Waking the Beast: Powering On Your Nintendo Switch with a Pro Controller
So, you’re ready to dive into Hyrule, blast through some Splatoon turf wars, or maybe just chill with some Animal Crossing villagers. But your trusty Nintendo Switch is sleeping soundly. You grab your Pro Controller, ready to command the console to life, but… how exactly do you do it?
The most straightforward way to wake up your Nintendo Switch with a Pro Controller is simply by pressing the Home button. That’s right, the circular button adorned with the familiar home icon. In most cases, a single press is all it takes to rouse the Switch from its slumber and get you back in the game. However, there are a few caveats and troubleshooting steps to consider, which we’ll explore in detail.
Understanding Wake-Up Functionality
The Home button wake-up feature relies on a consistent connection between your Switch and the Pro Controller. If the console and controller haven’t been paired correctly, or if the controller’s battery is depleted, pressing the Home button won’t magically bring your Switch to life. You can also go to System Settings in the home menu, then find Controllers and Sensors, then Wake Console with Controllers. This will need to be switched on.
Let’s delve into some common scenarios and solutions to ensure you can always awaken your Switch with your Pro Controller.
Common Scenarios Where Wake-Up Might Fail
- Controller Not Paired: If you’re using a new Pro Controller or haven’t paired it with your Switch recently, the console won’t recognize it.
- Low Battery: A controller with a critically low battery might not have enough juice to send the wake-up signal.
- Controller is Not Charged: Make sure the pro controller is charging using an official Nintendo adapter.
- Interference: Wireless interference from other devices can disrupt the connection.
- System Glitches: Occasionally, a temporary software glitch on either the console or controller side can prevent wake-up.
Troubleshooting the Pro Controller Wake-Up
If you’re experiencing issues waking your Switch with the Pro Controller, try these steps:
- Ensure the Controller is Paired:
- On your Switch, navigate to System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Change Grip/Order.
- Press and hold the Sync button (the small button next to the USB-C port on the Pro Controller) until the player indicator LEDs start flashing.
- The Switch should recognize the controller, and the LEDs will illuminate to indicate the player number.
- Check the Controller’s Battery:
- Connect the Pro Controller to the Switch dock or a USB power adapter using a USB-C cable.
- Let it charge for at least 30 minutes, and then try waking the Switch again. The LED on the back near the USB-C port will turn off when fully charged.
- Reduce Interference:
- Move the Switch away from other wireless devices, such as routers, microwaves, or cordless phones.
- Ensure there are no physical obstructions between the controller and the console.
- Restart the Controller:
- Press the Sync button on the Pro Controller once to reset it. Then try waking the Switch again.
- Restart the Switch:
- Press and hold the Power button on the Switch for a few seconds.
- Select Power Options and then Restart.
- Once the Switch restarts, try waking it with the Pro Controller again.
- Hard Reset the Switch (if unresponsive):
- If the Switch is completely unresponsive, press and hold the Power button for about 12 seconds until it shuts down.
- Then, press the Power button again to turn it on.
Diving Deeper: System Settings
The Nintendo Switch’s settings menu offers ways to modify how the console connects to your controller. These settings could be hindering your Pro Controller’s ability to wake the system.
Wake Console Setting
First and foremost, make sure you’ve enabled the “Wake Console” setting. Head to System Settings > Controllers and Sensors, then ensure “Wake Console with Controllers” is set to On. If it’s off, your Pro Controller won’t be able to turn the console on, regardless of its battery level or connection status.
Connectivity Settings
The Switch uses Bluetooth to connect to your Pro Controller, so if you’re experiencing connectivity issues, try restarting the console’s Bluetooth service. You can do this by toggling Airplane Mode on and off, or by going to System Settings > Airplane Mode and disabling and re-enabling it.
Additional tips
- Keep Your System Updated: Regularly update both your Switch console and Pro Controller firmware. Nintendo releases updates to address bugs and improve performance.
- Use a Quality USB Cable: When charging your Pro Controller, use a reliable USB-C cable. A faulty cable can prevent proper charging. It is recommended you use the official adapter, and make sure that it is plugged in all the way on both ends.
- Consider a Docking Station: If you frequently use your Switch in docked mode, a docking station can provide a convenient way to charge your Pro Controller while you play.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why won’t my Pro Controller connect to my Switch?
Ensure the Pro Controller is charged and that you’ve followed the pairing process in System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Change Grip/Order. Wireless interference can also cause connection problems.
2. How do I know if my Pro Controller is charging?
When charging, the LED light beside the USB-C port on the Pro Controller will illuminate. It will turn off once the controller is fully charged.
3. How long does it take to fully charge a Pro Controller?
It takes approximately six hours to fully charge a Pro Controller.
4. Can I use a different USB-C cable to charge my Pro Controller?
Yes, you can use any USB-C cable, but using a high-quality cable is recommended for optimal charging.
5. My Pro Controller is connected, but the buttons aren’t working in-game. What should I do?
Restart both the Switch and the Pro Controller. Also, check the game’s controller settings to ensure the Pro Controller is selected as the input device.
6. What is the Sync button on the Pro Controller for?
The Sync button is used to pair the Pro Controller with the Switch console. Press and hold it during the pairing process. It can also be used to reset the controller.
7. Can I use my Pro Controller with other devices besides the Nintendo Switch?
Yes, the Pro Controller can be used with PCs and some mobile devices, although the connection process may vary and you may need additional software.
8. How many Pro Controllers can I connect to my Switch at once?
You can connect up to eight controllers to a single Nintendo Switch console.
9. Does the Pro Controller have motion controls?
Yes, the Pro Controller supports motion controls, which are used in some games.
10. Why is my Pro Controller disconnecting randomly?
Wireless interference, low battery, or a loose connection can cause random disconnections. Try moving closer to the console and ensuring the controller is fully charged.
11. Can I update the firmware on my Pro Controller?
Yes, you can update the Pro Controller firmware through the Switch’s System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Update Controllers.
12. Is it okay to leave my Pro Controller plugged in even when fully charged?
Yes, it’s generally safe to leave your Pro Controller plugged in, as it has built-in circuitry to prevent overcharging.
13. What should I do if my Pro Controller is drifting?
Drifting (when the joystick moves on its own) can sometimes be fixed by calibrating the control sticks in System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Calibrate Control Sticks. If that doesn’t work, you may need to contact Nintendo support.
14. What if my Nintendo Switch wont turn on at all?
Try charging your Nintendo Switch for at least 30 minutes to an hour, using a verified power adapter. If that doesn’t work, your Switch might be experiencing system issues.
15. Can I use third-party Pro Controllers with my Switch?
Yes, there are many third-party Pro Controllers available. However, ensure they are compatible with the Switch and read reviews before purchasing. Some third-party controllers might not have all the features of the official Pro Controller.
The Games Learning Society has shown that video games have more to offer than entertainment. Educational value can be found across many different games. Consider using your Nintendo Switch to play games that can help you learn something new. You can learn more about the Games Learning Society on their website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
By following these steps and understanding the nuances of the Pro Controller and Switch interaction, you’ll be well-equipped to wake your gaming beast with ease. Now go forth and conquer those virtual worlds!