How to Pair Joy-Con Controllers
- June 8, 2024
- Nintendo
Table of Contents
How to Pair Joy-Con Controllers
Applies to: Nintendo Switch Family, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite
In this article, you’ll learn how to pair the Joy-Con controllers to a Nintendo Switch system.
Important: The system must be powered on. It is not possible to pair the Joy-Con while the system is in sleep mode. Note: Up to eight wireless controllers can be paired to a Nintendo Switch system. However, the maximum number of controllers that can be connected will vary depending on the type of controllers and features that are used.
Nintendo Switch
The Joy-Con can be paired to the Nintendo Switch console in the following ways:
Joint pairing
Simply attach the Joy-Con controllers to the console.
Button pairing or wireless pairing
- From the HOME Menu, select Controllers , then Change Grip and Order. While the following screen is displayed, press and hold down the SYNC Button 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.
Change Grip and Order screen
- Confirm how the Joy-Con will be held.
Important
* By doing the Button Pairing alone, the console will not be able to tell if the Joy-Con will be held as a dual-controller grip, or if the Joy-Con will be held horizontally as individual controllers.
* To confirm how the Joy-Con will be used, press the L Button/R Buttons as indicated below while on this screen.| How to Use the Joy-Con | Buttons to Press |
|---|
As a dual-controller grip
Joy-Con controllers used as a dual-controller grip
| L Button (on left Joy-Con) + R Button (on right Joy-Con)
ZL Button (on left Joy-Con) + ZR Button (on right Joy-Con)
As a solo horizontal grip
Joy-Con controller used as a solo horizontal grip
| SL Button + SR Button on each Joy-Con you wish to use horizontally
USB Connection Pairing
Important:
The USB connection pairing is available after performing a system update.
Attach the Joy-Con to the Joy-Con charging grip (sold separately), then connect it to the Nintendo Switch dock with the included USB cable (model No. HAC-010).
Nintendo Switch Lite
- From the HOME Menu, select Controllers , then Change Grip and Order. While the following screen is displayed, press and hold down the SYNC Button 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.
Change Grip and Order screen
- Confirm how the Joy-Con will be held.
Important
* By doing the Button Pairing alone, the console will not be able to tell if the Joy-Con will be held as a dual-controller grip, or if the Joy-Con will be held horizontally as individual controllers.
* To confirm how the Joy-Con will be used, press the L Button/R Buttons as indicated below while on this screen.| How to Use the Joy-Con | Buttons to Press |
|---|
As a dual-controller grip
Joy-Con controllers used as a dual-controller grip
| L Button (on left Joy-Con) + R Button (on right Joy-Con)
ZL Button (on left Joy-Con) + ZR Button (on right Joy-Con)
As a solo horizontal grip
Joy-Con controller used as a solo horizontal grip
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>