The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is one of the most popular controllers on the market, thanks to its comfortable design, responsive buttons, and versatile functionality. While the controller is primarily designed for use with the Nintendo Switch, it can also be used with PCs. This can be a great way to add extra functionality to your PC gaming setup or to use the controller with games that don’t support the Nintendo Switch.
Connecting the Switch Pro Controller to your PC is a relatively simple process. First, you’ll need to make sure that your PC has Bluetooth capabilities. If your PC doesn’t have Bluetooth, you can purchase a Bluetooth adapter. Once you have a Bluetooth adapter, you can follow these steps to connect the Switch Pro Controller to your PC:
1. Press and hold the Sync button on the back of the controller until the LED lights begin to flash.
2. On your PC, open the Bluetooth settings menu.
3. Click on the “Add a device” button.
4. Select the “Nintendo Switch Pro Controller” from the list of available devices.
5. Once the controller is connected, you can begin using it with your PC games.
Wired Connection Setup
Connecting your Switch Pro Controller to your PC via a wired connection is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to establish a wired connection:
-
Obtain a Compatible USB Cable
You will need a USB-C to USB-A cable to connect your Switch Pro Controller to your PC. Ensure that the cable is of good quality to avoid connection issues.
-
Connect the Controller to the PC
Connect one end of the USB cable to the USB-C port on the top of your Switch Pro Controller and the other end to a USB-A port on your PC. The controller will automatically be recognized by your computer.
Note: If your PC does not have a USB-A port, you may need to use a USB-C to USB-C cable and an adapter to connect to a USB-A port.
-
Verify Controller Connection
Once connected, your Switch Pro Controller should be recognized by your PC. You can verify the connection by opening the “Device Manager” on your PC and checking under the “Human Interface Devices” section for “Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.”
After completing these steps, your Switch Pro Controller will be successfully connected to your PC via a wired connection. You can now use the controller to play games and navigate the PC interface.
Wireless Connection with Bluetooth
Connecting your Switch Pro Controller to your PC wirelessly via Bluetooth is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a seamless connection:
Step 1: Enable Bluetooth on Your PC
Ensure that your PC has Bluetooth capabilities. If not, you’ll need to use a Bluetooth adapter.
Step 2: Put the Controller into Pairing Mode
Hold down the “Sync” button on the top of the controller for several seconds until the indicator lights start flashing rapidly.
Step 3: Add a Bluetooth Device on Your PC
Go to “Settings” > “Devices” > “Bluetooth & other devices” and click on “Add Bluetooth or other device.” From the list of available devices, select “Wireless Controller.”
Step 4: Wait for Device Confirmation
Once your PC has connected to the controller, you’ll see a confirmation message on the screen. The indicator lights on the controller should also stop flashing and remain solid.
Step 5: Configure the Controller
You may need to configure the controller settings within your PC’s gaming software or steam to customize button mapping and other preferences.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps for easier reference:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Enable Bluetooth on your PC. |
| 2 | Put the controller into pairing mode. |
| 3 | Add a Bluetooth device on your PC and select “Wireless Controller.” |
| 4 | Wait for device confirmation. |
| 5 | Configure the controller settings. |
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
If you’re experiencing difficulties connecting your Switch Pro Controller to your PC, try the following troubleshooting steps:
1. Check Compatibility
Make sure your PC meets the minimum requirements for using the Switch Pro Controller. This includes a Bluetooth-enabled computer running Windows 10 (version 1809 or later) or macOS 10.13 (or later).
2. Enable Bluetooth
Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your PC. On Windows, go to “Settings” > “Bluetooth & other devices” and turn on the Bluetooth switch. On macOS, go to “System Preferences” > “Bluetooth” and check if Bluetooth is enabled.
3. Update Drivers
Outdated Bluetooth drivers can cause connectivity issues. Check for driver updates on the manufacturer’s website and install the latest version.
4. Pair the Controller Manually
If the controller is not pairing automatically, try pairing it manually through your computer’s Bluetooth settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Open “Settings” (Windows) or “System Preferences” (macOS).
- Go to “Bluetooth & other devices” (Windows) or “Bluetooth” (macOS).
- Put the Switch Pro Controller into pairing mode by holding the “Sync” button for a few seconds.
- Wait for the controller to appear on the list of available devices. Select it and click “Pair” or “Connect”.
5. Disable Power-Saving Mode
Power-saving mode on some PCs can interfere with Bluetooth connections. Try disabling it by going to “Power & sleep settings” and adjusting the “Power mode” to “High performance”.
Connecting Your Switch Pro Controller to PC via Bluetooth
1. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your PC.
2. Put your Switch Pro Controller into pairing mode by pressing and holding the “Sync” button on the top of the controller for a few seconds.
3. On your PC, search for available Bluetooth devices and select “Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.”
4. Your Switch Pro Controller will now be connected to your PC.
Connecting Your Switch Pro Controller to PC via USB Cable
1. Connect your Switch Pro Controller to your PC using a USB cable.
2. Your Switch Pro Controller will be automatically detected and configured.
Customizing Controller Settings
You can customize the settings of your Switch Pro Controller to suit your preferences. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the “Settings” app on your PC.
- Click on “Devices” and then “Bluetooth & other devices.”
- Under “Other devices,” find your Switch Pro Controller and click on it.
- Click on the “Configure” button.
- You can now customize the following settings for your controller:
- Button mapping: You can remap any button on your controller to a different function.
- Analog stick sensitivity: You can adjust the sensitivity of the analog sticks to suit your preferences.
- Trigger sensitivity: You can adjust the sensitivity of the triggers to suit your preferences.
- Vibration: You can disable or enable vibration for your controller.
Mapping Buttons to Keyboard Controls
Once you’ve connected your Switch Pro Controller to your PC, you can customize the button mappings to match your preferences. To do this, you’ll need to use a third-party software program such as JoyToKey or x360ce.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to mapping buttons using JoyToKey:
- Download and install JoyToKey from its official website.
- Launch JoyToKey and click on the "Add" button to create a new profile.
- In the "Device" dropdown menu, select "Nintendo Switch Pro Controller."
- In the "Buttons" tab, you’ll see a list of all the buttons on the Switch Pro Controller. Click on each button to map it to a keyboard key.
- You can also adjust the sensitivity and other settings for each button.
- Once you’ve finished mapping all the buttons, click on the "Save" button to save your profile.
Mapping Buttons to Keyboard Controls in Detail
The Switch Pro Controller has a wide range of buttons and controls, and each one can be mapped to a variety of keyboard keys. Here’s a table that shows the default mapping of the Switch Pro Controller buttons to keyboard keys:
| Switch Pro Controller Button | Keyboard Key |
|---|---|
| A | Enter |
| B | Spacebar |
| X | Ctrl |
| Y | Alt |
| L Bumper | Q |
| R Bumper | E |
| Left Stick | Arrow Keys |
| Right Stick | WASD |
| D-Pad | Arrow Keys |
| Start | Esc |
| Select | Tab |
| Home | Windows Key |
You can customize this mapping to match your preferences. For example, you could map the "A" button to the "W" key, the "B" button to the "S" key, and so on.
Using Third-Party Software for Advanced Features
While the above methods provide basic functionality, third-party software offers advanced features to enhance your gaming experience. These programs allow you to customize button mappings, adjust sensitivity, and enable additional functionality.
One popular option is XInput Wrapper. This open-source software emulates an Xbox controller, allowing you to use the Switch Pro Controller with any game that supports XInput. It provides extensive customization options, including button remapping, trigger sensitivity adjustments, and support for macros.
| Software | Features |
|---|---|
| XInput Wrapper | Open-source, emulates Xbox controller, extensive customization options |
| DS4Windows | Supports both Switch Pro Controller and DualShock 4, customizable profiles |
| BetterJoy for Cemu | Specifically designed for Cemu emulator, unlocks gyro and motion controls |
Another option is DS4Windows. It supports both the Switch Pro Controller and DualShock 4, allowing you to create customizable profiles for each controller. DS4Windows also provides advanced features such as motion control support and macro recording.
If you’re using the Cemu emulator, BetterJoy for Cemu is a must-have. This software unlocks the gyro and motion controls of the Switch Pro Controller, providing a more immersive gaming experience. It also offers button remapping and sensitivity adjustments.
Connecting Multiple Pro Controllers
To connect multiple Pro Controllers to your PC, you’ll need a USB hub or adapter that supports multiple controllers. Once you have a hub or adapter, follow these steps:
- Connect the USB hub or adapter to your PC.
- Connect the Pro Controllers to the hub or adapter.
- Windows should automatically detect the controllers and install the necessary drivers.
- Once the drivers are installed, you can use the Pro Controllers with your PC games.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for connecting multiple Pro Controllers to a PC:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Connect the USB hub or adapter to your PC. |
| 2 | Connect the Pro Controllers to the hub or adapter. |
| 3 | Windows should automatically detect the controllers and install the necessary drivers. |
| 4 | Once the drivers are installed, you can use the Pro Controllers with your PC games. |
Charging the Controller while Connected
There are different ways to charge your controller when it’s connected to your PC. One way is to use the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Charging Grip. This grip plugs into the controller’s USB-C port and provides power to the controller while it’s connected. This method is ideal if you want uninterrupted gameplay without having to worry about your controller running out of power.
Another way to charge your controller is to use a USB-C to USB-A cable. This type of cable can be used to connect the controller to your PC’s USB port. Once connected, the controller will start charging. This method is less ideal than using the Charging Grip because it requires you to have a spare USB-C to USB-A cable on hand.
Finally, you can also charge your controller by using a wireless charging dock. These docks use Qi wireless charging technology to charge your controller without the need for any cables. This method is the most convenient option, but it requires you to have a wireless charging dock that is compatible with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
| Charging Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Charging Grip | – Official Nintendo product – Provides uninterrupted gameplay |
– Requires a spare Charging Grip |
| USB-C to USB-A Cable | – Uses standard USB cable – Compatible with most PCs |
– Requires a spare USB-C to USB-A cable |
| Wireless Charging Dock | – Convenient wireless charging – No cables required |
– Requires a compatible wireless charging dock |
Wired Connection
To connect your Switch Pro Controller to your PC via wired connection, follow these steps:
- Plug the USB-C end of the controller’s charging cable into the controller.
- Plug the other end of the charging cable into an available USB port on your PC.
- Your PC will automatically detect the controller and install the necessary drivers.
Bluetooth Connection
To connect your Switch Pro Controller to your PC via Bluetooth, follow these steps:
- Make sure that your PC’s Bluetooth is turned on and discoverable.
- Hold down the Sync Button on the top of the controller for a few seconds until the LED lights start flashing.
- On your PC, go to the Bluetooth settings and click on “Add a device”.
- Select “Nintendo Switch Pro Controller” from the list of available devices.
- Enter the pairing code that appears on your PC’s screen into the controller.
Using a Third-Party Adapter
If your PC does not have Bluetooth, you can use a third-party adapter to connect your Switch Pro Controller. These adapters typically come with software that will allow you to configure the controller’s buttons and settings.
Compatibility with Different PC Games
The Switch Pro Controller is compatible with a wide range of PC games, including:
- Steam games
- Epic Games Store games
- Origin games
- Uplay games
- Battle.net games
- Xbox Game Pass games
However, it is important to note that not all PC games support the Switch Pro Controller. Some games may require you to use a third-party program to map the controller’s buttons.
Troubleshooting
If you are having trouble connecting your Switch Pro Controller to your PC, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Make sure that the controller is fully charged.
- Try using a different USB port on your PC.
- Try restarting your PC.
- Try updating the drivers for your PC’s USB controller.
- If you are using a third-party adapter, try updating the software for the adapter.
How to Connect a Switch Pro Controller to PC
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a great option for gaming on your PC. It’s comfortable to hold, has a long battery life, and features a variety of buttons and controls that make it perfect for a wide range of games. Connecting the controller to your PC is a simple process that takes just a few minutes.
You will need:
- A Switch Pro Controller
- A USB-C cable
- A PC with Bluetooth or a USB port
Instructions:
1. Connect the USB-C cable to the controller and to your PC.
The controller will automatically start charging.
2. Press the “Sync” button on the top of the controller.
The LED lights on the controller will start flashing.
3. On your PC, open the Bluetooth settings.
Select “Add Bluetooth or other device” and then “Bluetooth”.
4. The Switch Pro Controller should appear in the list of available devices.
Click on it to connect.
Once the controller is connected, you can start using it to play games on your PC.
People Also Ask
How do I connect my Switch Pro Controller to my PC wirelessly?
To connect your Switch Pro Controller to your PC wirelessly, you will need a Bluetooth adapter. Once you have a Bluetooth adapter, follow these steps:
- Press the “Sync” button on the top of the controller.
- On your PC, open the Bluetooth settings.
- Select “Add Bluetooth or other device” and then “Bluetooth”.
- The Switch Pro Controller should appear in the list of available devices.
- Click on it to connect.
Can I use my Switch Pro Controller on my Mac?
Yes, you can use your Switch Pro Controller on your Mac. To do so, you will need a Bluetooth adapter. Once you have a Bluetooth adapter, follow these steps:
- Press the “Sync” button on the top of the controller.
- On your Mac, open the Bluetooth settings.
- Select “Add Bluetooth or other device” and then “Bluetooth”.
- The Switch Pro Controller should appear in the list of available devices.
- Click on it to connect.
Is the Switch Pro Controller better than the Xbox One controller?
The Switch Pro Controller and the Xbox One controller are both excellent controllers. Ultimately, the best controller for you will depend on your personal preferences. However, here is a comparison of the two controllers:
- Buttons: The Switch Pro Controller has more buttons than the Xbox One controller, including two extra shoulder buttons and a dedicated screenshot button.
- Analog sticks: The analog sticks on the Switch Pro Controller are offset, while the analog sticks on the Xbox One controller are centered. This is a matter of personal preference, but some gamers find the offset analog sticks to be more comfortable.
- D-pad: The D-pad on the Switch Pro Controller is a traditional D-pad, while the D-pad on the Xbox One controller is a hybrid D-pad. This is another matter of personal preference, but some gamers find the traditional D-pad to be more precise.
- Battery life: The Switch Pro Controller has a longer battery life than the Xbox One controller, lasting up to 40 hours on a single charge.
