How to Connect Switch Controllers A Step-by-Step Guide

Connecting controllers to your Nintendo Switch is an essential step to start gaming on this popular console. Whether you have just purchased a new controller or want to connect multiple controllers for a multiplayer gaming session, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process.

First, make sure your Nintendo Switch is turned on and in handheld mode or docked to your TV. Then, locate the small sync button on the top of your Joy-Con or Pro Controller. Press and hold this button until the lights on the controller start flashing.

Next, navigate to the home screen on your Nintendo Switch and select the “Controllers” option. From there, choose “Change Grip/Order” to start the pairing process. Your Nintendo Switch will search for nearby controllers, and the flashing lights on your controller should sync up with the console.

Once the controller is detected, you can choose to play with a single controller or connect multiple controllers for multiplayer gaming. To connect additional controllers, repeat the same process for each controller, making sure to press the sync button on each controller.

Finally, once all your controllers are connected, you can start enjoying your favorite games on the Nintendo Switch. Whether you prefer the versatility of the Joy-Con or the comfort of the Pro Controller, connecting controllers is a straightforward process that enhances your gaming experience.

Step 1: Preparing Your Nintendo Switch

Before you can connect your controllers to the Nintendo Switch, you need to make sure your console is ready for the process. Follow these steps to prepare your Nintendo Switch:

1. Power on your Nintendo Switch: Press the power button on the top-left side of the console to turn it on.
2. Access the Home Menu: Once your Switch is powered on, you will see the Home Menu on the screen. This is where you can access various settings and features of your console.
3. Ensure your console is docked or in handheld mode: The Nintendo Switch can be played in two different modes – docked mode and handheld mode. Docked mode is when the console is connected to a TV or monitor, while handheld mode is when you play the console as a portable device. Make sure your console is in the mode you prefer for connecting the controllers.
4. Check the battery level: It’s important to have enough battery life on your Nintendo Switch before connecting the controllers. You can check the battery level by looking at the battery icon in the top-right corner of the screen. If the battery is low, consider charging your console before proceeding.
5. Make sure the controllers are charged: Before connecting the controllers, ensure that they are charged. You can do this by connecting them to the Nintendo Switch dock or using a USB-C cable to charge them separately.

Once you have completed these steps, your Nintendo Switch will be ready for the next step of connecting the controllers. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure a successful connection.

Power on your Nintendo Switch

Before you can connect your controllers to your Nintendo Switch, you need to power on the console. Follow these steps to power on your Nintendo Switch:

1. Locate the power button on the top-left side of the Nintendo Switch console.
2. Press and hold the power button until the Nintendo Switch logo appears on the screen.
3. Release the power button and wait for the console to fully boot up.

Once your Nintendo Switch is powered on, you can proceed to connect your controllers.

Navigate to the System Settings

Before you can connect your controllers to your Switch, you’ll need to navigate to the System Settings on your console. Here’s how:

1. Turn on your Switch console by pressing the power button on the top-left corner of the device.
2. Once the console is turned on, you’ll be on the Home screen. Use the left joystick on your Joy-Con controller or the D-pad on your Pro Controller to navigate to the “System Settings” icon.
3. Highlight the “System Settings” icon and press the A button to select it.
4. In the System Settings menu, you’ll see a list of options. Use the joystick or D-pad to scroll down and select the “Controllers and Sensors” option.
5. Inside the “Controllers and Sensors” menu, you’ll find various settings related to controllers. Scroll down and select the “Change Grip/Order” option.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to navigate to the System Settings on your Switch console, which is the first step towards connecting your controllers.

Select “Controllers and Sensors”

To connect controllers to your Switch, you will need to navigate to the “Controllers and Sensors” settings on your console. Follow these steps:

1. Turn on your Switch console and go to the home menu.
2. Select the System Settings icon, which looks like a gear.
3. Scroll down and select “Controllers and Sensors” from the menu.

Once you have selected “Controllers and Sensors,” you will be able to manage and connect your controllers to your Switch.

Step 2: Connecting Joy-Con Controllers

To connect Joy-Con controllers to your Nintendo Switch, follow these simple steps:

1. Make sure your Nintendo Switch console is turned on and in handheld mode.
2. Locate the Joy-Con controller release buttons on the back of the console.
3. Press and hold the release button on the Joy-Con controller you want to connect.
4. While holding the release button, slide the Joy-Con controller onto the rails on the side of the console.
5. Ensure that the Joy-Con controller is securely attached to the console.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 for the second Joy-Con controller if you want to connect both.

Once the Joy-Con controllers are connected to the console, they will automatically sync and be ready to use for gameplay.

It’s important to note that if you want to use the Joy-Con controllers as separate individual controllers, you will need to detach them from the console and hold them in each hand.

Connecting Joy-Con controllers to your Nintendo Switch is a simple and straightforward process that allows you to enjoy a variety of games with friends and family.

Detach the Joy-Con controllers from the console

To connect your Switch controllers, you first need to detach the Joy-Con controllers from the console. The Joy-Con controllers are the small detachable controllers that come with the Nintendo Switch.

To detach the Joy-Con controllers, follow these steps:

1. Hold the Nintendo Switch console with the screen facing you.
2. Locate the small release buttons on the back of each Joy-Con controller.
3. Press and hold the release button on the back of the left Joy-Con controller.
4. While holding the release button, slide the Joy-Con controller upwards to detach it from the console.
5. Repeat the same process for the right Joy-Con controller.

Once you have detached the Joy-Con controllers from the console, you are ready to connect them to your Switch.

Press the Sync button on each Joy-Con controller

To connect the Joy-Con controllers to your Nintendo Switch, you will need to press the Sync button on each controller. This will allow the controllers to establish a wireless connection with the console.

Here are the steps to press the Sync button on each Joy-Con controller:

1. Make sure your Nintendo Switch console is turned on and in handheld mode or docked to your TV.
2. Hold the Joy-Con controllers in your hands, one in each hand.
3. Locate the Sync button on the side of each Joy-Con controller. The Sync button is a small circular button located near the top edge of the controller.
4. Press and hold the Sync button on the first Joy-Con controller for a few seconds.
5. Release the Sync button on the first Joy-Con controller.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the second Joy-Con controller.

Once you have pressed the Sync button on each Joy-Con controller, the controllers should connect to the Nintendo Switch console. You may see a confirmation message on the console’s screen indicating that the controllers have been successfully connected.

If the controllers do not connect or if you encounter any issues, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

• Make sure the Joy-Con controllers are charged. If the battery is low, the controllers may have difficulty connecting.
• Restart the Nintendo Switch console. Sometimes a simple restart can resolve connection issues.
• Move closer to the console. If you are too far away, the wireless connection may be weak.
• Check for interference. Other wireless devices or objects can interfere with the connection. Try moving away from any potential sources of interference.

By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you should be able to successfully connect your Joy-Con controllers to your Nintendo Switch and start enjoying your favorite games!