How to use a Switch Pro Controller on PC
This guide will show you how to use a Switch Pro Controller on a Windows 10 PC. Windows 10 comes with built-in support for Switch Pro Controllers so it will work with the majority of games that support controllers without additional drivers. Games can be launched through Steam to enable controller support in any game or application on PC. The Switch Pro Controller can be used alongside Steam for further features and configuration options; Steam can easily be used to map the analog sticks to mouse inputs making mouse-focused games such as first-person shooters much easier to play.
BetterJoy can be installed to use a Switch Pro Controller for Windows 7, the controller will emulate an Xbox 360 Controller making it compatible with all games that support controllers.
Required Downloads:
- Steam
- BetterJoyforCemu (Optional / for Windows 7)
Steam (Recommended)
- Steam features built-in native support for Switch Pro Controllers
- You can enable controller support for any game or emulator by adding Non-Steam games to your Steam library
- Easily map keyboard keys and mouse inputs to your controller
USB-C to USB-A Cable
- The Switch Pro Controller requires a USB-C cable for a wired connection to your PC
- A USB-C cable is required to charge the Switch Pro Controller
- USB-C to USB-C cable can also be used if your computer features a USB-C port
8BitDo Switch Controller Bluetooth Adapter
- A Bluetooth adapter or dongle is required to connect the Switch Pro Controller to your PC wirelessly
- The 8BitDo adapter will automatically configure your controller and emulate the Xbox 360 Controller
- It is the best hassle-free solution, no additional drivers or apps such as BetterJoyforCemu required
- Works with all games and Steam out-of-the-box
- Works with PC, mac OS, Switch and Android (via OTG cable)
- Can also be used to connect Dualshock and Xbox controllers on all compatible platforms (despite the name)
Connecting Switch Pro Controller in Windows 10
In Windows 10, your Switch Pro Controller should connect and work via USB.
The Switch Pro Controller can be paired with your PC via Bluetooth and work wirelessly.
- On your PC, go to [Settings] -> [Bluetooth & other devices]
- Select [Add Bluetooth or other device]
- Select [Bluetooth]
- Select your Pro Controller from the list of available Bluetooth devices
- Your Switch Pro Controller will be paired with your PC and work wirelessly
BetterJoyforCemu
Windows 7 is not natively compatible with the Switch Pro Controller, however BetterJoyforCemu by Davidobot can be installed to emulate an Xbox 360 Controller for Windows making it compatible with virtually any game that supports controllers. These drivers can also be installed on Windows 10 if you prefer to emulate the Xbox 360 Controller or if you’re simply having connectivity issues with the alleged “native” support. The BetterJoy driver enables support for Switch Pro, Joy-Cons and the SNES Controller for Switch on Windows. They will appear as Xbox 360 Controllers and be fully compatible with all games that support controllers. BetterJoyforCemu does have some compatibility issues with Steam (Big Picture Mode) that need to be ironed out using HID Guardian before they will play nice together.
| Installation Instructions | Download Link |
| FAQ & Problems | HID Guardian / Steam |
Enable Controller Support with Steam
Not all PC games support controllers and some can only be played with a keyboard & mouse. Controller support can be added to nearly any game with great results using Steam’s built-in controller configurations. This makes first-person shooters and other mouse-focused games very playable with controllers.
- Launch SteamRun Steam as administrator if your required game is also launched with administrator privileges
- In the top-left corner of the window, select [Steam] -> [Settings] -> [Controller]
- Select [General Controller Settings] -> Check [Xbox Configuration Support]
BetterJoy emulates an Xbox 360 Controller from Pro Controller / Joy-Con inputs. If you are using BetterJoyforCemu, only check [Xbox Configuration Support] - From the main Steam window, select [Library] -> [Add Game] at the bottom left
- Select the executable
.exefile for your game - Select your game and click [Controller Configuration] below the [Play] button
- The controller will appear as an Xbox 360 Controller if you are using BetterJoy
Here, you can map the controller buttons to near endless possibility of keyboard or mouse functions. Additional options such as Toggle and Rapid Fire can be found under [Show Activators].
You can map your analog stick to the relative mouse movement, with additional settings such as sensitivity available. This makes it very easy to setup your controller for mouse-based games like first-person shooters.
You can also map your analog stick to 8-way directions using WASD or Arrow keys.
Launch your game and your custom controller configuration will be active while the game is running.
If your controller works in the Steam Settings but not in game:
- In Steam, launch Big Picture Mode from the top right icon
- Select [Library] then select your game
- Select [Manage Shortcut] -> [Controller Options]
- Ensure [Allow Desktop Configuration in Launcher] is unchecked
