Joy-Con
This page explains how to prepare and use Joy-Con controllers.
*Please see "Charging" for information about how to charge your controller.
Preparing for use with Nintendo Switch
Attaching to the console
In Handheld Mode, you play with the left and right Joy-Con controllers attached to your console.
Check which way round the Joy-Con controllers go, then slide each Joy-Con onto the corresponding side rail on the console until you hear a click.
*Joy-Con controllers cannot be attached to a Nintendo Switch Lite console. If you're using a Nintendo Switch Lite, see "Preparing for use with Nintendo Switch Lite".
Checking the orientation
Make sure you attach the Joy-Con (L) and (R) on the correct sides so that the buttons are positioned correctly with respect to the console.
The Joy-Con with the − Button should be on the left, and the one with the + Button on the right.
*Your Joy-Con controllers will pair with your console when you attach them. After that, even when detached, you can continue to use them as wireless controllers.
*Up to 10 Joy-Con controllers can be paired with a single console.
If your Joy-Con is detaching when it shouldn't
Using your Joy-Con controllers with a different console
Each Joy-Con can only be paired to one console.
This means that whenever you use a Joy-Con with a different console, you first need to attach and pair it.
Removing Joy-Con controllers from the console
In TV Mode and Tabletop Mode, you can play with your Joy-Con controllers detached from the console.
Holding the release button located on the back of the Joy-Con, slide the Joy-Con upwards.
*Even when detached from your console, your Joy-Con controllers can still be used as wireless controllers as they will remain paired. If the battery runs low, attach the Joy-Con to a charging console to charge it up.
Preparing for use with Nintendo Switch Lite
To use Joy-Con controllers with a Nintendo Switch Lite system, you must pair them first.
*You will also require a Joy-Con charging grip or Joy-Con AA battery pack (both sold separately).
Paring with the Nintendo Switch Lite
With Nintendo Switch Lite, you must pair your Joy-Con controllers wirelessly.
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1
Select "Controllers" → "Change Grip/Order" on the HOME Menu.
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2
When the screen shown here appears, hold the SYNC Button on the Joy-Con you're trying to pair.
SYNC Button location (on the side of the Joy-Con controllers)
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3
When the message "Paired" appears on the screen, the pairing is complete.
Next, set the grip orientation by following the on-screen instructions.
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4
Press the L and R Buttons on your Joy-Con for vertical grip, or the SL and SR Buttons for horizontal grip, then press the A Button to complete the setup.
L/R Button locations (on the front of the Joy-Con controllers)
SL/SR Button locations (on the side of the Joy-Con controllers)
Using your Joy-Con controllers with a different console
Each Joy-Con can only be paired to one console.
This means that whenever you use a Joy-Con with a different console, you first need to pair it with that console.
Using Joy-Con controllers
*For information on connecting multiple controllers at the same time, see here.
Using Joy-Con controllers on their own
When you're holding your Joy-Con controllers to play, make sure you attach the wrist strap first.
Use a battery pack to charge your Joy-Con as you play
By using a Joy-Con AA battery pack (sold separately), you can let the batteries charge your Joy-Con while you continue to play.
Using a Joy-Con grip
By attaching the left and right Joy-Con controllers to a Joy-Con grip, you can use them together as a two-handed controller.
Some Joy-Con grips also offer a charging feature.
Complementing the included Joy-Con grip, there is also a Joy-Con charging grip available for purchase.
Using the Joy-Con charging grip, you can charge your Joy-Con controllers as you play.
Changing the button mapping
With system version 10.0.0 or higher, it's possible to change the mapping of Joy-Con controller buttons.
*Button mapping is possible with the right and left Joy-Con controllers, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and the Nintendo Switch Lite. The feature is not available with other types of controllers.
Button mapping procedure
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1
From the HOME Menu, select "System Settings" → "Controllers and Sensors" → "Change Button Mapping".
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Pick the controller whose button assignment you'd like to change, then select "Change".
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3
Follow the on-screen instructions to make your changes, then select "Done".
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4
When the message "Button Mapping Changed" appears, the process is complete. Please let other users of the controller know.
How to tell a controller's button mapping has changed
When button mapping changes have been made, a spanner mark will be shown over the controller icon at the bottom-left of the screen.
Saving your favourite button mappings
For each type of controller, you can save up to five button mapping profiles as "Favourites".
*Joy-Con (L) and Joy-Con (R) are treated as distinct controller types.
*Controllers differing only by colour are treated as the same controller type.
If you can no longer use a controller after a button mapping change
Resolving problems
If control sticks or buttons are responding abnormally
Please see the following Q&A.
If you can't find your Joy-Con
You can make your Joy-Con vibrate so you can find it more easily. Select "Controllers" → "Find Controllers" from the HOME Menu.
*If the Joy-Con in question isn't paired with your console or is simply too far away, you won't be able to make it vibrate.
If you can no longer use a controller after a button mapping change
Briefly press the POWER Button on the console to make it enter Sleep Mode. Then press the button again to wake the console, and proceed to the HOME Menu. The screen pictured will appear, from which you can select "Reset Button Mapping" to restore all button mappings to their default settings.
