-off while playing Split Fiction, while others encountered it during The Wind Waker via Nintendo Switch Online. The common thread? All of them were using the Joy-Cons in handheld mode when the haptic feedback failed.
While this issue doesn’t render the console unplayable, it does undermine one of the features Nintendo heavily promoted. And when paired with ongoing reports of stick drift, some players are growing frustrated with hardware reliability.
What’s Causing the Auto Shut-Off?
Though Nintendo hasn’t issued an official statement, the cause is likely a built-in safety feature meant to reduce battery drain or prevent excessive motor wear. Unfortunately, it may be too aggressive, especially for players who spend hours immersed in a single title.
There’s currently no option to disable this automatic shut-off setting manually, leading some to call for a firmware update or setting toggle in future patches.
The Switch 2’s upgraded HD Rumble promised a more immersive gaming experience, but now, players are questioning how useful it really is if it automatically disables after short sessions. Until Nintendo addresses this, users may have no choice but to game without haptic feedback — or keep restarting their controllers.