Learning how to pair Joycon 2 to PC opens up a new world of gaming possibilities. Connecting a Nintendo Switch Joy-Con to a PC for gaming is achievable via Bluetooth, though button mapping may require extra software.
This guide will walk you through the entire process. We’ll cover everything from basic pairing to advanced configuration.
You can use your Joy-Cons for many PC games and emulators. With the right setup, they become versatile controllers for your computer.
How To Pair Joycon 2 To Pc
Before you start, you need to check a few things. Your PC must have Bluetooth capability. Most modern laptops have it built-in, but many desktop computers do not.
If your desktop lacks Bluetooth, you will need a USB Bluetooth adapter. A cheap, generic one from a reputable brand will usually work fine for this purpose.
Also, ensure your Joy-Cons are charged. A low battery can cause connection issues during the pairing process. It’s a simple step that can save you a lot of frustration.
Step 1: Prepare Your Joy-Con For Pairing
First, detach the Joy-Cons from your Nintendo Switch console if they are attached. You will be pairing them as separate, individual controllers to your PC.
To put a Joy-Con into pairing mode, locate the small sync button. It’s a circular button situated on the rail 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 rapidly cycling back and forth. This indicates the controller is now in discoverable Bluetooth mode.
Repeat this process for the second Joy-Con if you plan to use them both. You will need to pair each one independently to your computer’s Bluetooth system.
Step 2: Access Bluetooth Settings On Your Windows PC
On your Windows PC, click on the Start menu and go to Settings. Then, select “Devices” and click on “Bluetooth & other devices.” Make sure the Bluetooth toggle is switched to “On.”
Click on the option that says “Add Bluetooth or other device.” A new window will pop up. From the choices, select “Bluetooth.”
Your PC will now begin scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices. The list may take a moment to populate. Be patient and wait for the Joy-Con to appear.
Identifying Your Joy-Con In The List
In the list of available devices, you should see entries named “Joy-Con (L)” and “Joy-Con (R).” The letters in parentheses indicate left and right.
If you see just “Pro Controller,” that is a different device. Make sure you select the correct entry corresponding to the Joy-Con you are holding.
Click on the appropriate Joy-Con name to initiate pairing. A notification should appear saying “Your device is ready to go!” This confirms a successful connection.
Now, repeat the entire process for the second Joy-Con. Remember, each one is treated as a seperate input device by Windows.
Step 3: Testing The Basic Connection
After both Joy-Cons are paired, it’s good to test them. Open the “Set up USB game controllers” panel in Windows. You can find it by searching for it in the Start menu.
In the window, you should see two entries, likely named “Joy-Con (L)” and “Joy-Con (R).” Click on “Properties” for one of them.
A test window will open. Press buttons and move the control sticks on the Joy-Con. You should see the corresponding buttons light up on the screen. This verifies that Windows is receiving input from the controller.
If the test fails, try removing the device from Bluetooth settings and re-pairing it. Sometimes the initial handshake doesn’t complete properly.
Essential Software For Mapping And Functionality
While Windows recognizes the Joy-Cons, most games will not. This is because the Joy-Con uses a different input protocol than a standard Xbox or DirectInput controller.
To make your Joy-Cons work with PC games, you need a translation layer. This is software that makes your Joy-Con appear as a standard gamepad to your games.
Several excellent, free programs handle this job. They also provide powerful customization options for button mapping, gyro controls, and more.
Using BetterJoy For Cemu
BetterJoy is a popular and highly recommended tool. Despite its name referencing the Cemu emulator, it works with many standard PC games through Steam.
First, download the latest release of BetterJoy from its official GitHub repository. Extract the ZIP file to a folder on your computer where you want to keep the program.
Before running BetterJoy, you need to install a driver. Run the “ViGEmBus_Setup_x.x.x.x.exe” file located in the Drivers folder of the extracted files. Follow the on-screen installation prompts.
After the driver installs, run “BetterJoyForCemu.exe.” The program will scan for connected Joy-Cons. If your Joy-Cons are already paired via Bluetooth, they should appear in the main window.
BetterJoy will now make your combined Joy-Cons appear as a single “Pro Controller” to your system. You can customize settings like vibration and motion controls within the application.
Configuring Joy-Cons Through Steam
Steam has built-in, robust controller support that includes the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con. This is often the simplest method for games you own on Steam.
Open the Steam client and go to “Settings.” Navigate to the “Controller” section and click on “General Controller Settings.”
Ensure your Joy-Cons are connected via Bluetooth. In the controller settings window, check the box for “Switch Pro Configuration Support.” Steam should automatically detect your paired Joy-Cons.
You can now click on each detected controller to customize its layout. Steam allows for extensive remapping of every button, trigger, and gyro function. You can even create different profiles for different games.
For non-Steam games, you can add them to your Steam library as a “Non-Steam Game.” Launch them through Big Picture Mode to utilize Steam’s controller configuration.
Alternative Software: DS4Windows And Others
Another powerful option is DS4Windows. Originally for PlayStation controllers, it now supports Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers very well.
DS4Windows is great if you want deep customization. It allows you to create complex profiles, adjust stick sensitivity, and set up macros.
After installing DS4Windows, run it and connect your Joy-Cons. The software will create a virtual Xbox 360 or DualShock 4 controller that most PC games recognize natively.
Other utilities like JoyToKey or Xpadder map controller inputs to keyboard keys. This is a universal solution for games with no controller support at all, though it lacks analog stick precision.
Advanced Setup And Usage Tips
Once you have the basics working, you can explore more advanced configurations. These tips can improve your experience and solve common problems.
Using Joy-Cons Separately For Two-Player Games
One unique advantage of Joy-Cons is their ability to function as two separate controllers. This is perfect for simple two-player local games on your PC.
When paired individually, Windows sees “Joy-Con (L)” and “Joy-Con (R)” as two distinct gamepads. Software like BetterJoy can be configured to expose them as separate controllers instead of combining them.
In Steam, you can enable this by going to Controller Settings. With both Joy-Cons connected, you should see two entries. You can configure each one independently for each player.
This setup works well for emulators and casual party games. Each player gets a small but functional controller, ideal for quick gaming sessions.
Enabling Motion Controls And Gyro Aiming
Motion controls are a standout feature of the Joy-Con. You can use them for gyro-assisted aiming in shooters or for motion-controlled games.
In BetterJoy, ensure the “Motion Server” is running. You can then calibrate the gyro sensors from the settings menu for better accuracy.
Steam Input has excellent gyro support. You can set the gyro to activate only when you’re aiming down sights, or assign it to always control the mouse cursor. This can give you a precision advantage in games like *Portal 2* or *Half-Life 2*.
Some games, like Cemu emulator for Wii U games, use motion controls natively. With the right software setup, your Joy-Con’s gyro will work perfectly for these titles.
Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues
Bluetooth connections can sometimes be finicky. If your Joy-Con disconnects frequently, try these fixes.
First, ensure there are no significant physical obstructions between the Joy-Con and your PC’s Bluetooth antenna. USB 3.0 ports can sometimes cause wireless interference with Bluetooth devices.
If connection problems persist, try updating your PC’s Bluetooth drivers. Visit your motherboard or laptop manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers.
You can also try forgetting the Joy-Con in Windows Bluetooth settings and re-pairing it from scratch. This clears any corrupted pairing data.
For persistent latency or input lag, consider using a dedicated Bluetooth USB adapter with a known good chipset. The built-in Bluetooth on some PCs is not optimized for low-latency gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Connect Joy Cons To A PC Without Bluetooth?
Yes, but it requires extra hardware. You need a USB Joy-Con charging grip or a dedicated Bluetooth adapter. A charging grip with a USB cable can sometimes connect directly, but software support is limited. A Bluetooth adapter is the more reliable and versatile solution for wireless play.
Why Won’t My PC Detect My Joy-Con?
There are several common reasons. Your Joy-Con battery might be too low. The Joy-Con may not be in pairing mode (remember the sync button). Your PC’s Bluetooth could be turned off or disabled. Another device might already be connected to the Joy-Con, like a Nintendo Switch. Make sure to disconnect it from the Switch first.
How Do I Pair A Single Joy-Con To My Computer?
The process is identical to pairing two. Simply put the single Joy-Con (left or right) into pairing mode by pressing its sync button. Then, in your PC’s Bluetooth settings, look for either “Joy-Con (L)” or “Joy-Con (R)” and select it to pair. It will function as a standalone controller.
Is There A Way To Use Joy-Cons On PC Wired?
Direct wired connection is not officially supported by Nintendo. However, you can use a USB-C cable to charge the Joy-Con while it is connected via Bluetooth. Some third-party charging docks may offer a data connection, but for control input, a wireless Bluetooth connection is the standard and intended method.
What Is The Best Software For Joy-Con On PC?
The “best” software depends on your needs. For simplicity and Steam integration, Steam’s built-in support is excellent. For system-wide compatibility and advanced features like gyro, BetterJoyForCemu is a top choice. For maximum customization and profile management, DS4Windows is very powerful. You may need to experiment to see which one works best for your specific games and setup.