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Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Buttons Are Not Responding or Respond Incorrectly

Nintendo Switch 2

Steps for when the buttons on a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller are not working correctly when pressed.

Before you start

You will need:

  • Your Nintendo Switch 2 console
  • The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
  • If you have changed the button mapping on your Pro Controller, reset the button configuration to the standard inputs before troubleshooting.

What to do

  1. Ensure your console has the latest system update.
    • How to perform a system update on Nintendo Switch 2
      1. Select the System Settings on the HOME Menu.
        System Settings highlighted on the HOME Menu Screen
        Configuración de la consola resaltado en la pantalla del menú HOME
        Paramètres de la console en surbrillance dans le menu HOME
        Configuração do console em destaque na tela do menu HOME
      2. Scroll down through the System Settings menu and select System.
      3. Select System Update, to start the system update process.
        System Update is highlighted within the System menu in System Settings
        Actualización del sistema resaltada en la página de Consola en la Configuración de la consola en Nintendo Switch 2
        « Mise à jour de la console » en surbrillance dans la page Console des Paramètres de la console sur Nintendo Switch 2
        Atualização em destaque na opção Configuração do console no Nintendo Switch 2
        • During the process, the system will first perform a check to determine if a new system update is available.
        • If an update is available, the download process will begin automatically.
  2. Make sure the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is paired to your console.
    • How to check that a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is paired

      While on the HOME Menu, press any button on the Pro Controller.

      • If one or more player LEDsThe Diagram showing the top of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller with the Player LED highlighted by 3. on the controller blink and remain lit, it is paired to the console.
      • If the player LEDs momentarily light up in a sequence then shut off, pair the Pro Controller to the console.
      • If none of the player LEDs light up, the Pro Controller is out of power and will need to be recharged.
    • How to pair a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller to Nintendo Switch 2

      The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller can be paired to the Nintendo Switch 2 console in the following ways:

      USB Connection Pairing (Directly to Nintendo Switch 2)
      1. Power on the console.
      2. Connect the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller to the Nintendo Switch 2 using the included USB-C cable.
      USB Connection Pairing (Docked)
      1. Place the Nintendo Switch 2 console in the dock.
      2. Power on the console.
      3. Connect the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller to the Nintendo Switch 2 dock using the included USB-C cableNintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller being connected to the Nintendo Switch 2 Dock.
      Button pairing or wireless pairing
      1. From the HOME Menu, select ControllersControlesManettesControles.
      2. Select Change Grip/Order.
      3. From the Change Grip/Order screenChange Grip and Order screen on Nintendo Switch 2, press and hold down the SYNC ButtonDiagram showing the top of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller with the SYNC Button highlighted by 6. for at least one second on the controller you wish to pair.
        • Once paired, the player LED(s) corresponding to the controller number will remain lit.
      4. For more information, follow How to Pair the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller to Nintendo Switch 2.

  3. Update the Pro Controller firmware.
  4. Reset the Pro Controller by pressing the SYNC ButtonThe Diagram showing the top of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller with the SYNC Button highlighted by 6. once, then press any other button to wake it up.
  5. Test the button input on the Pro Controller.
    • How to test the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller buttons
      1. From the HOME Menu select System Settings, then scroll down the menu on the left-hand side and select Controllers & Accessories.
        Test Input Devices is highlighted on the Controllers and Sensors option of the Nintendo Switch System Settings screen
      2. Select Test Input Devices, then Test Controller Buttons.
        The Test Controllers Button option is highlighted on The Test Input Devices screen
      3. Press the button or control stick on the controller you wish to test.
        • In addition to allowing for analog input, the control sticks can also function as buttons for compatible software.
        • An icon for the button or control stick that was pressed will be displayed on the screen.
          • Note that the HOME Button, Capture Button, C Button, POWER Button, volume buttons, and SYNC Button aren't included in this test and will not appear in the list of icons.
          Example of button images displayed on the Test Controller Button screen
      4. Press and hold down any button or control stick to end the test.

      For more information, follow How to Test the Controller Buttons on Nintendo Switch 2.

  6. Test the buttons using a compatible game or application.
    • Buttons are not responding with a single game
      • Check the software manual or game packaging to ensure compatibility with the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.
      • Decrease the distance between the Pro Controller and the console.
      • Minimize wireless interference.
        • Ensure 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.
      • Test the Pro Controller buttons with a different compatible game or software.
      • If possible, test the Pro Controller on a different console.
  7. Continue using the Pro Controller for a few weeks to see if it affects your gameplay.

Situation not resolved

If the button test fails, or if the issue becomes so severe that it impacts your ability to play a game or use the controller, then we are happy to inspect the Pro Controller, and service it if necessary.

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