If you are a fan of both Xbox and Nintendo Switch you might wonder if you can use your Xbox controller to play Switch games. The good news is that you can with the help of a wireless adapter that connects your Xbox controller to your Switch via Bluetooth. In this article we will show you how to use an Xbox controller on Switch what adapters you need and what games are compatible.
Quick answer:
To use an Xbox controller on Switch you need :
1.Wireless adapter that supports Xbox controllers (such as the 8Bitdo Wireless USB Adapter 2 or the Magic NS 2 Wireless Adapter).
2. Xbox controller that has Bluetooth (such as the Xbox Series X|S or the newer Xbox One controllers).
Procedure: You can connect your Xbox controller to your Switch in either tabletop mode or TV mode depending on the adapter you use. Not all Switch games are compatible with Xbox controllers so you may need to check the game’s settings before playing.
How to choose a wireless adapter for Xbox controller on Switch
There are many wireless adapters available on the market that claim to support Xbox controllers on Switch but not all of them work well or are compatible with the latest Xbox controllers. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a wireless adapter for Xbox controller on Switch:
- Compatibility: The adapter should be compatible with both the Switch and the Xbox controller. It should support the Bluetooth connection of the Xbox controller and the USB connection of the Switch. It should also work with both the original Switch and the Switch OLED model. Some adapters may not work with the older Xbox One controllers that do not have Bluetooth so you need to check your controller model before buying an adapter.
- Ease of use: The adapter should be easy to set up and use. It should have clear instructions on how to pair your Xbox controller with your Switch and how to switch between different modes or devices. It should also have indicators or lights that show the connection status and battery level of your devices.
- Design: The adapter should have a compact and portable design that does not interfere with your gaming experience. It should not block any ports or buttons on your Switch or your controller. It should also have a durable and sturdy build that can withstand frequent use and travel.
- Features: The adapter should have some extra features that enhance your gaming experience such as vibration feedback motion controls turbo function remapping buttons or updating firmware. Some adapters may also support other controllers or devices such as PS4 PS5 PC or Android.
Based on these factors we recommend two wireless adapters that work well with Xbox controllers on Switch: the 8Bitdo Wireless USB Adapter 2 and the Magic NS 2 Wireless Adapter. Here is a comparison table of their features and prices:
| Feature | 8Bitdo Wireless USB Adapter 2 | Magic NS 2 Wireless Adapter |
| Compatibility | Supports Xbox Series X | S Xbox One S/X Bluetooth controllers PS5 PS4 PS3 Wii Mote Wii U Pro controllers; works with Nintendo Switch/Switch OLED/Steam Deck/Windows PC/Android TV box/Raspberry Pi/Retroid Pocket |
| Ease of use | Plug and play; no need to switch modes; supports wireless and wired connection; auto reconnect function; LED indicators for connection status and battery level | Plug and play; need to switch modes for different devices; supports wireless and wired connection; auto reconnect function; LED indicators for connection status and battery level |
| Design | Small brick-shaped adapter with a USB-C port; comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable; available in black color | Small cylindrical adapter with a USB-A port; comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable; available in dark grey color |
| Features | Supports vibration feedback (X-input mode only); supports motion controls (Switch mode only); supports turbo function; supports button remapping (via Ultimate software); supports firmware update (via Ultimate software) | Supports vibration feedback (X-input mode only); supports motion controls (Switch mode only); supports turbo function; supports button remapping (via Magic NS software); supports firmware update (via Magic NS software) |
| Price | $19.99 at Amazon | $19.99 at Amazon |
How to connect your Xbox controller to your Switch in tabletop mode
Tabletop mode is when you use your Switch’s built-in kickstand to prop it up on a flat surface and play games using a separate controller. This mode is ideal for playing games on the go or when you don’t have access to a TV. To connect your Xbox controller to your Switch in tabletop mode you need to use a wireless adapter that has a USB-C port such as the 8Bitdo Wireless USB Adapter 2. Here are the steps to follow:
- Make sure your Switch is updated to version 3.0.0 or higher. You can check your system version by going to System Settings > System > System Update.
- Make sure your Xbox controller has enough battery and is turned off. You can check your battery level by pressing the Xbox button on your controller and looking at the LED indicator.
- Make sure your wireless adapter is updated to the latest firmware. You can update your firmware by downloading the Ultimate software from the 8Bitdo website and following the instructions.
- Plug the wireless adapter into the USB-C port on the bottom of your Switch. You may need to use a stand or a case that allows access to the port.
- On your Switch go to System Settings > Controllers and Sensors and enable Pro Controller Wired Communication.
- On your wireless adapter press and hold the pairing button for three seconds until the LED starts blinking rapidly.
- On your Xbox controller press and hold the pairing button on the top until the Xbox button starts blinking rapidly.
- Wait for a few seconds until the LED on the wireless adapter turns solid and the Xbox button on the controller stops blinking. This means that your devices are paired successfully.
- You can now use your Xbox controller to play Switch games in tabletop mode. To switch back to your Joy-Cons or Switch Pro controller simply disconnect the wireless adapter from your Switch.
How to connect your Xbox controller to your Switch in TV mode
TV mode is when you connect your Switch to a TV using the dock and play games using a separate controller. This mode is ideal for playing games on a bigger screen or with multiple players. To connect your Xbox controller to your Switch in TV mode you need to use a wireless adapter that has a USB-A port such as the Magic NS 2 Wireless Adapter. Here are the steps to follow:
- Make sure your Switch is updated to version 3.0.0 or higher. You can check your system version by going to System Settings > System > System Update.
- Make sure your Xbox controller has enough battery and is turned off. You can check your battery level by pressing the Xbox button on your controller and looking at the LED indicator.
- Make sure your wireless adapter is updated to the latest firmware. You can update your firmware by downloading the Magic NS software from the Mayflash website and following the instructions.
- Plug the wireless adapter into one of the USB ports on the side or back of your Switch dock.
- On your wireless adapter press and hold the button on the side until the LED turns green. This means that you are in Switch mode.
- On your Xbox controller press and hold the pairing button on the top until the Xbox button starts blinking rapidly.
- On your wireless adapter press and hold the pairing button on the side until the LED starts blinking rapidly.
- Wait for a few seconds until the LED on the wireless adapter turns solid and the Xbox button on the controller stops blinking. This means that your devices are paired successfully.
- You can now use your Xbox controller to play Switch games in TV mode. To switch back to your Joy-Cons or Switch Pro controller simply disconnect the wireless adapter from your Switch dock.
What games are compatible with Xbox controller on Switch
Not all Switch games are compatible with Xbox controllers as some games may require specific features or buttons that are not available on Xbox controllers such as touch screen motion controls IR camera NFC reader or HD rumble. Some games may also have different button layouts or functions that may confuse or frustrate Xbox players.
To check if a game is compatible with Xbox controllers on Switch you can do one of these things:
- Look at the game’s box art or eShop page and see if it has a Pro Controller icon or a note saying that it supports Pro Controller.
- Look at the game’s settings or options menu and see if it has a controller configuration option or a button mapping option.
- Look at online reviews or forums and see if other players have reported any issues or tips regarding using Xbox controllers on Switch.
Here is a list of some popular Switch games that are compatible with Xbox controllers on Switch:
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Breath of The Wild
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Super Smash Bros Ultimate
- Pokemon Sword and Shield
- Stardew Valley
- Hollow Knight
- Hades
- Doom Eternal
- Cuphead
FAQs
Q: Can I use an Xbox controller on Switch without an adapter?
A: No you cannot use an Xbox controller on Switch without an adapter as they use different wireless protocols that are not compatible with each other.
Q: Can I use an Xbox Elite controller on Switch?
A: Yes you can use an Xbox Elite controller on Switch as long as it is the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller that has Bluetooth. You will need a wireless adapter that supports Xbox Elite controllers such as the Magic NS 2 Wireless Adapter.
You can follow the same steps as above to connect your Xbox Elite controller to your Switch in either tabletop mode or TV mode. However some features of the Xbox Elite controller such as the paddles the trigger locks and the profile switch may not work on Switch or may have different functions.
You can use the Magic NS software to customize your button mapping and adjust your sensitivity settings.
Q: Can I use a wired Xbox controller on Switch?
A: Yes you can use a wired Xbox controller on Switch but you will need a USB OTG adapter that connects your Xbox controller to your Switch via USB. You can use any USB OTG adapter that has a USB-C male connector and a USB-A female connector such as this one. You can follow these steps to use a wired Xbox controller on Switch:
- Make sure your Switch is updated to version 3.0.0 or higher. You can check your system version by going to System Settings > System > System Update.
- Make sure your Xbox controller has enough battery and is turned off. You can check your battery level by pressing the Xbox button on your controller and looking at the LED indicator.
- Plug the USB OTG adapter into the USB-C port on the bottom of your Switch. You may need to use a stand or a case that allows access to the port.
- Plug your Xbox controller into the USB-A port on the other end of the USB OTG adapter using a micro-USB cable.
- On your Switch go to System Settings > Controllers and Sensors and enable Pro Controller Wired Communication.
- You can now use your wired Xbox controller to play Switch games in tabletop mode. To switch back to your Joy-Cons or Switch Pro controller simply disconnect the USB OTG adapter from your Switch.
Q: How do I charge my Xbox controller while using it on Switch?
A: If you are using a wireless Xbox controller on Switch you can charge it using a micro-USB cable or a rechargeable battery pack that is compatible with your controller model.
You can plug the micro-USB cable into any USB power source such as a wall charger a power bank or a computer. You can also use a wireless charging dock or stand that is designed for Xbox controllers such as this one.
However you cannot charge your wireless Xbox controller while it is connected to your Switch via Bluetooth as this will interfere with the wireless connection.
If you are using a wired Xbox controller on Switch you do not need to charge it as it draws power from your Switch via USB. However this may drain your Switch’s battery faster than using a wireless controller.
Q: How do I update my Xbox controller firmware while using it on Switch?
A: To update your Xbox controller firmware while using it on Switch you need to connect your Xbox controller to an Xbox console or a Windows PC using a micro-USB cable or a wireless adapter that is compatible with your controller model. You cannot update your Xbox controller firmware while using it on Switch via Bluetooth as this will interfere with the wireless connection.
To update your Xbox controller firmware on an Xbox console follow these steps:
- Turn on your Xbox console and sign in with your account.
- Connect your Xbox controller to your console using a micro-USB cable or a wireless adapter.
- Press the Xbox button on your controller and go to Profile & system > Settings > Devices & connections > Accessories.
- Select the controller you want to update and press the Menu button.
- Select Firmware version and follow the instructions on the screen.
To update your Xbox controller firmware on a Windows PC follow these steps:
- Turn on your Windows PC and make sure it is connected to the internet.
- Connect your Xbox controller to your PC using a micro-USB cable or a wireless adapter.
- Download and install the Xbox Accessories app from the Microsoft Store.
- Launch the app and select the controller you want to update.
- Follow the instructions on the screen.
Q: How do I troubleshoot my Xbox controller connection issues on Switch?
A: If you are having trouble connecting or using your Xbox controller on Switch here are some possible solutions:
- Make sure your devices are updated to the latest firmware and software versions.
- Make sure your devices are charged and have enough battery power.
- Make sure there is no interference or obstruction between your devices such as metal objects walls or other wireless devices.
- Make sure you are using compatible devices and adapters that support each other.
- Make sure you are following the correct pairing and connection steps for each device and mode.
- Try resetting or restarting your devices and reconnecting them again.
- Try using another controller or adapter and see if the problem persists.
- Contact the customer service or support of your device or adapter manufacturer for further assistance.
Using an Xbox controller on Switch can be a great way to enjoy your favorite games on both platforms as long as you have the right adapter and controller model. You can connect your Xbox controller to your Switch in either tabletop mode or TV mode depending on the adapter you use. However not all Switch games are compatible with Xbox controllers.