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You generally can’t pair a Stadia Controller directly from the Switch’s Bluetooth menu. To use one wirelessly, it must already be converted to Bluetooth mode, and you need an 8BitDo USB Wireless Adapter 2 with firmware that supports Stadia controllers. The Switch also needs Pro Controller Wired Communication turned on.
There is an important catch: Google’s official Bluetooth-conversion tool closed on December 31, 2024. If your controller was never converted, Google’s official method is no longer generally available. Google’s support page explains the deadline and what Bluetooth conversion changes.
Check whether your Stadia Controller can be used
Wireless connection requires a Stadia Controller that was converted to Bluetooth mode before Google’s conversion deadline. In Bluetooth mode, the controller can work with supported devices, but it permanently loses Stadia’s proprietary Wi-Fi functionality; conversion cannot be reversed. Google also cautions that compatibility varies by device.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11If you are unsure whether yours was converted, try putting it into Bluetooth pairing mode and checking whether another Bluetooth device can find it. A controller that was never converted should not be assumed eligible for conversion now: Google’s official tool was available only through December 31, 2024. If a controller fails to appear when using the conversion process, Google recommends trying a different data-capable USB cable, such as the original cable. That does not extend the expired conversion window.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
What you need
- A Stadia Controller already converted to Bluetooth mode.
- An 8BitDo USB Wireless Adapter 2. Stadia support was added in Adapter 2 firmware v1.04; do not assume every 8BitDo adapter model supports it.
- A USB-C cable to charge the controller.
- A Nintendo Switch dock, or a suitable USB connection for the console.
- A Windows or macOS computer if the adapter needs a firmware update.
8BitDo lists Switch compatibility from system version 3.0.0 and also lists Switch 2 compatibility for Adapter 2. Check the manufacturer’s current product and support information for model- and firmware-specific details. The setup below is for the Switch controller connection path; behavior on Switch 2 should not be assumed identical in every respect.
Update the 8BitDo adapter
- Connect the USB Wireless Adapter 2 to a Windows or macOS computer.
- Use the official 8BitDo support hub and firmware updater to install the latest available firmware.
- Confirm that the adapter firmware includes Google Stadia Controller support. 8BitDo’s firmware notes identify v1.04 as the release that added it.
- Disconnect the adapter from the computer when the update is complete.
Updating first avoids troubleshooting a connection with firmware that predates Stadia support. 8BitDo’s Stadia firmware notes also specify that vibration is not supported.
Rank #2
- Multi-Platform PC Gaming Controller: Working with Switch, PC, Android, and iOS devices via Bluetooth, wired, and wireless dongle connections.
- Hall Effect Joysticks: Delivering enhanced recentering performance for smoother control and superior anti-drift capability. Plus, with anti-friction rings.
- 2-Way Trigger Lock: With trigger stops, gamers can toggle between short and long pull positions. Additionally, gamers can activate hair trigger mode by pressing M+LT/RT (triggers must be in the long pull position).
- 1000Hz Polling Rate: This ensures that your inputs are registered almost instantaneously, minimizing lag and maximizing your performance during competitive play.
- Mechanical Circular D-pad: Designed for quick reactions and accuracy in every direction, this D-pad elevates your gaming experience with superior responsiveness.
Turn on the required Switch setting
On the Switch, open System Settings → Controllers and Sensors → Pro Controller Wired Communication and set it to On. 8BitDo recommends this setting when an adapter appears connected but the Switch does not respond to button presses.
Pair the Stadia Controller through the adapter
- Insert the Adapter 2 into a USB port on the Switch dock. For handheld use, connect it through a suitable USB-C adapter or hub that supports the console and adapter.
- Press the adapter’s pairing button. Its status light should blink to indicate pairing mode.
- On the Stadia Controller, hold Stadia + Y until it begins pairing. This Stadia-specific shortcut is reported by users, but it is not clearly spelled out in the official 8BitDo manual. If the adapter is not blinking, press its pairing button again.
- Wait for the adapter’s light to become steady, indicating a connection.
- Press buttons on the Switch HOME screen, then open Controllers and check for input. Launch a game and test the sticks, shoulder buttons, triggers, and D-pad.
The adapter receives the controller’s Bluetooth signal and presents it to the Switch as a compatible controller connection. The Stadia Controller is not becoming a native Switch Pro Controller, so button behavior and supported features can differ.
Rank #3
- TMR Joysticks - Offering higher sensitivity, greater precision, and enhanced durability.
- 8BitDo Exclusive Wireless Technology - “8Speed”, it delivers an exceptionally stable 2.4G connection with ultra-low latency under 1ms. Engineered for rock-solid reliability, it features strong anti-interference and a 10m range with virtually no lag.
- Trigger Mode Switch - Easily switch between linear Hall Effect triggers and non-linear tactile triggers for optimal control across different gaming scenarios.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection). Customizable 6-Axis Motion Control. Turbo function. Rumble vibration. Support 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2.
- 2 Pro back paddle buttons, extra R4/L4 bumpers, and tactile bumpers & D-pad for enhanced control and faster response. Includes a multifunctional charging dock and USB-C adapter for seamless connectivity.
What to expect from the setup
| Feature | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Buttons and analog sticks | Usually usable once pairing succeeds, but test the mapping on your console and in your game. |
| Wireless play | Yes, through the Adapter 2; not by direct pairing in the Switch’s Bluetooth menu. |
| Vibration | Unsupported for Stadia Controller use, according to 8BitDo’s firmware notes. |
| Motion controls | Not guaranteed. Adapter 2’s general motion-support claims do not establish that the Stadia Controller’s motion sensors work in this combination. |
| Headset connected to the controller | Do not expect controller headset audio. Google says headphones in Bluetooth mode must connect to the paired device instead. |
| Google Assistant and Stadia Capture functions | Those Stadia functions no longer work after Stadia’s shutdown. Do not assume these buttons map to Switch HOME or Capture. |
| Wake the Switch from sleep | Do not count on it; this is not a native Switch controller connection. |
| More than one controller per adapter | No. 8BitDo specifies one controller at a time per adapter. Multiple controllers require multiple adapters, subject to the Switch’s controller limit. |
Button labels can also be confusing: Stadia and Nintendo label A/B/X/Y differently. Use the Switch controller test and a game’s controls to learn the actual mapping rather than relying on the on-screen prompts alone.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshooting
The controller will not pair
- Confirm that the controller was converted to Bluetooth mode. If it was not converted before December 31, 2024, Google’s official conversion route has ended.
- Charge the controller and make sure it is not reconnecting to a nearby phone, computer, or other device. Turn Bluetooth off on those devices temporarily if needed.
- Unplug the adapter, restart the controller, press the adapter’s pairing button, then hold Stadia + Y again.
- Check that you have Adapter 2 firmware with Stadia support, then repeat pairing and wait for a steady adapter light.
The adapter connects, but the Switch gets no input
- Verify System Settings → Controllers and Sensors → Pro Controller Wired Communication is on.
- Connect the adapter to a Switch dock USB port or a suitable data-capable USB connection—not a power-only accessory.
- Make sure the controller is paired to this adapter, not another adapter or nearby device.
- Check that the adapter is in Switch mode if manual mode selection is required.
- Update the adapter firmware through 8BitDo’s official updater.
It used to work, but stopped
The adapter may have lost its pairing record, been switched to another operating mode, or received a firmware change. The controller may also have reconnected to another device. Repeat the pairing sequence, and note the adapter’s firmware version before changing it. Avoid unofficial firmware and do not downgrade unless 8BitDo provides an applicable instruction.
Rank #4
- TMR Joysticks - Offering higher sensitivity, greater precision, and enhanced durability.
- 8BitDo Exclusive Wireless Technology - “8Speed”, it delivers an exceptionally stable 2.4G connection with ultra-low latency under 1ms. Engineered for rock-solid reliability, it features strong anti-interference and a 10m range with virtually no lag.
- Trigger Mode Switch - Easily switch between linear Hall Effect triggers and non-linear tactile triggers for optimal control across different gaming scenarios.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection). Customizable 6-Axis Motion Control. Turbo function. Rumble vibration. Support 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2.
- 2 Pro back paddle buttons, extra R4/L4 bumpers, and tactile bumpers & D-pad for enhanced control and faster response. Includes a multifunctional charging dock and USB-C adapter for seamless connectivity.
There is lag or the connection drops
Charge the controller, move the adapter away from potential USB or wireless interference, and reduce nearby Bluetooth congestion. Check the adapter firmware and, if using handheld mode, try a reliable USB-C adapter or hub. Compatibility and performance can vary by hardware setup; Google does not claim that Bluetooth mode was extensively tested across every configuration. There is no supported latency figure for this Switch setup.
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This can be a useful way to repurpose a Stadia Controller you already converted, provided you have the Adapter 2 and accept missing or uncertain features. Buy the adapter only if your controller is already in Bluetooth mode and the limitations are acceptable. Do not buy an unconverted Stadia Controller solely for this purpose unless the seller can establish that Bluetooth mode was enabled before Google’s deadline.
If you want native Switch behavior, rumble, familiar button conventions, and fewer setup dependencies, use a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, Joy-Con, or a third-party controller explicitly made for Switch. A generic Bluetooth USB dongle is not an equivalent substitute: the Switch needs a compatible controller connection, not merely a Bluetooth radio.
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