What Controllers Will Work with Switch Lite? A Comprehensive Guide
The Nintendo Switch Lite, a dedicated handheld gaming console, offers a fantastic portable experience for Nintendo enthusiasts. However, unlike its hybrid counterpart, the standard Nintendo Switch, the Lite has its built-in controls and lacks the ability to dock to a TV. This raises an important question for many players: what controllers can you actually use with the Switch Lite? The answer, thankfully, is more versatile than you might think.
You can use several types of controllers with your Nintendo Switch Lite wirelessly. These primarily include the Joy-Con controllers (both left and right), the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, and even controllers from other consoles like PlayStation’s DualShock 4 (PS4) or DualSense (PS5) and Xbox controllers. The key is that these controllers need to connect wirelessly via Bluetooth. Keep in mind that wired, third-party Xbox controllers will not directly work; you will need to use an adapter to use these. While the Switch Lite may not have the full flexibility of the regular Switch when it comes to controller options, you can still find many options to suit your gameplay needs.
Understanding Controller Compatibility with Nintendo Switch Lite
The Nintendo Switch Lite’s design primarily focuses on portable play, which is why it lacks the dock and the detachable Joy-Con controllers of the original Switch. This means that any additional controllers must connect wirelessly via Bluetooth. The console’s “Handheld Mode” is its main and only mode of operation which also limits certain game choices, as many games require more than one controller.
Joy-Con Controllers
The most obvious external controller options are the Joy-Con controllers. You can use both the left and right Joy-Cons with your Switch Lite. It is important to remember that these must be paired wirelessly, as the console does not have rails to attach these to. This allows for both single and multiplayer experiences, depending on the game you’re playing. To pair, navigate to the Home Menu of your Switch Lite, select “Controllers” and then select “Change Grip/Order”. Follow the on-screen instructions to pair the controllers using the SYNC button on the Joy-Cons.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is another great option for enhancing your gaming experience on the Switch Lite. It provides a more traditional gamepad feel, which is especially appreciated for complex games or extended gaming sessions. It can be paired in the same way as Joy-Cons, through the “Change Grip/Order” menu and pressing the SYNC button.
PlayStation and Xbox Controllers
Interestingly, the Switch Lite also supports controllers from other consoles. You can use a PlayStation DualShock 4 (PS4 controller) or DualSense (PS5 controller) as well as many Xbox controllers with your Switch Lite via a wireless Bluetooth connection. These are useful for those who might prefer the feel of these controllers or already own them, but will require that you sync these to your switch via the settings menu, just like a Nintendo brand controller.
Third-Party Controller Options
The market is also saturated with third-party controllers that are compatible with the Nintendo Switch and by extension the Switch Lite. These include options like the Mayflash F300 arcade stick, and a wide variety of wireless Bluetooth controllers that emulate the layout of the Pro controller or other popular gamepads. When choosing these, ensure they are officially advertised as being compatible with the Nintendo Switch.
Limitations to Consider
It is important to understand that even with the options above, there are some games and functions that are incompatible with the Switch Lite. Specifically, there are a number of games that are not able to be played with the Switch Lite because they require additional Joy-Con features, motion controls, or playing on a television.
Games like Just Dance, 1-2-Switch, Fitness Boxing, Ring Fit Adventure, Nintendo Labo, and Super Mario Party are all incompatible with the Switch Lite due to the need for detached motion controls. While many other Switch games that can be played in Handheld mode will work, be sure to check game packaging or online listings to make sure that the games you wish to purchase can be played on a Switch Lite.
Wired Controller Considerations
While the Switch Lite doesn’t support wired controllers connected directly to the console itself, using a dock can overcome some limitations. The dock allows wired third-party controllers to connect to the console (when connected to a television screen) if the user is using the original Switch or the OLED model and not the Switch Lite, as the Switch Lite is incompatible with a dock and television output.
Controller Pairing Process
Pairing controllers to your Nintendo Switch Lite is straightforward:
- Access the Home Menu: Turn on your Nintendo Switch Lite and go to the HOME menu.
- Select “Controllers”: Navigate to the “Controllers” option.
- Choose “Change Grip/Order”: Select “Change Grip/Order.”
- Activate Pairing Mode: On the controller you wish to pair, press and hold the SYNC button. For Joy-Cons, this is a small button on the top of the controller. For the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, this is a button on the top near the USB port, and for other controllers, consult their manual.
- Pairing Confirmation: The screen will show a message once the controller is paired. Once “Paired” appears on screen, the process is complete.
Repeat the process for all other controllers you wish to connect. You can connect up to 8 controllers simultaneously with your Switch Lite for supported multiplayer games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use multiple Joy-Con controllers with my Switch Lite?
Yes, you can connect multiple sets of Joy-Con controllers wirelessly with your Switch Lite. Just follow the pairing process for each set.
2. Does my wired controller work with Switch Lite?
No, the Switch Lite does not directly support wired controllers due to it not being dockable. You’ll need to use wireless, Bluetooth-enabled controllers.
3. Can I use an Xbox controller with the Switch Lite?
Yes, many Xbox controllers are compatible with the Switch Lite via Bluetooth. However, wired third-party Xbox controllers won’t work unless using a special adapter on the regular Nintendo Switch docked.
4. Can I use my PS4 or PS5 controller with the Switch Lite?
Yes, the PlayStation DualShock 4 (PS4 controller) and DualSense (PS5 controller) can connect to the Switch Lite wirelessly via Bluetooth.
5. Why isn’t my controller connecting to my Switch Lite?
Ensure the controller is in pairing mode (via the sync button), that the controller is charged, and try resetting both the controller and the Switch Lite. You can reset the controller by pressing the sync button, and the Switch by power cycling it off and on. You may also need to restart the connection process from the “Controllers” menu to reconnect.
6. Can I use a Switch Lite as a controller?
No, the Switch Lite cannot be used as a controller for another Nintendo Switch console, or any other console or device. However, you can use local multiplayer to play together with another device.
7. How many controllers can I connect to my Switch Lite at once?
You can connect up to 8 controllers simultaneously, either wirelessly or via a wired connection (using the original Switch dock to use wired connections, but not the Switch Lite), but the number of players that can actually play together depends on the game.
8. Do all Switch controllers work with all games on Switch Lite?
No. Some games, such as Just Dance, Ring Fit Adventure, and other titles that rely on motion control features or require multiple players or use of the Switch dock, are not compatible with the Switch Lite.
9. Can I use my Switch Lite on the TV?
No, the Switch Lite is not designed for TV output. It is a dedicated handheld device.
10. Can I play games like Mario Kart with extra controllers on the Switch Lite?
Yes, using wireless controllers with a Switch Lite enables multiplayer games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, allowing for more than just one player.
11. What is the “sync” button on a Joy-Con?
The “sync” button is a small, circular button located on the top edge of the Joy-Con controller which initiates Bluetooth pairing when pressed and held.
12. Can I use third-party controllers with the Switch Lite?
Yes, many third-party wireless controllers that support Bluetooth are compatible with the Switch Lite. Always check if the controller is labeled as compatible with Nintendo Switch.
13. Are there any games that I can’t play on Switch Lite?
Yes, there are. Games like Just Dance, Ring Fit Adventure, and Super Mario Party do not work on Switch Lite due to their reliance on detached controllers, motion controls, or other features not supported by the Switch Lite. Games requiring the use of a dock or a television are incompatible as well.
14. What is “Change Grip/Order” in the controllers menu?
This is where you go to pair new Bluetooth controllers to your console and manage which controller is assigned to player one, two, three, and so on.
15. Is the Nintendo Switch Lite worth buying?
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a great device if you’re looking for a dedicated handheld gaming experience that is at a lower price point than the regular Nintendo Switch. It is perfect for playing the extensive library of Switch games on the go, but if you want to play on a television, this is not for you.