- Which Switch controller do you want to connect?
- How to connect Joy-Con (detachable Switch controllers)?
- How to connect a Switch controller (Switch Pro controller or equivalent)?
- Switch controller connection: common issues and solutions
Did you just buy a new pair of Joy-Con for your Nintendo Switch? Are you wondering if it is possible to use a "classic" controller (like the Switch Pro) on a Nintendo Switch Lite? You are in the right place! Whether you are looking to pair your controllers for the first time, solve pairing issues, or synchronize your Switch controller with other systems, this guide is here to help. Discover all our instructions for connecting your Switch controllers.
Which Switch controller do you want to connect?
There are two main types of controllers for the Switch, whether designed by Nintendo or third-party manufacturers like Nacon:
- the Joy-Con, which can be attached or detached;
- the Switch Pro controller (or its equivalents), with a more traditional shape.
Each of these variants has its own pairing method; but don't worry: we detail below the steps to follow for both types of controllers.
How to connect Joy-Con (detachable Switch controllers)?
To a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch OLED console
To synchronize your Joy-Con with your Switch, simply slide them along the rails on each side of the console. This action creates an instant connection: whether you leave the controllers attached or detach them, they will remain paired to your system.
To a Nintendo Switch Lite console
The Switch Lite is a 100% portable console and does not have rails to attach Joy-Con. However, you can still use them wirelessly (for multiplayer gaming, for example). To do this:
- access the HOME menu;
- select "Controllers", then "Change Grip/Order";
- hold the SYNC button on the Joy-Con you want to connect;
- when the Joy-Con appears in the list of controllers, the connection is established.
To a PC
Do you want to use your Joy-Con as a PC controller? Here are the steps to follow:
- enable Bluetooth on your computer;
- in your PC settings, select "Bluetooth and other devices";
- click "Add Bluetooth or other device", then click "Bluetooth";
- hold the SYNC button on the Joy-Con you want to connect;
- in the list of devices that appears, select "Joy-Con";
- when the Joy-Con appears in the list of Bluetooth devices, the connection is established.
Note: Keep in mind that each Joy-Con is recognized as a separate controller! If you want to use a pair of Joy-Con as a single controller, you will need to install dedicated configuration software, such as BetterJoy.
To a smartphone
It is possible to pair your Joy-Con with a smartphone, provided it runs on Android or iOS 16 (and above). Then:
- enable Bluetooth on your smartphone;
- hold the SYNC button on the Joy-Con you want to connect;
- in your smartphone settings, check the list of available devices and select "Joy-Con";
- when the Joy-Con appears in the list of Bluetooth devices, the connection is established.
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How to connect a Switch controller (Switch Pro controller or equivalent)?
To a Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, or Nintendo Switch OLED console
It is possible to pair your controller, such as the Switch Pro or similar, with any model of Nintendo Switch. To connect it:
- access the HOME menu;
- select "Controllers", then "Change Grip/Order";
- hold the SYNC button on the controller you want to connect;
- when the controller appears in the list of controllers, the connection is established.
To a PC
You have two options to pair a Switch controller to your PC.
- If it has a USB cable, simply plug it into one of the available USB ports on your computer. It should recognize the controller and automatically install the necessary drivers.
- If you prefer wireless use, you can use a Bluetooth connection: the steps are the same as for synchronizing Joy-Con to a PC, detailed above.
To a smartphone
Just like with the Joy-Con, only smartphones running Android or iOS 16 (and above) will work with your Switch controller. If this is the case, simply pair your controller via Bluetooth, following the same procedure as for connecting Joy-Con to a smartphone, explained above.
Switch controller connection: common issues and solutions
How many controllers can I connect to a single Switch console?
The Nintendo Switch allows you to synchronize up to eight wireless controllers simultaneously. However, the number of players or controllers usable within a game may vary from one title to another.
How to switch the orientation of Joy-Con?
Joy-Con can be used horizontally or vertically, depending on the games and the number of players. Here is how to change their orientation:
- access the HOME menu;
- select "Controllers", then "Change Grip/Order";
- to play vertically, hold your Joy-Con with the + and/or - buttons facing up, and press the L and R buttons;
- to play horizontally, hold your Joy-Con with the slot facing up, and press the SR and SL buttons.
How to reconnect a turned-off controller?
Press any button to "wake up" the controller and automatically reconnect it to your Switch. If this does not work, make sure your controller is sufficiently charged. If the problem persists, restart the synchronization process (via the "Controllers" menu then "Change Grip/Order").
Why is my Nintendo Switch not detecting my controller?
Check that your controller is charged, and try reconnecting it (via the "Controllers" menu then "Change Grip/Order"). If the problem persists, move away from any device that may cause interference (Internet box, Wi-Fi repeater...), or disable Bluetooth on your other devices (smartphone, tablet...). If this still does not work, your controller may need to be replaced or repaired: contact your customer service for personalized assistance.
Where is the SYNC button on the Switch controller?
On the Joy-Con, the SYNC button is located on the side, between the SL and SR buttons. On the Pro controller, it is on the top, near the USB-C port.
How to reset the Switch controllers?
Hold down the SYNC button for a few seconds. This will reset your controller's connection, allowing you to synchronize it again with your Switch (or with another console) by following the steps above.
