Level Up Your Switch: Connecting Two Controllers and Mastering Multiplayer Mayhem
So, you’re ready to share the Nintendo Switch love with a friend, family member, or even a friendly rival? Excellent! Connecting two controllers to your Nintendo Switch is a breeze, opening up a world of collaborative and competitive gameplay. Here’s your comprehensive guide to getting those controllers paired and diving into the action.
First, ensure your controllers have enough battery charge.
Connecting Your Controllers: A Step-by-Step Guide
The simplest and most common method for connecting controllers involves using the Switch’s built-in pairing functionality. Here’s how to do it:
- Navigate to the HOME Menu: Power on your Nintendo Switch and make sure you’re on the main HOME Menu screen.
- Enter the “Controllers” Menu: Using the touchscreen or a connected controller, select the “Controllers” icon. It looks like, well, controllers!
- Select “Change Grip/Order”: This is the magic button. Selecting “Change Grip/Order” puts the Switch into pairing mode. You’ll see an empty screen with controller icons.
- Initiate Pairing on Your Controllers: This step varies slightly depending on the type of controller you’re using:
- Joy-Cons: If you’re using Joy-Cons separately, press and hold the SYNC button (the small, black, circular button located between the SL and SR buttons) on each Joy-Con until the player LED lights start flashing.
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller: Press and hold the SYNC button on the top of the controller (near the USB-C port) until the player LED lights start flashing.
- Wait for Pairing Confirmation: The Switch will automatically detect the controllers as they enter pairing mode. Once connected, the corresponding player LED(s) will light up solid on the controllers, and you’ll see a confirmation message on the Switch screen.
- Assign Player Slots (If Necessary): In some cases, especially with more than two controllers, you might need to manually assign each controller to a specific player number (1-4). You can do this using the touchscreen or by pressing the L and R buttons on each controller in the desired order.
That’s it! Your controllers are now paired and ready to use.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
Occasionally, you might encounter problems during the pairing process. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- Check Battery Levels: Make sure your controllers have sufficient battery charge. Low battery can often interfere with pairing.
- Proximity Matters: Stay relatively close to the Switch console during pairing. Excessive distance can weaken the Bluetooth signal.
- Reduce Interference: Bluetooth signals can be affected by other wireless devices. Try moving away from routers, microwaves, and other potential sources of interference.
- Restart the Switch: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve connectivity issues. Power off the Switch completely and then turn it back on.
- Resync the Controllers: If a controller isn’t responding, try resyncing it by pressing the SYNC button again.
- Update Controller Firmware: Make sure your controllers have the latest firmware updates. You can update them through the Switch’s system settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Switch Controllers
Here are some frequently asked questions that cover different facets of Nintendo Switch controller connectivity.
1. Can I connect more than two controllers to my Switch?
Absolutely! Regardless of the controller type (Joy-Con, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, etc.), you can pair up to eight controllers with your Nintendo Switch console simultaneously. This allows for some seriously epic multiplayer sessions.
2. Can you play 2-player games with the included Joy-Cons?
Yes, you definitely can! Many games support two-player functionality using the included Joy-Cons. Simply detach the Joy-Cons from the console, and each player can use one as a separate controller.
3. How do I split a single Joy-Con for two-player gaming?
Splitting a Joy-Con is super easy. From the HOME Menu, go to “Controller” and press both the SL and SR buttons on the Joy-Con you want to split. This will register it as “horizontally held,” allowing two users to play with a single set of Joy-Cons.
4. How do I connect a third-party controller to my Switch?
Most third-party controllers connect via Bluetooth, just like official Nintendo controllers. Follow the same pairing procedure outlined above, pressing the SYNC button on the third-party controller to initiate pairing mode. Ensure that the third-party controller is compatible with the Nintendo Switch.
5. Can I use a wired controller with my Switch?
Yes, you can use a wired controller. Simply plug the controller into the dock or the console itself (in handheld mode using a USB-C adapter if necessary). The Switch should automatically recognize the controller.
6. How many controllers do I need for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe supports up to four players on a single Nintendo Switch console. You’ll need enough controllers to accommodate all players. Each player can use a single Joy-Con, a pair of Joy-Cons, or a Pro Controller.
7. Can two people play Mario Kart with one set of Joy-Cons?
Yes, absolutely! In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, two players can play using a single set of Joy-Cons by splitting them as described above.
8. Do I need two sets of Joy-Cons to play “It Takes Two” on Switch?
Yes, for “It Takes Two” on Nintendo Switch, Couch Co-op requires 1 pair of Joy-Con™ controllers per player. So, you’ll need either two sets of Joy-Cons or two Pro Controllers.
9. Can I play “It Takes Two” using a local wireless connection?
Yes, you can play “It Takes Two” using a local wireless connection by connecting two Nintendo Switch consoles together. This requires each player to have their own Switch and a copy of the game (or one copy with the Friend’s Pass).
10. What is the “Friend’s Pass” for “It Takes Two”?
The “Friend’s Pass” allows a second player to join a game of “It Takes Two” for free, provided the first player owns the full game. The second player downloads the Friend’s Pass, and then can play the entire game cooperatively with the owner.
11. How do I update my controller firmware?
To update your controller firmware, go to System Settings -> Controllers and Sensors -> Update Controllers. Follow the on-screen instructions to update any connected controllers.
12. Can I use a controller from another console (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox) on my Switch?
While not officially supported, you can use controllers from other consoles with your Switch using third-party adapters. These adapters essentially translate the controller’s input into a format that the Switch understands. Be sure to research compatibility before purchasing an adapter.
13. I’m having trouble pairing my controller. What should I do?
Try the troubleshooting steps mentioned earlier: Check battery levels, reduce interference, restart the Switch, resync the controller, and update firmware. If all else fails, consult the Nintendo support website for more specific guidance.
14. How do I unpair a controller from my Switch?
To unpair a controller, go to System Settings -> Controllers and Sensors -> Disconnect Controllers. You can then choose which controllers to disconnect.
15. Does the type of game affect how many controllers I can use?
Yes, it does! While the Switch can connect up to eight controllers, the number of players who can actually play at any one time depends on the title and game mode being used. Some games may only support two players, even if you have more controllers connected. Always check the game’s manual or in-game settings for specific controller support information.
Connecting two or more controllers to your Nintendo Switch is a simple process that unlocks a wealth of multiplayer gaming possibilities. By following the steps outlined in this guide and understanding the nuances of controller compatibility, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying countless hours of collaborative and competitive fun. Explore more about the power of games and how they can influence learning and development at the Games Learning Society website, GamesLearningSociety.org.