Pairing Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons to your PC opens up new options for gaming and control. Learning how to pair joycons to pc is a straightforward process that can enhance your gaming setup. This guide will walk you through every method, from the simple built-in Bluetooth to using third-party tools for advanced features.
You can use your Joy-Cons for many PC games, emulators, and creative applications. The process involves a few steps in your computer’s settings. We will cover all the necessary details to get you set up quickly.
How To Pair Joycons To Pc
The primary method for connecting Joy-Cons uses your PC’s Bluetooth. Most modern computers have this capability built-in. This section provides the step-by-step instructions for a standard wireless connection.
Prerequisites For Bluetooth Pairing
Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need. A lack of preparation can lead to connection issues. Here is a quick checklist.
- A Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC with Bluetooth 4.0 or higher. You can check this in your device settings.
- Your left and right Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons. Ensure they are charged or have fresh batteries.
- Optionally, a Joy-Con charging grip or a USB Bluetooth adapter if your PC lacks built-in Bluetooth.
Step By Step Bluetooth Connection Guide
Follow these numbered steps carefully to pair each Joy-Con. You will need to pair the left and right controllers separately, as your PC sees them as two distinct devices.
- On your PC, open the Settings menu and navigate to “Bluetooth & devices.”
- Turn Bluetooth to “On.” Ensure your PC is discoverable.
- Now, pick up one Joy-Con. Locate the small sync button on the side, between the SL and SR buttons.
- Press and hold this sync button for a few seconds. The green LED lights on the side will start flashing back and forth. This means the Joy-Con is in pairing mode.
- Back on your PC, click “Add device” and then select “Bluetooth.”
- Your PC will scan for devices. Look for an entry named “Joy-Con (L)” or “Joy-Con (R).” Click on the correct one to pair.
- Wait for the connection to complete. The flashing lights on the Joy-Con will turn solid, then go off.
- Repeat the entire process for the second Joy-Con.
Once both are connected, you should see two separate controllers in your Bluetooth devices list. They are now ready to use, though their functionality in games may be limited without additional software.
Troubleshooting Common Bluetooth Issues
Sometimes, the pairing process doesn’t go smoothly. If you encounter problems, try these solutions.
- Joy-Con Not Appearing: Ensure the Joy-Con is truly in pairing mode by holding the sync button until the lights flash rapidly. Restart your PC’s Bluetooth.
- Connection Drops Frequently: Move closer to your PC and remove any physical obstructions or other wireless devices causing interference.
- Driver Problems: In Windows Device Manager, look for the Joy-Cons under “Bluetooth” or “Other devices.” You can try updating or uninstalling the driver and then re-pairing.
Using Third Party Software For Enhanced Functionality
While Bluetooth pairing works, Windows doesn’t natively recognize Joy-Cons as a unified gamepad. Third-party software solves this by combining the two Joy-Cons into one controller and enabling motion controls. The most popular and reliable tool for this is called BetterJoy.
Installing And Configuring Betterjoy
BetterJoy is a free, community-developed application. It makes your PC treat the paired Joy-Cons as a single Xbox 360 controller, which is widely supported by games.
- First, visit the official BetterJoy GitHub page to download the latest release. Always download from the official source for security.
- Extract the downloaded ZIP file to a folder on your computer, such as your Desktop or Documents.
- Before running BetterJoy, you need to install the ViGEmBus driver. This is included in the BetterJoy folder. Run the setup file to install it; your PC may require a restart.
- Open the BetterJoy application. It will appear as an icon in your system tray.
- With your Joy-Cons already paired via Bluetooth, click “Scan” in BetterJoy. It should automatically detect and connect to them.
- The two Joy-Cons will now function as a single virtual gamepad. You can test this in the Windows Game Controllers settings panel.
Calibrating Motion Controls In Betterjoy
For games that support motion aiming or steering, you need to calibrate the gyro sensors. Inside the BetterJoy settings, you will find a calibration tool. Follow the on-screen instructions, which typically involve placing the controllers on a flat surface. Proper calibration is key for accurate motion input.
Alternative Software Options
While BetterJoy is excellent, other programs offer different features. Here are two notable alternatives.
- JoyToKey: This program does not combine Joy-Cons but allows you to map their buttons and motions to keyboard keys or mouse clicks. It is perfect for games with no controller support.
- Steam’s Big Picture Mode: Steam has robust, built-in support for many controllers. You can add non-Steam games to your library and configure the Joy-Cons through Steam’s input settings, which offers deep customization.
Wired Connection Method Via USB
If you experience latency or Bluetooth problems, a wired connection is a stable alternative. You will need a specific accessory for this method.
Required Hardware For Wired Play
To connect your Joy-Cons with a cable, you need a Joy-Con Charging Grip or a standalone USB-C cable that supports data transfer. Note that the standard Joy-Con straps do not have a USB port; you must use the official Charging Grip or a third-party equivalent that connects via USB.
Steps For USB Connection
- Attach your left and right Joy-Cons to the Joy-Con Charging Grip.
- Connect the Grip’s USB cable to an available port on your PC.
- Windows will automatically install basic drivers. The Joy-Cons will be recognized as a direct-input controller.
- You may still need software like BetterJoy to combine them into a single gamepad or enable motion controls, even over USB.
The advantage of this method is zero input lag and no worry about battery life. It’s a great option for long gaming sessions at your desk.
Configuring Joy Cons For Different Pc Games
After pairing, you need to configure them for your games. Support varies between different game platforms and titles.
Setup For Steam Games
Steam offers the best native support. Open Steam and go to Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings. Check the “Switch Pro Configuration Support” box. With BetterJoy running or your Joy-Cons connected, Steam should now detect them. You can customize the button layout for each game from the Steam library page.
Setup For Non Steam Games And Emulators
For games outside of Steam, the virtual Xbox controller created by BetterJoy is your best bet. Most PC games that support controllers will recognize an Xbox pad automatically. For emulators like Cemu (Wii U) or Yuzu (Switch), you can select the “XInput” or “Xbox 360 Controller” option in the input settings. The motion controls from BetterJoy often work perfectly for emulated games that require them.
Using Joy Cons For Non Gaming Applications
Your paired Joy-Cons can be creative tools. Software like JoyToKey can map the controllers to keyboard shortcuts for video editing or 3D modeling software. Some digital artists even use the motion controls for unique input methods. The possibilities extend far beyond just games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about using Joy-Cons on a PC.
Can You Connect Joy Cons To A PC Without Bluetooth?
Yes, but you need the specific hardware. You can use a Joy-Con Charging Grip connected via USB for a wired connection. Alternatively, you can purchase a separate USB Bluetooth adapter if your desktop PC does not have built-in Bluetooth modules.
Why Won’t My PC Find My Joy Con During Pairing?
The most common reason is that the Joy-Con is not in pairing mode. Hold the sync button until the lights flash rapidly. Also, ensure no other device like your Nintendo Switch is actively connected to the Joy-Con, as it will prioritize that connection. Restarting your PC’s Bluetooth service can also help.
How Do I Fix Input Lag On Joy Cons Connected To PC?
Input lag is often caused by wireless interference or a low battery. Try moving closer to your Bluetooth receiver, turning off other wireless devices, or using a wired USB connection. Ensure your Bluetooth adapter drivers are up to date. In some cases, a dedicated Bluetooth dongle performs better than built-in motherboard Bluetooth.
Can You Use The Joy Con Motion Controls On PC?
Absolutely. While Windows itself doesn’t support it, third-party software like BetterJoy enables full motion control functionality. After installing and calibrating the gyro sensors in BetterJoy, games that support motion aiming (like many shooters or emulated Wii games) will work with the Joy-Cons’ accelerometers and gyroscopes.
Do Both Joy Cons Need To Be Paired Separately?
For the basic Bluetooth method, yes. Your PC sees the left and right Joy-Con as two seperate Bluetooth devices, so you must pair each one individually. However, software like BetterJoy then takes these two independent connections and merges them into a single virtual gamepad for you to use in applications.
Pairing your Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons to your PC is a simple process that greatly expands your controller options. Whether you use the basic Bluetooth method, a stable wired connection, or feature-rich software like BetterJoy, you can start playing your favorite PC games with a unique control scheme. Remember to charge your controllers regularly and calibrate the motion sensors for the best experience. With this guide, you have all the information needed to connect and configure your Joy-Cons successfully.