Unable to Pair or Sync a Classic Game Controller to Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2
Steps for when you are unable to pair a NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64, SEGA Genesis, or GameCube controller to a Nintendo Switch 2 system.
Important: In order to use a classic game controller, some games may require that the Joy-Con 2 controllers be detached from the Nintendo Switch 2 console while in handheld or tabletop mode.
Note
- Up to eight wireless controllers can be connected to a Nintendo Switch 2 console; however, the maximum number of controllers that can be used will vary depending on the type of controllers, the features, and the software being used.
- When a Bluetooth audio device is connected, no more than two wireless controllers can be connected to the system. Disconnect the Bluetooth audio device in order to connect a third controller.
What to do
- Ensure your console has the latest system update. If it is already up to date, restart it.
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How to perform a system update on Nintendo Switch 2
- Select the System Settings on the HOME Menu.
- Scroll down through the System Settings menu and select System.
- Select System Update, to start the system update process.
- 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.
- Select the System Settings on the HOME Menu.
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How to restart a Nintendo Switch 2 console
- Press and hold the POWER Button
for at least three seconds.
- Select Power OptionsOpciones de apagadoOptions d'alimentationOpções de desligar.
- Select Restart.
- Press and hold the POWER Button
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How to perform a system update on Nintendo Switch 2
- Update the firmware for the dock.
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How to update Nintendo Switch 2 dock firmware
- Install the latest system update.
- Select System Settings on the HOME Menu.
- Click System.
- Select Dock Update to check for updates to the Nintendo Switch 2 dock firmware and begin any updates.
- If the update stops before it can be completed, try this step again.
For more information, please see How to Update the Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Firmware.
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How to update Nintendo Switch 2 dock firmware
- 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
- Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube Controller: BEE-021
- If a different controller is being used, replacing it with the correct controller may resolve the issue.
- The model number can be found on the back of the controller:
- 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.
- If the controller cannot be paired using the USB charging cable, try the following:
- 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.
- Use a different USB port on the dock.
- Use a different USB charging cable.
- If possible, use a different dock.
- If it is suspected that the issue is with the original dock, please see USB Ports Not Working on the Nintendo Switch Dock 2.
- Pair the controller wirelessly:
Situation not resolved
If the controller cannot be paired to the Nintendo Switch 2 console, either wirelessly or via the USB charging cable, the controller will need to be serviced.
Please contact us for support.
