Can you use one joycon as a controller?

Yes, you can use one Joy-Con as a controller for certain games on the Nintendo Switch, allowing for single-player or multi-player experiences with just one Joy-Con per player. The ability to use a single Joy-Con controller is a convenient feature, especially for games that support local co-op or multiplayer modes, where two players can play together using just one pair of Joy-Con controllers.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Using One Joy-Con as a Controller

Switching to Single Joy-Con Mode

To switch to single Joy-Con mode, press the connect button on both Joy-Con controllers and then press the SL and SR buttons on the Joy-Con you want to use.

1. Can you use each Joy-Con as a controller?: Yes, each Joy-Con can be used as a separate controller, allowing for local multiplayer gameplay with just one pair of Joy-Con controllers.
2. Can you use one Joy-Con for It Takes Two?: No, It Takes Two requires two Joy-Con controllers or one Pro Controller per player for co-op gameplay.
3. Can you use 1 Joy-Con for Mario Kart?: Yes, you can play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with one Joy-Con controller, making it easy to play with a friend using just one pair of Joy-Con controllers.
4. Can you play Switch Sports with one Joy-Con?: For most Switch Sports games, you only need a single Joy-Con controller, so one pair would be enough for two players or two pairs for up to four players.
5. What games can you play with only one Joy-Con?: Games like Mario Kart, Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime, and Overcooked! support single Joy-Con gameplay.
6. Can you play Luigi’s Mansion 3 with 1 Joy-Con?: Yes, each player can use a single Joy-Con, a pair of Joy-Con controllers, or a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to play Luigi’s Mansion 3.
7. How many Joy-Cons do I need for 2 players Mario Kart?: You can play Mario Kart with two players using just one pair of Joy-Con controllers, with each player using one Joy-Con.
8. Do you need 2 Joy-Cons for 2 players?: No, you don’t need two Joy-Con controllers per player for local multiplayer gameplay, one pair of Joy-Con controllers is enough for two players.
9. Can you play Overcooked with one Joy-Con?: Yes, you can play Overcooked! with two players, each using one Joy-Con controller or a pair of Joy-Con controllers.
10. Do you need two Joy-Cons for It Takes Two?: Yes, It Takes Two requires two Joy-Con controllers or one Pro Controller per player for co-op gameplay.
11. Do you need 4 Joycons for 2 players?: No, you don’t need four Joy-Con controllers for two players, one pair of Joy-Con controllers is enough for most games, but some games like Soccer in Switch Sports require each player to have a full pair of Joy-Con controllers.
12. Can I mix and match Joycons?: Yes, you can mix and match any left Joy-Con with any right Joy-Con, allowing for customization and flexibility.
13. Why won’t my single Joycon connect?: If your single Joy-Con is not connecting, try attaching it to the Nintendo Switch console, ensuring it is correctly oriented and inserted all the way, and then detach and reattach it a few times.
14. How to play Smash with 1 Joy-Con?: To play Super Smash Bros. with one Joy-Con, hold the controller horizontally and press the SL and SR buttons on top.
15. Can you play Lego games with one Joy-Con?: Yes, you can play Lego games like Lego Ninjago with two players, each using one Joy-Con controller, making it easy to play local co-op with a friend.