Connecting your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to your PC is a straightforward process, allowing you to use your favorite controller for a wide array of PC games. You have two primary options: a wired USB connection or a wireless Bluetooth connection.
Connecting via USB (Wired)
The wired connection method is highly reliable and ensures a stable, low-latency experience without needing to worry about battery life.
- Obtain the Right Cable: You will need a USB-A-to-USB-C data cable. If your PC is equipped with a USB-C port, a USB-C-to-USB-C data cable will also work perfectly. Ensure it's a data cable, not just a charging cable.
- Connect to Controller: Plug the USB-C end of the cable into the charging port located on the top edge of your Pro Controller.
- Connect to PC: Plug the other end of the cable (USB-A or USB-C) into an available USB port on your PC.
- PC Recognition: Your PC should automatically detect the controller. The small LEDs on the bottom of the Pro Controller will light up, indicating that it is powered on and connected.
Connecting via Bluetooth (Wireless)
For a cable-free gaming experience, connecting your Pro Controller wirelessly via Bluetooth is an excellent alternative.
- Enable Bluetooth on PC: First, ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your PC. You can typically find this setting in Windows Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices (for Windows 10/11).
- Put Controller in Pairing Mode: On your Pro Controller, locate the small Sync button on the top edge (positioned between the shoulder buttons and the USB-C port). Press and hold this button for a few seconds until the player indicator lights at the bottom of the controller begin flashing rapidly.
- Pair with PC:
- On your PC, navigate to the Bluetooth settings and select Add Bluetooth or other device, then choose Bluetooth.
- Wait for "Pro Controller" to appear in the list of discovered devices.
- Click on "Pro Controller" to initiate the pairing process. The flashing lights on the controller will become solid once the connection is successfully established.
Configuring Your Pro Controller for PC Gaming
Once connected, you might need to configure the controller for optimal performance with various games and platforms.
Using with Steam
Steam offers excellent native support for the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, making it the easiest platform to set up.
- Launch Steam: Open the Steam client on your PC.
- Access Big Picture Mode: Click on the Big Picture Mode icon (resembling a television screen) in the top-right corner of the Steam window, or navigate to View > Big Picture Mode.
- Controller Settings: In Big Picture Mode, go to Settings > Controller Settings.
- Enable Switch Pro Configuration Support: Check the box labeled "Nintendo Switch Pro Configuration Support." You may also choose to enable "Use Nintendo Button Layout" if you prefer the A/B and X/Y buttons to map consistently with the Switch's layout, which often differs from standard Xbox controllers.
- Calibrate and Test: Within Steam, you can calibrate your controller and test its functionality. Most games launched through Steam will now automatically recognize and utilize your Pro Controller.
Using with Non-Steam Games or Other Launchers
For games not available on Steam or those on platforms like Epic Games Store or Xbox Game Pass, you might need additional configuration as Windows doesn't natively support the Pro Controller's input perfectly (it often registers as a generic DirectInput device, which modern games may not fully support).
- Steam as a Wrapper: A common method is to add non-Steam games to your Steam library and launch them through Steam. This allows you to leverage Steam's robust controller configuration.
- In Steam, go to Games > Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library...
- Browse and select the executable file for your desired game.
- Launch the game from your Steam library.
- BetterJoyForCemu (or similar tools): This popular open-source tool effectively makes your Switch Pro Controller appear as an Xbox 360 controller (XInput) to Windows, which is widely supported by modern PC games.
- Download the latest release from the BetterJoyForCemu GitHub page.
- Follow the provided installation instructions, which typically involve installing a driver (ViGEmBus) and running the application.
- This setup allows the Pro Controller to function as an XInput device, often including motion controls if the game supports them.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|
| Controller Not Detected (Wired) | - Try a different USB port on your PC. - Ensure your USB-C cable is specifically a data cable. - Restart your PC. |
| Controller Not Detected (Wireless) | - Verify your PC's Bluetooth is enabled and functioning. - Remove any previous "Pro Controller" pairings from your PC's Bluetooth devices and re-pair. - Update your PC's Bluetooth drivers. - Ensure no other Bluetooth devices are causing interference. |
| Incorrect Button Mapping | - In Steam, check the "Use Nintendo Button Layout" option. - If using third-party software like BetterJoyForCemu, confirm it's running correctly. - Many games offer in-game controller remapping options. |
| Input Lag/Disconnections | - For Bluetooth, ensure the controller is within close range of your PC's Bluetooth adapter and free from obstructions. - Update Bluetooth drivers. - Consider a wired connection for competitive gaming to minimize lag. |
