How to connect Switch 1 controllers to Nintendo Switch 2
By Dave Aubrey
Your existing Nintendo Switch controller will work great on Nintendo Switch 2, and that includes both your JoyCon and your Pro Controllers. They’ll even work great in Switch 2 exclusive games like Fast Fusion, as long as new JoyCon 2 features aren’t necessary.
It’s a genuinely great feature for the Nintendo Switch 2 to have, and will mean people with a decent controller collection won’t feel ripped off when upgrading. For everything you need to know to connect your Switch 1 controllers to a Switch 2 console, just read through our instructions below.
Using Switch 1 controllers on Switch 2
Can you use Switch 1 controllers on Switch 2?
Yes, you absolutely can, and now we’re going to break down how to connect them.
How to connect Switch 1 controllers to a Switch 2 console
Thankfully, this works much like it did with the original Nintendo Switch, so if you have experience with that, you should already know how to do this here.
- Go to the Controllers menu via the icons at the bottom of the Switch 2 home menu.
- Select Change Grip/Order at the top of the menu.
- On this menu, hold the Sync button on your controller. This is found on the inside of the JoyCon, on the rails, or on top of the Pro Controller near the USB-C port.
- When the player lights on the controller begin to flash, your Nintendo Switch 2 console should pick them up. Once the lights glow solid, press L+R and your controllers should be ready to play with.
If your controllers refuse to connect, please ensure your controllers are properly charged. You won’t be able to charge Switch 1 JoyCon with the Switch 2 console, so you’ll need either a Charging Grip or the original Nintendo Switch console around to charge them. Now you can play all the Nintendo Switch 2 launch games with your favorite controllers.