I have a Nintendo Switch and Xbox One.
Recently my Xbox One controller stopped working, probably because of old age. I had used it for more than seven years.
I didn’t want to spend money on a new Xbox One controller.
Which got me thinking…..
Can the Nintendo Switch controller work on the Xbox One? After several attempts to connect my Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controller and Switch Pro controller to the Xbox One via Bluetooth, and using a USB cable, and after several minutes of online research, I found it is not possible to connect a Nintendo Switch controller to the Xbox One.
With this information, I was out of luck and had to fork out money for a new Xbox One controller.
Why can’t the Nintendo Switch controller work on the Xbox One?
A few reasons come to mind as to why you can’t play the Xbox One using a Nintendo Switch controller.
1: No third-party adapter exists to enable you to connect the Nintendo Switch controller to the Xbox One.
2: The Xbox One doesn’t have drivers for Nintendo Switch controllers. Drivers are several files that allow hardware devices like the Xbox One and the Nintendo Switch controller to communicate with each other via an operating system. Without drivers, these devices cannot send and receive data from each other.
3: While Nintendo Switch controllers and the Xbox One both use Bluetooth they are not compatible. The Switch controllers could be using a different messaging format on Bluetooth than what the Xbox One uses. So, the devices can’t communicate.
4: From a business point of view, I’m sure Microsoft wouldn’t want you to be able to use a Nintendo Switch controller or any other game control that isn’t an Xbox One controller with their console. Allowing that would lead to the loss of revenue from Xbox One accessories. That’s why they make it difficult or impossible to use any other controller with the Xbox one.
Can you use an Xbox One controller on the Nintendo Switch?
Once my new Xbox One controller arrived another question came to mind.
Could I use my new Xbox One controller with the Switch?
I know a lot of avid Nintendo Switch gamers have issues with how small Joy-Con controllers are, and the Nintendo Switch Pro controller, which is a better gamepad to use with Switch, can be pricey.
So, if you already have an Xbox One or managed to get your hands on the new Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X, you’ll be happy to know you can use Xbox controllers with the Nintendo Switch.
To do this, however, you’ll need to purchase the Mayflash Magic-NS Wireless Bluetooth Controller Adapter or any other third-party controllers adapter.
How to connect the Xbox One controller to the Nintendo Switch
You can hook up the Xbox One controller to the Nintendo Switch when the console is docked or in tablet mode.
To do it in tablet mode follow these steps:
1: Place the Nintendo Switch in tablet mode.
2: The Mayflash Magic-NS Wireless Bluetooth Controller Adapter comes with a USB-C cable. Insert this cable into the Nintendo Switch USB port at the bottom of the console.
3: Plug the other end of the USB cable into the Mayflash Magic-NS Wireless Adapter.
4: On the side of the Mayflash Magic-NS Adapter is a small black button. Pressing this button for a few seconds will change modes on the adapter. The adapter’s various modes are indicated by a different color. If you have the original Nintendo Switch press the black button until the Red LED lights up. If you have the newer Switch with extended battery life, wait for the Purple light.
5: Once the adapter is in the correct mode for your Switch, quickly press and release the black button. This will make the LED light flash faster, and the adapter will enter pairing mode.
6: Take the Xbox One controller and press its home button to wake the controller.
7: Move close to the Nintendo Switch. At the top of the Xbox One controller press the small button to pair the controller to the adapter. When you press the button the controller’s home button will flash. Hold the controller until the home button stops flashing.
8: Check your Nintendo Switch screen. If there is an image of a controller, press the LB and RB buttons on the Xbox One controller simultaneously. After doing this you should be able to play your favorite Nintendo Switch game using the Xbox One controller.
How to use an Xbox One controller with the Nintendo Switch docked
1: Plug the Mayflash Magic-NS Controller Adapter into one of the Switch’s dock USB ports.
2: Press and hold the small black button on the controller adapter to change modes. Again, if you have the original Nintendo Switch press the black button until the Red LED lights up. If you have the newer Switch with extended battery life, wait for the Purple light.
3: Press and release the black button to make the LED light flash.
4: As the light flashes, wake your Xbox One controller by pressing its home button.
5: On the top of the Xbox One controller there is a small button. Press it and the Xbox symbol will start flashing. This will enable the controller and the Nintendo Switch to sync via Bluetooth.
6: If a screen comes up on your Nintendo Switch, press LB and RB buttons on your controller simultaneously.
That’s it. Once you complete the above process the Nintendo Switch will be playable using the Xbox One controller.
Nintendo definitely wouldn’t like you to use the Xbox One controller with the Switch, but thanks to technology it is possible.
So, if you have an Xbox One controller laying around somewhere, put it to good use.
Using the console will also save you money if you had considered purchasing the Nintendo Switch Pro controller for a better Switch gaming experience.