How Many Joy-Cons Can You Use At Once? A Comprehensive Guide
The Nintendo Switch is renowned for its versatility, offering various ways to play both solo and with friends. A key element of this flexibility is the Joy-Con controller, a marvel of modular design. But how many of these controllers can you actually use simultaneously? The simple answer is that you can pair up to eight controllers with your Nintendo Switch at the same time. This includes Joy-Cons, Pro Controllers, and any other compatible controller. However, the practical number of controllers you can actively use in a game often depends on the specific game and its player support.
Understanding Controller Limits on the Nintendo Switch
While the Switch technically supports eight paired controllers, this doesn’t mean every game will let you play with eight people simultaneously. The number of players supported in a game is dependent on how the game was designed and its supported multiplayer modes. Some titles might only allow two players, while others can support four or even eight.
Pairing vs. Playing
It is important to distinguish between pairing and playing. Pairing simply means your controller is connected to the console and recognized. Playing refers to when a controller is actively being used in a game. You can have eight controllers paired, but perhaps only four actively participating in a given game, while the others are idle.
Joy-Con Configurations
Joy-Cons add another layer of complexity due to their ability to function as both a pair and individual controllers. A single set of Joy-Cons, attached to the console or used as a single controller, counts as one controller. When you split the left and right Joy-Cons to use as individual controllers for two players, you now have two controllers. This allows for a very flexible multiplayer experience right out of the box.
Controller Types and Limitations
Remember, you can pair various controller types, including:
- Joy-Cons (paired or individual)
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- Wired USB Controllers
The Switch doesn’t differentiate between these controller types for the purpose of the pairing limit; all count towards the eight-controller maximum. However, not every game supports every controller type. For instance, Nintendo Switch Sports primarily uses Joy-Cons and the Leg Strap, while it does not support Pro Controllers or Handheld Mode.
Setting Up Multiple Joy-Cons
Connecting multiple Joy-Cons is straightforward:
- Pairing: Before going to a game, go to the HOME Menu and select “Controllers.”
- Change Grip/Order: On the “Controllers” screen, select “Change Grip/Order.” This takes you to a screen where controllers are actively detected and can be assigned to a player.
- Syncing: To sync additional controllers not yet paired, press any button on them, or follow the on-screen instructions. Note that only four controllers can be actively synced on the “Change Grip/Order” screen. To pair more than four, go to the HOME Menu “Controllers” screen (the screen before “Change Grip/Order”) and press a button on each extra controller to pair it there.
Using Multiple Joy-Cons for Multiplayer
Once paired, you can use your controllers in various multiplayer configurations.
- Two-Player Games: Often, these allow for each player using a single Joy-Con, or a player using both Joy-Cons as a single controller.
- Four-Player Games: Typically require two pairs of Joy-Cons, or any four individual controllers including a mix of Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers depending on the game.
- Eight-Player Games: While less common, games that support eight players utilize the full eight-controller pairing capacity, often with multiple consoles connected in local or online multiplayer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many controllers can I connect to my Nintendo Switch at once?
You can connect up to eight controllers simultaneously, regardless of whether they are Joy-Cons, Pro Controllers, or wired controllers.
2. Do I need four Joy-Cons to play games with four players?
Not necessarily. While four Joy-Cons (two sets) can be used, you can also mix and match. You can use four individual Joy-Cons, two pairs of Joy-Cons, or any combination of wired controllers and wireless Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers for four player gameplay, depending on game compatibility.
3. Can I use a single Joy-Con for two players?
Yes, you can. Each Joy-Con can function as an individual controller for two-player games, provided the game supports it.
4. Can I use four individual Joy-Cons for Mario Kart?
Yes, you can. You will need to select the option to use each as a single horizontal controller (press SL/SR when the controller is sideways).
5. Does Nintendo Switch Sports require four Joy-Cons?
No, Nintendo Switch Sports supports a variety of configurations, including paired Joy-Cons, individual Joy-Cons, and Joy-Con + Leg Strap, but does not support Pro Controllers. Handheld Mode is also not supported.
6. Can I use a Pro Controller alongside Joy-Cons?
Yes, you can. The Nintendo Switch allows you to mix and match controller types. You can have Joy-Cons, Pro Controllers, and wired controllers connected and working simultaneously.
7. How do I pair more than four controllers?
You can actively sync a maximum of four controllers on the “Change Grip/Order” screen. To pair 5 or more controllers, go to the HOME Menu “Controllers” screen (the screen before “Change Grip/Order”), and press a button on each extra controller to pair it there.
8. Can I use wired controllers and Joy-Cons simultaneously?
Yes, you can use any combination of wired and wireless controllers at the same time, up to the eight-controller limit.
9. How many Joy-Cons do I need for Mario Party?
For playing Mario Party on a single console, each player requires a single Joy-Con. Up to four players can play offline, or more with multiple systems.
10. Can 8 people play Mario Kart?
Yes, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe supports up to eight players, but this often requires multiple consoles linked together wirelessly, or over a local network.
11. Do I need both Joy-Cons for Smash Bros?
No, in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, each player can choose to use a single Joy-Con, a pair of Joy-Cons, a Pro Controller, or even a GameCube controller (with an adapter).
12. What’s the battery life of a Joy-Con controller?
Joy-Con controllers typically offer up to 20 hours of continuous use on a full charge. However, this can vary depending on the software and the intensity of use.
13. Can two people play with one set of Joy-Cons in Mario Kart?
Yes, in Mario Kart, one person can use the left Joy-Con and the other the right, with each functioning as a separate controller. The game will prompt to re-sync controllers when a race is started.
14. Can I use half of a Joy-Con with another type of controller?
No, you cannot mix and match half of a Joy-Con with another controller. A half Joy-Con and a Joy-Con pair are recognized as single, unique controllers.
15. What does “Change Grip/Order” mean?
The “Change Grip/Order” option in the Controllers menu is where you sync and assign controllers to specific players before starting a game. It’s essentially where you tell the console which controller each player will be using.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch’s versatility shines when it comes to multiplayer. The ability to pair up to eight controllers at once, combined with the flexible nature of the Joy-Cons, opens up many possibilities for social gaming. Understanding the pairing limit, as well as how specific games utilize different controller types and configurations, will help ensure you get the most out of your Nintendo Switch multiplayer experience. Remember to experiment with different controller setups to find what works best for you and your friends, making the most of the Switch’s social flexibility.