- How do you pair a controller to a Nintendo Switch system?
- How many different controllers can be connected to a Nintendo Switch system?
- How is the connection status indicated by the player LEDs on the controller?
- How is the order of the controllers indicated by the player LEDs?
- How do you disconnect/reconnect a wireless controller from a system?
- How do you delete the pairing information on a Nintendo Switch system for all wireless controllers?
- Do the Joy-Con need to be held vertically or horizontally?
How do you pair a controller to a Nintendo Switch system?
How to pair your controller depends on what type of controller you are using.
- Learn how to pair the Joy-Con controllers
- Learn how to pair the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
How many different controllers can be connected to a Nintendo Switch system?
In most circumstances, up to eight wireless controllers can be connected to a system. However, the maximum number of controllers that can be connected will vary depending on the type of controllers and features that are used. For example:
- The right and left Joy-Con each connect as individual controllers to a system, so if you connect both of them wirelessly then it counts as 2 controllers.
Example: Four people can play, each person using one left Joy-Con and one right Joy-Con controller.
- Even if the Joy-Con controllers are attached to the Joy-Con grip, it counts as 2 controllers that are connected.
Example: Four people can play, each using the Joy-Con controllers attached to the Joy-Con grip.
- When the Joy-Con controllers are attached to the Nintendo Switch console, they do not count against the number of controllers that can be connected.
- The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is always counted as 1 controller.
Example: Eight people can play, each using a Pro Controller.
Important: On top of the limit of connected controllers by type, the number of connected controllers is also determined by the features being used on the controllers, and whether local communication is being used.
- When a Bluetooth audio device is connected, no more than two wireless controllers can be connected. Disconnect the Bluetooth audio device in order to connect a third wireless controller.
How is the connection status indicated by the player LEDs on the controller?
| Player LED Status | Connection Status |
|---|---|
| LEDs are unlit. |
The system and the controller are not connected or, The connection between the system and the controller was cut. |
| LEDs flash repeatedly in sequence. | The system and the controller are connecting. |
| One or more LEDs have a solid light. | The controller is connected to the system. |
| LEDs are flashing. | The controller has very little battery charge left. |
How is the order of the controllers indicated by the player LEDs?
| Controller Number | Player LEDs |
|---|---|
| 1 | ■■■■ |
| 2 | ■■■■ |
| 3 | ■■■■ |
| 4 | ■■■■ |
| 5 | ■■■■ |
| 6 | ■■■■ |
| 7 | ■■■■ |
| 8 | ■■■■ |
How do you disconnect/reconnect a wireless controller from a system?
- A wireless controller can be temporarily disconnected from a Nintendo Switch system by holding down the SYNC Button on that controller for at least one second.
- To reconnect, press any button on the wireless controller.
How do you delete the pairing information on a Nintendo Switch system for all wireless controllers?
This can be done selecting System Settings from the HOME Menu, followed by Controllers and Sensors, then Disconnect Controllers.
Do the Joy-Con need to be held vertically or horizontally?
While using the Joy-Con as wireless controllers, the holding position will depend on the single or multiplayer options for the software being used.
Learn how to change the Joy-Con holding position.
