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HD Rumble Not Working Correctly or Not Working At All on Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model

The information in this article can help you when:

  • The HD rumble or controller vibration seems different in intensity between one Joy-Con and another, between two Pro Controllers or two Nintendo 64 Controllers, or between one game and another.
  • The HD rumble or controller vibration seems rather weak or the controller does not vibrate at all.

Note: When the Controller Vibration is first turned on, the controller used to activate this setting will momentarily vibrate. However, once activated, this setting will be enabled for all paired controllers.

If you're experiencing this issue while using a Bluetooth Audio device, please see HD Rumble is Weaker or Out of Sync While Using a Bluetooth Audio Device for additional troubleshooting.

What to do

  1. Ensure your console has the latest system update.
  2. Update the controller firmware.
  3. Check the battery level on the problematic controller and ensure it is charged.
  4. Reset the non-working controller by pressing the SYNC Button once (Joy-Con, Pro Controller, Nintendo 64 Controller). Then press any other button to power on the controller again.
  5. Verify that the Controller Vibration is activated.
    • The vibration intensity may vary from one game to another and from one controller to another. This is normal and does not constitute an issue with this feature or with the controllers.
    • If the controller vibration seems significantly different in intensity between two Joy-Con controllers, or between two Pro Controllers, continue using the system for a few weeks and see if it interferes with your gameplay.

Situation not resolved

If the controller does not vibrate when the controller vibration is activated, or if there is a significant difference in intensity between controllers that interferes with your gameplay, the controller will need to be sent in for service.

To set up a service request for Joy-Con only, please visit the Nintendo Service Center.

For any other controller, please contact us.

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