The Nintendo Switch has changed the face of gaming, empowering players with a versatile gameplay experience either at home or on-the-go. One of the console’s most appealing features is its support for multiple players, transforming solo sessions into vibrant gaming gatherings with friends and family. If you’re looking to enhance your playtime by connecting extra Joy-Cons, this guide will show you how to do just that, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite games with everyone.
Understanding Joy-Cons and Their Functionality
Joy-Cons are the iconic controllers designed for the Nintendo Switch, each of which has a range of functionalities. They can be used horizontally for multiplayer games, attached to the console, or paired with a switch grip to offer a console-like experience. Before we dive into how to connect extra Joy-Cons, let’s explore their basic components and how they can elevate your gaming sessions.
Features of Joy-Cons
Joy-Cons come packed with features that improve gameplay. Here are some notable attributes:
- Motion Control: With built-in gyroscopes and accelerometers, Joy-Cons can detect motion and orientation, offering immersive gameplay options.
- HD Rumble: This unique haptic feedback technology provides a tactile experience, enabling you to feel the game in your hands.
- IR Motion Camera: Some Joy-Cons (specifically the right one) have an IR camera, which can be used in games like “1-2-Switch” for unique interactions.
These features make Joy-Cons not just physical controllers but tools to enhance your gaming experience.
Preparing to Connect Extra Joy-Cons
Before you can expand your Joy-Con collection, it’s essential to understand the process of pairing them with your Nintendo Switch. Make sure to have your extra Joy-Cons ready, fully charged, and within reach.
Checking Battery Levels of Joy-Cons
To ensure that your Joy-Cons are ready for use, you should check their battery levels. To do this, follow these steps:
- Wake up your Switch console.
- On the home screen, navigate to the controller icon in the upper left corner.
- This will show you the battery level of each connected Joy-Con.
If your Joy-Cons are low on battery, charge them using the Nintendo Switch dock or a separate charging grip.
Finding Your Console’s Settings
The Nintendo Switch has a user-friendly interface that makes pairing controllers quite straightforward:
- Turn on your Nintendo Switch console.
- From the Home Menu, scroll down and select “System Settings.”
- Navigate to “Controllers and Sensors” to find all the options related to your Joy-Cons.
Pairing Additional Joy-Cons to Your Switch
Once you’ve ensured your Joy-Cons are charged and your console is ready, you can proceed to pair them. Here’s how:
Connecting Joy-Cons Wirelessly
The wireless connection method is the most common way to pair additional Joy-Cons. Follow these steps:
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Detach the Joy-Con: On the side of the Joy-Con, there is a small button. Slide it upwards, and the controller will detach from the console.
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Prepare the Joy-Con for Pairing: Press and hold the small round button located between the L and ZL buttons on the Joy-Con until the lights start flashing. This indicates it is ready to pair.
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Access the Pairing Menu: In your Nintendo Switch’s System Settings, navigate to the “Controllers and Sensors” section and select “Change Grip/Order.” This will open the pairing menu.
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Complete the Pairing: Your screen will display an onscreen prompt. When you see your Joy-Con appearing on the screen, press the L and R buttons to complete the pairing process. The lights on the Joy-Con will stop flashing and remain lit, indicating a successful connection.
Connecting Joy-Cons via Wired Method
Although less common, Joy-Cons can also be connected using a wired method for games that require stable connections. Follow these steps:
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Use Joy-Con Charging Grip: If you have a Joy-Con charging grip, slide both Joy-Cons into the sides of the grip until they click into place.
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Connect to the Switch Dock: The charging grip connects to the Switch dock via a USB cable. Make sure the dock is powered on.
Once connected, your Joy-Cons will automatically pair with the console, indicating they are ready for use.
Managing and Troubleshooting Joy-Cons
Occasionally, you may run into issues while connecting or using your Joy-Cons. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them.
Common Joy-Con Issues
- Connection Failures: If your Joy-Con will not connect, try resetting the controller:
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Press the small button located near the sync button for about 5 seconds to reset the connection.
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Drifting Issues: If you notice that your character is moving without any input, you may be experiencing Joy-Con drift. To fix this, try recalibrating your Joy-Con:
- From System Settings, go to “Controllers and Sensors,” then select “Calibrate Control Sticks,” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Maximizing Your Joy-Con Experience
To get the best out of your Joy-Cons, consider the following tips:
Keep Them Charged
Ensure your Joy-Cons are regularly charged, especially if you’ll be using multiple controllers during a gaming session. This helps prevent unexpected shutdowns during critical gameplay moments.
Use a Carrying Case
Invest in a quality carrying case to protect your Joy-Cons when transporting them. This helps avoid scratches, dust, and potential damage.
Conclusion
Connecting extra Joy-Cons to your Nintendo Switch is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Whether you’re strategizing in multiplayer games or battling in co-op modes with friends, knowing how to connect and manage your Joy-Cons allows you to dive into the action without hurdles.
As you explore the vast gaming world with your extra controllers, remember to enjoy the diversity of gameplay that the Nintendo Switch has to offer. With proper care and connectivity, your gaming sessions can become even more exciting, engaging, and joyful.
By following this comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped to connect your extra Joy-Cons seamlessly, cultivating unforgettable gaming moments with friends and family. Happy gaming!
What are Joy-Cons, and why would I want to connect extra ones to my Nintendo Switch?
Joy-Cons are the detachable controllers for the Nintendo Switch console. They can be used independently, and their wireless functionality allows for versatile gaming experiences, whether you’re playing solo or with friends. Connecting extra Joy-Cons enables multiplayer gaming, making it easy to share the fun with others, enhancing the social aspect of your gaming sessions.
By connecting more Joy-Cons, you can enjoy a variety of games that support multiplayer modes, allowing up to eight players to join in. This is particularly useful for party games or family gatherings, where everyone can participate to create a lively gaming atmosphere. Plus, having additional controllers on hand ensures you’re always prepared for a spontaneous gaming session with friends or family.
How do I connect extra Joy-Cons to my Nintendo Switch?
To connect extra Joy-Cons, first make sure your Nintendo Switch is powered on and has sufficient battery. Navigate to the HOME menu and select “Controllers,” then choose “Change Grip/Order.” From this menu, you can press the pairing button on each Joy-Con you want to connect. The pairing button is located on the side of the Joy-Con, near the SL and SR buttons.
After pressing the pairing button, you will see the controllers appear on your screen. Once they are successfully connected, you can start using them immediately. If you’re experiencing any trouble, make sure the Joy-Cons are charged and ready to pair, as being low on battery can affect connectivity.
Can I connect Joy-Cons from different Nintendo Switch consoles?
Yes, you can connect Joy-Cons from different Nintendo Switch consoles, provided they are not currently paired with another console. To do this, you will need to disconnect them from the original console box by turning off Bluetooth on that console or unpairing them manually through the settings. Once disconnected, you can follow the usual pairing process with your desired Nintendo Switch.
Keep in mind that Joy-Cons are designed to be universal across Nintendo Switch consoles. However, if a Joy-Con was previously synced to another console, you might have to repeat the pairing steps for it to function properly with your current system. It is a straightforward process, allowing flexibility for shared gaming experiences among friends with their own Switch units.
What should I do if my Joy-Cons are not connecting to the Switch?
If your Joy-Cons are not connecting, start by ensuring that they are sufficiently charged and that the console is updated to the latest firmware. A simple restart of your Nintendo Switch can also resolve many connection issues. After restarting, try the pairing process again by selecting “Change Grip/Order” from the Controllers menu.
If the Joy-Cons still don’t connect, check for any physical obstructions between the controllers and the console. Sometimes interference from other devices or objects can hinder the wireless signal. You may also need to reset the Joy-Cons by holding down the small reset button located on the back of each controller, allowing you to start the connection process fresh.
How many Joy-Cons can I connect to a Nintendo Switch?
You can connect up to eight Joy-Cons to a single Nintendo Switch console. This allows for large groups to participate in multiplayer gaming, which can be ideal for parties or family game nights. Each pair of Joy-Cons counts as one controller, so keep that in mind when setting up your gaming session.
To facilitate seamless gameplay, ensure that you have an appropriate selection of games that support multiple players. Many popular titles on the Nintendo Switch are designed to accommodate several players at once, so connecting multiple Joy-Cons can enhance your gaming experience. Be mindful, however, of space limitations, as having too many players in a confined area might affect gameplay comfort.
Are there any games that do not support multiple Joy-Cons?
Yes, some games on the Nintendo Switch are designed for single-player use or do not support multiple Joy-Cons. While many titles, especially party games and local multiplayer games, are optimized for use with multiple controllers, others may only allow control through a single Joy-Con or even the Pro Controller. It’s essential to check the game’s specifications or the back of the game case to understand its multiplayer capabilities.
Games like “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” or “Super Mario Odyssey” primarily focus on single-player experiences and may not utilize multiplayer functionality effectively. Therefore, it’s a good idea to consider the games you wish to play with your extra Joy-Cons to ensure a meaningful gaming experience with friends or family.
Can I use a single Joy-Con for two players?
Yes, a single Joy-Con can be used for two players in specific games that support shared controls, such as “Super Mario Party” and “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.” To enable this feature, each player can hold one half of the Joy-Con, allowing for a shared gaming experience without needing additional controllers. It’s an innovative way to utilize your hardware when you have a limited number of controllers.
However, it’s important to note that not all games support this functionality. Always check if the game allows for single Joy-Con multiplayer before attempting to play this way. Some games may require you to use both Joy-Cons for one player to ensure full access to controls, while others are optimized for shared use, providing a unique gaming experience.
Do I need to charge my Joy-Cons after connecting them?
Yes, you will need to charge your Joy-Cons regularly to keep them functioning. When they are connected to the Nintendo Switch, they will charge automatically while docked. If you are playing in handheld mode, the Joy-Cons will draw power from the Switch, but it’s advisable to detach them periodically and charge them separately, especially during long gaming sessions.
To check the battery status of your Joy-Cons, you can navigate to the “Controllers” section on the Nintendo Switch menu, where you’ll find the battery level displayed for each connected controller. It’s a good practice to keep an eye on this to avoid unexpected game interruptions due to low battery. Additionally, consider investing in a charging dock if you plan to use multiple Joy-Cons frequently, ensuring they’re always ready for action.