How to Hold the Joy-Con (Single and Multiplayer)

Instructions to set up or change the holding position on the Joy-Con controllers for single and multiplayer games on Nintendo Switch.

Background Information:

While being used as wireless controllers, the Joy-Con can be held in different positions:

Vertically

How to Hold the Joy-Con Vertical Hold

As a single controller (dual-controller grip) or as individual controllers (solo remote grip)


Horizontally

How to Hold the Joy-Con Horizontal Hold

As individual controllers (solo horizontal grip)


While you can navigate the HOME Menu using the Joy-Con in the different holding positions, the holding position within each game will depend on the single and multiplayer options for that software. For example,

  • Some games, such as Snipperclips - Cut it out together!, allow you to use the Joy-Con only in solo horizontal grip.

  • Other games, such as Super Bomberman R, allow you to use the Joy-Con in single player as dual-controller grip or as solo horizontal grip, while using the Joy-Con in multiplayer allows for solo horizontal grip only.

What to Do:

To set or change the holding position for the Joy-Con.

  1. From the HOME Menu, select "Controllers" > "Change Grip/Order."

    • Any wireless controllers paired to the console will be temporarily disconnected.

  2. Depending on the holding position to be used, press the buttons on the Joy-Con as follows:

As a dual-controller grip

How to Hold the Joy-Con Dual Controller Grip

L Button (on left Joy-Con) + R Button (on right Joy-Con) or, ZL Button (on left Joy-Con) + ZR Button (on right Joy-Con)


As a solo horizontal grip

How to Hold the Joy-Con Solo Horizontal

SL Button + SR Button on each Joy-Con you wish to use horizontally


Important:

If the console is powered off or set to sleep mode, the Joy-Con holding position will automatically revert back to dual-controller grip.