How To Use Pro Controller On Pc : Pro Controller Bluetooth Connection

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Learning how to use pro controller on pc is a great way to enhance your gaming setup. Connecting a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to your PC is a simple process that opens up a comfortable control scheme for many games. This guide will walk you through every method, from simple wired connections to advanced wireless setups and troubleshooting.

How To Use Pro Controller On Pc

Using a Pro Controller on your PC involves a few different connection methods. The best one for you depends on your hardware and whether you prefer a wired or wireless experience. Each method has its own steps and requirements, which we will cover in detail.

You will need a few things to get started. First, of course, is a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. You will also need your Windows PC. For wired connections, you need the USB-C cable that came with the controller. For wireless, your PC needs built-in Bluetooth or a Bluetooth adapter.

Wired Connection Method

The wired method is the most straightforward and reliable way to connect your Pro Controller. It requires no batteries and has virtually no input lag. This is the recommended method for competitive gaming or if you experience wireless issues.

Here are the steps to connect your Pro Controller with a USB cable.

  1. Locate the USB-C port on the top of your Pro Controller.
  2. Plug the USB-C end of your cable into the controller.
  3. Plug the standard USB end of the cable into an available port on your PC.
  4. Windows will automatically install the necessary drivers. You should see a notification in the system tray.
  5. Once the drivers are installed, your controller is ready to use. The LED lights at the bottom of the controller will illuminate.

To test the connection, you can use the built-in Game Controllers tool in Windows. Press the Windows key, type “Set up USB game controllers,” and open the tool. Select the “Pro Controller” from the list and click “Properties.” You can then press buttons and move sticks to see them register on the screen.

Wireless Bluetooth Connection

Connecting via Bluetooth offers freedom of movement and is very convenient. However, it requires your PC to have Bluetooth capability. Most modern laptops have it built-in, but many desktop computers require a separate Bluetooth dongle.

Follow these steps to pair your Pro Controller wirelessly.

  1. On your PC, open the Windows Settings menu (Windows key + I).
  2. Go to “Bluetooth & devices” and ensure Bluetooth is turned on.
  3. On your Pro Controller, press and hold the small “Sync” button located on the top edge, next to the USB-C port. The LED indicators at the bottom will start scrolling back and forth.
  4. On your PC, click “Add device” and select “Bluetooth.”
  5. Your PC will search for devices. Look for “Pro Controller” in the list and click on it to pair.
  6. Once connected, the scrolling LEDs will stop, and one LED will stay lit, indicating the controller’s player number.

Remember that the Pro Controller uses a standard Bluetooth connection. This means it should work with any PC that supports standard Bluetooth HID profile, though performance can vary with different adapters.

Troubleshooting Bluetooth Pairing

Sometimes, the Bluetooth pairing process does not go smoothly. If your PC does not see the controller, try these fixes.

  • Ensure the controller is charged. A low battery can cause pairing issues.
  • Move the controller closer to your PC’s Bluetooth antenna.
  • Turn Bluetooth off and on again on your PC.
  • Restart your Pro Controller by holding the power button for a few seconds.
  • Remove the controller from your PC’s Bluetooth device list and try pairing again from scratch.

Using Steam For Optimal Compatibility

Steam has excellent built-in support for the Pro Controller, making it the easiest way to use it in most PC games. Steam’s configuration tool translates the Pro Controller’s inputs into something Windows and your games can understand natively.

First, you need to enable Pro Controller support in Steam’s settings.

  1. Open the Steam client and click “Steam” in the top-left corner.
  2. Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
  3. In the settings window, click “Controller” on the left sidebar.
  4. Click “General Controller Settings.”
  5. Check the box that says “Switch Pro Configuration Support.” You can also check “Use Nintendo Button Layout” if you prefer the A/B and X/Y buttons to match their Nintendo placement.

With this enabled, Steam will automatically recognize your Pro Controller when it’s connected, either wired or wirelessly. You can customize every aspect of the controller for each game through Steam’s Big Picture Mode or the regular settings. This includes creating custom button mappings, adjusting stick sensitivity, and setting up gyro controls.

Configuring The Controller For Non-Steam Games

You can also use Steam to configure your Pro Controller for games not purchased on Steam. To do this, you need to add the game as a “non-Steam game” to your Steam library.

  1. In Steam, click “Games” at the top.
  2. Select “Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library.”
  3. A list of programs will appear. Find your game’s executable file or browse to locate it.
  4. Check the box next to the game and click “Add Selected Programs.”
  5. Launch the game through Steam. Your Pro Controller, with Steam’s configuration support, should now work.

Advanced Configuration And Tools

For games outside of Steam or for more advanced tweaking, third-party tools can be very helpful. These programs create a virtual Xbox 360 or DirectInput controller that your PC games will recognize without any extra setup.

Using BetterJoyForCemu

BetterJoyForCemu is a popular, free application that makes the Pro Controller work as an Xbox 360 controller. It also enables full motion control (gyro) support, which is great for games like *Cemu* (Wii U emulator) or any PC game that supports gyro aiming.

Setting up BetterJoyForCemu involves a few steps.

  1. Download the latest release of BetterJoyForCemu from its official GitHub page.
  2. Extract the ZIP file to a folder on your computer.
  3. Run the “Drivers” installer file (usually named `ViGEmBus_Setup_1.16.116.exe`) as Administrator. This installs the virtual controller driver.
  4. After the driver installs, run the `BetterJoyForCemu.exe` application.
  5. Connect your Pro Controller via USB or Bluetooth. The BetterJoy window should detect it and list it as connected.

Once running, BetterJoy will make your Pro Controller appear to Windows as an Xbox 360 pad. This gives you plug-and-play compatibility in almost every PC game that supports controllers. The tool also has a configuration panel where you can calibrate sticks, adjust rumble, and map buttons.

Alternative Software Options

While BetterJoy is excellent, there are other programs you can try if you encounter issues.

  • **XOutput:** This tool maps DirectInput controllers (like the Pro Controller) to XInput (Xbox 360). It is lightweight and relatively simple to configure.
  • **reWASD:** This is a powerful, paid software that offers extensive remapping for many controllers, including the Pro Controller. It is very user-friendly and offers profiles for different games.
  • **JoyToKey:** This classic program maps controller inputs to keyboard keys and mouse movements. It works with any controller and is perfect for older games that don’t have any native gamepad support.

Solving Common Pro Controller Problems

Even with the right setup, you might run into some issues. Here are solutions to the most frequent problems people face when using a Pro Controller on PC.

Controller Not Detected By Windows

If Windows does not recognize your controller at all, follow this checklist.

  • Try a different USB cable. Some cables are for charging only and do not transmit data.
  • Test the USB port by plugging in another device.
  • For wireless, ensure no other device is actively connected to the Pro Controller, like a Nintendo Switch.
  • Update your Bluetooth drivers from your PC manufacturer’s website.
  • Check the Windows Device Manager for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark, which indicates a driver problem.

Button Inputs Are Incorrect Or Swapped

This is a very common issue because the Nintendo button layout (A on the right, B on the bottom) is opposite the Xbox layout (A on the bottom, B on the right). Most PC games use the Xbox layout.

You have two main options to fix this.

  1. **Use Steam:** Enable “Use Nintendo Button Layout” in Steam’s controller settings. This tells Steam to swap the prompts for you in supported games.
  2. **Remap the buttons:** In your chosen configuration tool (Steam, BetterJoy, reWASD), manually swap the A/B and X/Y buttons. This way, when the game tells you to press “A,” you press the physical bottom button on your Pro Controller.

Experiencing Input Lag Or Disconnections

Wireless connections can sometimes suffer from lag or dropouts. Here is how to improve stability.

  • Keep the controller close to your PC’s Bluetooth receiver, with a clear line of sight.
  • Reduce wireless interference by moving other devices like routers, cordless phones, or microwaves away from your setup.
  • If using a Bluetooth dongle, connect it to a front USB port rather than one on the back of your PC.
  • Consider using the wired connection for games where timing is critical, like platformers or fighting games.

Pro Controller Features On PC

You might wonder which features of the Pro Controller work when connected to a PC. Support varies depending on your connection method and software.

Motion Controls And Gyro Aiming

The Pro Controller’s gyroscope and accelerometer can be used for motion controls. This feature is not natively supported by Windows, but software can enable it.

To use gyro aiming on PC, you need a program like BetterJoyForCemu or Steam Input. In Steam, you can enable gyro controls and set them to act as mouse input, which is perfect for precise aiming in first-person shooters. This takes some configuration but can give you a significant advantage once you’re used to it.

Rumble And Battery Life

HD Rumble, the Pro Controller’s advanced vibration feature, is rarely supported on PC. Most games and drivers will treat it as standard rumble. The controller’s battery life, however, remains excellent on PC. You can expect around 40 hours of use on a full charge, wheter you use it wired or wirelessly. The controller can be used while charging.

To check the battery level on PC, the easiest method is through Steam’s Big Picture Mode. When the controller is connected, the battery level will often display in the corner. Some third-party tools like BetterJoy also show a rough battery estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can You Use A Pro Controller On PC Without Bluetooth?

Yes, absolutely. You can connect the Pro Controller to your PC using a standard USB-C cable. This provides a stable, lag-free connection and charges the controller at the same time. It is the simplest method and requires no additional hardware.

Does The Pro Controller Work On PC For All Games?

With the right software configuration, the Pro Controller will work with the vast majority of PC games that support gamepads. Using Steam Input or a tool like BetterJoyForCemu makes the controller appear as an Xbox 360 controller, which has near-universal support in modern Windows games.

How Do You Charge The Pro Controller While Using It On PC?

You can charge the controller by simply leaving it plugged in via the USB-C cable while you play. If you are using it wirelessly, you can plug in the cable to charge it, and it will switch to a wired connection until you unplug it again.

Is The Pro Controller Better Than An Xbox Controller For PC?

This is largely a matter of personal preference. The Pro Controller is known for its excellent battery life, comfortable ergonomics, and good D-pad. The Xbox Wireless Controller has seamless native integration with Windows. The choice depends on which shape feels better in your hands and which features you value most.

Why Is My Pro Controller Not Working In A Specific Game?

First, ensure the controller is working in Windows’ game controller test panel. If it is, the game might have specific controller settings. Check the game’s options menu for input or controller settings. Ensure no other controller configuration software is running and interfering, and try launching the game through Steam if you aren’t already.