The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is one of the best options for gaming enthusiasts thanks to its comfortable design and high performance. However, you may encounter some technical issues that could affect your gaming experience. From connectivity issues to poor button responsiveness, this article will explore the most common issues you may encounter with this controller, along with simple solutions to help you fix them and restore optimal performance.
Summary
- If the Pro Controller isn't responding, connect it to your Switch console (or put it in dock), turn on the controller, and then press a button on the controller until it connects.
- If the Pro Controller doesn't work with a particular game, but works fine with everything else, the problem is likely the lack of Pro Controller support from the game itself.
- Unresponsive or lagging buttons, joysticks, or motion controls can sometimes be fixed by recalibrating your controller settings.
Despite all its advantages, such as a comfortable hand feel and reduced analog stick drift, the Nintendo Wireless Pro Controller can be a source of problems. Here are some of the issues I've been able to overcome.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is unresponsive
The Pro Controller's unresponsiveness is likely due to a loss of connection to the Switch console itself. In this case, you just need to pair them.
To pair using a USB cable, connect one end to either the Switch itself or the dock, and the other end to the Pro Controller.
If the controller is already on, press one or two buttons on the Pro Controller or start moving the joysticks until you see the input results on the Switch.
If the console is off, turn it on by pressing the power button along the top (to the left of the volume controls) and then holding a button on the Pro Controller until the Switch responds.
To pair a Pro Controller wirelessly, use an already paired controller or the Switch's touchscreen to access controller settings. From the Home screen, select "Controllers," then choose “Change grip/order.”
Next, press and hold the sync button on the Pro Controller – located next to the controller's USB port – for a few seconds, until the lights along the bottom of the controller start flashing.
Press the left and right shoulder buttons at the same time, as shown on the Switch screen, to finish pairing and activate the console's Pro Controller.
Be aware that the connection may take a second or two, so don't despair if you don't see any results after one or two taps.
Another possible reason for the Switch and Pro Controller not pairing is using the device in handheld mode—especially if you tend to leave the Pro Controller unplugged while not in use.
If this happens, turn off your Switch or put it back to sleep by pressing and holding the power button along the top of the device for about three seconds. Then select either "Sleep" to suspend activity, or "Power Options" followed by "Shut Down" to turn it off.
Connect the USB cable to your Switch console, or to the dock if you're using it in docked mode, and connect the other end of the cable to the Pro Controller. Press and hold the power button on the top of the Switch until you see the Nintendo logo, or until the green light on the side of the dock lights up, to restart the device.
Once the controller is powered on, press a button on the Pro Controller to reestablish the connection. After this point, you can disconnect the USB cable and use it wirelessly again.
Switch Pro controller refuses to work with certain games
In situations where your Pro Controller doesn't work when trying to play a specific game, but works with other games or when navigating through the home screen, menus, or eShop, it's likely the game itself is the problem.
This isn't very common, but some Switch games simply weren't designed to work with the more traditional control scheme offered by the Pro Controller – instead, they focused on touch controls, Joy-Con motion and pointing features, or a combination of the two.
In such scenarios, the only thing you can really do is put the Pro Controller in and use the Joy-Cons in docked mode or start playing in handheld mode.
Contacting the game developer to inquire about the issue or requesting Pro Controller support is also a possibility, provided you are polite about it. However, whether the developer addresses the Pro Controller functionality or how long a fix may take is ultimately out of your control.
Buttons, joystick, or gyroscope not responding properly
There are a few possible reasons why Pro Controller inputs fail to register properly or behave incorrectly. If you start noticing a delay between button presses and on-screen actions, or inconsistencies between joystick or gyroscope movements, start with the basics.
While it's understandable to suspect something like a Joy-Con drift, it may just be that the joysticks or gyroscope need to be recalibrated. From the Home screen, open the Settings menu.
Scroll down and select “Controls and sensors Then choose Calibrating the joysticksFollow the on-screen instructions to recalibrate. If the problem is with the gyroscope, select “Calibrate Motion Controls,” then Calibration of control units“, and follow these guidelines instead.
If the calibration process is unsuccessful, you'll need to check for a firmware update for your console. The Switch console usually updates controllers automatically by default, but a change in settings, powering off instead of putting the console into sleep mode, or a loss of internet connection may require manual installation.
Open "SettingsFrom the home screen, select Control units and sensors.
Make sure the Pro Controller is connected to your Switch console, then select "Update Controllers." If any updates are available, the installation process will begin.
If recalibration and a firmware update don't resolve the issue, the last thing you should try is cleaning your Switch—or rather, the Pro Controller itself.
Get a microfiber cloth or an electronics polishing cloth, dampen it with water, and wring it out until it stops dripping. Rub the damp cloth over the controller to remove any visible dirt.
Next, gently rub a dry cotton swab around the base of each joystick and along the edges of the buttons to try to remove any additional dirt that may have accumulated over time. You may need to replace the cotton swab with a new one if the old one becomes excessively dirty.
Once you've cleaned the buttons and joysticks, you may also want to recalibrate them. Then, if problems persist, you can Request repair or replacement Directly from Nintendo.
Low battery life or the controller keeps turning off
If your Pro Controller's battery drains too quickly, or shuts down regularly on its own, this could be an indication of two potential problems.
First and foremost, note whether the Pro Controller is left unplugged when not in use. If so, the issue may simply be a matter of it not charging between play sessions. In this case, you should be able to fix things by connecting the controller to the dock using a USB cable to recharge it—and make sure to plug it in to charge after future play sessions.
Beyond the basic need for charging, the issue could be related to the firmware. The Switch should normally update the console's firmware automatically, but if this happens, you can perform a manual update as well.
With the Switch docked, connect the Pro Controller to the dock via a USB cable. If it's not docked, connect the USB cable to the console and the Switch itself.
From the Home screen, open the menu. "Settings" and select Control units and sensors.
Scroll down and choose “Update controllers”, Then wait for any available updates to be installed.
If your Pro Controller is still experiencing battery issues, the battery itself may need to be replaced. You can try: Preparing the repair Through Nintendo directly, but if you have the right tools and follow iFixit Comprehensive InstructionsYou can also do it yourself.
You will need a JIS #00 screwdriver (avoid using a regular Phillips screwdriver, or you may strip the screws) as well as a replacement battery. You can purchase a Nintendo CTR-003 1300mAh replacement battery from iFixit For $13.99, or a complete replacement set from Amazon for $12.99.
Use a JIS #00 screwdriver to remove a screw from the bottom of the Pro Controller grip sections—two screws in total. Then pull the grips down and off the controller itself.
Removing the grips will reveal four more screws on the back of the controller—two on each side of the grip. Remove these four screws, then use a fingernail or a thin plastic tool to gently pry the back of the controller up along the seam.
Carefully use a fingernail or plastic tool to pry out the old battery, insert the replacement battery, and then reverse the steps above to turn the controller back on. Do not dispose of the old battery!
Once finished, take a moment to inspect the old battery for deformity or swelling. If you notice any deformity or swelling, take it to a proper battery disposal site as soon as possible.
You can also store your swollen lithium-ion battery for a few days—or even weeks, if necessary—until you can bring it in for disposal. Just make sure to place it in a cool, dry place where it's not at risk of falling or puncture.
Most of the time, troubleshooting your Pro Controller is as simple as checking a few settings or connecting it to your Switch console or dock. Good luck and happy gaming!
By applying the solutions explained in this article, you can overcome common Nintendo Switch Pro Controller issues and restore your enjoyable gaming experience. If you have other issues not mentioned or if you need more help, feel free to share them in the comments.
