Switch 1 controllers are not compatible with Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 1 controllers — both Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers — will not work with Switch 2. The two consoles use different wireless connection methods, so your existing controllers cannot pair with the new system. You will need to buy new controllers designed for Switch 2, or use the controllers that come with your console.
This is a hard break, not a software limitation that might change later. Nintendo has confirmed that Switch 1 and Switch 2 controllers are not cross-compatible in either direction. A Switch 2 controller will not work on a Switch 1 either.
Key Takeaways
- Switch 1 Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers cannot connect to Switch 2 due to different wireless technology between the two systems.
- Switch 2 comes with controllers in the box, so you can play immediately without buying extras.
- If you want additional controllers for multiplayer, you will need to purchase Switch 2 controllers, which are sold separately.
- Your Switch 1 controllers will continue to work on your original console if you keep it.
Why the controllers are not compatible
Switch 1 uses Bluetooth wireless technology to connect Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers to the console. Switch 2 uses a different wireless protocol that is not backward compatible. This means the pairing process and the signal itself are fundamentally different — it is not a matter of updating software or flipping a setting.
Nintendo made this choice to improve controller responsiveness and reduce latency on the new hardware. The trade-off is that you cannot bring your existing controllers forward. This is similar to how PlayStation 4 controllers do not work on PlayStation 5, or how Xbox One controllers do not work on Xbox Series X.
What controllers come with Switch 2
Switch 2 includes two controllers in the box. These are the standard controllers for the system and work the same way Joy-Cons do on Switch 1 — they attach to the sides of the console or detach for handheld or tabletop play. You can play most games with just these two controllers right out of the box.
If you want a traditional controller that does not attach to the console, Switch 2 will have a Pro Controller available for separate purchase, similar to Switch 1. The Pro Controller is optional and designed for players who prefer a standard gamepad layout.
Buying additional Switch 2 controllers
If you need more than two controllers for multiplayer games, you will need to buy additional Switch 2 controllers. These are sold in pairs or individually at most retailers that carry Nintendo products. Prices vary by retailer, but expect them to cost roughly the same as Switch 1 controllers did at launch.
You can mix and match — use the controllers that came with your console plus purchased extras. You can also buy the Pro Controller if you prefer that style. All Switch 2 controllers work together on the same console.
What to do with your old Switch 1 controllers
Your Switch 1 controllers remain fully functional on your original Switch 1 console. If you plan to keep your Switch 1, you can continue using those controllers there. Some households keep both consoles, which means your old controllers still have a purpose.
If you no longer use your Switch 1, you can sell the controllers separately or as part of a bundle. Used Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers have resale value, particularly if they are in good condition and do not have stick drift issues.
Controller features on Switch 2
Switch 2 controllers include some improvements over Switch 1 controllers. They have better haptic feedback — the vibration feels more precise and realistic. The analog sticks are designed to be more durable and resist stick drift, a common problem that affected many Switch 1 Joy-Cons over time.
The new controllers also have larger buttons and a slightly different shape based on feedback from Switch 1 players. If you had complaints about the size or feel of Switch 1 Joy-Cons, the Switch 2 controllers address some of those concerns.
Games that require specific controllers
Most Switch 2 games will work with any controller type — the standard controllers, the Pro Controller, or multiple controllers of mixed types. A few games may have specific controller requirements, but this is rare. Check the game's description on the Nintendo eShop if you are unsure whether a particular game works with your controller setup.
Nintendo has not announced any games that require controllers you cannot buy, so you should not run into a situation where you own a game but cannot play it due to controller incompatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Switch 1 Pro Controller on Switch 2?
No. Switch 1 Pro Controllers use the same Bluetooth technology as Joy-Cons and are not compatible with Switch 2. You will need a Switch 2 Pro Controller if you want that style of controller on the new console.
Will Switch 2 controllers work on my Switch 1?
No. The incompatibility goes both directions. Switch 2 controllers are designed only for Switch 2 and will not pair with a Switch 1 console.
Do I have to buy new controllers if I already own Switch 1 controllers?
Yes, if you want to play Switch 2. However, Switch 2 comes with two controllers in the box, so you can start playing without buying anything extra. You only need to purchase additional controllers if you want more than two for multiplayer games.
Are Switch 2 controllers more expensive than Switch 1 controllers were?
Pricing has not been officially confirmed, but Nintendo typically prices new console controllers similarly to the previous generation at launch. Check Nintendo's official store or major retailers for current prices once Switch 2 controllers are available for purchase.
What if my Switch 1 controllers have stick drift — can I fix them instead of buying new ones?
You can repair stick drift on Switch 1 controllers through Nintendo's repair service or with third-party repair shops. However, this does not solve the compatibility issue — those controllers still will not work on Switch 2. Repairing them makes sense only if you plan to keep using your Switch 1.