Connect Nintendo Controller Via Bluetooth: A Simple Guide

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Connect Nintendo Controller via Bluetooth: A Simple Guide

Hey everyone! Ever wanted to use your Nintendo Switch controllers on your PC, Mac, or even your phone? Well, you're in luck! Connecting your Nintendo controllers via Bluetooth is super easy, and I'm here to walk you through it. Whether you're rocking a Pro Controller, Joy-Cons, or even a classic Wii Remote, this guide has got you covered. Let's dive in and get those controllers connected!

Why Connect Your Nintendo Controller via Bluetooth?

Before we get started, let's talk about why you might want to do this in the first place. Connecting your Nintendo controller to other devices opens up a whole new world of gaming possibilities. Imagine playing your favorite PC games with the comfort and familiar feel of your Pro Controller. Or, picture yourself battling it out on mobile games using your Joy-Cons. Here are a few compelling reasons:

  • Versatility: Use your favorite controller on multiple platforms.
  • Comfort: Enjoy gaming with a controller you're already familiar with.
  • Accessibility: Some games play better with a controller than a keyboard or touchscreen.
  • Fun: It's just plain cool to use your Nintendo controller in unexpected ways!

What You'll Need

Okay, let's make sure you have everything you need before we jump into the connection process. The good news is that the requirements are pretty minimal. Here's what you'll need:

  • A Nintendo Controller: Obviously! This guide applies to Pro Controllers, Joy-Cons (both left and right), and even Wii Remotes.
  • A Bluetooth-Enabled Device: This could be your PC (Windows or macOS), smartphone (Android or iOS), tablet, or even some smart TVs.
  • Sufficient Battery: Make sure your controller has enough charge to complete the pairing process. Nothing's worse than a controller dying mid-connection!

That's it! Pretty simple, right? Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to connect your specific controller type.

Connecting a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller via Bluetooth

The Pro Controller is a favorite among Switch gamers, and for good reason. It's comfortable, has great battery life, and feels great in your hands. Here's how to connect it to your other devices:

Step 1: Put Your Pro Controller into Pairing Mode

This is the most crucial step. On the top of your Pro Controller, near the USB-C charging port, you'll find a small, recessed button. This is the sync button. To put your controller into pairing mode, press and hold this sync button for a few seconds until the LED lights start flashing rapidly. This indicates that the controller is now discoverable via Bluetooth.

Step 2: Connect on Windows

  • Open the Settings app (Windows key + I).
  • Go to Devices -> Bluetooth & other devices.
  • Make sure Bluetooth is turned On. If it's not, toggle the switch to enable it.
  • Click Add Bluetooth or other device.
  • Select Bluetooth.
  • Your PC will start scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices. Look for "Pro Controller" in the list and click on it.
  • Windows might ask you to enter a pairing code. If it does, try entering 0000 (four zeros) or 1234. If that doesn't work, check your PC's documentation for specific instructions.
  • Once connected, the LED lights on your Pro Controller will stop flashing and remain solid. Congratulations, you're connected!

Step 3: Connect on macOS

  • Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
  • Go to System Preferences -> Bluetooth.
  • Make sure Bluetooth is turned On. If it's not, click the Turn Bluetooth On button.
  • Your Mac will start scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices. Look for "Pro Controller" in the list and click Connect.
  • You might be prompted to enter a pairing code. If so, try 0000 or 1234.
  • Once connected, the LED lights on your Pro Controller will become solid.

Step 4: Connect on Android

  • Open your device's Settings app.
  • Go to Connections -> Bluetooth (the location may vary slightly depending on your Android version).
  • Make sure Bluetooth is turned On.
  • Tap Scan or a similar option to search for nearby devices.
  • Look for "Pro Controller" in the list of available devices and tap on it.
  • You might be prompted to confirm the pairing request. Tap Pair.
  • Once connected, the LED lights on your Pro Controller should remain solid.

Connecting Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons via Bluetooth

Joy-Cons are awesome because you can use them individually or together as a single controller. The connection process is similar to the Pro Controller, but there are a few key differences.

Step 1: Put Your Joy-Con(s) into Pairing Mode

Each Joy-Con has its own sync button located between the SL and SR buttons. Press and hold the sync button on the Joy-Con you want to connect until the LED lights start flashing rapidly. You can connect each Joy-Con individually or connect both at the same time.

Step 2: Connect on Windows, macOS, or Android

The steps for connecting Joy-Cons are almost identical to connecting a Pro Controller. Follow the instructions above for your specific operating system, but instead of looking for "Pro Controller" in the list of available devices, look for "Joy-Con (L)" or "Joy-Con (R)". Connect each Joy-Con separately.

Important Note: When using Joy-Cons on a PC, you might need to use a program like BetterJoy to properly map the buttons and get them working correctly in games. Windows doesn't always natively support Joy-Cons perfectly.

Connecting a Wii Remote via Bluetooth

Believe it or not, you can even connect a Wii Remote to your PC or other devices via Bluetooth! This is a fun way to relive some classic Wii games or use the Wii Remote as a unique input device.

Step 1: Put Your Wii Remote into Pairing Mode

Open the battery compartment on the back of the Wii Remote. You'll find a small red button. This is the sync button. Press and hold this button until the blue LED lights start flashing. This indicates that the Wii Remote is now in pairing mode.

Step 2: Connect on Windows

Connecting a Wii Remote to Windows can be a bit trickier than connecting a Pro Controller or Joy-Cons. You'll likely need to use a third-party program like Dolphin Emulator or WiiRemoteHook to get it working correctly.

  • Install Dolphin Emulator or WiiRemoteHook.
  • Follow the instructions provided by the program to connect your Wii Remote. These programs usually handle the Bluetooth pairing process for you.

Step 3: Connect on macOS

  • Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
  • Go to System Preferences -> Bluetooth.
  • Make sure Bluetooth is turned On. If it's not, click the Turn Bluetooth On button.
  • Your Mac will start scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices. Look for "Nintendo RVL-CNT-01" in the list and click Connect.
  • You might be prompted to enter a pairing code. If so, try 0000 or 1234.
  • Once connected, use Enjoyable to properly map the buttons and get them working correctly in games.

Step 4: Connect on Android

  • Open your device's Settings app.
  • Go to Connections -> Bluetooth (the location may vary slightly depending on your Android version).
  • Make sure Bluetooth is turned On.
  • Tap Scan or a similar option to search for nearby devices.
  • Look for "Nintendo RVL-CNT-01" in the list of available devices and tap on it.
  • You might be prompted to confirm the pairing request. Tap Pair.
  • Once connected, use Enjoyable to properly map the buttons and get them working correctly in games.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

  • Controller won't connect: Make sure your controller is in pairing mode (flashing lights). Try turning Bluetooth off and on again on your device. Restart your device.
  • Controller disconnects frequently: Check the battery level of your controller. Interference from other Bluetooth devices can also cause disconnects. Try moving closer to your device or turning off other Bluetooth devices.
  • Buttons aren't mapped correctly: Use a program like BetterJoy (for Joy-Cons on Windows) or Enjoyable (for Wii Remotes on macOS) to properly map the buttons.
  • Controller not recognized by the game: Make sure the game supports controllers and that you've configured the controller settings in the game.

Conclusion

Connecting your Nintendo controllers via Bluetooth is a fantastic way to expand your gaming horizons. Whether you're using a Pro Controller, Joy-Cons, or even a Wii Remote, the process is relatively straightforward. Just remember to put your controller into pairing mode, follow the steps for your specific operating system, and troubleshoot any issues that might arise. Now go forth and enjoy gaming with your favorite Nintendo controllers on all your devices! Have fun, gamers!