How To Connect Joycon To Pc

Using Nintendo’s versatile Joy-Con controllers with your computer opens up new ways to play. This guide will show you exactly how to connect Joycon to PC, whether you want to use them as a pair or individually for different games. The process is straightforward once you know the steps, and it can greatly enhance your gaming experience on platforms like Steam or emulators.

You will need a few things to get started. First, ensure your PC has Bluetooth capability. Most modern computers have it built-in, but if yours doesn’t, a simple USB Bluetooth adapter will work. Second, make sure your Joy-Cons are charged. A low battery can cause connection issues. Finally, you might need some software to help with button mapping and compatibility, which we will cover in detail.

Connecting your Joy-Cons to a Windows PC primarily relies on Bluetooth. The following steps will guide you through pairing them, either as a combined controller or as two separate units for multiplayer or motion-controlled games. The initial setup is quick and should only take a few minutes.

Step-By-Step Bluetooth Pairing Process

This is the standard method for connecting Joy-Cons to any Bluetooth-enabled Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC. The steps are the same for both left and right controllers.

On your PC, open the Start Menu and go to Settings.
Select Devices and then Bluetooth & other devices.
Make sure Bluetooth is toggled to On.
Now, pick up the Joy-Con you want to connect. 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 controller will start scrolling back and forth, indicating it is in pairing mode.
On your PC, click Add Bluetooth or other device.
In the pop-up window, select Bluetooth. Your PC will begin searching.
You should see “Joy-Con (L)” or “Joy-Con (R)” appear in the list. Click on it to pair.
A “Your device is ready to go” message will appear. The LED lights on the Joy-Con will stop scrolling and one light will remain solid.

Repeat this process for the second Joy-Con if you want to use both. They will appear as two separate Bluetooth devices, which is normal. Some games and software will recognize them as a combined controller, while others may see them as two independent input devices.

Connecting Via A USB Cable

If you’re experiencing Bluetooth lag or interference, you can connect your Joy-Cons physically using a USB cable. This method provides a stable, wired connection and is useful for charging while you play.

You will need a specific Joy-Con charging grip or a third-party USB-C cable adapter designed for Joy-Cons. Standard phone USB-C cables will not work for data transfer, only for charging. Once you have the correct cable or grip, simply plug it into a USB port on your PC. Windows should automatically install basic drivers, but the controllers may not function correctly in games without additional software like those mentioned below.

Essential Software For Joy-Con Functionality

Windows does not natively recognize Joy-Cons as a game controller like an Xbox pad. To use them properly in most PC games, you need a program that translates the Joy-Con inputs into something Windows and your games understand. Here are the most popular and reliable options.

Using BetterJoy For Cemu

BetterJoy is a free, community-developed application that is excellent for making Joy-Cons work seamlessly on PC. It’s not just for the Cemu emulator; it works with many Steam games and other applications by making your Joy-Cons appear as an Xbox 360 controller.

Download the latest version of BetterJoy from its official GitHub repository.
Extract the ZIP file to a folder on your computer.
Run the BetterJoyDriverSetup.exe file as an administrator to install the necessary virtual driver.
After the driver installs, run BetterJoy.exe.
With BetterJoy running, connect your Joy-Cons via Bluetooth using the steps above. The program should automatically detect them and list them in its window.

When active, BetterJoy combines both Joy-Cons into a single virtual controller. It also enables motion control support and advanced features like vibration. Keep the application running in the background while you game.

Configuring Joy-Cons In Steam

Steam has built-in controller support that can handle Joy-Cons, though it can be less consistent than BetterJoy. It’s a good integrated option if you primarily play Steam games.

Open the Steam client and go to Settings (Steam > Settings on Mac).
Select Controller on the left, then click General Controller Settings.
Connect your Joy-Cons via Bluetooth. They may appear as two separate devices.
In the controller settings window, check the boxes for Switch Configuration Support and, optionally, Generic Gamepad Configuration Support.
Steam should now recognize your controllers. You can click on them to customize button mappings, dead zones, and gyro controls for each game individually.

Steam’s support is powerful but sometimes requires per-game tinkering to get the feel just right. It’s a great tool for creating custom control schemes.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Problems

Sometimes, things don’t go smoothly. If you’re having trouble, here are solutions to the most frequent issues people encounter.

Joy-Con Not Appearing In Bluetooth List

Ensure the Joy-Con is in pairing mode by holding the sync button until the lights scroll.
Restart your PC’s Bluetooth. Turn it off and on again in the settings.
Move other Bluetooth devices (like phones or headphones) away from the PC to reduce interference.
If the Joy-Con was previously paired to a Switch, try forgetting it from the Switch’s Bluetooth devices list first.

Input Lag Or Stuttering

Reduce the distance between the Joy-Con and your PC’s Bluetooth antenna. Obstacles can weaken the signal.
Disconnect other unused Bluetooth devices that might be consuming bandwidth.
Consider using the USB connection method for a completely lag-free experience if your setup allows it.
Check if your PC has a Bluetooth power saving setting; disabling it can improve performance.

Controller Not Working In A Specific Game

Verify that your mapping software (BetterJoy or Steam) is running and the controllers are detected.
Some older games only support DirectInput or XInput controllers. Ensure BetterJoy is set to emulate an Xbox 360 controller (it does by default).
Check the game’s control settings menu to see if you need to manually enable gamepad support or select a controller preset.

Advanced Uses And Configuration

Once you have the basics working, you can explore more advanced setups that take advantage of the Joy-Con’s unique features.

Using Joy-Cons For Motion Controls On PC

The gyroscope and accelerometer in Joy-Cons are precise. To use them for motion aiming in games like *Portal 2* or emulated Wii and Switch games, you need the right software. BetterJoy enables motion controls and can map them to mouse movements or right stick camera controls. In Steam, you can enable gyro controls in the per-game controller configuration, often setting them to activate only when you’re aiming down sights.

Setting Up Split Joy-Cons For Local Multiplayer

Because each Joy-Con connects separately, you can use them as two small controllers for local multiplayer games. In Steam, you can configure each one individually. For non-Steam games, you might need a program like x360ce to create two separate virtual controllers, allowing you and a friend to play supported titles like *Rocket League* or *Emulated classic games* with one Joy-Con each.

Customizing Button Layouts And Deadzones

Joy-Con analog sticks are smaller than traditional controller sticks. You might find them too sensitive. In Steam’s controller configuration or in BetterJoy’s settings, you can increase the stick deadzone to prevent unintended movement. You can also completely remap buttons, which is useful for games that have complex control schemes not initially suited for a Joy-Con layout.

Maintaining Your Joy-Con Connection

For a reliable experience every time you want to play, follow these best practices.

Update Controllers: Occasionally update your Joy-Con firmware by connecting them to a Nintendo Switch with the latest system update. This can fix bugs and improve Bluetooth stability.
Manage Battery Life: Joy-Cons have a limited battery life. Disconnect them from your PC’s Bluetooth settings when not in use to prevent them from draining. You can check their battery level in the Windows Bluetooth settings menu once connected.
Driver Maintenance: If you use BetterJoy, check for updates every few months, as the developers frequently release improvements and bug fixes.
Clear Old Pairings: If you switch between your PC and Switch often, your Joy-Cons might try to connect to the wrong device. On your PC, you can “Remove device” from the Bluetooth list and re-pair when needed, though this can become tedious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Connect Joy-Cons To A PC Without Bluetooth?

Yes, but you need specific hardware. You can use a USB connection with a Joy-Con charging grip that has a USB port or a third-party adapter that plugs into the Joy-Con rail and provides a USB-C data connection. Without Bluetooth or this hardware, a direct connection is not possible.

Why Do My Joy-Cons Keep Disconnecting From My PC?

This is usually caused by power saving settings, interference, or low battery. Go to Windows Device Manager, find your Bluetooth adapter under “Network adapters,” right-click it, select Properties, and under the Power Management tab, uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.” Also, ensure your Joy-Cons are adequately charged.

How Do I Connect A Joy-Con To A PC For Dolphin Emulator?

The process is similar. Pair the Joy-Cons via Bluetooth, then use BetterJoy to make them into a virtual controller. In the Dolphin emulator, go to Controllers, configure the standard controller, and map the buttons from the virtual Xbox 360 controller that BetterJoy creates. Dolphin also has native support for DSU clients, which BetterJoy can act as, enabling direct motion control input.

Can I Use The Joy-Con HD Rumble Feature On PC?

Support for HD Rumble is limited and depends entirely on the software. BetterJoy has experimental support for basic rumble. Very few PC games are programmed to utilize the specific HD Rumble features of the Joy-Con, so you will typically get standard vibration effects if any at all.

Is It Possible To Connect Multiple Joy-Con Pairs To One PC?

Technically, yes, you can connect up to four individual Joy-Cons (two pairs) via Bluetooth, as each is its own device. Getting them all to work correctly in a single game is more complex. You would likely need to use a combination of Steam’s controller support and other software like x360ce to create multiple virtual gamepads that your game recognizes for local multiplayer sessions.