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If you are looking for ways on how to connect an Xbox controller to a Nintendo Switch, you my friend, have just found the right place to be.
There have been a lot of complaints from serious Switch players concerning the size and design of the Joy-Con controllers. You have the option to purchase the fantastic Switch Pro controller, but it is a bit on the pricier side.
If you are fortunate enough to already own an Xbox One or were able to snag an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S, you will be able to connect your Xbox controller to the Nintendo Switch and play games wirelessly if you already have any of these consoles. Find out how to link your Xbox One, Series X, or Series S controller to your Nintendo Switch console by reading this guide! If you want to learn more about the Xbox One, Series X, or Series S you can also check out or sister site HowToXbox.com
It is highly recommended that you have a Nintendo Switch stand available if you plan on playing in tabletop mode. This will allow the cable to be plugged into the bottom of the console without any difficulty. For the purposes of this guide, I will be utilizing the Hori Compact Playstand.
Contents
Can You Connect an Xbox Controller to a Nintendo Switch
Yes! However, you will need to make use of a reasonably priced USB adaptor that Mayflash offers. This tutorial will walk you through the process of using the Mayflash Magic NS 2 Bluetooth USB adapter for the Nintendo Switch, which enables you to utilize Bluetooth controllers for the Xbox One and PS4, respectively.
Alternatively, you can also use the 8Bitdo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter 2.
Take note that the Mayflash Magic NS is compatible with the controllers for the Xbox One only. You’ll need the more recent Mayflash Magic NS 2 if you want to play with an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S controller.
How to Connect an Xbox Controller to a Nintendo Switch
The 8Bitdo Bluetooth Adapter 2 and the Magic NS 2 Adapter are the two Bluetooth dongles for Xbox controllers that come highly recommended by our team out of the wide variety of options currently on the market.
They are compatible with the Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED, as well as the Xbox One, Xbox Series S, and X controllers, respectively. Both can be easily set up, but using the 8Bitdo is a little less complicated than using the other one because it does not require you to switch between different modes.
Aside from that, selecting one over the other is largely determined by one’s personal taste in terms of design.
There are older versions of both of these adapters, but they are not compatible with the most recent Xbox Controllers. If you are looking for a dongle that is compatible with Xbox Series X|S, you will need to make sure that you purchase either the black 8Bitdo Bluetooth Adapter 2 or the dark grey Magic NS 2.
Neither of these adapters will work with the older versions of the Xbox Controllers.
Using 8Bitdo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter 2
When it comes to configuring your Xbox controller to work with your Switch, you have a few different adapter options to choose from. I will walk you through the steps of utilizing the 8Bitdo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter 2. This approach is applicable to the Switch Lite, Switch, and Switch OLED devices.
How to Connect an Xbox controller to Nintendo Switch using 8Bitdo Adapter 2 in wireless docked mode
Step 1: Simply insert the 8Bitdo dongle into any available USB port on the Switch Dock.
Step 2: If you press the button that is located on the end of the adapter, the little red light will flash more quickly. This activates the pairing mode on the device.
Step 3: To activate your Xbox controller, simply hold down the Xbox icon on the controller.
Step 4: Keep your finger pressed down on the button that’s located on the top of the controller. When the Xbox symbol begins to blink rapidly, you will know that it has been successful.
Step 5: Put the Xbox controller in close proximity to the adapter, and then wait for it to couple with the adaptor. When both the light on the Xbox emblem and the light on the adapter remains constant, you will know that the two devices have successfully linked.
How to Connect an Xbox controller to Nintendo Switch using 8Bitdo Adapter 2 in wireless tabletop mode
Step 1: Simply plug the USB-C cable that came with the 8Bitdo into the port located at the bottom of the Nintendo Switch console.
Step 2: Plug the 8Bitdo adapter into the USB port found on the USB-C cord.
Step 3: Next, ensure that the Switch is powered on, and then, to enter pairing mode, press the button that is located on the end of the adapter. When you are in the correct setting, the light will flash rapidly, so you will know that you are there.
Step 4: Hit the power button to bring the Xbox Controller back to life.
Step 5: Keep holding down the pairing button on the Xbox Controller. When it begins flashing the Xbox icon, this indicates that it has entered the pairing mode.
Step 6: Now, bring the Xbox controller next to the adaptor, and while you wait, the two devices will attempt to pair with one another. Once their lights have returned to a steady state, you are free to play.
Now that everything has been set up, you may use an Xbox controller to play any of your favorite Nintendo Switch games. Continue reading for more detailed instructions if you especially need assistance connecting an Xbox controller to Nintendo Switch using a Magic NS 2 adapter.
Using Magic NS 2 Adapter
Now we will go through the steps of connecting an Xbox controller to a Nintendo Switch using the Magic NS 2 Adapter. We will learn how to connect it both in docked mode and wireless tabletop mode.
How to Connect an Xbox controller to Nintendo Switch using Magic NS 2 Adapter in wireless docked mode
Step 1: Simply plug in the Mayflash Magic-NS 2 Adapter into any available USB port on the dock for the Nintendo Switch. You should be aware that there is only room for one Magic-NS Adapter, which means that you will not be able to connect any other controllers by using this method.
Step 2: To switch modes, there is a little black button on the adapter that you have to press and maintain pressure on for between three and five seconds. If you are using the Nintendo Switch V2 with a longer battery life or the Switch OLED, you will need to adjust the settings until a purple LED light comes on.
If you are utilizing the first generation of the Nintendo Switch, you will need to make use of the red LED light rather than the purple one.
Step 3: To increase the frequency of the LED flash, quickly press and then let go of the small black button.
Step 4: Pressing the “home” button on the Xbox controller while the appropriate colored LED is rapidly blinking on the adapter will bring the controller back to life.
Step 5: Press the little button that is located on the top of the controller until the Xbox logo begins to flash. This enables the controller to pair with the Switch and communicate with it using Bluetooth.
Step 6: Maintain the controller’s proximity to the Nintendo Switch until the Xbox symbol stops blinking, then remove it.
Step 7: If this screen appears, you must simultaneously press the LB and RB buttons.
Now you’re good to go. Make use of the wifi docked mode.
It is possible to save both time and money by making use of a controller that is already in existence rather than buying a new one. There is a good chance that Nintendo never meant for you to be able to connect an Xbox One, Series X, or Series S controller to the Nintendo Switch, but there are ways to make it happen nevertheless.
Get in touch with the Magic-NS adapter’s maker if you run into any problems while using it so that they may provide you with more support.
How to Connect an Xbox controller to Nintendo Switch using Magic NS 2 Adapter in wireless tabletop mode
Step 1: To connect the Magic-NS Adapter to the Nintendo Switch, use the USB-C cable that is included in the package.
Step 2: Place the Magic-NS Wireless Adapter into its slot at the opposite end of the cord.
Step 3: On one of the sides of the Magic-NS Adapter is a button that is black and somewhat small. The mode can be changed by depressing and holding the button for three to five seconds.
Each mode is shown by an LED of a distinct hue. Alter the settings of your Nintendo Switch V2 (which has a longer battery life) or your Switch OLED until the purple LED light comes on.
If you are utilizing the first generation of the Nintendo Switch, you will need to make use of the red LED light rather than the purple one.
Step 4: Now that the appropriate colored LED has been illuminated, rapidly press and then let go of the black button to cause the LED to flash more rapidly.
Step 5: Grab your controller for your Xbox, and while the LED is quickly flashing, push the home button on your console to wake it up.
Step 6: Now, to synchronize the adapter and controller through Bluetooth, push the little button that is located on the top of the controller. A blinking pattern will appear on the home button of the Xbox.
Step 7: Keep the Xbox controller close to the Switch until the flashing symbol stops appearing on the controller.
Step 8: In the event that you see this screen when using the Switch, hold down the LB and RB buttons at the same time.
You can now proceed without any further delay. Take pleasure in the wireless tabletop mode!
FAQs
What Controllers can I use with Switch?
The Switch is compatible with a number of third-party controllers in addition to the Joy-Cons that are included in the box. These third-party controllers include the Nintendo Switch Pro and the Wii U Pro.
If you have the GameCube adapter for Wii U, you can even use a GameCube controller with your Wii U console. You could also utilize one of the several gamepads made by third-party developers that are compatible with the Switch.
Surprisingly, the Nintendo Switch is compatible with the controllers used for other game systems. These controllers include the DualShock 4 and a variety of Xbox controllers.
The vast majority of controllers that are compatible with the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One may also be used with Nintendo’s console. This includes arcade-style combat sticks like the Mayflash F300.
Will any USB Controller Work on Switch?
The answer is yes, in principle. However, there are a few caveats that need to be considered. First, the USB controller needs to be compatible with the Switch’s USB port. Second, the controller needs to support the Switch’s USB protocol.
Third, the controller needs to be powered by the Switch’s USB port. Finally, the controller needs to work with games that are designed to use a USB controller.
Can I use a Wired Xbox Controller on Switch?
Yes, you can use a wired Xbox controller on Switch. However, there are some limitations. For one, the controller will not work with features that require motion control, such as playing games in the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 01: Virtual Active World game.
Additionally, the controller will not charge while docked in a Switch console.
Can you use Wii Controller on Switch?
A Wii Controller can be connected to a Switch console by utilizing a USB Type-C hub in conjunction with an 8BitDo dongle. After connecting the dongle to the hub, you will need to synchronize it with your Wii remote.
However, due to compatibility difficulties, it is not recommended to use a Wii controller with a Nintendo Switch.
Last Words
If you’re looking for ways on how to connect your Xbox controller to your Nintendo Switch, there are a few different methods that you can do so. In this article, we covered four methods.
Whichever way you choose, make sure that you have the necessary hardware and software before getting started. Once you have everything set up, it should be easy enough for you to start gaming like a pro!
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