Can You Use 2 Wired Controllers on Nintendo Switch?
Yes, absolutely! You can use two wired controllers on your Nintendo Switch. The Nintendo Switch dock is equipped with three USB ports, allowing you to connect up to three wired controllers simultaneously. This means you and a friend can easily plug in your controllers for some classic couch co-op action, providing a reliable and low-latency gaming experience. The ease of setting up two wired controllers is one of the many reasons the Nintendo Switch is a fantastic console for local multiplayer gaming.
Understanding Wired Controller Compatibility
The Nintendo Switch has been designed with versatility in mind. Whether you are a fan of the convenience of wireless controllers or prefer the responsiveness of wired ones, the Switch caters to both. However, it’s important to understand how the console manages controllers to maximize your gaming experience.
How Wired Controllers Connect
Wired controllers connect to the Nintendo Switch dock via the USB ports located on the side and rear of the dock. These ports are standard USB 2.0 ports, which makes them compatible with a wide range of wired USB controllers designed for PC gaming or other consoles, provided they are compatible with the Nintendo Switch system. Simply plug the USB cable of your controller into one of the available USB ports on the dock, and you’re ready to go.
Benefits of Using Wired Controllers
While wireless controllers offer freedom of movement, wired controllers offer distinct advantages:
- Reduced Latency: Wired connections eliminate the potential latency introduced by wireless signals, resulting in a more responsive gaming experience, which is crucial for fast-paced action games.
- No Batteries: Wired controllers draw power from the console, so you don’t need to worry about charging batteries or replacing them during a gaming session. This means you can game as long as you want, without interruption.
- Reliable Connection: Wired connections are inherently more stable than wireless ones. This reduces the possibility of dropped connections and signal interference, resulting in a smooth and seamless gaming experience.
Combining Wired and Wireless
You are not restricted to only using wired or wireless controllers. The Nintendo Switch allows a combination of both, providing maximum flexibility for different multiplayer scenarios. For example, you could have two players using wired controllers while other players use wireless Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers. The total number of controllers supported remains the same at up to 8, regardless of the type of connection.
Expanding Your Multiplayer Options
While you can easily have two players using wired controllers, you’ll need to consider your game choices when adding more players to the mix. Many games, such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Luigi’s Mansion 3, allow for up to 8 players, creating a fun and social experience. Using a combination of wired and wireless connections can ensure that everyone gets in on the action.
Maximizing Player Count
- Wired Setup: Using all three available USB ports, you can have three players using wired controllers.
- Wireless Setup: To reach the maximum of 8 players, combine the three wired controllers with five wireless Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers.
- Joy-Con Flexibility: Remember that a pair of Joy-Cons is treated as one controller. You can also use a single Joy-Con as a controller, but it’s not possible to mix half a Joy-Con with another controller for a single player.
- Game Support: Check the multiplayer capabilities of your chosen games to determine the exact number of players they support and what types of controllers they recognize.
Considerations for Portable Play
Keep in mind that the ability to use wired controllers is limited when you are not using the Nintendo Switch dock. In Handheld Mode or Tabletop Mode, you won’t have direct access to USB ports on the console itself. For wired controllers to be used while away from the dock, you would need a USB-C to USB adaptor to plug the controller into the USB-C port. This adds extra accessories and possible complications to gaming on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify controller options and capabilities on the Nintendo Switch:
Can I use any wired controller on my Nintendo Switch?
Generally, most USB wired controllers that follow the standard HID protocol will work with the Switch while docked. However, it is best to check the compatibility of your specific controller as not all are officially supported.
How many USB ports does the Nintendo Switch dock have?
The standard Nintendo Switch dock (model no. HAC-007) has three USB 2.0 ports, one USB-C AC adapter port, and one HDMI port.
Can I use a wired controller and Joy-Cons at the same time?
Yes, you can use any combination of wired and wireless controllers simultaneously. Just remember the limit of 8 controllers.
Do I need two sets of Joy-Cons for a 2-player game?
No, you do not need two sets. For 2-player games, you can use the Joy-Cons that come with the system. Each player can use either a single Joy-Con or a pair as a single controller.
How many controllers can I pair with my Nintendo Switch at the same time?
You can pair up to eight controllers with the Nintendo Switch simultaneously, regardless of whether they are wired or wireless.
Can I charge my controllers using the USB ports on the dock?
Yes, you can charge your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller or Joy-Con controllers (when attached to the Joy-Con charging grip) using the USB ports on the dock.
What are the two USB ports for on the Nintendo Switch?
The USB ports on the dock are used to connect wired controllers, charging controllers, and USB LAN Adapters for wired internet access.
How do I connect a wired controller to my Nintendo Switch?
Simply plug the USB cable of your wired controller into an available USB port on the Switch dock. The controller should be recognized automatically.
How many players can Mario Kart 8 Deluxe support?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe supports up to 8 players using multiple Nintendo Switch consoles in local wireless play, or up to four players on the same console.
Do I need 2 controllers for Mario Kart?
For two-player mode on the same console, you can each use one single Joy-Con or a full controller (Joy-Con pair or Pro Controller).
Can you play 4 players with 2 controllers on the Switch?
Yes, by splitting the included Joy-Cons you can achieve this, 4 players using one left or right joycon each. You can also add more controllers if needed.
How many Joy-Cons do I need for Mario Party?
You need at least one Joy-Con per player to play Mario Party. A full party requires four Joy-Cons.
Can you play It Takes Two with two controllers on the same console?
Yes, you can play It Takes Two in couch co-op mode on the same console by connecting two controllers, one for each player.
What do I need to play It Takes Two?
You’ll need two controllers, whether Joy-Cons or other compatible gamepads. Or two consoles for local wireless.
Can I connect a USB-C controller to the Nintendo Switch?
Yes, a USB-C controller can be plugged into the Nintendo Switch when it is undocked, using the USB-C port directly on the console. However, for a wired USB controller to connect when docked, it would require an adapter.
In conclusion, using two wired controllers on your Nintendo Switch is simple and effective, offering a reliable way to enjoy multiplayer games. The flexibility of the Switch’s controller options, supporting a mix of wired and wireless, ensures that everyone can get in on the fun, whether at home or on the go, although the best set up for wired controllers is when docked.