If you’re a gaming enthusiast, you know that the Nintendo Switch has taken the world by storm with its versatility, allowing you to play on the go or dock it at home. Whether you’re tackling an epic adventure in “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” or competing in fast-paced matches in “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,” having a reliable set of Joy-Con controllers is crucial. But what happens when you purchase a new pair? Don’t worry! In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to connect your new Joy-Con to your Nintendo Switch, ensuring you’re back to gaming in no time.
Understanding Your Joy-Con Controllers
Before diving into the connection process, it’s essential to understand what Joy-Con controllers are and their functionalities.
What are Joy-Con Controllers?
Joy-Con controllers are the versatile, compact controllers developed by Nintendo for the Switch console. Each Joy-Con can be used independently or together to form a single controller, providing various play styles:
- Single-hand Usage: Each Joy-Con can work on its own for local multiplayer or certain game modes.
- Joy-Con Pairing: When combined, they provide a traditional gaming experience.
- Motion Controls: Joy-Con features motion-sensing technology, enhancing gameplay immersion.
Why Connect New Joy-Con Controllers?
There are several reasons you might need to connect new Joy-Con controllers to your Nintendo Switch:
- Purchase New Controllers: Expanding your gaming setup with additional controllers is always a good idea for multiplayer experiences.
- Replacement or Repair: If your existing Joy-Con is malfunctioning, connecting new ones allows you to get back to gaming.
Understanding these controllers will empower you to utilize their full capabilities, ultimately enhancing your gaming experience.
Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting Joy-Con Controllers
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get right into the steps to connect your new Joy-Con to the Nintendo Switch.
Preparation Steps
Before starting the connection process, ensure that your Switch is powered on and that your Joy-Con controllers are charged. Here’s how you can prepare:
Charging Your Joy-Con Controllers
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Attach the Joy-Con to the Switch: Place each Joy-Con on the sides of the Switch console until you hear a click. This will charge them while you’re playing.
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Use a Charging Grip: Alternatively, if you own a Joy-Con charging grip, insert both Joy-Cons into the grip to charge them.
Feeling confident your controllers are charged? Let’s move on!
Connecting Your New Joy-Con
There are two primary methods for connecting your Joy-Con controllers: pairing them directly to the system or attaching them to the Switch console. Both methods are straightforward.
Method 1: Attaching to the Switch Console
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Slide the Joy-Con into Place: Align the rail of the Joy-Con with the corresponding rail on the Nintendo Switch. Slide the Joy-Con down until you hear a click. The controller is now connected, and a notification will show up on the home screen.
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Check Your Connection: You can confirm the connection by looking at the top-left corner of the screen. The respective Joy-Con colors should appear there, indicating they are connected.
Method 2: Wireless Pairing
If you prefer to use your Joy-Cons wirelessly, follow these steps:
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Access the Home Menu: Make sure the Switch is on and at the Home Menu. If you are using a different controller, navigate using that.
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Press the Sync Button: Each Joy-Con has a small sync button located on the side. Press and hold the sync button until the lights start flashing on the top. This indicates that the Joy-Con is in pairing mode.
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Pairing with the Switch: On the Home Menu, press the ‘L’ and ‘R’ buttons on the Joy-Con. Your Switch will search for available controllers, and once detected, the Joy-Con will connect automatically.
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Confirmation of Connection: Similar to the previous method, once connected, you will see the Joy-Con’s color displayed in the top-left corner of the home screen, confirming that it is successfully linked with your Switch.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
Sometimes things don’t go as smoothly as planned. If you encounter trouble while connecting your Joy-Con, fear not! Below are common issues and their resolutions.
Problem: Joy-Con Not Connecting
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Ensure Charge: Make sure that both Joy-Cons are charged properly. If they’re too low on battery, they may not connect.
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Check for Updates: Occasionally, software updates may be needed. Go to System Settings > System > System Update to check and update if necessary.
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Remove Other Connected Controllers: Sometimes, too many controllers can cause issues. Disconnect any unused controllers by going to System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Disconnect Controllers.
Problem: Controller Drifting
Joy-Con drift is a common issue where the joystick registers movement even when it’s at rest. Thankfully, there are ways to address this:
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Calibrate the Control Sticks: Go to System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Calibrate Control Sticks. Follow the on-screen instructions to recalibrate.
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Clean the Joy-Con: Dust and debris can cause signal interference. Use a compressed air canister or a soft cloth to clean around the joystick.
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Contact Nintendo Support: If the problem persists, it might be best to seek help from Nintendo’s support team.
Maintaining Your Joy-Con Controllers
After you’ve connected your new Joy-Con controllers, it’s essential to maintain them for optimal performance and longevity.
General Tips for Maintenance
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Avoid Excessive Moisture: Keep the controller away from water, as moisture can damage the electronic components.
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Store Properly: When not in use, store the Joy-Cons in a cool, dry place. A protective case can prevent damage.
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Regular Updates: Always keep your Switch updated. System updates can contain improvements for controller performance.
Conclusion
Connecting new Joy-Con controllers to your Nintendo Switch is a simple yet vital skill for any gamer. Knowing how to properly connect and troubleshoot will enhance your overall gaming experience, whether you’re diving into a world of adventure alone or competing with friends.
Always remember that maintaining your controllers will save you from issues down the line, allowing you to enjoy countless hours of gameplay. Enjoy your gaming, and may your adventures be filled with joy and excitement!
How do I connect new Joy-Con controllers to my Nintendo Switch?
To connect new Joy-Con controllers to your Nintendo Switch, start by ensuring that your console is powered on. On the Home screen, select the “Controllers” option from the main menu. Next, choose “Change Grip/Order,” which activates pairing mode for your Switch.
Once the Switch is in pairing mode, locate the small black pairing button located on the side of each Joy-Con controller. Press and hold this button until the controller’s lights begin to flash, indicating that it is in pairing mode. The controller should automatically connect to the console and will show up on your controller list once successfully paired.
What do I do if my Joy-Con won’t connect?
If your Joy-Con controllers fail to connect to your Nintendo Switch, first check that your console is updated to the latest firmware version. Outdated software can sometimes cause connectivity issues. To check for updates, go to “System Settings,” scroll down to “System,” and select “System Update.” If an update is available, download and install it.
If your console is updated and the Joy-Con still won’t connect, try resetting both the Joy-Con and the Switch. To reset the Joy-Con, press the small black pairing button for about 15 seconds until the LEDs turn off. After this, perform a soft reset on the Nintendo Switch by holding the power button for about 10 seconds, then allowing it to restart. Once both devices are reset, attempt to reconnect the Joy-Con.
Can I connect more than one set of Joy-Con controllers?
Yes, you can connect multiple sets of Joy-Con controllers to your Nintendo Switch. The console can support up to eight controllers at once. This includes Joy-Con pairs, Pro Controllers, and other supported third-party controllers. To connect multiple Joy-Con, follow the same pairing process for each set you wish to add.
When you have multiple controllers connected, you can select which player will control each one during gameplay. The Nintendo Switch will assign controller numbers based on the order in which they were connected. You can easily switch the assigned players through the “Controllers” menu, allowing for a customizable multiplayer experience.
Is it possible to connect Joy-Con to a mobile device?
Yes, Joy-Con controllers can be connected to certain mobile devices that support Bluetooth connections. However, the compatibility depends on the specific mobile device and the operating system it uses. Generally, devices running iOS or Android may support Joy-Con, but feature availability and compatibility can vary.
To connect a Joy-Con to a mobile device, enable the Bluetooth settings on the device and put the Joy-Con into pairing mode by pressing and holding the small pairing button. If the mobile device recognizes the Joy-Con, select it to complete the pairing process. Keep in mind that while basic button functionality will usually work, not all games or applications may fully support Joy-Con features like motion controls or HD rumble.
How do I check the battery level of my Joy-Con controllers?
You can easily check the battery level of your Joy-Con controllers from the Home screen of your Nintendo Switch. Simply navigate to the “Controllers” menu. The battery levels of all connected controllers will be displayed, showing a visual representation of the current charge.
Additionally, when you detach the Joy-Con from the console, a battery indicator will briefly appear on the screen. Be mindful of the battery levels during gameplay to prevent any connectivity interruptions. If your Joy-Con controllers are running low on power, you can recharge them by attaching them to the Nintendo Switch console or using a separate Joy-Con charging dock.
What should I do if my Joy-Con keeps disconnecting?
If your Joy-Con controllers are frequently disconnecting from your Nintendo Switch, start by ensuring that the console is within the recommended range. The Joy-Con have a wireless range of approximately 30 feet. Additionally, check for any physical obstructions or interference from other wireless devices that could affect the signal strength.
If proximity and interference aren’t issues, try updating your switch console to the latest version, as sometimes, firmware updates can resolve connectivity issues. If that doesn’t help, consider resetting the controllers and the console, as outlined in previous FAQs. If problems persist, contacting Nintendo Support may be necessary, as there could be a hardware issue with the controllers or the console.
Can I use Joy-Con controllers on a PC?
Yes, you can use Joy-Con controllers with a PC, although the process may involve a few additional steps compared to pairing them with a Nintendo Switch. To connect Joy-Con to a PC, ensure your PC has Bluetooth capabilities and that it is properly enabled.
To connect the Joy-Con, put them into pairing mode by holding the pairing button on the controller. Then, go into your PC’s Bluetooth settings and select the Joy-Con once it appears in the list of discoverable devices. Keep in mind that not all games may support Joy-Con, so you might need additional software like Steam or third-party applications to configure controls properly.
How do I update Joy-Con controllers?
Joy-Con controllers receive updates through the Nintendo Switch console rather than through standalone updates. To ensure your Joy-Con are running the latest firmware, connect them to your Switch and navigate to “System Settings” from the Home menu. Scroll down and select “Controllers and Sensors,” then choose “Update Controllers.”
The system will automatically check for any available updates for connected Joy-Con controllers and install them as needed. It’s a good idea to make sure your Switch is updated regularly, as controller updates can improve performance and fix bugs or connectivity issues. After the process is complete, your Joy-Con should be up to date and functioning smoothly.