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    Unable to Pair or Sync Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

    Description:

    You are unable to sync a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to the Nintendo Switch console.

    Additional Information:

    • In normal circumstances, up to eight wireless controllers can be connected to a Nintendo Switch console at one time; however, the maximum number of controllers that can be used will vary depending on the type of controllers, the features and the software being used.
    • When a Bluetooth audio device is connected, no more than two wireless controllers can be connected. Disconnect the Bluetooth audio device in order to connect a third wireless controller.
    • If the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller cannot power on, click here.

    Important:

    In order to use the Pro Controller, some games such as Sonic Mania may require that the Joy-Con controllers be detached from the Nintendo Switch console while in handheld or tabletop mode.

    Which are you using?


    What to Do:

    1. Ensure your console has the latest system version.
      • If your console is already up to date, restart it by holding down the POWER Button for three seconds, then selecting "Power Options", followed by "Restart".
    2. If you are using a Nintendo Switch dock with LAN port, update the firmware for the dock.
    3. Verify that you are using the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
      • Regardless of the colour or edition (black, Splatoon 2 Edition, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Edition), the model number on the back of the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is HAC-013.
      • If a different controller is being used, replacing it with model HAC-013 may resolve the issue.
    4. While the console is powered on, place it in the Nintendo Switch dock and connect the Pro Controller using the included USB charging cable in order to pair it to the console. Then press any button on the Pro Controller to power it on.
    5. If the Pro Controller cannot be paired using the USB charging cable, try the following:
      • Reset the Pro Controller by pressing the SYNC Button once, then press any other button on the controller to power it on again.
      • Use a different USB port on the dock.
      • Use a different USB charging cable.
      • If possible, use a different dock.
        • If it is suspected that the issue is with the original dock, click here.
      • Pair the Pro Controller wirelessly.

    Situation Not Resolved:

    If the Pro Controller cannot be paired to the Nintendo Switch console, either wirelessly or via the USB charging cable, the Pro Controller will need to be repaired.

    Please click here to book a repair.

    What to Do:

    1. Ensure your console has the latest system version.
      • If your console is already up to date, restart it by holding down the POWER Button for three seconds, then selecting "Power Options", followed by "Restart".
    2. If you are using a Nintendo Switch dock with LAN port, update the firmware for the dock.
    3. Verify that you are using the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
      • Regardless of the colour or edition (black, Splatoon 2 Edition, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Edition), the model number on the back of the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is HAC-013.
      • If a different controller is being used, replacing it with model HAC-013 may resolve the issue.
    4. While the console is powered on, place it in the Nintendo Switch dock and connect the Pro Controller using the included USB charging cable in order to pair it to the console. Then press any button on the Pro Controller to power it on.
    5. If the Pro Controller cannot be paired using the USB charging cable, try the following:
      • Reset the Pro Controller by pressing the SYNC Button once, then press any other button on the controller to power it on again.
      • Use a different USB port on the dock.
      • Use a different USB charging cable.
      • If possible, use a different dock.
        • If it is suspected that the issue is with the original dock, click here.
      • Pair the Pro Controller wirelessly.

    Situation Not Resolved:

    If the Pro Controller cannot be paired to the Nintendo Switch console, either wirelessly or via the USB charging cable, the Pro Controller will need to be repaired.

    Please click here to book a repair.

    Important:

    The Pro Controller can be used as a wired controller with Nintendo Switch Lite using a licensed accessory.

    What to Do:

    1. Ensure your console has the latest system version.
      • If your console is already up to date, restart it by holding down the POWER Button for three seconds, then select "Power Options", followed by "Restart".
    2. Verify that you are using the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
      • Regardless of the colour or edition (black, Splatoon 2 Edition, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Edition), the model number on the back of the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is HAC-013.
      • If a different controller is being used, replacing it with model HAC-013 may resolve the issue.
    3. Ensure that the Pro Controller has power by connecting the Nintendo Switch AC adapter or another compatible AC adapter. Requirements for compatible AC adapters can be found in the Important information leaflet.
    4. Reset the Pro Controller by pressing the SYNC Button once, then press any other button on the controller to power it on again. Then pair it wirelessly.
    5. If the issue persists, you can also pair the Pro Controller to a Nintendo Switch Lite system via a USB charging cable using a licensed accessory, such as the Dual USB PlayStand for Nintendo Switch Lite from HORI.

    Situation Not Resolved:

    If the Pro Controller cannot be paired to the Nintendo Switch Lite system, the Pro Controller will need to be repaired.

    Please click here to book a repair.

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