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Unable to Pair or Sync a Classic Game Controller on Nintendo Switch

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

The information in this article can help you when you are unable to pair a NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64, or SEGA Genesis controller to a Nintendo Switch system.

Note

What to do

  1. Which system are you using?
    1. Ensure your console has the latest system update
      • If your console is already up to date, restart it by holding down the POWER ButtonThe POWER and Volume Buttons highlighted on Nintendo Switch – OLED Model for three seconds, then select Power OptionsOpciones de apagadoOptions d'alimentationOpções de desligar followed by Restart.
    2. If you are using a Nintendo Switch dock with LAN port, update the firmware for the dock.
    3. Verify you are using a classic game ontroller.
      • The model number can be found on the back of the controller:
        • NES Controller: HAC-033 (Left) and HAC-034 (Right)
        • Super NES Controller: HAC-042
        • Nintendo 64 Controller: HAC-043
        • SEGA Genesis Control Pad: HAC-046
      • If a different controller is being used, replacing it with the correct controller may resolve the issue.
    4. With the console powered on, place it in the dock and connect the controller using the included USB charging cable in order to pair it to the console. Then press a button on the controller, such as the A Button to power it on.
    5. If the controller cannot be paired using the USB charging cable, try the following:
    Did this resolve the situation?
    1. Ensure your console has the latest system update
      • If your console is already up to date, restart it by holding down the POWER ButtonThe POWER and Volume Buttons highlighted on Nintendo Switch for three seconds, then select Power OptionsOpciones de apagadoOptions d'alimentationOpções de desligar followed by Restart.
    2. If you are using a Nintendo Switch dock with LAN port, update the firmware for the dock.
    3. Verify you are using a classic game controller.
      • The model number can be found on the back of the controller:
        • NES Controller: HAC-033 (Left) and HAC-034 (Right)
        • Super NES Controller: HAC-042
        • Nintendo 64 Controller: HAC-043
        • SEGA Genesis Control Pad: HAC-046
      • If a different controller is being used, replacing it with the correct controller may resolve the issue.
    4. With the console powered on, place it in the dock and connect the controller using the included USB charging cable in order to pair it to the console. Then press a button on the controller, such as the A Button to power it on.
    5. If the controller cannot be paired using the USB charging cable, try the following:
    Did this resolve the situation?
    1. Verify you are using a classic game controller.
      • The model number can be found on the back of the controller:
        • NES Controller: HAC-033 (Left) and HAC-034 (Right)
        • Super NES Controller: HAC-042
        • Nintendo 64 Controller: HAC-043
        • SEGA Genesis Control Pad: HAC-046
      • If a different controller is being used, replacing it with the correct controller may resolve the issue.
    2. Ensure your system has the latest system update
      • If your console is already up to date, restart it by holding down the POWER ButtonThe POWER and Volume Buttons highlighted on Nintendo Switch Lite for three seconds, then select Power OptionsOpciones de apagadoOptions d'alimentationOpções de desligar followed by Restart.
    3. Ensure that the controller has power by plugging in the Nintendo Switch AC adapter to it.
    4. Reset the controller by pressing the SYNC Button once, then press any other button, such as the A Button on the controller to power it on again. Then pair it wirelessly:
    5. If the issue persists, you can also pair the controller to Nintendo Switch Lite via a USB charging cable using a licensed accessory, such as the Dual USB PlayStand for Nintendo Switch Lite from HORI.
    Did this resolve the issue?

  3. If this information resolved your issue, then you're all set!

    If the controller cannot be paired to the Nintendo Switch console, either wirelessly or via the USB charging cable, the controller will need to be serviced.

    Please contact us for support.

    If this information resolved your issue, then you're all set!

    If the controller cannot be paired to the Nintendo Switch console, either wirelessly or via the USB charging cable, the controller will need to be serviced.

    Please contact us for support.

    If this information resolved your issue, then you're all set!

    If the controller cannot be paired to Nintendo Switch Lite, the controller will need to be serviced.

    Please contact us for support.

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