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If Pokémon GO won’t connect to a Nintendo Switch game, first check that you’ve unlocked the feature in that game. Then update and restart the console, check your phone’s Bluetooth, disconnect other Bluetooth devices, and pair again using the correct menu path. The connection is a Bluetooth Low Energy link between the phone and the console; a Poké Ball Plus is not used for it.
Check that your game is supported and the feature is unlocked
Nintendo’s connection instructions cover Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, Pokémon Scarlet, and Pokémon Violet. You must reach the relevant point in the game before its pairing option is available:
- Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!: Reach Fuchsia City.
- Scarlet and Violet: Reach the first Pokémon Center in Los Platos. Mystery Gift becomes available at this point.
If you have not reached the required point, progress in the game before troubleshooting Bluetooth. See Nintendo’s connectivity troubleshooting guide.
Update and restart the Switch
- Install the latest available Nintendo Switch system update.
- Install the latest software update for the Pokémon game you’re connecting.
- Restart the console: hold the POWER button for three seconds, select Power Options, then Restart.
After the restart, open the game and try pairing again. Nintendo’s troubleshooting guidance recommends checking both console and game updates.
#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Check Bluetooth and other connections on your phone
- Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on the phone running Pokémon GO.
- Turn off or unpair other Bluetooth devices currently connected to that phone, then try again.
- If you need help finding or changing Bluetooth settings, consult the phone manufacturer’s instructions.
Nintendo identifies Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) as the connection method. The Poké Ball Plus is not the connector: Nintendo Support says, “The Poké Ball Plus is not used to connect them.”
Pair again using the menu for your game
Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet
- In Pokémon GO, open the Poké Ball menu and select Settings → Connected Devices and Services → Nintendo Switch → Connect to Nintendo Switch.
- In Scarlet or Violet, open the X menu and select Poké Portal → Mystery Gift → Connect to Pokémon GO → Pair with a Pokémon GO account.
- Confirm the account when prompted.
Nintendo’s full Scarlet and Violet connection instructions show this pairing flow.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!
- In the game, open the X menu, press Y to open Options, then select Open Pokémon GO Settings.
- In Pokémon GO, open the Poké Ball menu and select Settings → Connected Devices and Services → Nintendo Switch → Connect to Nintendo Switch.
- Confirm the pairing when the game finds your Pokémon GO account.
See Nintendo’s Let’s Go pairing instructions if the menus differ or you need the full walkthrough.
If it still won’t connect
- Check that Airplane Mode is off on the Switch.
- Restart the phone, then open Pokémon GO and try pairing again.
- If needed, uninstall and reinstall Pokémon GO, then repeat the pairing steps.
- Check Nintendo’s current troubleshooting article for its latest Pokémon GO app-version guidance. The version threshold on that page can change, so don’t rely on an old number.
- Try pairing with Pokémon GO on another smart device. If the second phone connects, Nintendo says the problem is likely related to settings on the original phone; contact that phone’s manufacturer for device-specific help.
- Nintendo also lists unlinking and relinking the Nintendo Account as a troubleshooting option. Follow the account instructions in its connectivity guide before trying this step.
What connecting Pokémon GO to Scarlet or Violet does
In Scarlet and Violet, the documented connection sends Postcards from Pokémon GO to the Switch game; it does not let you send Pokémon directly from Pokémon GO to either game. Nintendo separately notes that Roaming Form Gimmighoul can be brought into Scarlet or Violet once the games are linked through Pokémon HOME. See Nintendo’s Scarlet and Violet connection guide for details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
