Connect New Controllers To Nintendo Switch: A Quick Guide

Hey guys! Getting ready to level up your gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch? One of the first steps is connecting those extra controllers so your friends can join in on the fun. Whether you're adding Joy-Cons, Pro Controllers, or third-party options, getting everything synced up is super easy. Let's dive into how to connect new controllers to your Nintendo Switch, making sure you're all set for some epic multiplayer action!

Pairing Joy-Cons to Your Nintendo Switch

So, you've got a brand new pair of Joy-Cons and you're itching to get them connected to your Nintendo Switch? No sweat! The process is incredibly straightforward, and Nintendo has made it super user-friendly. First off, make sure your Nintendo Switch is powered on. You can either have it docked or in handheld mode—either way works just fine. Now, head over to the 'Controllers' option in the main menu. You'll see a few different choices, but the one you're looking for is 'Change Grip/Order'. Go ahead and select that.

Once you're in the 'Change Grip/Order' screen, the Switch will start searching for controllers. This is where the magic happens! Take your new Joy-Cons and look for the small, round 'Sync' button located on the top edge, between the SL and SR buttons. Press and hold this button on each Joy-Con for a few seconds. You'll see the lights on the Joy-Con start flashing, indicating that it's in pairing mode. Keep holding the button until the lights stop flashing and remain steadily lit. This means the Joy-Con has successfully paired with your Switch.

Now, here's a little pro tip: You can use Joy-Cons in a couple of different ways. If you want to use them as a single, combined controller, simply slide both Joy-Cons onto the sides of your Nintendo Switch console until they click into place. The Switch will automatically recognize them as a single controller. Alternatively, you can use each Joy-Con as a separate, individual controller. This is perfect for two-player games where each person gets their own controller. In this case, just keep them detached and hold them horizontally. The SL and SR buttons become the new shoulder buttons.

What if you're having a bit of trouble? Sometimes, technology can be a little finicky. If your Joy-Cons aren't pairing right away, don't panic! Try turning off your Nintendo Switch completely, waiting a few seconds, and then turning it back on. This can often clear up any temporary glitches. Also, make sure the Joy-Cons have enough charge. If they're low on battery, they might not pair correctly. Plug them into the Switch to charge for a bit and then try the pairing process again. Connecting new Joy-Cons is usually a breeze, and once you get the hang of it, you'll be switching between controllers like a pro. So go ahead, grab those new Joy-Cons, and get ready for some awesome gaming sessions with your friends and family!

Connecting a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Alright, let's talk about the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller – a favorite among serious gamers for its comfortable grip and enhanced control. Connecting this gem to your Switch is just as straightforward as pairing Joy-Cons, but there are a couple of nuances to keep in mind. First things first, make sure your Pro Controller has some juice. If it's brand new, you might want to plug it in for a bit to ensure it has enough charge to pair successfully. You can charge it using the USB-C cable that comes with it, connecting it directly to your Nintendo Switch dock or any USB power source.

Now, to get your Pro Controller connected, head over to the 'Controllers' menu on your Nintendo Switch home screen, just like you did with the Joy-Cons. Select 'Change Grip/Order'. At this point, you'll want to grab your Pro Controller. Look for the 'Sync' button on the top of the controller, near the USB-C charging port. Press and hold this button for a few seconds until the player indicator lights start flashing. This tells the Pro Controller that it's ready to pair with your Switch. Keep holding the button until the lights stop flashing and one of them remains lit, indicating that the connection is successful.

There's another way to connect your Pro Controller, and it's super simple if you have your Switch docked. Just plug the Pro Controller into the dock using the USB-C cable. The Switch will automatically recognize the controller, and you'll be good to go. Once it's connected this way, you can unplug the cable, and the Pro Controller will remain paired wirelessly. This method is especially handy if you're having trouble with the 'Sync' button method. One common issue people run into is interference. Make sure there aren't any other wireless devices nearby that could be disrupting the signal. Things like Bluetooth headphones, smartphones, or even microwaves can sometimes cause interference. Try moving closer to your Switch or turning off other wireless devices temporarily to see if that helps.

Also, keep in mind that the Pro Controller can only be paired with one Nintendo Switch at a time. If you've previously paired it with another Switch, you'll need to unpair it from that console before you can connect it to your new one. To do this, simply go to the 'Controllers' settings on the old Switch and disconnect the Pro Controller. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a fantastic addition to any Switch gamer's arsenal, offering a more traditional and comfortable gaming experience. With these tips, you'll have it connected and ready to go in no time, enhancing your gameplay and making those long gaming sessions even more enjoyable.

Connecting Third-Party Controllers

So, you're looking to connect a third-party controller to your Nintendo Switch? Awesome! There are tons of great options out there, from retro-style controllers to more ergonomic designs. Connecting them can be a bit different than using official Nintendo controllers, so let's walk through the process. First off, it's crucial to check the compatibility of the controller. Not all third-party controllers are created equal, and some might not work perfectly with your Switch. Look for controllers that are specifically designed for the Nintendo Switch or that advertise compatibility. These are more likely to work seamlessly.

Once you've got a compatible controller, the connection process usually involves a few steps. Start by heading to the 'Controllers' menu on your Nintendo Switch and selecting 'Change Grip/Order', just like you would for Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers. Now, grab your third-party controller and look for the 'Sync' or 'Pair' button. This button might be located in different places depending on the controller, so check the user manual if you're not sure where to find it. Press and hold the button until the controller's indicator lights start flashing, indicating that it's in pairing mode.

While the controller is searching, your Nintendo Switch will also be searching for new devices. In some cases, the controller might connect automatically. However, some third-party controllers require you to enter a special pairing mode on the Switch. This usually involves holding down a combination of buttons on the controller while it's searching. Again, refer to the controller's user manual for the specific button combination. If the controller still isn't connecting, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure the controller is fully charged. A low battery can sometimes prevent it from pairing correctly. Also, try restarting your Nintendo Switch. This can often clear up any temporary glitches that might be interfering with the connection.

Another thing to consider is the controller's connection type. Some third-party controllers connect wirelessly via Bluetooth, while others connect via a USB cable. If you're using a wireless controller, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your Nintendo Switch. You can find this setting in the System Settings menu. If you're using a wired controller, simply plug it into the USB port on your Switch dock. One of the biggest advantages of using third-party controllers is the variety they offer. You can find controllers with different button layouts, designs, and features, allowing you to customize your gaming experience to your liking. Just make sure to do your research and choose a controller that's known to be reliable and compatible with the Nintendo Switch. With a little bit of patience and these tips, you'll have your third-party controller connected in no time, expanding your gaming options and adding a personal touch to your setup.

Troubleshooting Controller Connection Issues

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might run into issues when connecting controllers to your Nintendo Switch. Don't worry, it happens to the best of us! Let's run through some common troubleshooting steps to get you back in the game. First, let's talk about interference. Wireless signals can be finicky, and anything from your microwave to your neighbor's Wi-Fi router can cause problems. Try moving closer to your Nintendo Switch or temporarily turning off other wireless devices to see if that helps. Walls and other obstructions can also weaken the signal, so make sure there's a clear line of sight between your controller and your Switch.

Next up, let's check the controller's battery. A low battery can cause all sorts of weirdness, including connection problems. Make sure your controller is fully charged before attempting to pair it with your Switch. If you're using a wired controller, try a different USB cable or USB port. Sometimes, a faulty cable or port can prevent the controller from being recognized. Another common issue is outdated firmware. Nintendo regularly releases updates for the Switch and its controllers, and these updates often include fixes for connection issues. Make sure your Switch is running the latest firmware by going to System Settings > System > System Update. Also, check the manufacturer's website for your controller to see if there are any firmware updates available for it.

If you're still having trouble, try restarting your Nintendo Switch. This can often clear up any temporary glitches or software conflicts that might be interfering with the connection. To restart your Switch, hold down the power button for a few seconds and then select 'Restart' from the menu. If that doesn't work, you can try a hard reset. To do this, hold down the power button for about 12 seconds until the Switch turns off completely. Then, wait a few seconds and turn it back on. One of the most frustrating issues is when a controller is paired with another device. The Nintendo Switch can only connect to a limited number of controllers at once, so make sure you haven't exceeded that limit. Also, if you've previously paired the controller with another Switch or device, it might still be trying to connect to that device. Unpair the controller from the other device before attempting to connect it to your current Switch.

Finally, if all else fails, try resetting the controller to its factory settings. The process for doing this varies depending on the controller, so refer to the user manual for specific instructions. Troubleshooting controller connection issues can be a bit of a process, but with these tips, you'll be well-equipped to tackle most problems. Remember to take things one step at a time and don't be afraid to experiment. With a little bit of patience, you'll have your controllers connected and ready for some awesome gaming sessions in no time!