The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a popular choice for gamers who want a premium gaming experience on their PC. It’s comfortable to hold, has a great button layout, and features motion controls and HD rumble. If you’re looking to connect your Switch Pro Controller to your PC, there are a few different ways to do it. In this article, we’ll show you how to connect your Switch Pro Controller to your PC using a wired connection, a Bluetooth connection, or a USB adapter.
Before you begin, you’ll need to make sure that your PC has Bluetooth capabilities. If your PC doesn’t have Bluetooth, you can purchase a USB Bluetooth adapter. Once you have a Bluetooth adapter, you can follow these steps to connect your Switch Pro Controller to your PC:
1. Turn on your Switch Pro Controller by pressing the Home button.
2. Open the Bluetooth settings on your PC.
3. Click on the “Add a device” button.
4. Select the “Nintendo Switch Pro Controller” from the list of available devices.
5. Click on the “Connect” button.
6. Once the connection is established, you’ll be able to use your Switch Pro Controller to play games on your PC.
Wired Connection via USB Cable
Connecting via USB Cable
Connecting your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to your PC via a USB cable is a reliable and straightforward method. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Install the Latest Drivers
Before connecting your controller, ensure you have the latest drivers installed for your computer. You can download these drivers from the official Nintendo website. Once the drivers are installed, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Connect the Controller
Take a USB-C cable and plug it into the USB-C port on the top of the Pro Controller. Connect the other end of the cable to an available USB port on your PC. Your computer should automatically recognize the controller.
Step 3: Configure the Controller
Once the controller is connected, you may need to configure it in your computer’s settings. Open the Control Panel on your PC and navigate to the “Devices and Printers” section. Locate the Pro Controller in the list of devices and right-click on it. Select “Properties” and then navigate to the “Settings” tab. Here, you can adjust the button mapping and other settings.
Table: Troubleshooting USB Connection Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Controller not detected | Check if the USB cable is properly connected and the drivers are up to date. |
| Buttons not working correctly | Open the Control Panel and configure the controller settings. |
| Controller disconnecting randomly | Use a different USB cable or port. Check for any loose connections. |
Wireless Connection via Bluetooth
1. Enable Bluetooth on your PC
Before you can connect your Switch Pro Controller to your PC via Bluetooth, you need to make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your PC. To do this, open the Settings app and click on “Bluetooth & devices”. Then, make sure that the “Bluetooth” toggle is turned on.
2. Put the Switch Pro Controller into pairing mode
Once Bluetooth is enabled on your PC, you can put the Switch Pro Controller into pairing mode. To do this, press and hold the “Sync” button on the top of the controller for about 5 seconds. The LED lights on the controller will start to flash rapidly when it is in pairing mode.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to connect your Switch Pro Controller to your PC via Bluetooth:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open the Settings app on your PC and click on “Bluetooth & devices”. |
| 2 | Make sure that the “Bluetooth” toggle is turned on. |
| 3 | Press and hold the “Sync” button on the top of the Switch Pro Controller for about 5 seconds. |
| 4 | The LED lights on the controller will start to flash rapidly when it is in pairing mode. |
| 5 | Click on the “Add a device” button in the Settings app. |
| 6 | Select “Bluetooth” from the list of options. |
| 7 | Your PC will start searching for available Bluetooth devices. |
| 8 | Once your PC finds the Switch Pro Controller, click on it to connect. |
| 9 | The LED lights on the controller will stop flashing rapidly and turn solid when it is connected. |
Installing Necessary Drivers
To connect your Switch Pro Controller to your PC, you’ll need to install the necessary drivers. These drivers are available for free from Nintendo’s website. Once you’ve downloaded the drivers, open the file and follow the on-screen instructions to install them.
Once the drivers are installed, you should be able to connect your Switch Pro Controller to your PC using a USB cable. If you’re having trouble connecting the controller, try the following troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure that your PC is running Windows 10 or later.
- Make sure that the USB cable is securely connected to both your PC and the controller.
- Try restarting your PC.
If you’re still having trouble connecting the controller, you can contact Nintendo’s customer support for help.
Configuring the Controller in Steam
To further customize your Switch Pro Controller’s functionality on PC, you can use Steam’s settings. Follow these steps for a detailed configuration process:
- Open Steam: Launch the Steam client on your computer.
- Go to Settings: Click on the “Steam” menu in the top-left corner and select “Settings.”
- Navigate to Controller Settings: In the Settings window, go to the “Controller” tab.
- Configure Inputs: Under “General Controller Settings,” you can adjust the controller’s button mappings, trigger sensitivity, and other input settings.
Setting Customization Options Button Mappings Reassign buttons to perform different actions. Trigger Sensitivity Adjust the sensitivity of the triggers for optimal control. Vibration Disable or adjust the intensity of controller vibration. Gyro Controls Enable motion controls for added precision in games. - Create Custom Profiles: If you want to switch between different controller configurations, you can create custom profiles. Click on the “Create New Profile” button and give it a descriptive name. You can then adjust the settings for each profile accordingly.
- Apply Changes: Once you’re satisfied with your configuration, click on the “Apply” button to save your changes.
Using Third-Party Software
For users who prefer a more comprehensive and customizable setup, there are several third-party applications that offer advanced features and support for a wider range of controllers. Here’s how to connect a Switch Pro Controller to PC using third-party software:
1. Download and Install a Third-Party Software
There are multiple third-party software options available, such as XInput Wrapper, JoyToKey, and DS4Windows. Choose a program that is compatible with your operating system and meets your specific needs.
2. Open the Third-Party Software
Once the software is installed, launch it and follow the on-screen instructions to configure your Switch Pro Controller. Typically, you will need to select your controller from the list of available devices and assign the buttons as desired.
3. Connect Your Switch Pro Controller Via Bluetooth or USB
Whether you choose to connect your controller wirelessly via Bluetooth or with a USB cable, ensure that your PC has the appropriate drivers installed. Once connected, the third-party software will recognize your controller and allow you to customize its settings.
4. Configure the Controller Settings
The settings available in third-party software vary depending on the specific program you choose. Typically, you can adjust the button mapping, create macros, adjust sensitivity, and modify other advanced options to optimize your gameplay experience.
5. Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter issues when connecting your Switch Pro Controller to PC using third-party software, try the following troubleshooting steps:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Controller is not recognized | Ensure your controller is properly connected and that the correct drivers are installed. |
| Wrong button mapping | Check the button mapping settings in the third-party software and make necessary adjustments. |
| Lag or input delay | Try using a wired USB connection or check for any background processes that may be consuming resources. |
How to Connect a Switch Pro Controller to PC
Connecting a Switch Pro Controller to your PC is a simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Make sure your Switch Pro Controller is fully charged.
- Connect your Switch Pro Controller to your PC using a USB cable.
- Your PC should automatically detect the controller and install any necessary drivers.
- Once the drivers are installed, you can open your preferred game and start playing.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The controller is not connecting to my PC.
If your controller is not connecting to your PC, try the following steps:
- Make sure that the USB cable is properly connected to both your controller and your PC.
- Try using a different USB cable.
- Restart your PC.
- Update your PC’s operating system.
- Update the drivers for your Switch Pro Controller.
- Contact Nintendo support for assistance.
The controller is not working properly.
If your controller is not working properly, try the following steps:
- Make sure that the controller is fully charged.
- Try resetting the controller by holding down the Sync button for 5 seconds.
- Update the firmware for your Switch Pro Controller.
- Contact Nintendo support for assistance.
The controller is not recognized by my game.
If your controller is not recognized by your game, try the following steps:
- Make sure that your game is up to date.
- Try restarting your game.
- Update the drivers for your Switch Pro Controller.
- Contact the game developer for support.
Optimizing Performance
To further enhance your gaming experience, consider the following tips:
Adjust Sensitivity and Rumble Settings
Customize the controller’s sensitivity and rumble intensity to suit your preferences. This allows you to fine-tune the control responsiveness and physical feedback during gameplay.
Check Battery Level
Ensure your controller is fully charged before playing. A low battery can result in connection drops or performance issues.
Update Firmware
Keep your controller’s firmware up to date by connecting it to the Switch console and checking for available updates. Firmware updates often include performance enhancements and bug fixes.
Replace Batteries
If you’re using rechargeable batteries, make sure they’re fresh. Weak or old batteries can impact controller performance.
Connect via Wired Connection
For the lowest latency and most stable connection, connect your controller to your PC using a wired USB cable instead of Bluetooth.
Reduce Background Applications
Close unnecessary background applications that may be consuming system resources and potentially affecting controller performance.
Disable Power Saving Features
Disable any power-saving features in your operating system or on your PC, as these may limit the controller’s performance. Power-saving modes can reduce the frequency of data transfer and updates, resulting in potential lag.
Connecting Multiple Controllers
If you want to connect multiple Switch Pro Controllers to your PC, you will need to use a USB hub. A USB hub is a device that allows you to connect multiple USB devices to a single USB port on your computer. Once you have a USB hub, you can simply plug your Switch Pro Controllers into the hub and they will be recognized by your PC.
Here is a table summarizing the steps on how to connect multiple Switch Pro Controllers to your PC:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Connect a USB hub to your PC. |
| 2 | Plug your Switch Pro Controllers into the USB hub. |
| 3 | Your PC will automatically recognize the controllers. |
Once you have connected your controllers, you can use them to play games on your PC. You can also use the controllers to navigate the Windows operating system.
Customizing Controls
Once your Switch Pro Controller is connected to your PC, you can customize the controls to your liking. This can be done through the Steam Input settings.
To customize the controls, open Steam and go to the “Settings” menu. Then, select the “Controller” tab and click on the “Switch Pro Controller” option. From here, you can remap any of the buttons or triggers on the controller. You can also adjust the sensitivity of the sticks and triggers.
In addition to remapping the buttons, you can also create custom configurations for different games. This allows you to have different control schemes for different games, depending on your preferences.
To create a custom configuration, click on the “Add New Configuration” button. Then, select the game you want to create a configuration for from the drop-down menu. You can then remap the buttons and triggers for that specific game. If you want to be more organized, you can rename the configuration by clicking on the pencil icon next to the configuration name.
Once you have created a custom configuration, you can switch between it and the default configuration by clicking on the “Switch Config” button. You can also delete a custom configuration by clicking on the “Delete” button.
Here is a table summarizing the steps on how to customize the controls on your Switch Pro Controller:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open Steam and go to the “Settings” menu. |
| 2 | Select the “Controller” tab and click on the “Switch Pro Controller” option. |
| 3 | Remap any of the buttons or triggers on the controller. |
| 4 | Adjust the sensitivity of the sticks and triggers. |
| 5 | Create custom configurations for different games. |
| 6 | Switch between different configurations by clicking on the “Switch Config” button. |
| 7 | Delete a custom configuration by clicking on the “Delete” button. |
Using the Controller with Other Games
The Switch Pro Controller is compatible with a wide range of games on PC, including popular titles like Rocket League, Fortnite, and Apex Legends. To use the controller with these games, you’ll need to follow these steps:
1. Enable Bluetooth on your PC
Before you can pair the controller, you’ll need to make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your PC. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the Start menu and click on Settings.
- Click on Devices.
- Click on Bluetooth & other devices.
- Make sure that the Bluetooth switch is turned on.
2. Pair the Pro Controller with Your PC
Once Bluetooth is enabled, you can pair the Pro Controller with your PC. To do this, follow these steps:
- Press the sync button on the back of the Pro Controller. The button is located next to the USB-C port.
- The Pro Controller will start flashing.
- On your PC, click on the Add Bluetooth or other device button.
- Select the Pro Controller from the list of available devices.
- Once the Pro Controller is paired, it will appear in the list of connected devices.
3. Configure the Pro Controller
Once the Pro Controller is paired, you can configure it to your liking. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the Control Panel.
- Click on Hardware and Sound.
- Click on Devices and Printers.
- Right-click on the Pro Controller and select Gamepad settings.
- You can now configure the buttons, triggers, and sticks on the Pro Controller.
Note:
The Switch Pro Controller is also compatible with the Nintendo Switch Online app for PC. This allows you to use the controller to play Nintendo Switch games on your PC. To do this, you’ll need to download the Nintendo Switch Online app from the Microsoft Store. Once you’ve installed the app, you can follow the steps above to pair the Pro Controller with your PC.
Troubleshooting
If you’re having trouble connecting the Pro Controller to your PC, try the following troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure that the Pro Controller is fully charged.
- Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your PC.
- Try restarting your PC.
- Try pairing the Pro Controller with a different USB cable.
- If you’re still having trouble, you can contact Nintendo support for help.
How To Connect A Switch Pro Controller To Pc
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a great option for PC gaming, offering a comfortable and familiar layout. It’s also relatively easy to connect to your PC, whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux.
To connect the Switch Pro Controller to your PC, you’ll need a USB-C cable. Once you have the cable, follow these steps:
- Plug one end of the USB-C cable into the Switch Pro Controller.
- Plug the other end of the USB-C cable into your PC.
- The Switch Pro Controller should now be recognized by your PC.
If the Switch Pro Controller is not recognized by your PC, try the following:
- Make sure that the USB-C cable is properly connected to both the Switch Pro Controller and your PC.
- Try using a different USB-C cable.
- Restart your PC.
Once the Switch Pro Controller is connected to your PC, you can use it to play games. The Switch Pro Controller is compatible with most PC games, but you may need to configure the controls for some games.
People Also Ask
How do I connect a Switch Pro Controller to PC wirelessly?
You cannot connect the Switch Pro Controller to PC wirelessly.
How do I use the Switch Pro Controller on Steam?
To use the Switch Pro Controller on Steam, follow these steps:
- Open Steam.
- Click on the "View" menu.
- Select "Settings".
- Click on the "Controller" tab.
- Select the "General Controller Settings" button.
- Check the box next to "Nintendo Switch Pro Controller".
- Click on the "OK" button.
How do I fix the Switch Pro Controller not working on PC?
If the Switch Pro Controller is not working on PC, try the following:
- Make sure that the USB-C cable is properly connected to both the Switch Pro Controller and your PC.
- Try using a different USB-C cable.
- Restart your PC.
- Update the drivers for your PC’s USB controller.
