To pair an extra controller with Nintendo Switch 2, open Controllers from the HOME Menu, select Change Grip/Order, and hold that controller’s SYNC button for at least one second. Then confirm how you will hold it with the button combination shown on screen. The included Joy-Con 2 do not need that menu step the first time: slide the right controller onto the right side and the left controller onto the left side, and the console registers them automatically.
This guide separates physical attachment, wireless pairing, and the optional USB-connected charging-grip method. It also explains grip layouts, original Switch Joy-Con compatibility, controller limits, and the documented fixes for common pairing problems.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Choose the setup method that fits your situation
There are three supported ways to get controllers ready on Switch 2. Physical attachment is the quickest route for the included Joy-Con 2. The HOME Menu method is the normal way to add another controller without buying an accessory. A Joy-Con 2 charging grip can also pair controllers through the dock, but that grip is sold separately.
| Method | How the controller connects | Does the console need to be physically reachable? | Extra accessory required? | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attach Joy-Con 2 to the console | Direct physical connection; the attached controllers are registered for use. | Yes. You must be able to slide each controller onto its side rail. | No accessory beyond the included Joy-Con 2. | Initial setup and handheld play. |
| HOME Menu pairing | Wireless pairing from Controllers > Change Grip/Order. |
The console must be powered on and you must reach the HOME Menu, but the controller does not need to be attached. | No. | Adding an extra controller for tabletop or multiplayer play. |
| Charging-grip USB pairing | Joy-Con 2 sit in a charging grip connected to the dock by USB-C. | Yes. You need the dock, grip, cable, and controllers available. | Yes. The separately sold Joy-Con 2 charging grip and its included USB-C cable. | Pairing while the controllers are held in the grip or charging them at the same time. |
The charging grip is an option, not a prerequisite for wireless pairing. If all you need is to add a controller, the HOME Menu procedure requires no separate purchase.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Attach the included Joy-Con 2
Use the correct side
- Hold the Switch 2 console upright with its screen facing you.
- Take the right Joy-Con 2, identified by the + button, and place it on the right side of the console.
- Align the controller’s bottom with the rail, then bring its top edge close to the console until it clicks into place.
- Repeat on the left side with the left Joy-Con 2, identified by the − button.
Keep your fingers clear of the gap between the controller and the console while sliding it into position. Nintendo’s attachment instructions also say to fit the controller straps before starting a game or other software.
What happens after you detach them
Once attached, the Joy-Con 2 are paired to the console. Removing them later does not erase that registration; they remain available for wireless use. You therefore do not need to repeat the pairing menu every time you switch from handheld to tabletop play.
Pair an extra controller wirelessly
Prepare the console
The console must be awake. Nintendo’s instructions say controllers cannot be paired while Switch 2 is asleep. Turn on the console and remain at the HOME Menu before beginning.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
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 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteFollow the pairing sequence
- From the HOME Menu, select Controllers.
- Choose Change Grip/Order.
- On the controller you want to add, press and hold its SYNC button for at least one second. Nintendo’s official instruction is: “From the Change Grip/Order screen, hold the SYNC Button for at least one second on the controller you wish to pair.”
- Wait for the player LED assigned to that controller number to remain lit. A steady player indicator shows that the console has completed the pairing step.
- Complete the grip confirmation shown on the screen. Pairing the radio connection alone does not tell Switch 2 whether you intend to use the controller as part of a pair or sideways as an individual controller.
Confirm the intended grip
| Intended use | Controller arrangement | Buttons to press when the screen asks for confirmation |
|---|---|---|
| One left and one right Joy-Con used together | Hold the two Joy-Con 2 as a dual-controller grip. | Press L on the left controller and R on the right. The alternative confirmation is ZL on the left and ZR on the right. |
| One Joy-Con as a solo horizontal controller | Turn the Joy-Con 2 sideways for an individual player. | Press SL and SR on each Joy-Con 2 that will be used horizontally. |
For a two-player game in which each person uses one Joy-Con sideways, complete the SL/SR confirmation separately for each controller. For a single player using both Joy-Con together, use the left/right L and R confirmation (or the ZL/ZR alternative) shown on screen.
Pair Joy-Con 2 through the charging grip and dock
When this route makes sense
The USB method is useful if you already own the Joy-Con 2 charging grip and want the controllers seated in it while the grip is connected to the dock. It is not a replacement for the menu-based wireless method and it is not required to pair an extra controller.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Connection steps
- Power on Switch 2. Pairing is not available while the console is asleep.
- Slide the Joy-Con 2 controllers into the Joy-Con 2 charging grip.
- Connect the grip to the Switch 2 dock with the USB-C cable supplied with the grip.
- Allow the console to register the controllers, then use the on-screen grip confirmation if Switch 2 asks how they will be held.
The grip is sold separately. A standard wireless pairing from Controllers > Change Grip/Order does not require it, and Nintendo supports that menu route for adding controllers.
Understand the grip choice before starting a game
Switch 2 treats controller registration and controller orientation as separate decisions. The SYNC button establishes the wireless relationship; the L/R, ZL/ZR, or SL/SR input tells the console how the player will hold the controller.
Recommended Free Tools
Dual-controller grip
Use this arrangement when one player holds the left and right Joy-Con 2 together. On the confirmation screen, press L on the left Joy-Con and R on the right, or use ZL and ZR if that is the combination displayed. The two controllers are then treated as one player’s left-right set in supported software.
Solo horizontal use
Use this arrangement when each Joy-Con 2 is handed to a different player or when one player uses a single controller sideways. Press SL and SR on each Joy-Con that will be used horizontally. A Joy-Con that has been paired but has not completed this confirmation may not be assigned in the layout you intended.
Supported play positions
Nintendo describes Joy-Con 2 as usable while attached for handheld mode or paired wirelessly for tabletop mode. In software that supports it, a left-right pair can operate together, and each Joy-Con can operate horizontally as an individual controller.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Use original Nintendo Switch Joy-Con with Switch 2
Wireless pairing works
Original Nintendo Switch Joy-Con can pair wirelessly with Switch 2 by using the same Controllers > Change Grip/Order screen and holding the controller’s SYNC button. They are an additional wireless-controller option, not a physical replacement for Joy-Con 2.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThey cannot attach to the Switch 2 console
Original Switch Joy-Con do not physically attach to the Switch 2 console. Do not try to use the Switch 2 side rails as if the older controllers were Joy-Con 2.
Plan how to charge them
Nintendo says original Joy-Con require a Nintendo Switch console or a compatible accessory for charging, such as a Joy-Con charging grip or a two-way charging stand. Wireless compatibility with Switch 2 does not make the older Joy-Con interchangeable with Joy-Con 2 for physical attachment or charging.
Know the controller limits
Eight is a pairing ceiling, not a universal simultaneous-player promise
Nintendo UK Support states that up to eight wireless controllers can be paired with one Switch 2 console. The same guidance says the number that can actually be connected at one time varies according to controller type and features. Treat eight as the console’s documented pairing maximum, not as a guarantee that every game, accessory combination, or controller mix will use eight players simultaneously.
Bluetooth audio lowers the connected limit to two
Nintendo’s Bluetooth-audio guidance sets a separate limit: no more than two wireless controllers can be connected while a Bluetooth audio device is in use. Each Joy-Con 2 counts as one controller, so a left-right Joy-Con 2 pair consumes both available controller connections under that condition.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
If you need a third wireless controller, disconnect the Bluetooth audio device first. Nintendo also advises checking that Switch 2 has the latest system update and then using Controllers > Change Grip/Order to pair controllers.
| Situation | Documented implication |
|---|---|
| No Bluetooth audio connected | Up to eight wireless controllers may be paired, while the number simultaneously connected still depends on controller type and features. |
| Bluetooth audio connected | No more than two wireless controllers can be connected; each Joy-Con 2 counts separately. |
| Two Joy-Con 2 used as one player’s pair with Bluetooth audio | The pair uses both available wireless-controller connections. |
| More than two wireless controllers needed while Bluetooth audio is active | Disconnect Bluetooth audio before adding the additional controllers. |
Troubleshoot a controller that will not pair or is assigned incorrectly
The console is asleep
Wake Switch 2 and return to the HOME Menu. Pairing cannot be completed while the console is asleep. Open Controllers, select Change Grip/Order, and start the SYNC step again.
The player LED never stays lit
Confirm that you are on the Change Grip/Order screen, then hold the controller’s SYNC button for at least one second. The player LED for the assigned controller number should remain lit after successful pairing. If it does not, repeat the same sequence rather than trying to confirm a grip that the console has not yet registered.
The controller pairs but the game sees the wrong layout
Pairing and grip selection are separate. On the confirmation prompt, use L and R (or ZL and ZR) for a left-right dual grip. Use SL and SR on each controller for solo horizontal play. A controller can be wirelessly paired yet still need this layout confirmation before the software receives the intended player assignment.
A Joy-Con 2 will not attach
Check the orientation: the + controller belongs on the right and the − controller on the left when the console faces you. Align the bottom first and bring the top close until it clicks. Keep fingers out of the gap. If you are using an original Switch Joy-Con, physical attachment is not supported; pair it wirelessly instead.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
You are trying to add a third controller with Bluetooth audio active
Bluetooth audio restricts the connected wireless-controller count to two. Because each Joy-Con 2 counts as one, a left-right pair already reaches that limit. Disconnect Bluetooth audio, then return to Controllers > Change Grip/Order and pair the additional controller.
Several controllers behave inconsistently
Check for the latest Switch 2 system update, as Nintendo recommends in its Bluetooth-controller guidance. Then pair controllers one at a time from Change Grip/Order, waiting for each assigned player LED to remain lit before moving to the next controller. This also makes it easier to verify the intended grip confirmation for each player.
Set up common play scenarios
Handheld play with the included controllers
Attach the + Joy-Con 2 on the right and the − Joy-Con 2 on the left while the console is upright and facing you. The attachment registers them, and you can later detach them without losing wireless registration. Fit the straps before starting software when the game or play position calls for them.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Tabletop play with both Joy-Con 2
Detach the Joy-Con 2, wake the console, and use Controllers > Change Grip/Order. Hold SYNC for at least one second on the controller or controllers you are adding. Confirm L/R or ZL/ZR for one player using both Joy-Con, or confirm SL/SR on each Joy-Con when they will be individual horizontal controllers.
Adding a second wireless controller
Open the pairing screen before handing the controller to the next player. Pair that controller with SYNC, wait for its player LED, and complete the exact grip prompt displayed. If Bluetooth audio is active, remember that only two wireless controllers can be connected, and two individual Joy-Con 2 already use both slots.
Using the optional charging grip in tabletop mode
Place the Joy-Con 2 in the separately sold charging grip, connect the grip to the dock with its included USB-C cable, and power on the console. Use the on-screen grip confirmation to select a dual or horizontal arrangement. If you do not own the grip, use the wireless HOME Menu method instead; no charging-grip purchase is needed for that route.
Quick Recap
Essential points to remember
- Included Joy-Con 2 register when attached to the correct sides of Switch 2.
- For an extra wireless controller, use Controllers > Change Grip/Order and hold SYNC for at least one second.
- Always complete the on-screen grip confirmation after SYNC pairing.
- The charging grip and USB-C cable offer an optional dock-connected route; they are not required for wireless pairing.
- Original Switch Joy-Con pair wirelessly but cannot attach to Switch 2.
- Up to eight wireless controllers can be paired, while the actual simultaneous connection count varies.
- Bluetooth audio limits connected wireless controllers to two, with each Joy-Con 2 counted separately.
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.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →
