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How to connect a wireless controller to a Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch may not be a particularly powerful device, but it is very versatile. Gamers on the go can enjoy their Switch titles anywhere, and others can join in locally if more controllers are on hand. Joy-Cons can double as individual controllers, so extra Pro Controllers aren’t absolutely necessary. Let’s review how to connect a wireless controller to a Nintendo Switch.
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To connect a wireless controller to your Nintendo Switch, dock your Switch and turn it on. Connect your wireless controller to the dock with a USB-C cable. This pairs that controller with the Switch, after which you can disconnect the controller from the cable and use it wirelessly.
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How to connect a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to a Switch
If you’re bringing your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to your local Smash tournament — or anywhere, really, it could be your friend’s house — then you’re going to want to know how to sync your Pro Controller up with their device.
Pairing a Pro Controller to your Switch
Believe it or not, after you buy a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, the easiest way to pair it isn’t wirelessly. It’s actually to connect it to the dock using the USB-C cable.
To pair a Pro Controller to your Switch, dock the Switch. The dock should be connected to a monitor via HDMI, and it should also be plugged into an outlet.
Power on your Nintendo Switch. While the Switch is active, use your USB-C cable to connect your Pro Controller to the dock. This will pair the controller.
Once the controller is paired, you can disconnect the controller from the cable and use it wirelessly.
Connecting wirelessly
If your Pro Controller is paired to your Switch, you can press the small black Sync button on top of the controller to connect it. You can also press and hold the Home button to turn on your Switch.
How to pair Joy-Con controllers to a Switch or Switch Lite
To pair Joy-Cons to a Nintendo Switch, all you need to do is disconnect the old Joy-Cons and physically connect the new ones. Once the new Joy-Cons have been paired, you can disconnect them and use them wirelessly.
Can I pair Joy-Cons to a Nintendo Switch Lite?
Yes. However, you must do so wirelessly.
- Turn on your Nintendo Switch Lite.
- Go to the Controllers tab from the toolbar at the bottom of the Home menu.
- Go to Change Grip/Order.
- On the Joy-Cons you want to pair, press the black Sync button at the top or press the shoulder buttons simultaneously (L+R).
FAQs
If you have a wireless controller, the Sync button will be on the top, near the USB-C port. Holding a Nintendo Switch Joy-Con sideways, the Sync button is on the top, near the indicator lights.