Switch Controller Not Connecting | Causes & Solutions

Video games will never get old, and there is no appropriate age for them. Nintendo has been around for a very long time and has been the best place you go to for any video game. People have been loyal to Nintendo since they were children. Nintendo has launched many controllers and add-ons for your games. We are talking specifically about the Nintendo Switch and the Pro Controller launched in 2017. Recently, we noticed many users complaining about connectivity issues. Many complaints state that the switch controller is not connecting to the Nintendo Switch game console. Let’s dig in to find out more about this issue. What causes it, and how are we supposed to fix this? 

Switch Controller Not Connecting

Switch Controller Not Connecting | How Will We Fix It?

The Nintendo Pro Controller is an alternative to the Joy-Con controller. Complaints and videos show a recent glitch in that the controller is not connecting to your console. This may be a glitch in the system or something we must be doing wrong. Video games and electronics are always prone to glitches like these. However, there are always tricks and codes to get things in order. Many over the internet have given their expert advice on the same, which seems to have worked for many. Wouldn’t you want to know what caused the glitch, though? Should we fix it or call customer support? The pro controller is used for motion controls, HD rumble, built-in amiibo functionality, and more. You can enjoy so many games with the new controller. 

My Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Won’t Connect | What are the Causes? 

Ideally, you can connect eight wireless controllers to your console. A new update has recently stopped third-party controllers from connecting with the gaming console. That is the maximum limit. However, the maximum number of controllers or the connectivity of the controllers depends on various factors. It depends on the type of controller, the features, and the software used.

When a Bluetooth audio device is connected, no more than two wireless controllers can be connected to the system. Disconnect the Bluetooth audio device to secure a third controller. This can be considered the usual way to connect your controller. Although what are the reasons your controller won’t connect to your Nintendo Switch system? 

  • This may happen if your Nintendo Switch is not updated with the latest system update. 
  • If you use an outdated controller, replace it with the newest model.
  • Check the batteries on your controller. 
  • The issues generally lie with the Power A wireless controllers and 8bitdo controllers. 
  • If you’re using any third-party controllers, they will not connect if you have updated your system. 

Do You Have a Controller Not Connected to Nintendo Switch Anymore? | Here’s How You Can Fix It

There are several ways that you fix this issue. We have browsed through all the tricks and presented only the ones which will work. 

  • To fix the issues, you must unpair the controllers and try to repair them. You must perform these steps if you pair the controller with the Switch console before the 12.0.0 update.
  1. Open the Settings page that looks like a gear icon.
  2. Scroll down to find the controllers section.
  3. Unpair all of the controllers.
  4. Select change grip order to repair the controllers.

image of unpairing controllers

  • Restart your system by holding the power button for 3 seconds. Then you should select power options. Among them, press restart. 

power button restart

  • Now any third-party controller is not connected to the console. The original model number on all pro controllers is HAC-013. Do check your controller for authenticity before trying any tricks.
  • Power on the console, place it in the dock, and connect the Pro Controller using the included USB charging cable to pair it to the console. Then you need to press a button on the Pro Controller, such as the A Button, to power it on.
  • If you are not able to pair the console with the controller using a USB cable, then you can try this too : 
  1. Reset the Pro Controller by pressing the Sync button once, then press any other button, such as the A Button on the controller, to power it on again.
  2. Use a different USB port on the dock or a different charging cable altogether. 
  3. Pair the Pro Controller wirelessly. 
  • The small button on your controller that’s placed next to the USB port should be pressed to run to make the Switch recognize the controller. If that’s not done, your console won’t recognize that the Switch Pro Controller is ready to be used. 

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Conclusion 

Nintendo Switch keeps getting updated, and there are some glitches in them. However, the switch controller not connecting issue did not turn out to be a glitch. They wanted to prevent people from using any third-party controllers on their consoles. This was an action taken to save their authenticity. This issue arises when people update their consoles to the 12.0.0 version.

Although this does not mean that you don’t update your system, as some of the games may stop working on an outdated version. The update will validate your controller’s authenticity, and it is introduced to give you a better experience. 

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