Emily Bennett
How To Link the Nintendo Switch Pro 2 Controller to Your Nintendo Switch 2
Getting that Nintendo Switch Pro 2 controller to connect to your Switch 2 can be a bit tricky sometimes, especially if it’s your first time messing with Bluetooth pairing on the console. Sometimes the controller just refuses to show up, or it disconnects randomly during a game. This guide walks through some practical steps that actually worked on several setups to get everything synced without pulling hair out. The goal is to make sure that once you’re done, your controller stays connected and ready to go, letting you jump into your favorite games without a headache.
How to Connect Nintendo Switch Pro 2 Controller to Switch 2 — A Realistic Approach
Method 1: Using the Controllers and Sensors menu
This is the most straightforward way for anyone who wants to get the controller paired directly from the console settings. It’s meant to mimic the normal workflow and helps when the controller isn’t pairing automatically. If your controller isn’t showing up in the list or it’s acting weird, this method can usually fix it.
- Power on the Nintendo Switch 2 and head over to System Settings (the gear icon on the home menu).
- Scroll down to Controllers and Sensors. You’ll want to see if the controller is already connected or if it needs to be paired.
- Select Change Grip/Order. This puts the console into pairing mode, making it search for nearby controllers.
- While the console is in this state, grab your Pro 2 controller and prepare for pairing.
At this point, you need to put your controller into pairing mode. There’s a tiny button on the top near the USB Type-C port. Press and hold that until the controller’s lights start flashing back and forth — kind of a “look at me, I’m trying to connect” sign. If the lights don’t start blinking, try giving it a quick press and hold; sometimes it takes a second to wake up.
Method 2: Manual pairing with Bluetooth (if the above doesn’t work)
This is a bit more old-school, but it can do the trick if your controller refuses to show up in the menus or won’t stay connected. You need a device like a PC or a smartphone to set up the connection first, then pair it to the Switch.
- Put your controller into Bluetooth pairing mode like before — hold the button until lights flash.
- On your PC or phone, turn on Bluetooth and look for nearby devices. The controller should show up as “Pro Controller” or something similar.
- Connect it to the device, then head over to Settings » Bluetooth and select the controller when it appears.
- Once paired with your PC or phone, go back to the Switch Settings, and try the normal Change Grip/Order method again. Sometimes, this “tricks” the console into recognizing the controller.
Not really sure why it works, but on some machines, this hacky workaround helps establish a more stable connection. Just don’t forget to disconnect from the PC or phone afterward — no point holding onto that Bluetooth link for longer than necessary.
Fix 3: Reset and re-pair if all else fails
If things are still flaky, resetting the controller can help. There’s a tiny reset button on the back of the controller — you’ll need a paperclip or something pointy to press it. Hold that button for about five seconds, then try pairing again via Method 1. Sometimes, the controller gets “stuck” in a weird state, and this resets it to factory settings. It’s annoying, but it’s worth a shot if nothing else works.
Additional suggestions that can save frustration
Make sure your controller’s battery is not dead — a low charge can cause pairing hiccups. Also, keep the console’s software up-to-date by going to System Settings » System » System Update. Sometimes firmware updates fix Bluetooth bugs nobody mentions in patch notes.
Oh, and if you notice the controller disconnects randomly during gameplay, try disconnecting other Bluetooth devices that might interfere — phones, wireless headphones, etc. Because, of course, the Switch has to make things more complicated than necessary.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Usually, it’s a matter of patience and making sure everything’s charged, updated, and within close proximity. Every so often, the controller doesn’t pair the first time; on one setup it worked after restarting the console, on another I had to re-pair it a couple times. Just don’t give up too fast.
- If the controller keeps disconnecting, try re-pairing from scratch after a full power cycle.
- Ensure no other device is fighting for Bluetooth bandwidth — turn off Bluetooth on phones or tablets nearby temporarily.
- Some users report that connecting through a different USB port for charging can sometimes help stabilize the controller’s Bluetooth signal.
Getting the Pro 2 controller to stay connected on the Switch 2 isn’t always a smooth ride, but generally, following these steps resolves most issues. It’s a bit of trial and error, but once it’s working, it feels so much better than wired or dealing with flaky connections. Honestly, on some setups, it took a couple of tries, but persistence paid off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if my controller doesn’t show up in Bluetooth devices?
Make sure the controller is in pairing mode (lights flashing), close to the console, and that Bluetooth is enabled. Sometimes restarting the console and controller helps clear out stubborn ghosts.
Can I connect multiple Pro 2 controllers at once?
Yep, just keep repeating the pair process for each controller — it’s tedious, but doable. You’ll see each added in the Controllers menu.
How can I check if my controller’s battery is good?
Head to System Settings » Controllers and Sensors and peek at the battery levels for each controller. This info is kind of hidden, but it helps to know if a dying battery is messing with pairing or connection drops.
Summary
- Try the built-in pairing menu first — it usually does the trick.
- If it acts funny, reset the controller and try again.
- Use Bluetooth pairing via another device if needed — sometimes weird stuff happens.
- Make sure everything’s updated and charged.
Wrap-up
Fingers crossed this helps someone get their controller connected without pulling out too much hair. It’s annoying when things aren’t straightforward, but most issues boil down to just resetting, re-pairing, or checking power. Once it’s working, it’s awesome to have a solid wireless experience for gaming without fussing. Hope this saves a few hours in the long run.