Nintendo Support

Joy-Con 2 Not Recognised or Not Registering While Attached to the Nintendo Switch 2 Console

Steps for when Joy-Con 2 controllers are not recognised when physically attached to the Nintendo Switch 2 console. The Joy-Con 2 controllers may work wirelessly in TV or tabletop mode, but the console does not detect or register them when attached.

Before you start

You will need:

  • Your Nintendo Switch 2 console

  • Left and right Joy-Con 2 controllers

What to do

  • Use the touch screen to install the latest system update. If you already have the latest system update, restart the console.

  1. Select System Settings on the HOME Menu.

  2. Scroll down to the bottom of the System Settings menu and select System.

  3. Select System Update to start the system update process.

    • The system will check to see if an update is available.

For more information, see How to Perform a System Update on Nintendo Switch 2

  1. Press and hold the POWER Button for at least three seconds.

  2. Select Power Options.

  3. Select Restart.

  • Detach the Joy-Con 2 controllers from the console.

Important: After detaching the Joy-Con 2 controllers from the console, be sure to attach the Joy-Con 2 straps before starting a game or software.

  1. Press the release button on the back of the Joy-Con 2.

    Release button on back of Joy-Con 2 highlighted while controller is attached to the Nintendo Switch 2 console

    NS2 Support - Joy-Con 2 Detach 1

  2. While holding the release button down, pull the controller away from the console to detach it.

    User pressing release button on back of Joy-Con 2 and detaching the controller from Nintendo Switch 2 console

NS2 Support - Joy-Con 2 Detach 2

The Joy-Con 2 registration information is not deleted when the controllers are detached. You can now use them as wireless controllers.

  • Press the SYNC Button once on each Joy-Con 2. Then press any other button on each controller to pair it again.

  • Attach the Joy-Con 2 controllers to the console.

  1. Position the console so it's upright and facing you.

  2. Bring the right Joy-Con 2 (controller with + Button) to the right side of the console.

  3. Align the bottom of the controller close to the console, then bring the top close to the console. You will hear a click when it is securely attached.

    • Keep the area between the Joy-Con 2 and the console clear of any foreign objects. Joy-Con 2 (R) controller being connected to the Nintendo Switch 2 console

      NS2 Support - Joy-Con 2 Attach

  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the left Joy-Con 2 (controller with - Button).

The attached Joy-Con 2 controllers are ready to be used. They will also be paired wirelessly to the console and can be detached to use wirelessly.

For more information, see How to Attach/Detach the Joy-Con 2 Controllers from Nintendo Switch 2.

Situation not resolved

  • Detach and reattach the Joy-Con 2 controllers again a couple of times.

  • Test another Joy-Con 2 controller with the console, if possible.

    • If another Joy-Con 2 controller works, the non-working controller(s) will need to be inspected. Please contact us for additional support.

    • If no Joy-Con 2 controller works or no others are available, the Nintendo Switch 2 console and the non-working Joy-Con 2 controller(s) will need to be inspected. Please contact us for additional support.