Hey there! I’ve been trying to use my Nintendo Switch Pro Controller on my PC, but it seems to only be working in Steam. I’ve tried using it in other games and even just checking if Windows recognizes it, but it just doesn’t seem to work. It’s like Windows knows that it’s connected, but it doesn’t trigger any buttons.
I’ve connected it via USB since I don’t have Bluetooth and I’ve tried using different external programs, but it still doesn’t work. I was wondering if you had any suggestions or ideas about what could be causing this issue and what I could do to fix it? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Introduction
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a popular game controller that can be used on both the Nintendo Switch console and on PCs. However, it is not always easy to get it to work on a PC, especially outside of Steam. In this blog post, we will explore why the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller may not be recognized by Windows, and provide some solutions to help you get it working.
Check if Windows Recognizes the Controller
The first step in getting the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to work on your PC is to check if Windows recognizes the controller. To do this, go to the Device Manager and look for the controller under the “Human Interface Devices” or “Other Devices” section. If you see the controller listed, then Windows recognizes it and the issue may be with the game or application you are trying to use it with.
If Windows does not recognize the controller, then there may be an issue with the USB connection or the controller itself. Try connecting the controller to a different USB port or using a different USB cable to see if that resolves the issue.
Install the Correct Drivers
If Windows recognizes the controller but it still does not work in games or applications, then the next step is to install the correct drivers. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller uses the same drivers as the Xbox 360 controller, so you will need to download and install the Xbox 360 controller drivers from the Microsoft website.
Once the drivers are installed, try connecting the controller to your PC again and see if it works. If it still does not work, then you may need to calibrate the controller or adjust the settings in the game or application you are using.
Calibrate the Controller
Calibrating the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller can help ensure that it is working correctly and that all of the buttons and joysticks are properly recognized by Windows. To calibrate the controller, go to the “Devices and Printers” section in the Control Panel, right-click on the controller, and select “Game controller settings”.
In the Game Controllers window, select the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and click on “Properties”. In the Properties window, click on “Calibrate” and follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate the controller. Once the calibration is complete, try using the controller in a game or application to see if it works.
Use a Third-Party Tool
If none of the above solutions work, then you may need to use a third-party tool to get the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to work on your PC. There are several third-party tools available that can help you map the controller buttons to keyboard keys or mouse buttons, which can make it easier to use the controller in games and applications.
One popular tool is JoyToKey, which allows you to map the controller buttons to keyboard keys or mouse buttons. Another option is x360ce, which emulates an Xbox 360 controller and can help you get the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to work in games that only support Xbox 360 controllers.
Conclusion
Getting the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to work on a PC can be a bit tricky, but with the right tools and settings, it is possible to get it working in most games and applications. If you are having trouble getting the controller to work, try checking if Windows recognizes it, installing the correct drivers, calibrating the controller, or using a third-party tool to map the buttons. With a little patience and persistence, you should be able to get the controller working and enjoy a more immersive gaming experience on your PC.
This is a common issue when trying to use a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller on a PC outside of Steam. The first thing I would recommend checking is to make sure that your controller is set as the primary controller in Steam’s settings. Additionally, you can try going into Steam’s Big Picture Mode and accessing the controller settings to ensure that the controller is properly configured.
Another potential issue could be that the controller driver is not properly installed or configured on your system. You can check the Device Manager on your PC to ensure that the controller is recognized and that the driver is up to date. If the driver is not present or is outdated, you can try downloading the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website and installing it manually.
Additionally, you can check if the controller is working with other games by using a software solution like x360ce. This is a free and open-source program that emulates an Xbox 360 controller and allows you to map the buttons of your controller to work with different games.
If none of these solutions work, then it could be a compatibility issue with the specific games you are trying to play. In this case, it’s best to consult the game’s developer or check online forums for solutions specific to that game.
Feel free to reach out to me if you need further help. I’ll be happy to assist you.
Great suggestion, the 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter is a hardware solution that can definitely help in this case. It is a Bluetooth adapter that connects to the PC via USB port, and it emulates an Xbox 360 gamepad which is a controller type that most PC games can easily work with. At a price point of $20, it’s a cost-effective solution that can give you the flexibility you need to use your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller on your PC.
However, if you’re looking for a software solution, it can get a bit more complicated. There are a few options available such as BetterJoyForCemu, reWASD, and x360ce. These are all free and open-source alternatives that can help you map the buttons of your controller to work with different games.
Keep in mind, however, that some games may not work with these software solutions, so you may need to do some fiddling around with the settings for each game. But don’t worry, there are a lot of resources available online like the Reddit post for BetterJoyForCemu or the PC Gamer article for x360ce to guide you through the process.