Unlocking Enhanced Gameplay: Connect Your Xbox Controller on Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch is a well-liked video game device with two play modes. You can use it as a handheld with controllers attached on the sides. Or you can connect it to your TV. The Switch comes with small Joy-Con controllers. Many game players find these uncomfortable. They prefer to play with a full-sized, regular-style controller instead. Many gamers wonder, “Can you connect a Xbox controller to a Switch?” Fortunately, wireless Xbox controllers on Nintendo Switch can be used with an inexpensive adapter. Connecting an Xbox Controller on Switch setup provides a cost-effective way to use a traditional controller design.

Key Takeaways

• Connect an Xbox Controller on Switch through a wireless adapter.
• Once connected, the Xbox controller’s buttons and sticks can control Switch games that work with standard controllers.
• Some features, like rumble, motion controls, NFC support, and IR camera input, will be missing.
• Xbox controllers can be a good replacement for Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers, which can break over time. 
• Using the wireless adapter with an Xbox controller gives an affordable controller option for playing Switch games.

How to Connect Xbox Controller to Switch

The Nintendo Switch can connect wirelessly to controllers using Bluetooth. However, Xbox and PS4 game controller don’t connect directly to the Switch. You need a special wireless adapter that bridges the two devices to make them compatible.

Popular, affordable options like the 8Bitdo Wireless USB Adapter 2 plug into the Switch dock or console via USB. The adapter then wirelessly pairs with the Xbox controller using Bluetooth. This allows the Xbox controller to send signals to the Switch, making it fully functional.

Once paired, the Xbox controller will be an option in Switch games supporting traditional controllers. All buttons and analog sticks will work, allowing complete control. So, with a simple wireless adapter, Xbox controllers can work seamlessly with the Nintendo Switch.

Steps to Connect the Xbox Controller on Switch

Here is how to connect an Xbox controller to your Nintendo Switch:

• Check that your Switch’s software is up-to-date, at version 3.0.0 minimum. This allows compatibility with some non-Nintendo controllers.
• Next, enable the “Pro Controller Wired Communication” option in your Switch’s settings under Controllers and Sensors.
• Insert the wireless adapter into your Switch dock’s USB port. Put your Xbox controller into pairing mode by pressing and holding the Connect switch until the Xbox button flashes rapidly.
• On the wireless adapter, press its Pair button until the light blinks. After a few seconds, the lights on both devices will turn solid, signaling a successful connection.

Your Xbox controller and Nintendo Switch are now wirelessly paired and ready for gameplay!

Limitations When Using an Xbox Controller on Your Nintendo Switch

Connecting an Xbox controller to the Nintendo Switch using a wireless adapter works well, but some downsides exist.

First, Xbox controllers don’t vibrate when used with the Switch, while Nintendo controllers have advanced rumble features. Also, you can’t use motion controls like tilting, twisting, or gesturing with an Xbox controller. This affects some Switch games.

Additionally, Xbox controllers can’t read amiibo figures, while Joy-Cons can. The audio jack on Xbox controllers also doesn’t work – you’d need a Bluetooth headset paired directly with the Switch for game audio.

Furthermore, the infrared camera on the right Joy-Con isn’t supported, so that Xbox controllers won’t work with games needing pointer input. Pressing buttons on an Xbox controller won’t wake the Switch from sleep either – you’d still need to press the console’s power button.

Finally, the positioning of the ABXY face buttons differs between Xbox and Nintendo controllers, which can get confusing when switching between controller types.

In summary, an Xbox controller with the Switch works but lacks certain features like rumble, motion controls, amiibo support, and IR camera input compared to Nintendo’s controllers. The button layout also takes some adjustment.

The Xbox Controller as an Alternative to Nintendo’s Controllers

The Xbox Controller on Switch works well using affordable adapters like the 8Bitdo. The Xbox controller is good quality, comfortable to hold, and similar to the Switch Pro Controller.

The wireless Bluetooth connection between the Xbox controller and Switch needs to stay strong. Cheap adapters can lose connection. Joy-Con and Pro Controllers for the Switch sometimes break over time. You don’t need to fix or replace broken Switch controllers using an Xbox controller instead.

Players who already have Xbox controllers can use what they have instead of buying more controllers. Even though you lose some features, Xbox controllers are a cheap, familiar option. Being able to use different controllers makes the Switch system better.

The Xbox controller with the 8Bitdo works well for most games on the Switch for a low cost. It gives another choice of controller based on your preference.

Crazy Facts

• The Switch dock boosts the console’s performance when connected to a TV. Without it, the Switch runs slower.
• You can wirelessly connect up to 4 Switch consoles for local multiplayer gaming. It allows four people to play Mario Kart together.
• The Joy-Con infrared camera can scan real-world objects and detect heat, motion, and shapes. It enables unique gameplay.
• HD Rumble recreates sensations like ice cubes rattling in a glass or different textures.
• The Switch’s Nvidia Tegra X1 processor also powers Nvidia’s Shield TV and Google’s Pixel C tablet. It’s very versatile for a mobile chip.

Conclusion 

Connecting an Xbox controller on Switch using a third-party Bluetooth adapter like the 8Bitdo Wireless USB Adapter 2 is easy. It allows seamless wireless pairing between the Xbox controller and Switch.

Once paired, the Xbox controller can control Switch games with standard inputs. While Xbox controllers lack certain specialized features of Switch controllers, their overall experience and performance with the Switch are impressive. Xbox controllers are quality alternatives to address Switch control limitations or hardware failures.

FAQs about Xbox Controller on Switch

Does the Xbox controller battery life differ when used with the Switch versus an Xbox?

Yes, Xbox controllers will drain battery life faster when paired to the Switch since it relies on Bluetooth connectivity instead of the more efficient Xbox Wireless protocol. Battery life is reduced by around 30% compared to using the controller with an Xbox console.

Do Xbox Elite controllers work on the Switch using the wireless adapter?

Yes, Xbox Elite controllers are compatible with the Switch when connected via the wireless adapter. All standard buttons work the same, but you lose functionality for elite-specific features.

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