Connect Switch Controller To Windows PC Via USB

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Connect Switch Controller to Windows PC via USB

Hey guys! Want to use your Nintendo Switch controller on your Windows PC? It's actually super easy to do, and in this guide, I'm going to walk you through the process step-by-step. Whether you're looking to play your favorite PC games with a more familiar controller or just want to try something new, using your Switch controller on your PC can be a great experience. So, let's dive in and get you all set up!

Why Use a Switch Controller on Windows?

Before we get started, you might be wondering why you'd even want to use a Switch controller on your Windows PC. Well, there are several reasons:

  • Comfort and Familiarity: If you're used to the Switch controller, it can be more comfortable to use than a keyboard and mouse for certain games. The layout might feel more natural, especially for platformers or action games.
  • Versatility: Some games just play better with a controller. Driving games, fighting games, and games with complex movement schemes often benefit from the analog sticks and buttons of a controller.
  • Multiplayer: If you have friends over and want to play local multiplayer games on your PC, using Switch controllers can be a convenient way to get everyone involved without having to buy extra PC-specific controllers.
  • Experimentation: Maybe you just want to try something different! It's fun to experiment with different control schemes and see what works best for you.

What You'll Need

To connect your Switch controller to your Windows PC via USB, you'll need a few things:

  • Nintendo Switch Controller: Obviously, you'll need a Switch controller. This can be a Joy-Con, a Pro Controller, or even third-party Switch controllers.
  • USB Cable: You'll need a USB cable to connect your controller to your PC. For Pro Controllers, a USB-C cable is required. Joy-Cons can be connected using a USB adapter or by attaching them to a grip that supports USB connectivity.
  • Windows PC: You'll need a PC running Windows 10 or later. Windows 7 and 8 might work, but the process might be a bit more complicated.
  • Internet Connection: You'll need an internet connection to download and install the necessary drivers and software.

Step-by-Step Guide: Connecting Your Switch Controller

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's how to connect your Switch controller to your Windows PC via USB:

Step 1: Install the Necessary Drivers

Windows doesn't always automatically recognize the Switch controller, so you might need to install some drivers. The easiest way to do this is to use a program called BetterJoy. Here's how to install it:

  1. Download BetterJoy: Head over to the BetterJoy GitHub page and download the latest version.
  2. Extract the Files: Extract the downloaded ZIP file to a folder on your computer.
  3. Run BetterJoyForCemu.exe: In the extracted folder, find the BetterJoyForCemu.exe file and run it. This will install the necessary drivers.
  4. Install ViGEmBus Driver: BetterJoy will prompt you to install the ViGEmBus driver. This driver is essential for emulating Xbox 360 controllers, which is how BetterJoy makes your Switch controller compatible with most PC games. Follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

Step 2: Connect Your Controller

Now that you have the drivers installed, it's time to connect your controller:

  1. Connect via USB: Plug your Switch Pro Controller into your PC using a USB-C cable. If you're using Joy-Cons, you can connect them individually using a USB adapter or attach them to a grip that supports USB connectivity.
  2. Check BetterJoy: Open BetterJoy. You should see your controller listed in the program. If it's not listed, try unplugging and plugging the controller back in.

Step 3: Configure BetterJoy (Optional)

BetterJoy offers several configuration options that you can use to customize your controller:

  • Emulation: By default, BetterJoy emulates an Xbox 360 controller. This is the most compatible option, as most PC games support Xbox 360 controllers. However, you can also choose to emulate a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller if you prefer.
  • Button Mapping: You can remap the buttons on your controller to suit your preferences. This is useful if a game doesn't have the button layout you like.
  • LED Control: You can control the LEDs on your Pro Controller using BetterJoy. This is purely cosmetic, but it can be fun to customize your controller's appearance.

Step 4: Test Your Controller

Once you've connected and configured your controller, it's time to test it out:

  1. Open a Game: Launch a game that supports controllers.
  2. Check Controller Input: In the game's settings, make sure the controller is recognized and enabled.
  3. Play the Game: Start playing the game and see if the controller works as expected. If you're having issues, try restarting the game or your PC.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

  • Controller Not Recognized: If your controller isn't recognized by Windows or BetterJoy, try the following:
    • Restart Your PC: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix the issue.
    • Reinstall Drivers: Try uninstalling and reinstalling the BetterJoy drivers.
    • Try a Different USB Port: Some USB ports might not provide enough power or might have compatibility issues.
    • Update Windows: Make sure your Windows installation is up to date.
  • Controller Disconnecting: If your controller keeps disconnecting, try the following:
    • Check USB Cable: Make sure the USB cable is securely connected to both your controller and your PC. Try using a different cable.
    • Disable USB Selective Suspend: This Windows feature can sometimes cause USB devices to disconnect. To disable it, go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Edit Plan Settings > Change advanced power settings > USB settings > USB selective suspend setting and set it to Disabled.
  • Incorrect Button Mapping: If the buttons on your controller are mapped incorrectly, you can remap them using BetterJoy or the game's settings.

Alternative Methods

While BetterJoy is the easiest way to connect your Switch controller to your Windows PC, there are a few alternative methods you can try:

  • Steam: Steam has built-in support for Switch Pro Controllers. To use it, simply connect your controller to your PC via USB and launch Steam in Big Picture Mode. Steam will automatically detect and configure your controller.
  • Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Driver: You can manually install the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller driver. This is a more complicated process, but it can be useful if you're having issues with BetterJoy or Steam.

Conclusion

Connecting your Nintendo Switch controller to your Windows PC via USB is a simple process that can greatly enhance your gaming experience. With the help of BetterJoy or Steam, you can easily use your favorite Switch controller to play a wide variety of PC games. So, go ahead and give it a try! You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.

I hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any questions or run into any issues, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy gaming!