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NES Controller Does Not Respond with Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo Switch 2

The information in this article can help you when you're using the Nintendo Entertainment System Controllers with your Nintendo Switch 2 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.

Important: The NES Controllers cannot be physically attached to a Nintendo Switch 2 console. They can only be used wirelessly.

What to do

  1. Ensure your console has the latest system update. If it is already up to date, restart it.
    • 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.
    • How to restart a Nintendo Switch 2 console
      1. Press and hold the POWER ButtonThe POWER and Volume Buttons highlighted on Nintendo Switch 2 for at least three seconds.
      2. Select Power OptionsOpciones de apagadoOptions d'alimentationOpções de desligar.
      3. Select Restart.
  2. Verify that you are using the Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Classics software.
    • If you are using two NES Controllers, only player one can navigate the Game Selection menu.
  3. Ensure you have downloaded and installed any available software updates for Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Classics prior to starting a game from that library.
  4. If the issue persists, try the following:
    • Reset the NES Controllers.

      Press the SYNC ButtonA diagram showing the locations of the Release, Sync, L and R buttons, as well as the Player LEDs on left and right NES Controllers once on each controller, then press a button such as the A Button on each one to power them on again.

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

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

      If needed, charge the controllers one of the following ways:

      • Attach them to a Nintendo Switch – OLED Model or Nintendo Switch console that is connected directly to an AC adapter.
      • Attach them to a Nintendo Switch console that is docked in a dock without LAN port.
      • Attach them to a Nintendo Switch – OLED Model console that is docked in the dock with LAN port.
    • Check for 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 buttons.

      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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