How To Sync Xbox One S Controller

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more than.

No strings on me

How to wirelessly utilize your Xbox One, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Serial Southward controller with Nintendo Switch

Xbox One Controller On Nintendo Switch Source: Rebecca Spear /iMore

Many gorging Switch gamers complain about how modest and oddly shaped the Joy-Cons are. Yous could buy the amazing Switch Pro controller, but it's a little pricey. Fortunately, if you lot already own an Xbox One or were lucky enough to score an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S, yous tin connect your Xbox controller with the Nintendo Switch and play wirelessly. Here'southward how to connect your Xbox One, Series X, or Series Southward controller with the Nintendo Switch!

Note: If you're going to play in tabletop fashion it really helps to take a Nintendo Switch stand handy and so that the cable can get plugged into the lesser of the console without event. In this guide, I'thou using the Hori Meaty Playstand.

Products used in this guide:

Mayflash Magic NS ii Wireless Adapter - Night Grey ($22 at Amazon)
8Bitdo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter two - Black ($30 at Amazon)

Which Bluetooth adapter should I go?

8bitdo Bluetooth Adapter 2 And Mayflash Magic Ns 2 Adapter Source: iMore

Of all of the Bluetooth adapters available for Xbox controllers there are 2 we recommend virtually, either the 8Bitdo Bluetooth Adapter 2 or the Magic NS 2 Adapter. They work with both Switch and Switch OLED as well as both Xbox Ane and Xbox Series S and X controllers. Both are like shooting fish in a barrel to set, but the 8Bitdo is slightly easier to use since it doesn't crave you lot to bike through specific modes. Otherwise, when choosing between the 2 information technology'southward mostly just a matter of design preference.

There are earlier versions of both of these adapters, but they won't work with the latest Xbox Controllers, so if yous're specifically looking for a dongle that works with Xbox Series Ten|S y'all'll want to brand sure to get the night gray Magic NS ii or the Black 8Bitdo Bluetooth Adapter 2.

Magic NS 2 Wireless Adapter Xbox controller in wireless tabletop style

In that location are a few dissimilar adapters you lot tin can use to setup your Xbox controller with your Switch. We'll show yous how to use the Magic-NS 2 Adapter. This method works for Switch Light, Switch, and Switch OLED.

Insert the USB-C cable that comes with the Magic-NS Adapter into the Nintendo Switch.

Source: iMore
Insert the Magic-NS Wireless Adapter into the other cease of the cable.

Source: iMore
There is a small black button on the side of the Magic-NS Adapter. You can hold it down for 3 to 5 seconds to make information technology modify modes. A unlike colored LED denotes each mode. If you accept the Nintendo Switch V2 with longer battery life or the Switch OLED, modify modes until the majestic LED lights upward. If you're using the original Nintendo Switch, you'll need to apply the scarlet LED low-cal instead of the regal i.

Source: iMore
Now that the right colored LED is lit up, quickly press and release the black button to make the LED flash faster.

Source: iMore
With the LED flashing quickly, grab your Xbox controller and press the Xbox abode button to wake information technology.

Source: iMore
Now press the small button on top of the controller to sync the adapter and controller via Bluetooth. The Xbox habitation button will showtime flashing.

Source: iMore
Hold the Xbox controller virtually the Switch until the Xbox symbol stops flashing.

Source: iMore
If this screen comes up on the Switch, press down the LB and RB buttons simultaneously.

Source: iMore
At present yous're all good to become. Enjoy wireless tabletop style!

Source: iMore

Magic NS two Adapter Xbox controller in wireless docked style

Insert the Mayflash Magic-NS 2 Adapter into one of the Nintendo Switch dock'due south USB ports. Annotation that there's only room for i Magic-NS Adapter, so you can't connect additional controllers using this method.

Source: iMore
There'south a small black push button on the adapter that you agree downwards for 3 to 5 seconds to change modes. If yous're using the Nintendo Switch V2 with longer battery life or the Switch OLED, change modes until a purple LED lights upwards. If you're using the original Nintendo Switch, you'll need to use the blood-red LED lite instead of the purple i.

Source: iMore
Quickly printing and release the pocket-size black button to brand the LED flash faster.

Source: iMore
With the correct colored LED quickly flashing on the adapter, press the home push button on the Xbox controller to wake the controller up.

Source: iMore
Press the pocket-size button on top of the controller until the Xbox symbol starts flashing. This allows the controller to sync to the Switch via Bluetooth.

Source: iMore
Hold the controller virtually the Nintendo Switch until the Xbox symbol is no longer flashing.

Source: iMore
If this screen comes upwardly, printing LB and RB at the same time.

Source: iMore
Now you lot're good to go. Savour wireless docked way.

Source: iMore

Using an existing controller instead of purchasing a new 1 can actually help you save time and coin. Nintendo likely never intended y'all to connect your Xbox Ane, Series X, or Series S controller with the Nintendo Switch, but there are ways to brand information technology happen. If y'all take any complications with the Magic-NS adapter, reach out to the manufacturer for boosted assistance.

8Bitdo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter two Xbox controller in wireless tabletop style

If you'd rather use the 8Bitdo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter two, follow these instructions. This method works for the Switch Light, Nintendo Switch, and Switch OLED in tabletop style.

Insert the 8Bitdo'southward included USB-C cablevision into the lesser of the Nintendo Switch console.
Insert the 8Bitdo adapter into the USB-C cable's USB port.

Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore
Make certain that the Switch is turned on and so press the push button on the end of the adapter to enter pairing style. You'll know you're in the right mode crusade the light will blink quickly.
Awaken the Xbox Controller by pressing the power button.

Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore
Hold down the Xbox Controller's pairing button. Yous'll know it'southward entered pairing mode when the Xbox icon flashes.
At present place the Xbox controller nigh the adapter and wait for them to pair. One time their lights stop flashing, y'all're good to play.

Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore

At present you're good to outset playing any of your favorite Nintendo Switch games with an Xbox controller. If you specifically desire help using the Xbox controller in docked style, go along reading for further instructions.

8Bitdo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter 2 Xbox controller in wireless docked mode

Plug the 8Bitdo dongle into one of the Switch Dock'southward USB ports.
Press the push button on the stop of the adapter to make the lilliputian red light wink faster. This switches it to pairing mode.

Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore
Wake up your Xbox controller by holding down the Xbox icon.
Hold down the pairing button on top of the controller. You lot'll know information technology'due south worked when the Xbox symbol starts to flash.

Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore
Place the Xbox controller nigh the adapter and wait for them to pair. One time the Xbox symbol and the adapter's low-cal are steady, you'll know they've paired.

Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore

I'grand certain that Nintendo never intended u.s. to practise things like use an Xbox controller with a Switch. However, fortunately for united states of america, we live in a wonderful modern world where third parties help us out with adapters to solve so many of gaming's little problems.

Updating the 8Bitdo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter 2 firmware

8bitdo Wireless Blutooth Adapter 2 With Other Devices Source: 8Bitdo

Occasionally new patches and updates are released for the Xbox controllers. If you're using the 8BitDo Adapter 2 rather than the Mayflash Magic-NS Adapter and it isn't working properly, it'due south probably because it needs a firmware update to match the new firmware for the controllers.

Become to https://support.8bitdo.com/firmware-updater.html.
Download the Upgrade tool for your operating system.

Source: iMore
Plug the USB dongle into your PC or Mac.
Open up 8Bitdo Firmware Updater.

Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore and iMore
Select Extract All.
Select Extract.

Source: iMore
This window should pop up. Open the file that reads 8Bitdo_Firmware_Updater.
Open the file that says 8Bitdo Firmware Updater.

Source: iMore
This window volition pop upwards. Select Update.
The firmware volition be updated. When it's finished click on Success.

Source: iMore

Once the firmware has been updated, remove the adapter from your computer and utilise it with your Switch as instructed in the in a higher place sections.

Annotation: In some cases, the controller converter doesn't work with every controller out-of-the-box. If yous follow these steps and your Xbox I controller however isn't connecting to your Switch, we recommend contacting 8Bitdo client service.

Adaptable

Mayflash Magic Ns 2 Bluetooth Adapter

Mayflash Magic NS 2 Wireless Controller Adapter

The adapter that makes it possible

This Mayflash adapter comes with a minor USB-C to USB cable to connect your Xbox One or Xbox Series Ten|Southward controller with the Nintendo Switch, whether in tabletop or docked mode. It's pocket-size and works on plenty of other controllers equally well.

If you like the idea of not having to bike through equally many modes in guild to get the adapter to piece of work with your Xbox Ane or Series X|S controller than you probably want to go with the 8Bitdo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter 2.

Wireless connection

8bitdo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter Switch Oled Xbox Windows

8Bitdo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter ii

Xbox controller adapter for Nintendo Switch

Easily play your favorite Switch games using your Xbox I or Xbox Series 10|Due south controller with the use of this adapter.

While this stand isn't necessary to connect your Xbox One controller with the Nintendo Switch, information technology really helps if you program on playing in tabletop style. It allows the adapter and cables to connect to the device more easily. What'south more than, it lifts the screen a fiddling, so you don't take to hunch over as much to come across it.

Take a stand up

Compact Playstand

Hori Compact Playstand

A correspond tabletop gaming

This stand folds into a meaty shape, making it easier to transport and store. When the Switch is in place, information technology allows whatsoever connected cables to get plugged into the console'southward USB-C port easily.

Additional products for Switch gamers

The correct accessories tin seriously raise your Switch gaming feel. Here are some that I personally love to use.

Screen protector

amFilm Nintendo Switch Glass Screen Protector (2-Pack) ($seven at Amazon)

To protect the Switch screen from scrapes and smudges, you lot'll desire to apply a screen protector. I love this 1 because it's glass, and there are two of them in case you demand to endeavour again.

PowerA Everywhere Messenger Bag

PowerA Everywhere Messenger Bag ($xl at Amazon)

Safely shop your entire Switch system, including Pro Controllers and the Dock for like shooting fish in a barrel transport. It features both a handle and a detachable shoulder strap to make traveling easier.

PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller For Nintendo Switch Black Frost

PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller (From $45 at Amazon)

If y'all'd rather purchase an officially licensed Switch controller, this i will practise the trick. Information technology can final up to 30 hours on two AA batteries. There are a few colors and designs to choose from.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more than.

Rebecca Spear

Rebecca Spear is the Games Editor for iMore. She loves playing Nintendo Switch games and is a Zelda nut through and through. On any given mean solar day you'll find her drawing, playing video games, or reading a good book. Follow her on Twitter @rrspear.