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Joy-Con 2 Not Recognized or Not Registering While Attached to the Nintendo Switch 2 Console

Nintendo Switch 2

Steps for when Joy-Con 2 controllers are not recognized when physically connected to the Nintendo Switch 2 console. The Joy-Con 2 may work wirelessly in TV or tabletop mode, but the console does not detect or register them when attached.

Before you start

You will need:

  • Your Nintendo Switch 2 console
  • Left and right Joy-Con 2 controllers

What to do

  1. Use the touch screen to install the latest system update. If you already have the latest system update, restart the console.
  2. Detach the Joy-Con 2 from the console.
    • How to detach Joy-Con 2 controllers from a Nintendo Switch 2

      Important: After detaching the Joy-Con 2 controllers from the console, be sure to attach the Joy-Con 2 straps before starting a game or software.

      1. Press the release button on the back of the Joy-Con 2.
        Release button on back of Joy-Con 2 highlighted while controller is attached to the Nintendo Switch 2 console
      2. While holding the release button down, pull the controller away from the console to detach it.
        User pressing release button on back of Joy-Con 2 and detaching the controller from Nintendo Switch 2 console

      The Joy-Con 2 registration information is not deleted when the controllers are detached. You can now use them as wireless controllers.

  3. Press the SYNC Button once on each Joy-Con 2. Then press any other button on each controller to power it on again.
  4. Attach the Joy-ConJoy-Con 2 to the console.
    • How to attach Joy-Con 2 to Nintendo Switch 2
      1. Position the console so it's upright and facing you.
      2. Bring the right Joy-Con 2 (controller with + Button) to the right side of the console.
      3. Align the bottom of the controller close to the console, then bring the top close to the console. You will hear a click when it is securely attached.
        • Keep the area between the Joy-Con 2 and the console clear of any foreign objects.
        Joy-Con 2 (R) controller being connected to the Nintendo Switch 2 console
      4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the left Joy-Con 2 (controller with - Button).

      The attached Joy-Con 2 controllers are ready to be used. They will also be paired wirelessly to the console and can be detached to use wirelessly.

      For more information, see How to Attach/Detach the Joy-Con 2 Controllers from Nintendo Switch 2.

Situation not resolved

  1. Detach and reattach the Joy-Con 2 again a couple of times.
  2. Test another Joy-Con 2 controller with the console, if possible.

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