The Tool Desk
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Pair Joy-Con with an original Nintendo Switch
- Wake the console and go to the HOME Menu if needed.
- Match each controller to its rail: Joy-Con (L), marked with the minus button, goes on the left; Joy-Con (R), marked with the plus button, goes on the right.
- Hold the Joy-Con with its buttons facing the front of the console. Slide it down the matching side rail until it clicks.
- Slide the Joy-Con upward to remove it, pressing the release button on its back if needed. It remains registered and can then be used wirelessly with that console.
Nintendo’s standard setup method for the original Switch is to attach the Joy-Con to its rails. The Change Grip/Order and Sync-button procedure below is for Switch Lite.
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Nintendo Joy-Con (L/R) - Neon Red/Neon Blue (Renewed) | $60.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Nintendo Neon Purple/Neon Orange Joy-Con (L-R) - Switch | $87.95 | Buy on Amazon |
Pair Joy-Con with Nintendo Switch Lite
Switch Lite has no Joy-Con rails, so registration is wireless. Follow the on-screen prompts after opening the controller screen:
- From the HOME Menu, select Controllers → Change Grip/Order.
- When the controller-registration screen appears, hold the Sync button on the Joy-Con until the screen confirms it is registered.
- Choose the grip shown on screen. For vertical use, press L and R; for horizontal use, press SL and SR. Press A to finish.
What to know when switching consoles
A Joy-Con is registered to one console at a time. To use it with a different console, register it there using that console’s setup method. Nintendo also states that one console can have up to 10 Joy-Con registered.
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- Introducing Joy-Con, controllers that make new kinds of gaming possible, for use with Nintendo Switch.
- The versatile Joy-Con offer multiple surprising new ways for players to have fun.
- Two Joy-Con can be used independently in each hand, or together as one game controller when attached to the Joy-Con grip.
- They can also attach to the main console for use in handheld mode, or be shared with friends to enjoy two-player action in supported games.
- Each Joy-Con has a full set of buttons and can act as a standalone controller, and each includes an accelerometer and gyro-sensor, making independent left and right motion control possible.
Charging is separate from pairing
Pairing does not require a separate charging accessory. For an original Switch, a depleted Joy-Con can charge while attached to a charging console. Since Joy-Con cannot attach to Switch Lite, Nintendo lists separately sold charging options for Lite owners: the Joy-Con Charging Grip, the AA battery expansion accessory, or the Joy-Con Charging Stand (2-way). The Charging Grip allows charging while playing; these accessories are for charging, not registration.
Compatibility: these steps are for original Switch Joy-Con
This guide covers original Nintendo Switch Joy-Con. Nintendo says original Joy-Con cannot attach to Nintendo Switch 2 and must be registered wirelessly there; Joy-Con 2 cannot be used with the original Nintendo Switch. Check Nintendo’s Joy-Con support page for model-specific instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the Joy-Con does not register
If attaching the controller to an original Switch or following the Switch Lite registration prompts does not work, use Nintendo Support’s current troubleshooting guidance for your console model. The cited Joy-Con page does not establish a complete diagnostic sequence for failed registration, so avoid assuming that reset or repair steps are interchangeable across models.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Two Joy Con can be used independently in each hand, or together as 1 game controller when attached to the Joy Con grip
- They can also attach to the main console for use in handheld mode, or be shared with friends to enjoy two player action in supported games
- Each Joy Con has a full set of buttons and can act as a standalone controller, and each includes an accelerometer and gyro sensor, making independent left and right motion control possible
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.
