Nintendo Controller Bluetooth: Connect Guide

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Nintendo Controller Bluetooth: Your Ultimate Connection Guide

Hey everyone! Ever wondered if you could ditch those wires and connect your favorite Nintendo controller via Bluetooth? Well, you're in luck! This guide is all about getting your Nintendo controllers working wirelessly, whether you’re on your Switch, PC, or even your phone. We’ll cover everything from initial setup to troubleshooting common issues, so you can get back to gaming without the cable clutter. Let's dive in!

Why Connect via Bluetooth?

Before we get started, let’s talk about why you might want to connect your Nintendo controller via Bluetooth in the first place. The most obvious reason? Freedom from wires! Nobody likes being tethered to their console or computer, especially when you’re trying to get comfortable for a long gaming session. Bluetooth offers a cleaner, more streamlined setup, reducing cable clutter and making your gaming area look much nicer.

Another great reason is versatility. Connecting via Bluetooth opens up a world of possibilities beyond just your Nintendo Switch. You can use your Joy-Cons or Pro Controller with your PC for Steam games, or even pair them with your smartphone for mobile gaming. This means you get more mileage out of your controllers, using them across multiple platforms.

Convenience is also a major factor. Once you’ve paired your controller with a device, it usually remembers the connection. This means you can quickly connect and disconnect without having to go through the pairing process every time. Plus, Bluetooth connectivity is built into most modern devices, so you don’t need to buy any special adapters or dongles (though sometimes they can help, as we’ll discuss later).

Finally, consider the portability aspect. If you’re traveling and want to do some gaming on your phone or tablet, bringing a Bluetooth controller is much easier than lugging around a wired one. It’s all about making your gaming experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Supported Controllers

Okay, so which Nintendo controllers can actually connect via Bluetooth? Here’s a rundown:

  • Joy-Cons: Yes, both the left and right Joy-Cons can connect via Bluetooth. Each Joy-Con can be used as a separate controller, which is great for multiplayer games.
  • Pro Controller: The Pro Controller is a fantastic option for Bluetooth connectivity. It’s comfortable, has great battery life, and works seamlessly with the Switch and other devices.
  • Wii U Pro Controller: While not as common now, the Wii U Pro Controller can also connect via Bluetooth. It’s a solid controller with a decent battery life.
  • Wii Remote (with caveats): The original Wii Remote can connect via Bluetooth, but it often requires additional software or drivers to work correctly on non-Wii U devices. It’s also worth noting that the Wii Remote Plus (the version with MotionPlus built-in) works similarly.

Keep in mind that while most modern devices support these controllers, older devices might have compatibility issues. Always check your device’s specifications to ensure it supports Bluetooth controllers.

Connecting to Nintendo Switch

Connecting your controllers to the Nintendo Switch is usually pretty straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

  1. From the HOME Menu, go to System Settings. You can find this by tapping the gear icon on the main screen.
  2. Navigate to Controllers and Sensors. Scroll down until you see this option and select it.
  3. Select Change Grip/Order. This will put the Switch in pairing mode, searching for new controllers.
  4. Press the Sync Button on your controller. For Joy-Cons, the Sync button is a small black button located on the top of the controller, between the SL and SR buttons. For the Pro Controller, it’s on the top near the USB-C port.

Once the controller is synced, it will appear on the screen. You can then assign it to a player. If you’re using Joy-Cons separately, repeat the process for the other Joy-Con. If you’re having trouble, make sure your controller has enough battery and is not already paired with another device.

Connecting to PC

Connecting your Nintendo controller to a PC via Bluetooth can be a bit more involved, but it’s still manageable. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable Bluetooth on your PC. If you don’t already have Bluetooth enabled, go to your system settings and turn it on. On Windows 10, you can find this under Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. On Windows 11, it’s under Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
  2. Put your controller in pairing mode. Just like with the Switch, you’ll need to press the Sync button on your controller. For Joy-Cons, hold the Sync button until the lights start flashing. For the Pro Controller, do the same.
  3. Pair the controller with your PC. Your PC should detect the controller as a new Bluetooth device. Select it from the list and follow the prompts to pair. You might need to enter a pairing code (usually “0000” if prompted).
  4. Configure the controller (if necessary). Depending on the game and your operating system, you might need to configure the controller. Steam, for example, has built-in support for Nintendo controllers. Go to Steam Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings and check the box for Nintendo Switch Configuration Support. This will allow Steam to recognize and configure your controller.

If you’re not using Steam, you might need to use a third-party program like BetterJoy or DS4Windows to emulate an Xbox controller. This can help with compatibility issues and ensure your controller works with a wider range of games.

Connecting to Mobile Devices (Android/iOS)

Connecting your Nintendo controller to your smartphone or tablet is a great way to enhance your mobile gaming experience. Here’s how to do it on Android and iOS:

Android

  1. Enable Bluetooth on your Android device. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn it on.
  2. Put your controller in pairing mode. Press the Sync button on your Joy-Con or Pro Controller until the lights start flashing.
  3. Pair the controller with your Android device. Your device should detect the controller as a new Bluetooth device. Select it from the list and follow the prompts to pair.
  4. Configure the controller (if necessary). Some games might automatically recognize your controller, while others might require you to map the buttons manually in the game settings. There are also apps available on the Google Play Store that can help with controller mapping.

iOS (iOS 16 and later)

Apple has added native support for Nintendo controllers in iOS 16 and later. Here’s how to connect:

  1. Enable Bluetooth on your iOS device. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn it on.
  2. Put your controller in pairing mode. Press the Sync button on your Joy-Con or Pro Controller until the lights start flashing.
  3. Pair the controller with your iOS device. Your device should detect the controller as a new Bluetooth device. Select it from the list and follow the prompts to pair.
  4. Start gaming! Most games that support controllers should now work seamlessly with your Nintendo controller. If you encounter any issues, check the game settings to ensure controller support is enabled.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best instructions, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

  • Controller won’t pair:
    • Make sure the controller has enough battery.
    • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your device.
    • Try resetting the controller by pressing the Sync button for a longer period (10-15 seconds).
    • Move closer to the device you’re trying to pair with.
    • Check for interference from other Bluetooth devices.
  • Controller disconnects frequently:
    • Low battery can cause disconnects. Charge the controller fully.
    • Interference from other devices can also be a culprit. Try moving away from other Bluetooth devices or Wi-Fi routers.
    • Update your device’s Bluetooth drivers (on PC).
  • Controller buttons not working correctly:
    • Check the game settings to ensure the buttons are mapped correctly.
    • Try using a controller configuration program like Steam Input or BetterJoy.
    • Update your controller’s firmware (if applicable).
  • Lag or input delay:
    • Ensure your device meets the minimum system requirements for the game.
    • Close any unnecessary programs running in the background.
    • Try using a Bluetooth adapter with better range and stability.

Using a Bluetooth Adapter

Sometimes, the built-in Bluetooth on your PC or other device might not be the best. A Bluetooth adapter can provide a more stable and reliable connection, especially if you’re experiencing lag or disconnects. Here are some things to look for in a Bluetooth adapter:

  • Bluetooth Version: Make sure the adapter supports Bluetooth 4.0 or higher for better performance.
  • Range: Look for an adapter with a good range, especially if you’re playing from a distance.
  • Compatibility: Check that the adapter is compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Android, etc.).
  • Reviews: Read reviews to see what other users are saying about the adapter’s performance and reliability.

Some popular Bluetooth adapters for gaming include the ASUS USB-BT400, the TP-Link UB400, and the Avantree DG40S. These adapters are generally affordable and can significantly improve your Bluetooth gaming experience.

Conclusion

Connecting your Nintendo controller via Bluetooth is a fantastic way to enhance your gaming experience, offering freedom from wires and greater versatility. Whether you’re playing on your Switch, PC, or mobile device, following these steps will help you get connected quickly and easily. And if you run into any issues, the troubleshooting tips in this guide should help you get back to gaming in no time. Happy gaming, everyone!