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How to Use the NES Controllers

Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model

How to utilize the NES Controllers with Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch consoles.

Note: When NES controllers are attached to a Nintendo Switch console, the console will not fit in the dock with LAN port. The NES controllers can be charged by connecting the AC adapter directly into the USB connector on the Nintendo Switch console, by using a dock without LAN port, or by attaching them to a Nintendo Switch – OLED Model console and placing it in the dock with LAN port.

Complete these steps

  1. Which console are you using?
  2. Important
    • The NES Controllers can be attached to the Nintendo Switch console, or used as wireless controllers.
    • The way the NES Controllers are used will determine the button functions available for each controller (see reference diagrams below).
    1. Pair the NES Controllers to Nintendo Switch.
    2. Start the NES – Nintendo Switch Online software.
    For NES Controllers used wirelessly:
    Diagram of L and R button functionality while NES controller is detached
    • Press L Button once: Take a screenshot
    • Press and hold down L Button: Take a video capture
    • Press R Button once: Return to Nintendo Switch HOME Menu
    • Press and hold down R Button: Open Quick Settings Menu
    • Press L + R Buttons once: Open Suspend Menu or Quit online play (only while you’re in a game joined as a guest)
    • If both NES Controllers are used wirelessly (player 1 and player 2), only player 1 will be able to navigate the game selection menu within the NES – Nintendo Switch Online software.
    When NES Controllers are attached:
    Diagram of button functionality while NES controllers are attached
    • Use the Left +Control Pad to navigate the game selection menu or to move within a game.
    • Press B Button once (Left controller): Open Suspend Menu
    • Press A Button once (Left controller): Take a screen capture
    • Press and hold down A Button (Left controller): Take a video capture
    • Use the Right +Control Pad to access the HOME Menu

    Important: The NES Controllers can be paired and used wirelessly with Nintendo Switch Lite.

    1. Pair the NES Controllers to Nintendo Switch Lite.
    2. Start the NES – Nintendo Switch Online software.
    Using the NES Controllers with Nintendo Switch Lite:
    Diagram of L and R button functionality while NES controller is detached
    • Press L Button once: Take a screenshot
    • Press and hold down L Button: Take a video capture
    • Press R Button once: Return to Nintendo Switch HOME Menu
    • Press and hold down R Button: Open Quick Settings Menu
    • Press L + R Buttons once: Open Suspend Menu or Quit online play (only while you’re in a game joined as a guest)
    • If both NES Controllers are used (player 1 and player 2), only player 1 will be able to navigate the game selection menu within the NES – Nintendo Switch Online software.
    Important
    • The NES Controllers can be attached to the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model console, or used as wireless controllers.
    • The way the NES Controllers are used will determine the button functions available for each controller (see reference diagrams below).
    1. Pair the NES Controllers to the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model console.
    2. Start the NES – Nintendo Switch Online software.
    For NES Controllers used wirelessly:
    Diagram of L and R button functionality while NES controller is detached
    • Press L Button once: Take a screenshot
    • Press and hold down L Button: Take a video capture
    • Press R Button once: Return to Nintendo Switch HOME Menu
    • Press and hold down R Button: Open Quick Settings Menu
    • Press L + R Buttons once: Open Suspend Menu or Quit online play (only while you’re in a game joined as a guest)
    • If both NES Controllers are used wirelessly (player 1 and player 2), only player 1 will be able to navigate the game selection menu within the NES – Nintendo Switch Online software.
    When NES Controllers are attached:
    Diagram of button functionality while NES controllers are attached
    • Use the Left +Control Pad to navigate the game selection menu or to move within a game.
    • Press B Button once (Left controller): Open Suspend Menu
    • Press A Button once (Left controller): Take a screen capture
    • Press and hold down A Button (Left controller): Take a video capture
    • Use the Right +Control Pad to access the HOME Menu

    Important: The NES Controllers can be paired and used wirelessly with Nintendo Switch 2.

    1. Pair the NES Controllers to Nintendo Switch 2.
    2. Start the NES – Nintendo Switch Online software.
    Using the NES Controllers with Nintendo Switch 2:
    Diagram of L and R button functionality while NES controller is detached
    • Press L Button once: Take a screenshot
    • Press and hold down L Button: Take a video capture
    • Press R Button once: Return to the HOME Menu
    • Press and hold down R Button: Open Quick Settings Menu
    • Press L + R Buttons once: Open Suspend Menu or Quit online play (only while you’re in a game joined as a guest)
    • If both NES Controllers are used (player 1 and player 2), only player 1 will be able to navigate the game selection menu within the NES – Nintendo Switch Online software.

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