Connect Switch Controller To PC: USB Guide

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Connect Switch Controller to PC: USB Guide

So, you want to use your Nintendo Switch controller on your PC? Awesome! It’s a pretty straightforward process, and I'm here to guide you through it step by step. Whether you're looking to play your favorite Steam games or dive into some emulators, using your Switch controller can enhance your gaming experience. Let's get started!

Why Use a Switch Controller on PC?

Before we dive into the how-to, let's quickly touch on why you might want to do this. Using a Switch controller on your PC offers several advantages:

  • Familiarity: If you're used to the Switch controller, it can be more comfortable and intuitive than using a keyboard and mouse for certain games.
  • Versatility: The Switch Pro Controller, in particular, is a solid gamepad with good ergonomics and features like motion controls and rumble.
  • Convenience: Maybe you don't want to buy a separate PC controller when you already have a perfectly good Switch controller lying around.
  • Enhanced Gaming Experience: For games that benefit from a gamepad, like platformers, fighting games, and racing games, a controller can provide a more immersive and enjoyable experience.

Using your Nintendo Switch controller on your PC isn't just about convenience; it's about enhancing your overall gaming experience. The familiarity and versatility of the Switch Pro Controller make it an excellent choice for various game genres, providing a more comfortable and intuitive alternative to traditional keyboard and mouse setups. Whether you're navigating intricate platformers, engaging in intense fighting game battles, or speeding through immersive racing games, the Switch controller's ergonomic design and features like motion controls and rumble can elevate your gameplay. By opting to use your Switch controller, you're not only saving money on purchasing a separate PC gamepad but also unlocking a new level of enjoyment and precision in your favorite titles.

What You'll Need

To connect your Switch controller to your PC via USB, you'll need:

  • A Nintendo Switch Pro Controller or Joy-Cons.
  • A USB cable (USB-A to USB-C for Pro Controller, or the charging cable for Joy-Cons).
  • A Windows PC (or a Mac, but the process might be slightly different).
  • Steam (optional, but recommended for many games).

Make sure you have all these items handy before proceeding. Trust me; it'll make the process smoother.

Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting Your Switch Controller

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s how to connect your Switch controller to your PC using a USB cable:

Step 1: Connect the Controller

  • For the Pro Controller: Simply plug the USB-C end of the cable into the controller and the USB-A end into your PC.
  • For Joy-Cons: You can connect them individually or together. If connecting individually, use the Joy-Con charging grip or a separate Joy-Con charging cable. If connecting together, slide them onto the Switch console (without the console being powered on) and connect the console to your PC via USB.

Step 2: Check for Driver Installation

In most cases, Windows will automatically detect and install the necessary drivers. You can check this by:

  • Opening Device Manager (search for it in the Windows search bar).
  • Looking under “Human Interface Devices” or “Other devices.”
  • If you see a device listed as “Pro Controller” or something similar without a yellow exclamation mark, the drivers are installed correctly.
  • If there's a yellow exclamation mark, you might need to manually install the drivers (more on this later).

Step 3: Configure in Steam (Optional but Recommended)

Steam has excellent support for the Switch Pro Controller. Here’s how to configure it:

  • Open Steam and go to “Steam” > “Settings.”
  • Click on “Controller” on the left-hand side.
  • Click “General Controller Settings.”
  • Check the box next to “Nintendo Switch Configuration Support.”
  • You might need to restart Steam for the changes to take effect.

Step 4: Test the Controller

Now, let's make sure everything is working correctly:

  • In the “General Controller Settings” window, click on your detected controller.
  • Click “Identify” to make the controller vibrate. This confirms that Steam recognizes it.
  • Click “Preferences” to customize button mappings and other settings.
  • Play a game to see if the controller works as expected.

Connecting your Nintendo Switch controller to your PC via USB is a straightforward process that enhances your gaming experience by providing a familiar and versatile gamepad option. The initial step involves physically connecting the controller to your computer using a USB cable. For the Pro Controller, simply plug the USB-C end into the controller and the USB-A end into your PC. If you're using Joy-Cons, you can connect them individually with a charging grip or cable, or together by sliding them onto the Switch console and connecting the console to your PC. Next, it's crucial to ensure that your computer has correctly installed the necessary drivers. You can verify this by opening the Device Manager and checking under