Nintendo Support

Controller Pairing on Nintendo Switch 2 FAQ

How do you pair a controller to a Nintendo Switch 2 console?

How to pair your controller depends on what type of controller you are using.

How many different controllers can be connected to a Nintendo Switch 2 console?

In most circumstances, up to eight wireless controllers can be connected to a console. However, the maximum number of controllers that can be connected will vary depending on the type of controllers and features that are used. For example:

  • The right and left Joy-Con 2 each connect as individual controllers to a console, so if you connect both of them wirelessly then it counts as two controllers.

    • Example: Four people can play, each person using one left Joy-Con 2 and one right Joy-Con 2 controller.

  • Even if the Joy-Con 2 controllers are attached to the Joy-Con 2 grip, it counts as two controllers that are connected.

    • Example: four people can play, each using the Joy-Con 2 controllers attached to the Joy-Con 2 grip.

  • The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is always counted as one controller.

    • Example: Eight people can play, each using a Pro Controller.

  • When the Joy-Con 2 controllers are attached to the Nintendo Switch 2 console, they do not count against the number of controllers that can be connected.

Important: On top of the limit of connected controllers by type, the number of connected controllers is also determined by the features being used on the controllers, and whether local communication is being used.

  • When a Bluetooth audio device is connected, no more than two wireless controllers can be connected.

    Disconnect the Bluetooth audio device in order to connect a third wireless controller.

How is the connection status indicated by the player LEDs on the controller?

Player LED Status

Connection Status

LEDs are unlit.

The console and the controller are not connected or,

The connection between the console and the controller was cut.

LEDs flash repeatedly in sequence.

The console and the controller are connecting.

One or more LEDs have a solid light.

The controller is connected to the console.

LEDs are flashing.

The controller has very little battery charge left.

How is the order of the controllers indicated by the player LEDs?

Controller Number

Player LEDs

1

◻◼◼◼

2

◻◻◼◼

3

◻◻◻◼

4

◻◻◻◻

5

◻◼◼◻

6

◻◼◻◼

7

◻◼◻◻

8

◼◻◻◼

How do you disconnect/reconnect a wireless controller from a console?

  • A wireless controller can be temporarily disconnected from a console by briefly pressing the SYNC Button on that controller.

  • To reconnect, press any button on the wireless controller.

How do you delete the pairing information on a console for all wireless controllers?

This can be done selecting System Settings from the HOME Menu, followed by Controllers & Accessories, then Disconnect Controllers.

Do the Joy-Con 2 need to be held vertically or horizontally?

While using the Joy-Con 2 as wireless controllers, the holding position will depend on the single or multiplayer options for the software being used.