How To Connect A Switch Pro Controller To Pc

Learning how to connect a Switch Pro Controller to PC opens up a great way to play your favorite games. Using a Switch Pro Controller on your PC is supported through a wired USB connection or via Bluetooth for wireless play.

This guide covers every method in detail. You will get clear, step-by-step instructions for both wired and wireless setups.

We will also troubleshoot common problems and explain how to make the controller work perfectly with Steam and other platforms.

Connecting your Pro Controller involves just a few steps, but the process differs between a physical cable and Bluetooth. The first method is the simplest and most reliable for most users.

Wired Connection Via USB Cable

A wired connection is the most straightforward way to link your controller. It requires no software setup and works instantly on modern versions of Windows.

Simply use the USB-C cable that came with your Pro Controller or any reliable USB-C to USB-A cable. Follow these steps.

Plug the USB-C end of the cable into the port on the top of your Switch Pro Controller.
Plug the USB-A end of the cable into an available port on your Windows PC.
Windows will automatically recognize the controller and install basic drivers. You should see a notification that says “Setting up device.”
Once the driver installation is complete, your controller is ready for use in games that support DirectInput controllers.

This method provides a stable connection with no input lag. It also charges your controller while you play, which is a nice bonus. For many games outside of Steam, this plug-and-play method is all you need.

Wireless Connection Via Bluetooth

For a cable-free experience, you can connect your Pro Controller using Bluetooth. This is ideal for playing from a couch or further away from your desk.

First, ensure your PC has Bluetooth capability. Most modern laptops have it built-in, but desktop PCs might require a Bluetooth adapter.

Preparing Your Pro Controller For Pairing

Before your PC can see the controller, you need to make it discoverable. The Pro Controller does not have a dedicated pairing button like some other devices.

Locate the small Sync button on the top edge of the controller, between the shoulder buttons (L and R).
Press and hold the Sync button for a few seconds. The LED indicators on the bottom of the controller will start cycling back and forth.
This cycling light pattern means the controller is now in pairing mode and searching for a device to connect to.

Pairing With Windows Bluetooth Settings

With your controller in pairing mode, you now need to add it as a Bluetooth device on your Windows PC.

On your Windows PC, click the Start menu and open the Settings app (the gear icon).
Go to “Bluetooth & devices” and ensure Bluetooth is turned to “On.”
Click “Add device,” then select the first option for “Bluetooth.”
Windows will scan for nearby devices. Look for an entry named “Pro Controller.” It may take a moment to appear.
Click on “Pro Controller” when it shows up in the list. Windows will complete the pairing process.
Once connected, the cycling LED lights on the controller will stop, and one single light will remain on.

Your controller is now connected wirelessly. You may need to repeat the pairing process if you use the controller with your Switch again, as it typically reconnects to the last used device.

Configuring Your Controller For PC Games

While Windows recognizes the Pro Controller, its native support is not as robust as an Xbox controller. You might find that button prompts are missing or incorrect in some games. Thankfully, there are excellent tools to fix this.

Using Steam’s Built-In Support

Steam has excellent, built-in support for the Switch Pro Controller. It can make the controller behave like an Xbox controller for maximum compatibility across thousands of games.

Open the Steam client on your PC and make sure you are logged in.
Click “Steam” in the top-left corner, then select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
In the Settings window, click on “Controller” in the left sidebar.
Now click “General Controller Settings.”
Connect your Pro Controller via USB or Bluetooth. It should appear in the detected controllers list.
Check the box next to “Switch Pro Configuration Support.” You can also check “Use Nintendo Button Layout” if you prefer A/B and X/Y to match their Nintendo placement.

With this enabled, Steam will seamlessly translate Pro Controller inputs for almost every game in your Steam library. You can even customize the button mapping, gyro controls, and vibration for each individual game through Steam’s Big Picture mode or the regular settings.

Third-Party Software For Non-Steam Games

For games outside of Steam, like those on the Epic Games Store, GOG, or emulators, you will need a separate program. The most popular and reliable tool is called “BetterJoyForCemu.”

This free software makes your Pro Controller appear as an Xbox 360 controller to Windows, ensuring universal compatibility. Here is how to set it up.

Download the latest release of BetterJoyForCemu from its official GitHub page.
Extract the downloaded ZIP file to a folder on your computer.
Run the “BetterJoyForCemu.exe” file as an Administrator. This is important for driver installation.
The program will install a necessary driver. Follow the on-screen prompts and allow the installation if Windows asks for permission.
Once the driver is installed, connect your Pro Controller via USB or Bluetooth.
BetterJoy should automatically detect your controller and list it in the main window. You can now minimize the program; it will run in your system tray.

Your Pro Controller will now work in any game that supports an Xbox controller. Remember to keep BetterJoy running while you play non-Steam games. Some users report that the gyro function also works well with this software.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

Sometimes, the connection process doesn’t go smoothly. Here are solutions to the most frequent problems people encounter when trying to connect there Switch Pro Controller.

Controller Not Detected By Bluetooth

If your PC cannot find the Pro Controller during the Bluetooth search, try these fixes.

Ensure the controller is truly in pairing mode. The four LEDs along the bottom should be cycling back and forth rapidly.
Move the controller closer to your PC’s Bluetooth antenna to rule out signal interference.
Restart your PC’s Bluetooth. Turn it off in Settings, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on.
Remove old Bluetooth pairings. In your Bluetooth settings, remove any existing “Pro Controller” entries and try pairing again from scratch.
Update your PC’s Bluetooth drivers. Visit your motherboard or laptop manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers.

Input Lag Or Stuttering Connection

Wireless interference can cause lag or intermittent disconnects. This can ruin your gaming experience.

Avoid USB 3.0 Interference: If using a Bluetooth adapter, plug it into a USB 2.0 port (often black). USB 3.0 ports (often blue) can sometimes cause radio interference with Bluetooth devices.
Reduce Wireless Congestion: Move other wireless devices like routers, cordless phones, or microwaves away from your play area.
Use a Wired Connection: For competitive games where reaction time is critical, switching to a USB cable eliminates lag entirely.
Check Battery Level: A low battery can sometimes cause unstable performance. Connect the controller via USB to charge it while troubleshooting.

Buttons Are Incorrect Or Not Working In Game

When buttons are mapped wrong or don’t work, it’s usually a configuration issue with the game or your driver software.

For Steam Games: Double-check that “Switch Pro Configuration Support” is enabled in Steam’s Controller Settings. Try launching the game from Big Picture Mode, which sometimes handles controllers better.
For Non-Steam Games: Ensure BetterJoyForCemu is running and has detected your controller. You may need to run the game as an Administrator as well.
Test in Windows: Open the “Game Controllers” settings panel (search for “Set up USB game controllers” in the Start menu). Select the Pro Controller and click “Properties.” Press buttons to see if Windows registers them correctly. If not, the issue is at the driver level.

Advanced Tips And Customization

Once your controller is connected and working, you can fine-tune it to your preferences. These extra steps can greatly enhance your experience.

Customizing Gyro Controls In Steam

The Pro Controller’s motion controls (gyro) can be used for aiming in PC games, similar to how they work on the Switch. Steam allows for deep customization of this feature.

With your controller connected, right-click on a game in your Steam library and select “Properties.”
In the left menu, click “Controller.”
Click “Override for [Game Name]” and select “Enable Steam Input.”
Close the Properties window and launch the game.
While in-game, press the Steam button (the small button under the Home button) to bring up the Steam Overlay.
Navigate to “Controller Settings.” Here, you can assign gyro to mouse input or right joystick, adjust sensitivity, and set an activation button.

This is especially popular for first-person shooters and adventure games, providing a more intuitive aiming method.

Checking Battery Level On Pc

Unlike with the Switch, Windows does not show a clear battery percentage for the Pro Controller. You can check it through a couple of methods.

In Steam: Go to Steam > Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings. A connected Pro Controller will show a rough battery indicator (Full, Medium, Low).
In BetterJoyForCemu: The main window of the application displays a battery icon with a percentage for each connected controller.
Physical Indicator: When connected via Bluetooth, the single lit LED on the controller will flash when the battery is getting low.

It’s a good habit to plug in your controller via USB after a long gaming session to ensure it’s charged for next time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about using the Switch Pro Controller on a PC.

Can You Connect A Switch Pro Controller To A PC Without Bluetooth?

Yes, absolutely. You can connect the Pro Controller to a PC without Bluetooth by using a standard USB-C to USB-A cable. This provides a plug-and-play wired connection that also charges the controller. It is the simplest and most reliable method.

Why Is My Switch Pro Controller Not Connecting To PC Bluetooth?

Common reasons include the controller not being in pairing mode, outdated Bluetooth drivers on your PC, or interference from other wireless devices. Make sure the controller’s LEDs are cycling, remove any old pairings from your PC’s Bluetooth settings, and try pairing again from the begining.

Does The Switch Pro Controller Work On PC For All Games?

With the right setup, it works for nearly all games. Steam’s built-in support covers most Steam games. For games outside of Steam, using third-party software like BetterJoyForCemu makes the controller appear as an Xbox 360 controller, which is supported by the vast majority of PC games with controller support.

How Do I Update My Switch Pro Controller Firmware For PC?

Controller firmware updates can only be performed by connecting the Pro Controller to a Nintendo Switch console. If you have access to a Switch, connect the controller to it and follow the system prompts to install any available updates. This can sometimes improve connectivity and stability when using it on other devices like a PC.

Can You Connect Multiple Switch Pro Controllers To One PC?

Yes, you can connect up to four Pro Controllers to a single PC for local multiplayer games. You can connect them via a combination of USB cables and Bluetooth, though your PC’s Bluetooth hardware may have limits on how many devices it can handle simultaneously. Wired connections are often easier for multi-controller setups.