Can You Play With One Joy-Con? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, you absolutely can play with one Joy-Con on the Nintendo Switch! This is one of the console’s most versatile features, allowing for both single-player and multiplayer experiences with just a single pair of controllers. The Joy-Con controllers, designed to be used as a pair, can also function as individual, horizontally-held controllers. This flexibility enables two people to play together using only the standard set included with the console, making it a fantastic option for couch co-op. Let’s dive into how this works and what you need to know.
How to Use a Single Joy-Con
Setting Up Your Joy-Con
To use a Joy-Con as a single controller, you’ll need to register it as “horizontally held”. Here’s how:
- Go to the HOME menu on your Nintendo Switch.
- Select “Controllers”.
- Press the SL and SR buttons simultaneously on the Joy-Con you want to use. These are the small buttons located on the top of each Joy-Con, between the plus (+) and minus (-) buttons.
- The Joy-Con will now be recognized as a single, horizontally-held controller.
Once set up this way, the Joy-Con operates similarly to a traditional gamepad, allowing you to navigate menus and control your game. Importantly, both the left and right Joy-Cons can be used independently in this mode. This means you can have two players, each with their own Joy-Con, using just the set that comes with the Switch.
Games That Support Single Joy-Con Play
Not all games support single Joy-Con play, but many popular titles do. Games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Party, Mario Golf: Super Rush, and Nintendo Switch Sports are designed to be played with either one or two Joy-Cons per player. However, it’s vital to note that the gameplay experience may differ based on the chosen control method.
For example, in Nintendo Switch Sports, many of the sports can be played with a single Joy-Con, making it easy for everyone to jump in. However, soccer in Nintendo Switch Sports requires a full pair of Joy-Cons per player.
Limitations of Single Joy-Con Use
While the single Joy-Con option is useful, it does have its limitations. Games that require complex button inputs, or two analog sticks simultaneously, often don’t support single Joy-Con play. For example, Fortnite is not compatible with single Joy-Con gameplay. Some games, like It Takes Two, are designed specifically for two-player co-op and also require two full controllers per player. In single-Joy-Con mode, you’ll be missing analog sticks. Some games can map analog stick movement to the directional buttons, but this method isn’t always ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide even more insight into using single Joy-Cons:
1. Can you play Switch Sports with one Joy-Con?
Yes, you can play many sports in Nintendo Switch Sports with a single Joy-Con, such as Tennis, Bowling, Chambara, Badminton and Volleyball. However, Soccer requires each player to use a pair of Joy-Cons. This offers flexibility in how you play, allowing solo play with one controller or co-op gaming.
2. Can you use one Joy-Con for It Takes Two?
No, It Takes Two requires two controllers, either two Joy-Cons or two gamepad controllers. It’s a couch co-op only game, which is designed specifically for a two-player experience and demands a full set of controls for each player.
3. Can Joy-Cons be used separately?
Yes, Joy-Cons can be used separately. You can detach them from the console and use them as individual controllers in TV Mode or Tabletop Mode by sliding them upward while holding the release button on the back. Each Joy-Con can then be configured as a single, horizontal controller.
4. Do I need 2 sets of Joy-Cons for two-player games?
No, you don’t need two sets of Joy-Cons to play with two players. The default set of Joy-Cons included with your console is designed to support two-player games. Each Joy-Con can be registered separately as a single controller.
5. Do you need 2 sets of Joy-Cons for It Takes Two?
Yes, It Takes Two requires two sets of Joy-Cons or two gamepad controllers, as it is a two-player-only game. It’s designed as a co-op experience for two players and does not have single-player functionality.
6. How many Joy-Cons can you use at once?
You can connect up to eight controllers with your Nintendo Switch simultaneously. This includes Joy-Cons, Pro Controllers, and other compatible controllers. The actual number of players that can play depends on the game and the game mode.
7. Can I play It Takes Two alone?
No, you cannot play It Takes Two alone. This game is exclusively designed for two players, and does not feature a single-player mode. You must play with another person locally or online.
8. Can you use one Joy-Con for Mario Party?
Yes, you only need one Joy-Con to play Mario Party. You can use up to four Joy-Cons for a full party, but this is not a requirement. Many Mario Party modes are playable with a single Joy-Con per person.
9. Can you play Mario Golf with one Joy-Con?
Yes, Mario Golf: Super Rush supports one Joy-Con per player. The game is designed to be accessible with simple motion or button controls, making it easy to play with one Joy-Con.
10. Can I play Smash with one Joy-Con?
Absolutely! Each player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate can choose to use a single Joy-Con, a pair of Joy-Cons, a Pro Controller, or a GameCube controller. When using a single Joy-Con, hold it horizontally and press the SL and SR buttons to register it.
11. Can you play Switch without a controller?
While you can use the touchscreen on the console to navigate menus, you cannot fully play games without controllers. You’ll always need some kind of input device to play, even if it is just a single Joy-Con.
12. How long do Joy-Cons last?
Joy-Cons typically last for about 20 hours on a full charge. The Joy-Cons take approximately 3.5 hours to fully recharge when connected to the Nintendo Switch console. The exact battery life can vary based on the game being played and other functions being used.
13. Do you need both Joy-Cons to play Mario Kart?
No, you don’t need both Joy-Cons. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe supports single Joy-Con play, as well as paired Joy-Cons, or a Pro Controller. Simply configure your desired Joy-Con as a horizontal controller, and you’re good to race.
14. Why is one Joy-Con not connecting?
If one of your Joy-Cons is not connecting, try to reset your controller by pressing the small pin-sized Sync button. Ensure your console has the latest software update and make sure the controller has a charge. Try decreasing the distance between the controller and the Switch, or move any potential sources of interference away.
15. Can you play multiplayer with one controller?
Yes, you can play select games for up to two players with one set of Joy-Cons – one for each player. Simply detach and configure each one as a single horizontal controller. You can also buy extra controllers for 3+ player games.
Conclusion
The ability to play with just one Joy-Con is a hallmark of the Nintendo Switch’s versatility. This feature not only allows for convenient single-player experiences, but also allows two people to enjoy co-op gaming right out of the box. While some games require specific control setups, many are designed with this flexibility in mind. By understanding how to configure and use your Joy-Cons correctly, you can fully appreciate the range of options available for fun, social, and convenient gaming.