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NES Controller Does Not Respond in Wireless Mode Only using a Nintendo Switch

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

The information in this article can help you when you're using the Nintendo Entertainment System Controllers in wireless mode only and:

  • The buttons or +Control Pad on the NES Controller respond incorrectly or do not respond at all.
  • The characters move on their own, they drift, or there is an input lag when pressing a button.

Note: When NES controllers are attached to a Nintendo Switch system, the system 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 system, by using a dock without LAN port, or by attaching them to a Nintendo Switch – OLED Model system and placing it in the dock with LAN port.

What to do

  1. Which console are you using?
    1. Check that your console has the latest system update.
      • If the console is already up to date, restart it by holding down the POWER Button for three seconds, then select Power OptionsOpciones de apagadoOptions d'alimentationOpções de desligar and then Restart.
    2. Check that you are using the NES – Nintendo Switch Online software.
      • If you are using two NES Controllers, only player one can navigate the Game Selection menu.
    3. Check that you have downloaded and installed any available software updates for NES – Nintendo Switch Online prior to starting a game from that library.
    4. If the issue persists, try the following:
      • Attach both NES Controllers to the console, ensuring that they click into place. Then detach them again.
      • Reset the NES Controllers.

        Press the SYNC Button once on each controller, then press a button, such as the A Button, on each one to power them on again.

      • Check that the battery charge is not depleted on the NES Controllers.

        The approximate battery charge will be displayed by going to the HOME Menu and then select ControllersControlesManettesControles.

      • Check for wireless interference.

        Check that the console is not placed behind a TV, under a metal object, or within three to four feet of other wireless devices, such as wireless speakers, cordless phones, etc.

      • With the NES Controllers detached from the console, test the buttons.

        Keep in mind the functionality for each button from the following diagram:

        Illustration showing L and R button functionality
    1. Check that your console has the latest system update.
      • If the console is already up to date, restart it by holding down the POWER Button for three seconds, then select Power OptionsOpciones de apagadoOptions d'alimentationOpções de desligar and then Restart.
    2. Check that you are using the NES – Nintendo Switch Online software.
      • If you are using two NES Controllers, only player one can navigate the Game Selection menu.
    3. Check that you have downloaded and installed any available software updates for NES – Nintendo Switch Online prior to starting a game from that library.
    4. If the issue persists, try the following:
      • Attach both NES Controllers to the console, ensuring that they click into place. Then detach them again.
      • Reset the NES Controllers.

        Press the SYNC Button once on each controller, then press a button, such as the A Button, on each one to power them on again.

      • Check that the battery charge is not depleted on the NES Controllers.

        The approximate battery charge will be displayed by going to the HOME Menu and then select ControllersControlesManettesControles.

      • Check for wireless interference.

        Check that the console is not placed behind a TV, under a metal object, or within three to four feet of other wireless devices, such as wireless speakers, cordless phones, etc.

      • With the NES Controllers detached from the console, test the buttons.

        Keep in mind the functionality for each button from the following diagram:

        Illustration showing L and R button functionality
    1. Check that your console has the latest system update.
      • If the console is already up to date, restart it by holding down the POWER Button for three seconds, then select Power OptionsOpciones de apagadoOptions d'alimentationOpções de desligar and then Restart.
    2. Check that you are using the NES – Nintendo Switch Online software.
      • If you are using two NES Controllers, only player one can navigate the Game Selection menu.
    3. Check that you have downloaded and installed any available software updates for NES – Nintendo Switch Online prior to starting a game from that library.
    4. If the issue persists, try the following:
      • Delete the pairing information for all wireless controllers, then pair the NES controllers to the console again.
      • Reset the NES Controllers.

        Press the SYNC Button once on each controller, then press a button, such as the A Button, on each one to power them on again.

      • Check that the battery charge is not depleted on the NES Controllers.

        The approximate battery charge will be displayed by going to the HOME Menu and then select ControllersControlesManettesControles.

      • Check for wireless interference.

        Check that the console is not placed behind a TV, under a metal object, or within three to four feet of other wireless devices, such as wireless speakers, cordless phones, etc.

      • Disable the Console Button Input, then test the buttons on the NES Controllers.

        Keep in mind the functionality for each button from the following diagram:

        Illustration showing L and R button functionality

Situation not resolved

If the issue persists with a specific button or buttons, the problematic NES Controller(s) will need to be serviced.

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