How to Connect a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to a PC

This article explains how to connect a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to a PC. The instructions apply to games for Steam and non-Steam games on Windows.

How to connect a Switch Pro Controller to a PC

Steam supports the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. So if you plug the controller into one of your computer’s USB ports, any Steam game should recognize it immediately. Use the cable that came with your Switch controller or any USB-C cable.

To use the Switch Pro Controller wirelessly, connect it to Windows via Bluetooth:

1. Choose beginning on the Windows taskbar, and then select settings.

2. Choose Bluetooth & Devices.

   In older versions of Windows go to Devices > Bluetooth and other devices.

3. Turn on Bluetooth if it’s not already on, then select add device.

4. Choose Bluetooth.

5. Hold down the Synchronize on top of the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller until the lights on the front start flashing.

6. Choose Pro controller in the list of devices available for connection via Bluetooth.

   
   

How to set up a Switch Pro Controller on Steam

Once you’ve connected your Switch Pro Controller to your PC, you’re ready to start gaming. However, for best results, you should adjust and calibrate your controller in the Steam settings.

1. Open the Steam client and go to steam > settings.

2. Select in Steam settings controllerthen select General controller settings.

3. Choose Switch Pro configuration support.

4. Choose optional Use the Nintendo button layout to change the key assignment. Steam recognizes the Switch controller as an Xbox controller, so the default button mapping is different from the letters on the controller.

5. Select under Discovered Controllers Xbox 360 controller. Choose Calibrate to calibrate or select the joystick settings for more options.

6. Give the controller a name, toggle the rumble feature on or off, then select Submit confirm.

Why isn’t my Switch Pro Controller working with Steam?

The Switch controller works best when playing Big Picture mode games directly through Steam. The controls may not work properly when launching a game from your desktop. To open Big Picture mode, select big picture Icon in the top right corner of Steam.

How to use a Switch Pro Controller with non-Steam games

The Switch Pro Controller is not compatible with non-Steam games, so you will need an adapter. With the 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter you can, for example, connect Nintendo Switch and Wii U controllers to your Windows PC. The exact steps depend on what type of adapter you are using. Once connected, your computer will recognize the Switch controller as an Xbox controller.

A more complicated but cheaper alternative is to use a software wrapper like the TocaEdit Xbox 360 Controller Emulator. These types of programs translate input from your Switch controller into Xbox input that Windows can understand. This method requires a lot of manual setup and isn’t always guaranteed to work with the Switch Pro Controller, so it’s only recommended for advanced users.

Can I connect Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons to my PC?

It’s also possible to use Switch Joy-Con controllers on a PC by connecting them via Bluetooth. Each Joy-Con needs to be synced separately, so you can’t use both Joy-Cons together as one controller like you can on the Switch, and the motion sensor functionality won’t work on your PC.

FAQ

• How do I turn off a Nintendo Switch controller?

  To turn off a Nintendo Switch controller, put your switch to sleep or go to controllers > Change Grip/Order. On a PC, disconnect the Switch controller or disconnect Bluetooth.

• Why is my Nintendo Pro Controller blinking?

  If the LED lights on the Switch Pro Controller are still flashing, your device is unable to connect. Get closer and make sure Bluetooth is on.

• How do I connect a PS4 or Xbox controller to my Switch?