How to Connect and Sync Nintendo Switch Controllers

One of the fundamental ways to play on your Nintendo Switch, here’s how to connect your Nintendo Switch controllers.

The Nintendo Switch is a console that gives you plenty of freedom to play on the go or at home. Its Joy-Con controllers offer different ways to play that really sets them apart from Xbox and PlayStation controllers.

First you’ll want to set up to connect your Joy-Cons to your Nintendo Switch.

How to Connect Joy-Cons to Your Nintendo Switch

Connecting your Joy-Cons to the Nintendo Switch is required to do anything on it, provided you don’t have a Pro Controller. The default way to connect the Joy-Cons is to slide them onto the console on either side. They should automatically connect that way.

You can also wirelessly connect your Joy-Cons to the Nintendo Switch in a few simple steps:

1. In the Change Home menu, navigate to Controllers.
2. Move towards Change handle/controller order.
3. press the To sychronize on the Joy-Cons you are trying to connect to the Nintendo Switch.
4. When the controllers sync with the Nintendo Switch, press A.

You should now have connected and synced your Joy-Cons with the Nintendo Switch. This works for as many Joy-Cons connected to the console as needed, up to four pairs. You’ll want to make sure you know how to update your Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons to ensure they’re still working properly.

How to Connect Pro Controllers to Nintendo Switch

While the Joy-Cons are a great device, you might want a more traditional feel of gaming with a “normal” type of controller. Connecting your Pro Controller to the Nintendo Switch can be done in several ways.

To connect your Pro Controller to the Nintendo Switch, follow these steps:

1. Plug a USB-C cable (preferably the one that came with your Pro Controller) into your Switch’s dock.
2. Connect your Pro Controller to the USB-C cable while the Switch is docked.

The controller should connect automatically so you can play in a way that’s more familiar to you. To wirelessly connect your Pro Controller to the Nintendo Switch, follow these steps:

1. In the Change Home menu, navigate to Controllers.
2. Move towards Change handle/controller order
3. press the To sychronize on the Pro Controller you are trying to connect to your Switch.
4. Once the controller is synchronized with the console, press A.

Your Pro Controller should now be connected to your Switch.

Use the Nintendo Switch controller that’s right for you

The Switch gives you free rein on how you want to play. On the go or at home, with Joy-Cons or the Pro Controller, you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of titles, including heavy hitters like Breath of the Wild.

The freedom of gaming experience is just one of the many reasons why you should buy a Switch, but there are many more that highlight the quality of the console.