Can You Use Xbox Controller On Switch

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Larn more than.

No strings on me

How to wirelessly use your Xbox One, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Series S controller with Nintendo Switch

Xbox One Controller On Nintendo Switch Source: Rebecca Spear /iMore

Many gorging Switch gamers complain near how small and oddly shaped the Joy-Cons are. You could buy the amazing Switch Pro controller, but it's a little pricey. Fortunately, if you lot already own an Xbox One or were lucky enough to score an Xbox Serial X or Xbox Serial S, you can connect your Xbox controller with the Nintendo Switch and play wirelessly. Here's how to connect your Xbox 1, Serial X, or Series Southward controller with the Nintendo Switch!

Note: If you're going to play in tabletop mode it really helps to take a Nintendo Switch stand handy and then that the cable tin get plugged into the bottom of the console without issue. In this guide, I'1000 using the Hori Compact Playstand.

Products used in this guide:

Mayflash Magic NS 2 Wireless Adapter - Dark Grey ($22 at Amazon)
8Bitdo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter two - Black ($30 at Amazon)

Which Bluetooth adapter should I get?

8bitdo Bluetooth Adapter 2 And Mayflash Magic Ns 2 Adapter Source: iMore

Of all of the Bluetooth adapters available for Xbox controllers there are two we recommend most, either the 8Bitdo Bluetooth Adapter 2 or the Magic NS 2 Adapter. They work with both Switch and Switch OLED as well every bit both Xbox I and Xbox Series S and 10 controllers. Both are easy to ready up, but the 8Bitdo is slightly easier to use since information technology doesn't crave you lot to bicycle through specific modes. Otherwise, when choosing betwixt the two it's mostly just a matter of design preference.

At that place are earlier versions of both of these adapters, just they won't work with the latest Xbox Controllers, so if y'all're specifically looking for a dongle that works with Xbox Series X|S you'll want to brand sure to get the dark grey Magic NS ii or the Blackness 8Bitdo Bluetooth Adapter 2.

Magic NS 2 Wireless Adapter Xbox controller in wireless tabletop mode

There are a few different adapters you can use to setup your Xbox controller with your Switch. We'll show you how to employ the Magic-NS 2 Adapter. This method works for Switch Calorie-free, Switch, and Switch OLED.

Insert the USB-C cable that comes with the Magic-NS Adapter into the Nintendo Switch.

Source: iMore
Insert the Magic-NS Wireless Adapter into the other end of the cable.

Source: iMore
There is a small black push on the side of the Magic-NS Adapter. You tin concur it downward for three to v seconds to make information technology change modes. A different colored LED denotes each manner. If you take the Nintendo Switch V2 with longer battery life or the Switch OLED, modify modes until the purple LED lights upwards. If you're using the original Nintendo Switch, you lot'll demand to employ the crimson LED light instead of the purple ane.

Source: iMore
Now that the correct colored LED is lit up, quickly press and release the black push to make the LED flash faster.

Source: iMore
With the LED flashing speedily, grab your Xbox controller and press the Xbox domicile button to wake it.

Source: iMore
Now press the small push button on top of the controller to sync the adapter and controller via Bluetooth. The Xbox home button will offset flashing.

Source: iMore
Hold the Xbox controller virtually the Switch until the Xbox symbol stops flashing.

Source: iMore
If this screen comes upward on the Switch, press downwardly the LB and RB buttons simultaneously.

Source: iMore
At present you're all skillful to get. Enjoy wireless tabletop mode!

Source: iMore

Magic NS 2 Adapter Xbox controller in wireless docked mode

Insert the Mayflash Magic-NS 2 Adapter into one of the Nintendo Switch dock'south USB ports. Notation that in that location's merely room for one Magic-NS Adapter, and then you can't connect additional controllers using this method.

Source: iMore
There'south a small black push button on the adapter that you hold downwardly for 3 to 5 seconds to alter modes. If you lot're using the Nintendo Switch V2 with longer battery life or the Switch OLED, alter modes until a imperial LED lights up. If you're using the original Nintendo Switch, y'all'll need to use the red LED calorie-free instead of the imperial 1.

Source: iMore
Rapidly printing and release the small black button to make the LED flash faster.

Source: iMore
With the correct colored LED chop-chop flashing on the adapter, press the domicile button on the Xbox controller to wake the controller up.

Source: iMore
Printing the pocket-sized button on top of the controller until the Xbox symbol starts flashing. This allows the controller to sync to the Switch via Bluetooth.

Source: iMore
Hold the controller near the Nintendo Switch until the Xbox symbol is no longer flashing.

Source: iMore
If this screen comes upwardly, press LB and RB at the same fourth dimension.

Source: iMore
At present you're good to go. Enjoy wireless docked mode.

Source: iMore

Using an existing controller instead of purchasing a new one tin can really assistance y'all salve time and money. Nintendo probable never intended you to connect your Xbox One, Serial X, or Series S controller with the Nintendo Switch, but there are ways to make it happen. If y'all have any complications with the Magic-NS adapter, reach out to the manufacturer for additional assistance.

8Bitdo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter two Xbox controller in wireless tabletop style

If y'all'd rather use the 8Bitdo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter 2, follow these instructions. This method works for the Switch Low-cal, Nintendo Switch, and Switch OLED in tabletop manner.

Insert the 8Bitdo's included USB-C cablevision into the lesser of the Nintendo Switch console.
Insert the 8Bitdo adapter into the USB-C cable's USB port.

Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore
Make sure that the Switch is turned on and so press the button on the end of the adapter to enter pairing way. You'll know you're in the right manner cause the light volition blink quickly.
Awaken the Xbox Controller by pressing the power button.

Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore
Hold down the Xbox Controller's pairing button. You'll know it'due south entered pairing mode when the Xbox icon flashes.
Now place the Xbox controller nearly the adapter and wait for them to pair. Once their lights finish flashing, you're practiced to play.

Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore

Now you lot're good to showtime playing any of your favorite Nintendo Switch games with an Xbox controller. If yous specifically want help using the Xbox controller in docked fashion, go on reading for further instructions.

8Bitdo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter 2 Xbox controller in wireless docked manner

Plug the 8Bitdo dongle into 1 of the Switch Dock's USB ports.
Press the button on the end of the adapter to make the little red light flash faster. This switches it to pairing mode.

Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore
Wake up your Xbox controller by belongings down the Xbox icon.
Hold down the pairing button on peak of the controller. You'll know information technology's worked when the Xbox symbol starts to flash.

Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore
Place the Xbox controller nearly the adapter and expect for them to pair. Once the Xbox symbol and the adapter's light are steady, yous'll know they've paired.

Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore

I'chiliad sure that Nintendo never intended united states of america to practise things like use an Xbox controller with a Switch. All the same, fortunately for us, we alive in a wonderful modern globe where third parties help united states out with adapters to solve and then many of gaming'south little problems.

Updating the 8Bitdo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter two firmware

8bitdo Wireless Blutooth Adapter 2 With Other Devices Source: 8Bitdo

Occasionally new patches and updates are released for the Xbox controllers. If you're using the 8BitDo Adapter 2 rather than the Mayflash Magic-NS Adapter and it isn't working properly, it's probably considering it needs a firmware update to match the new firmware for the controllers.

Get to https://back up.8bitdo.com/firmware-updater.html.
Download the Upgrade tool for your operating system.

Source: iMore
Plug the USB dongle into your PC or Mac.
Open 8Bitdo Firmware Updater.

Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore and iMore
Select Extract All.
Select Extract.

Source: iMore
This window should pop up. Open the file that reads 8Bitdo_Firmware_Updater.
Open the file that says 8Bitdo Firmware Updater.

Source: iMore
This window volition pop up. Select Update.
The firmware volition be updated. When it'south finished click on Success.

Source: iMore

One time the firmware has been updated, remove the adapter from your computer and use it with your Switch as instructed in the above sections.

Note: In some cases, the controller converter doesn't piece of work with every controller out-of-the-box. If yous follow these steps and your Xbox One controller however isn't connecting to your Switch, we recommend contacting 8Bitdo customer service.

Adjustable

Mayflash Magic Ns 2 Bluetooth Adapter

Mayflash Magic NS 2 Wireless Controller Adapter

The adapter that makes it possible

This Mayflash adapter comes with a small USB-C to USB cable to connect your Xbox 1 or Xbox Series X|S controller with the Nintendo Switch, whether in tabletop or docked mode. It's small and works on plenty of other controllers equally well.

If yous like the idea of not having to cycle through equally many modes in order to become the adapter to work with your Xbox Ane or Series X|S controller than you probably want to go with the 8Bitdo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter 2.

Wireless connection

8bitdo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter Switch Oled Xbox Windows

8Bitdo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter two

Xbox controller adapter for Nintendo Switch

Hands play your favorite Switch games using your Xbox One or Xbox Serial X|S controller with the use of this adapter.

While this stand isn't necessary to connect your Xbox One controller with the Nintendo Switch, it really helps if you program on playing in tabletop mode. It allows the adapter and cables to connect to the device more than easily. What's more, it lifts the screen a little, so you don't have to hunch over as much to see it.

Accept a stand

Compact Playstand

Hori Compact Playstand

A stand up for tabletop gaming

This stand folds into a compact shape, making it easier to send and store. When the Switch is in identify, information technology allows any connected cables to become plugged into the console's USB-C port easily.

Additional products for Switch gamers

The right accessories tin seriously heighten your Switch gaming experience. Hither are some that I personally love to use.

Screen protector

amFilm Nintendo Switch Glass Screen Protector (2-Pack) ($vii at Amazon)

To protect the Switch screen from scrapes and smudges, y'all'll want to use a screen protector. I beloved this ane because it's glass, and there are two of them in case you need to try once more.

PowerA Everywhere Messenger Bag

PowerA Everywhere Messenger Bag ($40 at Amazon)

Safely store your entire Switch system, including Pro Controllers and the Dock for easy send. Information technology features both a handle and a detachable shoulder strap to make traveling easier.

PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller For Nintendo Switch Black Frost

PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller (From $45 at Amazon)

If you'd rather purchase an officially licensed Switch controller, this one will do the play a trick on. It can final up to 30 hours on two AA batteries. In that location are a few colors and designs to choose from.

We may earn a committee for purchases using our links. Larn more.

Rebecca Spear

Rebecca Spear is the Games Editor for iMore. She loves playing Nintendo Switch games and is a Zelda nut through and through. On any given day you'll find her drawing, playing video games, or reading a practiced book. Follow her on Twitter @rrspear.