NES Controller is Not Recognized While Attached to Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model
The information in this article can help you when after attaching the NES Controllers to Nintendo Switch, the console does not detect one or both controllers.
Important
- The NES Controllers are designed to work with NES – Nintendo Switch Online software. Although it's possible that these controllers can be used to navigate the Nintendo Switch menus and even play other games, we cannot ensure that all in-game options and features are supported.
- The NES Controllers are intended to be used wirelessly with NES – Nintendo Switch Online software. While these controllers are attached to the console, not all buttons will be responsive, or the buttons will appear to have a different function when pressed.
- The Nintendo Entertainment System™ controllers can be paired and used wirelessly with Nintendo Switch Lite.
What to do
- Ensure that your console has the latest system update.
- Attach the NES Controllers to the console, then from the HOME Menu, select ControllersControlesManettesControles.
- If the NES Controllers are not responding, you can use the console touch screen to make your selections.
- When the NES Controllers are registering as being attached to the console, they will be displayed in the Controllers screen like so:
- If the NES Controllers are not registering correctly, detach them from the console and try the following with one controller at a time:
- Reset the NES Controller.
Press the SYNC Button once, then press any other button to power on the controller again.
- Attach and detach the NES Controllers several times.
Ensure that the NES Controller is correctly oriented and inserted all the way.
- Verify that other controllers can be registered on the console.
Attach a pair of Joy-Con and verify that they appear on the Controllers screen.
- Reset the NES Controller.
Situation not resolved
If the NES Controllers are not recognized in the Controllers screen while they are attached to the Nintendo Switch console, but the Joy-Con can register correctly on the same console, then the non-working NES Controller(s) will need to be serviced.
