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On the original Nintendo Switch family, remap a supported controller from System Settings → Controllers and Sensors → Change Button Mapping. Choose the controller, select Change, follow the prompts, and select Done. This guide covers the original Switch, including Switch Lite—not Nintendo Switch 2.
How do I change button mapping on Switch?
- From the HOME Menu, open System Settings.
- Select Controllers and Sensors.
- Select Change Button Mapping.
- Choose the controller you want to customize, then select Change.
- Follow the on-screen directions to assign buttons, then select Done. The console displays a completion message when the mapping changes.
Nintendo documents this procedure for the original Nintendo Switch family, including Nintendo Switch Lite. Its instructions do not establish how every individual game handles every remapping, so check a game’s own controls if a particular action does not behave as expected. Nintendo Support: Joy-Con button assignment
Which Switch controllers can be remapped?
| Controller | Supported by Change Button Mapping? |
|---|---|
| Joy-Con (L) | Yes |
| Joy-Con (R) | Yes |
| Nintendo Switch Pro Controller | Yes |
| Nintendo Switch Lite | Yes |
| Other controller types | No; Nintendo says the feature is unavailable for other controller types. |
The console setting applies to registered controllers and is stored on the console, according to Nintendo’s system update information. Nintendo Switch 2 has separate support instructions and menu organization; do not use its instructions for the original Switch. Nintendo Switch 2 button-mapping instructions
How to save, identify, and reset a mapping
Save a favorite mapping
You can save up to five favorite mappings for each controller type. Joy-Con (L) and Joy-Con (R) are counted separately, while color variants of the same controller type are grouped together. The favorites feature is described by Nintendo Support.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Tell when a controller has been remapped
A wrench symbol appears on the controller icon when its button mapping has changed. Because the setting can affect other people using that controller, let other users know about the change.
Restore the prior mapping if control is difficult
- Briefly press the console’s power button to put it to sleep.
- Press the power button again to wake it, then go to the HOME Menu.
- When Nintendo’s reset prompt appears, choose the option to reset the button mapping to its prior state.
Nintendo documents this recovery route on its Joy-Con support page.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 【PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTION for SWITCH CONTROLLER】: The switch controller with 2 back programming buttons, there are two modes, which are single programming or multi-programming. M1/M2= A+B+Y+L+ZL+R+ZR+D-pad, then you can use other fingers to operate more comfortably and centered. Switch controllers with the programmable buttons helping to minimize button abuse and stick clicking it can last more than several years with heavy use.
- 【ONE-BUTTON WAKE-UP SWITCH CONSOLE】: The switch wireless controller is used for the first time, you need to press the "Y + HOME" button to connect. Then next time just simply presses the "HOME" button of the pro switch controller to wake up your device. It's very convenient for you to start the game. (NOTE: DOES NOT SUPPORT WAKE-UP SWITCH 2 AND AUDIO FUNCTIONS)
- 【VIBRATE FUNCTION & GYRO SENSOR】: The controller for switch have dual vibration motors with 3-level precise vibration: weak, medium and strong that provide you excellent vibration feedback to enhance the game immersion. With the 6-axis gyro sensor, this controller can detect the inclination of the controller and make a quick response, give you more fun while playing motion sensing games
- 【ERGONOMIC DESIGN & TURBO FUNCTION】: The pro controller switch remote's ergonomic and non-slip design that allows you to control the game stably and don’t have to worry about the sweat in your hands. The wireless switch controller can be set to auto TURBO or manual TURBO mode. There are 3 adjustable speeds: 5 shots/s, 12 shots/s or 20 shots/s. You also can customize the TURBO button, A/B/X/Y/L/ZL/R/ZR all buttons can be set to TURBO, which make it easier to win an arcade or action game
- 【SCREENSHOT & HIGH-PERFORMANCE BATTERY】: The switch pro controller wireless’s continuous screenshoting function help you more enjoyable to play games. The switch pro controller for controllers with 600 MAH large capacity rechargeable battery, but it just need 2-3 hours to charge fully. Switch controllers pro can run for 10-15 hours, make sure you can enjoy games longer without interruption. (Warm Tips: Left Stick has been upgraded, please purchase with confidence.)
Rank #3
- Take your game sessions up a notch with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- Handheld Nintendo Switch gaming at a great price
- Comes with charging cable (USB C to USB A)
Rank #2
- HD Rumble 2
- Motion controls
- Built-in amiibo functionality*
- Capture Button
- C Button for GameChat**
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