On a standard Nintendo Switch, open HOME menu → Controllers → Change Grip/Order and follow the on-screen prompts. For a fifth or later controller, register it from the Controllers screen before opening Change Grip/Order. Nintendo’s guidance covers the original Switch family, including wireless pairing on Switch Lite.
Pair another Joy-Con on a standard Nintendo Switch
- From the HOME menu, select Controllers.
- Select Change Grip/Order.
- When the registration screen appears, hold the Joy-Con’s SYNC button, then follow the on-screen prompts to register it and choose how it will be held.
- Register controllers in the order you want them to be used. If the displayed order is wrong, return to this screen and repeat the setup in the intended order.
You can also register a Joy-Con by attaching it to a standard Switch console. Once registered, detach it to use wirelessly. Nintendo’s Joy-Con support page explains registration and console switching.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Nintendo Neon Purple/Neon Orange Joy-Con (L-R) - Switch | $87.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Nintendo Joy-Con (L/R) - Neon Red/Neon Blue (Renewed) | $60.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Nintendo Blue/Neon Yellow Joy-Con (L-R) - Switch | $95.77 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Nintendo Joy-Con (L)/(R) - Pastel Purple/Pastel Green | $87.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Connect a fifth or later controller
The Change Grip/Order screen handles up to four controllers at a time. To register a fifth or later controller, go to HOME menu → Controllers and press a button on the additional controller before opening Change Grip/Order. Nintendo says the standard Switch can have up to eight controllers connected simultaneously; the game and mode determine how many people can actually play. See Nintendo’s controller setup guidance for the connection limit and screen flow.
Pair Joy-Cons with Switch Lite
Joy-Cons cannot attach physically to a Switch Lite, but you can register them wirelessly through the controller menu. Use the wireless registration flow above. If you need to charge the Joy-Cons in this setup, Nintendo says separate charging equipment is required; its support page notes the separately sold Joy-Con charging grip as an option.
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- 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
Registration limits and changing consoles
A Joy-Con can be registered to only one console at a time. If you move it to another Switch, register it with that console; you may need to register it again when switching back. Nintendo also says one standard Switch can register up to 10 Joy-Cons. That registration limit is different from the limit of eight controllers connected at once, and neither number guarantees a particular player count in a game.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If pairing does not produce the layout you want
- Controllers appear in the wrong order: Reopen Controllers → Change Grip/Order and register them again in the order you want to use.
- You are adding a fifth or later controller: Start from the Controllers screen and press a button on that controller before opening Change Grip/Order.
- You are using Switch Lite: Register Joy-Cons wirelessly; they do not attach to the console.
These steps apply to the original Nintendo Switch family. Nintendo Switch 2 has separate controller support guidance.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Expand your collection with these colorful pastel Joy-Con controllers.
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 2 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.
