The right and left Joy-Con each connect as individual controllers to a system, so if you connect both of them wirelessly then it counts as 2 controllers. It also includes shoulder buttons and triggers on both sides, so you can use it for Switch games that a standard GameCube controller wouldn’t be able to handle.

The Joy-Con grip is fine — we'll get to just how well it can work later on — but a proper controller makes the Switch feel much more like a home console. It doesn't matter if you prefer fast first-person shooters or slow narrative-driven experiences, our list of the best Nintendo Switch controllers has a gamepad for you. We'll also include a list of frequently asked controller-related questions at the bottom. There isn't a simple answer to this question, as it's largely dependent on the player's needs. For instance, a person who plays single-player games can get away with only having a Pro Controller or even the Joy-Con that comes in the box. Likewise, that same player might love shooters such as Fortnite or Apex Legends, so a Pro Controller is best, as it features a more traditional layout. Even if the Joy-Con controllers are attached to the Joy-Con grip, it counts as two controllers being connected. Yes, these are the basic controllers that come with the Nintendo Switch, but having a few spares is handy, especially with the number of local co-op games available on the Switch.

How do you disconnect/reconnect a wireless controller?

This can be done selecting System Settings from the HOME Menu, followed by Controllers and Sensors, then Disconnect Controllers. Do the Joy-Con need to be held vertically or horizontally?

Chris was a PCWorld columnist for two years. He founded PCWorld's "World Beyond Windows" column, which covered the latest developments in open-source operating systems like Linux and Chrome OS. Beyond the column, he wrote about everything from Windows to tech travel tips. In most circumstances, up to eight wireless controllers can be paired to the console. However, the maximum number of controllers that can be paired will vary depending on the type of controllers and features that are used. For example: No, this isn’t a new lookalike GameCube controller meant to emulate the real thing — the Nintendo Switch actually supports the classic GameCube controller with the use of a special adapter. Nintendo's own accessories — as well as most third-party options — don't allow for much in the way of customization. The Esywen wireless Switch controller is an exception to that, offering a similar layout to the Pro Controller, but with several options to give you the ideal gaming experience. The controller features adjustable turbo and dual motors, both of which have three different levels to select, and retains the motion control functionality of the Pro Controller. It also pairs via Bluetooth and comes with a three-year warranty and technical support in case you run into any problems.The motion included is more precise than the action you might have experienced with the Wii Remotes. Users describe HD Rumble as a way to feel the sounds from your game. It’s a more refined version of the vibrations you’ve felt from other controllers. HD Rumble features a higher degree of vibrations with variable speeds to enhance immersion. The built-in NFC reader is made specifically for amiibo, which are the little Nintendo figures that you can scan into participating games. Example: Four people can play, each person using one left Joy-Con and one right Joy-Con controller. A wireless controller can be temporarily disconnected from a Nintendo Switch system by holding down the SYNC Button on that controller for at least one second. When the Joy-Con controllers are attached to the Nintendo Switch console, they do not count against the number of controllers that can be connected. Even if the Joy-Con controllers are attached to the Joy-Con grip, it counts as 2 controllers that are connected.

When attached to the Switch, the Joy-Cons are nearly perfect, offering much better control over your game than you’d get with an older Nintendo system or even the PlayStation Vita. You can even hand one to another player to play some Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (or other multiplayer game) on the go. These Joy-Cons work with the newer Switch OLED model, as well.The Nintendo Switch is one of the bestselling consoles of all time, and with the Switch Lite and the Switch OLED , that shouldn't change anytime soon. Nintendo paid a lot of attention to playing on the go when designing the Switch, and, thankfully, there are numerous ways to enjoy your system in the living room, too. The SN30 Pro+, which includes Steam Big Picture support, works well with macOS, Android, and Windows. Even though it’s compatible with macOS, you should know the SN30 Pro+ doesn’t appear to work with iPhones or iPads. How do you delete the pairing information on a Nintendo Switch system for all wireless controllers? Chris Hoffman is the former Editor-in-Chief of How-To Geek. Chris has personally written over 2,000 articles that have been read more than one billion times---and that's just here at How-To Geek.