Joy-Con Right (Neon Red) (Nintendo Switch)

Product Information

Updating ensures full compatibility between your console and controllers. Reboot your Switch after updating, then test your controllers again. Try Re-Syncing the Controllers With the right troubleshooting, many Switch controller issues can be resolved at home. But for serious hardware problems, Nintendo’s repair experts can get your controllers working good as new. Recap of Solutions

If the controllers are seen but aren’t responding, you can take a few additional steps to try fixing them.If the player LEDs momentarily light up in a sequence and then shut off, pair the Pro Controller with the console. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to do any meaningful troubleshooting on the Switch itself without a controller. There are steps you can do if you don’t have a controller connected, but most of the suggested troubleshooting steps require being able to input commands with a controller.

The Switch Pro easily connects to PC via a wired connection. Going wireless requires jumping through a few hoops, but it’s a fairly painless process. You just need to pair the pad using Bluetooth. Your device should recognize the controller, and then you can set it up in Steam. With Steam, all the button mapping will be done for you, as it’s recognized as an Xbox controller. However, if you're playing games outside of Steam, you'll need the 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter or special programs to make the Switch Pro Controller act like an Xbox gamepad. For the Pro Controller, press and hold the sync button on top until the lights flash. This will reset the connection. Racing games: There are very few racing wheels compatible with Switch, but the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe is a solid, affordable option. You can also find basic plastic wheels to slot your Joy-Cons into, but they are nowhere near the traditional racing wheel experience.

Shop Nintendo

This may not work if you don’t have an active controller, but it’s an excellent way to get your controllers to respond again. You can also use an alternate controller if you have one. Keeping the software updated on your Switch can help avoid problems affecting the unit and its accessories function. This is impossible without a working controller, so you may have to use an alternate one to perform the steps. If you’ve tried all of the above troubleshooting steps and your Switch controller still will not turn on, it likely needs professional repair.

Dealing with a Nintendo Switch controller that’s completely unresponsive can be incredibly annoying. But while your first instinct may be to replace your faulty Joy-Cons or Pro Controller, some basic troubleshooting steps can often get them working again. Understanding why your controllers aren’t working might help give you an idea of where to start. If not, there’s nothing wrong with trying every solution available. Then go to System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Update Controllers. This will install the latest firmware for your controllers. Disconnect all the controllers attached to the system in the Controllers and Sensors menu. Sometimes, the disconnect with the software will help it detect the controllers anew.

Which are you using?

But if you can’t get basic functions working after troubleshooting, Nintendo repair is likely needed. Final Thoughts

If one or more of the player LEDs on the controller blink and then remain lit, the controller is paired to the console. Having controller issues with your Nintendo Switch? Controllers suddenly not turning on or responding? Don’t worry – with some basic troubleshooting, you can likely get your Joy-Cons or Pro Controller working again. Here’s a comprehensive guide to fixing a Nintendo Switch controller that won’t power on. Sometimes other wireless devices can interfere with the connection between Switch controllers and the console. If it’s just basic Nintendo Switch gameplay, then we recommend going with Nintendo’s own options. However, if you’re looking to play a specific game type on Switch, then there’s more specific advice for you: If your controller still won’t turn on, it may have lost its wireless connection or “sync” with the Switch console.Start by taking off any skins or other decorative ephemera from the controller. It may be interfering with it in some way. Joy-Con controllers are compatible with PC and other devices over Bluetooth, similar to the Switch Pro. Once synced, programs like JoytoKey or BetterJoy allow the Joy-Cons to work with your computer. Do Nintendo Switch Controllers Drift? The controllers themselves are damaged or broken and unable to start. Usually, if you’re using the Joy-Cons so that there are two active controllers, this is pretty easy to spot. It’s rare for both to break at the same time. If you’re using a solo controller style, it might be harder to pinpoint a break as the problem.