Despite being primarily sold for Microsoft‘s gaming console, Xbox controllers are not exclusive to that device; for instance, they can be used to play games on PCs and mobile devices via Bluetooth or a USB-C cable. You might wonder if you can use a standard Xbox controller with the Nintendo Switch since it has a USB-C port for charging and data transfers, and it uses Bluetooth to connect to its official controllers.
In any case, the quick answer is that you may utilize an Xbox controller on the Nintendo Switch, regardless of your motivation for doing so. Unfortunately, it’s more complicated than just plugging it into the USB port on your Switch dock. You’ll need to buy a dongle or adapter. For those who are ready to investigate this option, however, there is a way: the necessary device is inexpensive, and the setup procedure is typically rather simple.
Essentials for using an Xbox controller with a Nintendo Switch
Although there are many various adapters on the market, they all function similarly. You use the Xbox controller’s built-in Bluetooth radio to connect your Xbox controller to the adapter after connecting it to your Nintendo Switch via USB.
We suggest the wireless USB Adapter 2 from 8Bitdo. It costs only $20 on Amazon, and it works with a wide range of different controllers (such as the DualShock PS4 and the DualSense PS5 controllers) and systems (such as Steam Deck, Windows PCs, and more) in addition to allowing a reliable connection between your Xbox controller and Switch. It’s incredibly adaptable and, based on a large number of user assessments, fairly dependable. You can be sure that you’re getting a reliable product from a company with a great track record of providing customer care if you’re not familiar with the 8Bitdo brand. The firm gained its name by providing wireless retro-style alternative controllers, mostly for Nintendo Switch and PC users.
Naturally, a Bluetooth-enabled Xbox controller is also required. Bluetooth is built into every official Xbox Series X|S wireless controller, and the required hardware is also present in more recent controllers made for the Xbox One era. For the latter, you can check the concave region where the Xbox button is located to see if your model has Bluetooth. It has Bluetooth if the plastic there is connected to the remainder of the face plate.
How to link the Nintendo Switch to your Xbox controller
Although there are a few steps involved, setting up the 8Bitdo USB Adapter 2 is comparatively easy. First, confirm that the version 3.0.0 or higher is installed on your Switch.
- Go to Controller and Sensors under System Settings.
- Select “Pro Controller Wired Communication” and turn it on.
- Either connect the adapter to the Switch’s USB-C port (a USB-A to USB-C dongle is needed) or plug it into the Switch’s dock.
- To put the Xbox controller in pairing mode, turn it on and then press and hold the little “connect” button on top of the controller. You can tell when the Xbox button is in pairing mode when it blinks quickly.
- Press the adapter’s “pair” button until its LED begins to blink.
Hold on for a few seconds. You should now have a connection between the controller and the switch if you notice that the lights on the controller and adapter have turned solid. Any game that accepts controllers on the Switch can be played with the controller once it is connected. To accomplish this, just pick the controller from the game’s settings menu’s list of supported controllers. To ensure that the buttons on the Xbox controller match the appropriate actions in the game, you might also need to modify the button mapping in the settings menu.
Why using an Xbox controller with a Nintendo Switch might be beneficial
For players that choose not to use the smaller Joy-Cons separately or in conjunction with the Comfort Grip, Nintendo provides the Pro Controller. In addition to offering a more conventional gaming experience, the Pro Controller seems to be far more robust and long-lasting than the Joy-Cons. However, Nintendo’s official Pro Controller costs $69.99, which some customers might find expensive, especially if they plan to use the controller seldom.
There are less expensive (mostly unlicensed) third-party solutions, but they might not include the Pro Controller’s rumble capability. Even if you don’t mind, the build quality is probably much worse. These features make the Xbox controller a far more desirable choice because it is comparable in build quality to the Pro Controller and won’t cost you more if you already have one (apart from the cost of the adapter). Compared to the Joy-Cons or Pro Controller, the Xbox controller could also feel more recognizable and cozy in your hands if you use it frequently.
The Switch’s joysticks are infamously prone to drifting, which in extreme circumstances can make games unplayable. If you’ve run into this issue, the Xbox controller is a wonderful replacement because, if you don’t mind using Microsoft’s accessory exclusively with the Switch moving forward, you won’t even have to worry about fixing the Joy-Cons or purchasing new ones.
The Xbox controller’s drawbacks when used with the Nintendo Switch
It’s important to note that several of the Switch’s special capabilities are not supported by the Xbox controller, and some of the controller’s features do not work on the Switch. In particular, the LED doesn’t correspond to any Switch functionalities, such as player indications, and it doesn’t support rumble, NFC, analog triggers, trigger vibration, the audio jack, or infrared input. Additionally, you cannot use the controller to wake the Switch from sleep.
Additionally, the labels won’t line up exactly because Xbox controllers move some of the face buttons around compared to Switch controllers. The Xbox controller’s “A” and “B” buttons, for example, are positioned to match the Switch controller’s “B” and “A” buttons, respectively. The “X” and “Y” buttons work in the same way. Otherwise, the available buttons and triggers on the Xbox controller are exactly the same as those on the Switch.
The 8Bitdo adaptor is not at blame for any of this. These restrictions are only the result of combining two gadgets that weren’t intended to function together. Purchasing an officially licensed Nintendo Switch controller is your best option if that is a deal breaker for you. Nintendo’s official Pro Controller is the greatest substitute for Xbox enthusiasts.