How to use Nintendo Switch controller with Mac: Connect Joy-Cons to macOS

How to use Nintendo Switch controller with Mac: Connect Joy-Cons to macOS

The is in demand at the moment, with Nintendo fans buying the modular console quicker than the company can producethem. While the Switch offers big title games like Zelda on-the-go, not many people know that the Joy-Cons are compatible, meaning Mac gamers can use them to play some of their favourite games. Here, we explain the limitations of using Joy-Con controllers on Mac, and how to connect the Nintendo Switch controller to your Mac. Read next: While the Nintendo Switch has had a rather positive launch, the same cant be said for the Joy-Con controllers well, the left Joy-Con anyway. Users are reporting that the connection of the left Joy-Con drops out frequently, and our colleagues over at PC Advisor have explained why and what you can do to remedy it here: However, while it seems the media is focusing on the negative when it comes to the Joy-Cons, they do have a hidden feature: macOS support. Like the PS4 controller, the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons communicate with the hybrid console via Bluetooth, meaning that it can also talk to a whole host of other devices too including not only Macs, but PCs or Android devices too. While iOS fans might be getting excited at this point, were sad to say that the Joy-Cons are not compatible with the iPhone or iPad. Why? TechCrunch, its due to the Bluetooth controller specification used by iOS, meaning its not compatible with the Joy-Cons nor the Pro controller. Theres also another issue for those planning to use Joy-Cons to play games on macOS: the two parts of the controller are registered as two separate controllers. This should be fine for simpler side-scrollers that only require a single analogue stick, but you wont be able to play the likes of Rocket League which requires a full controller. Were hoping a future software update will change this and recognise them as a single controller, but if were being realistic, it probably wont happen. Although it wont be the full experience, you can still use the controllers to play simpler macOS based games, and below we explain how to connect Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers to Mac. See also: Thankfully, its a straightforward process to connect your Joy-Con controllers to your Mac. In fact, its the same as if you were pairing any other Bluetooth accessory, from a keyboard to a pair of wireless headphones. For those that are still unsure, follow the steps below: Once the connection is successful, youre free to play your favourite games using your Joy-Con controller. The great thing about Macs is that the controller will work without any additional setup, although the same cant be said for PC counterparts that require an app like to map the controller layout. Read next: