Yes. You can use a supported Xbox controller on a Nintendo Switch with a compatible USB wireless adapter; it does not pair directly with the console in the setup documented by 8BitDo. The manufacturer’s USB Wireless Adapter 2 instructions cover Xbox One Bluetooth controllers and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 with Bluetooth. You’ll need to enable Pro Controller Wired Communication in the Switch settings, and some controller features—including waking the console and headset audio—won’t work.
What you need
- A compatible adapter: 8BitDo documents its USB Wireless Adapter 2 for connecting supported Xbox controllers to Nintendo Switch. See the USB Wireless Adapter 2 product page and its Adapter 2 FAQ.
- A Bluetooth-capable Xbox controller: Adapter 2’s compatibility information lists Xbox Series and Xbox One Bluetooth controllers. The Switch-specific manual names Xbox One controllers with Bluetooth and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 with Bluetooth. Check your exact controller model against the manufacturer’s list before buying an adapter.
- A Switch dock and USB port: The documented setup connects the adapter to the dock. The cited instructions do not establish how this setup works with every Switch Lite configuration.
8BitDo specifies Nintendo Switch system version 3.0.0 or above in its Switch-specific Adapter 2 manual. Check the current manufacturer instructions for your adapter and console, as requirements may change.
How to connect an Xbox controller to a Switch
- On the Switch, open System Settings > Controllers and Sensors and turn on Pro Controller Wired Communication.
- Plug the USB Wireless Adapter 2 into a USB port on the Switch dock.
- Press the adapter’s pairing button. Its LED should blink rapidly.
- Turn on the Xbox controller. For the first pairing, hold the controller’s pair button for three seconds to enter pairing mode.
- Wait for the adapter LED to become solid, indicating a successful connection.
If the adapter appears connected but button presses do nothing, check that Pro Controller Wired Communication is enabled. The adapter supports one controller at a time; to use multiple controllers, 8BitDo says to use multiple adapters.
What won’t work like a native Switch controller
8BitDo’s manual warns that the Xbox controller’s button layout is opposite Nintendo Switch’s layout, so the letters shown on the controller may not match the buttons expected by a Switch game.
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- Controller compatibility: Xbox Series X Controller, Xbox Series S Controller, Xbox One Bluetooth Controller, PS5/PS4/PS3 Controller, Switch Pro, Wii Mote, Wii U Pro.
- 8BitDo Controller compatibility: all 8BitDo Bluetooth Controllers and arcade stick.
- System compatibility: Switch, Windows, macOS, Steam Deck & Raspberry Pis and more. USB Wireless Adapter 2 is compatible with Steam Deck now.
- Support 6-axis motion on Switch and Vibration on X-input mode.
- Supports ultimate software - customize button mapping, adjust stick & trigger sensitivity, vibration control and create macros with any button combination.
The manual also lists unsupported features: trigger vibration, the audio jack, analog triggers, NFC scanning, the IR camera, HD rumble, the notification LED, and the player indicator. The console cannot be woken from sleep with this setup. In particular, don’t expect to use the Xbox controller’s headset jack or wake the Switch with the controller. This is a workaround for playing, not full feature equivalence.
Check the adapter generation before you buy
Don’t assume every 8BitDo adapter has the same Xbox compatibility. The USB Wireless Adapter 2 has a separate compatibility list that includes Xbox Series and Xbox One Bluetooth controllers. The FAQ for the original USB Wireless Adapter warns that Xbox Bluetooth controllers on firmware released in September 2021 are no longer supported by that adapter following a Bluetooth change. Check the original adapter FAQ if you are considering that older model; Adapter 2 is the generation explicitly documented for this Xbox-to-Switch setup.
Rank #2
- Bluetooth Controller Adapter: Accessories for Switch 2, Switch/Switch OLED - Compatible with PS5 Controller, PS4 Controller, PS3 Controller, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Wii Mote, Wii U Pro wirelessly on Switch / Switch OLED. Please upgrade the firmware to the latest version. Note: Supports Xbox One Controller / Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 with Bluetooth only.
- Wide System Support: Compatible with 8Bitdo Controllers, Switch Pro, Switch controller for Joycons, PS5, PS4, PS3, Wii Mote, Wii U Pro, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One Bluetooth controller on Switch, Switch 2, Windows, Steam Deck, Raspberry Pi, Android TV Box and Retrofreak, for versatile gaming across multiple platforms.
- Less Lag Performance: Wireless Bluetooth connection provides reduced lag for responsive gameplay. It's one controller per 8Bitdo USB adapter. Vibration is supported on Switch and X-input mode. An OTG cable enables you to use the adapter to connect your Switch and enjoy the handheld mode directly.
- Plug and Play Functionality: Simply connect the controller adapter with your Wireless Controller to enable the same wireless experience you are used to on all the best platforms.
- Complete Package: Package includes an OTG cable, so you can use the converter to connect your Switch Console via an OTG cable and then enjoy the Undocked Mode directly.
Is using an Xbox controller on Switch worth it?
If you already own a supported Bluetooth Xbox controller, an adapter lets you reuse it for Switch games, provided you’re comfortable with the listed feature and button-layout differences. If you haven’t bought a controller yet, consider choosing one designed for Switch instead: that avoids relying on this adapter workaround and its limitations.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Controller compatibility: Xbox Series X Controller, Xbox Series S Controller, Xbox One Bluetooth Controller, PS5/PS4/PS3 Controller, Switch Pro, Switch Joy-con, Wii Mote, Wii U Pro.
- 8BitDo Controller compatibility: all 8BitDo Bluetooth Controllers and arcade stick.
- System compatibility: Switch, Windows, macOS, Steam Deck & Raspberry Pis and more.
- Supports ultimate software - customize button mapping, adjust stick & trigger sensitivity, vibration control and create macros with any button combination.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth. And Support 6-axis motion on Switch and Vibration on X-input mode.
Rank #3
- ULTRA FAST ADAPTER WITH LOWER DELAY：Featuring HyperLink 2 technology, this adapter achieves 2.95ms ultra-low latency, reduces input delay by up to 50%, delivering faster response and smoother gameplay for supported controllers in fast-paced game.
- CONTROLLER COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with Xbox Series controllers, Xbox Elite Series 2 controllers, Xbox One Bluetooth controllers, PS5 Dual Sense & Dual Sense Edge controllers, PS4 Dual Shock controllers, Switch Pro Controller, and GuliKit. Compatibility Note: 1.For xbox controller, update its firmware before use. 2.Only one controller can be connected at a time.3.Not compatible with Xbox One controllers released between 2013–2015 or non-Bluetooth Xbox Elite controllers & Xbox 360. 4. For Xbox headphones are not supported. 5.When using GuliKit controllers, switch to PC Xinput mode or Switch mode before connecting.
- MULTI-PLATFORM SUPPORT: Works with Windows 7+, Switch / Switch 2, Android 9.0+, and SteamOS 3.4+ devices such as Steam Deck, AYANEO handhelds, ROG Ally and Ally X. Compatibility Note: 1.Enable “Wired Pro Controller Connection” in Switch 1/2 settings. 2.An OTG cable or adapter is required when connecting to Switch Lite/Switch 1/2,Steam Deck/AYANEO handhelds/ROG Ally&Ally X. 3.Not compatible with PS/Xbox consoles.
- INSTANT PLUG & PLAY – Works instantly with supported controllers and platforms. Just plug in and start gaming—no drivers, software, or complicated setup required. Enjoy faster response and smoother gameplay.
- MOTION CONTROL & VIBRATION ON SWITCH – Use PS4 or PS5 controllers on Switch 1 and Switch 2 with motion control and vibration support, delivering a more immersive and responsive gameplay experience. Note: Not supported on PC or Switch Lite.
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.
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