While the Nintendo Switch Joy - Cons are serviceable ( unless you getJoy - Con drift ) for playing thebest Switch games , most people will want to promote to a betterSwitch control . The Pro Controller is so good that you may not need to use anything else once you ’ve gotten a spirit for it . Because it uses Bluetooth , you’re able to use it to play all the give orfree Switch gamesas well as your PC library . Here ’s how to connect your Pro accountant to PC .
Just remember to keep yourcontroller charged !
How to connect a Switch Pro Controller to PC using Steam
The Steam guest now officially supports the Switch Pro Controller , with it antecedently only being usable in the beta node . This gives you the power to expend it with all of your personal computer game and even remap its push button , should you see fit .
Step 1 : direct to theController Settingsmenu in Steam . From here , you’re able to train support for the Switch Pro Controller and enable theUse Nintendo Button Layoutoption , which shift all your games ’ clit prompts to match the Pro Controller . If you leave this unchecked , theA / BandX / Ybuttons will be switch , like they are on the Xbox One .
Step 2 : Next , punch in your Switch Pro Controller with a USB cable , and you ’ll be take to record it as well as calibrate the build - in gyro sensing element for gesture control in certain games .
Step 3 : Once you ’ve done that , selectController shape , and you could set the function of every button and puzzle on the controller , make preset configurations for sealed game , or choose a community of interests member ’s own configuration by pressing theXbutton . If you like , you’re able to even bond the gyro sensor to a particular function , which could enable you to be nearly as accurate as black eye - and - keyboard players in certain games .
How to connect Joy-Cons or a Switch Pro controller to your PC via Bluetooth
you’re able to easy pair Switch restrainer with a Windows or Mac computer from directly within the Bluetooth menu . The steps are essentially the same for both type of controllers , so you’re able to follow along with whatever panache of Switch controller you intend on using .
Step 1 : become on Bluetooth on your computer .
Step 2 : Disconnect the control from the Switch .
dance step 3 : give theSyncbutton , locate between theSRandSLbuttons , until the LED lighter start flashing .
stone’s throw 4 : count for the controller in your data processor ’s Bluetooth menu , and select the option to pair it with your equipment .
There are some queerness to watch out for , such as when the couple lights on the Joy - Cons wo n’t stop blinking . you could confirm that the controller is connected , however , by looking at your data processor ’s Bluetooth scope . If you see the fault message below , move the controller around to ensure no other devices are interfering with the signal . Then examine again .
Unfortunately , the two Joy - Cons will be treated as separate controllers by nonpayment . That ’s big for two - player game , but it makes them useless for playing anything complex , like a first - somebody shooter .
There is a jolly elaborate workaround to synchronize a pair of Joy - Cons together as a single controller , and it involves multiple external political program and some intensive tinkering . We conceive the mental process we ’ve name is the practiced elbow room to go , but if you ’re interested , accompany the stepsoutlined by this Reddit user .
The Pro Controller should prove more viable for a wide range of games than the Joy - Cons , namely because it bluster a more traditional layout , although it ’s not compatible with everything . That ’s due to the control genus Apis in use ; the Pro Controller patently utilise DirectInput , rather than the newer API XInput , making it uncongenial with many newer games .
One method to get around this is to download the freeware programx360ce , which translates DirectInput bidding for XInput games . It was specifically designed for Xbox 360 controllers , so x360ce does recognize the Switch Pro Controller .
Other things to keep in mind
If you ’re using the Joy - Cons , keep in mind that connectivity outlet may transform to similar problems on other gimmick . Connection challenge with the left Joy - Con on the Switch were vulgar in the Switch ’s early days . If you discover lagging or other oddity with either Joy - Con , you could have a bun in the oven twin with a PC to be a bit more fussy . Plus , the Bluetooth connection can be iffy and is typically vulnerable to interfering devices . refutable Bluetooth is a problem that plagues plenty of accessory , so we ca n’t fault Nintendo too much . For the most straight pairing , keep the line between the Joy - Con and your microcomputer clear . If it becomes inconsistent , seek adjusting where you hold the controller .
If you ’ve never had Joy - Con problem , you ’re probably lucky enough not to have a wrong unit of measurement . Nintendo said shortly after the launching of the Switch that it had corrected next lading ’ connectivity progeny . So if you did n’t buy your console when the Switch launched in 2017 , you would likely chance few problems . Or , if you purchase another Joy - Con recently , it ’s probably free of whatever bug harass earlier versions .
One more thing to keep in mind if you connect the Switch Pro Controller wirelessly : You ca n’t lodge the Pro Controller while it ’s paired via Bluetooth . If you plan to connect it for non - Steam gaming , plug in the Pro Controller before and after , especially if it ’s your control of choice for marathon sessions . Thankfully , the Pro Controller has exceptional battery liveliness — 40 - plus hr on a full kick .
Outside of the Steam realm , both the Pro Controller and Joy - cons are excellent for playing older games compatible with DirectInput API and simple controls . Both of these controller are also suit to play game through your personal computer ’s ape , which is handy if you care to wreak old - schooltime Nintendo games on New engineering . It might take some set to get used to using upgraded comptroller to play your retro favorites , but it ’s a bunch of play once you learn .
