Nintendo Switch Pro Controller: How To Turn On

Hey guys! So you've got your awesome Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, and you're ready to dive into some epic gaming sessions. But wait, how do you actually turn the darn thing on? Don't worry, it's super simple, and I'm here to walk you through it. We'll cover everything from the initial pairing to getting it back up and running for your next gaming marathon. So grab your controller, and let's get started!

The First Steps: Pairing Your Pro Controller

Alright, first things first, you need to pair your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller with your Nintendo Switch console. This is like introducing your controller to your Switch so they know each other. If this is the very first time you're using your Pro Controller, or if you've reset it, you'll need to go through this pairing process. It's a one-time thing for each console, so once it's paired, you won't have to do it again unless you need to connect it to a different Switch or if something goes wonky. To get started, make sure your Nintendo Switch console is powered on and you're on the HOME Menu. You'll want to navigate to the 'Controllers' option. You can find this right there on the main HOME Menu bar, usually one of the first icons you see. Once you select 'Controllers', you'll see a few options, and the one you're looking for is 'Change Grip/Order'. Don't let the name fool you; this is where you manage all your controller connections. Now, here comes the crucial part for turning on and pairing your Pro Controller. You need to press and hold the SYNC Button on the Pro Controller. Where is this magical SYNC Button, you ask? It's located on the top edge of the Pro Controller, right between the USB-C charging port and the other buttons. It's a small, round button, so you might need to look closely. Press and hold this SYNC Button for a few seconds until the Player Indicator Lights on the bottom of the controller start to flash. These lights are super important because they show you the connection status. Once they're flashing, you'll see your Pro Controller appear on the Switch's screen in the 'Change Grip/Order' menu. At this point, you just need to press any button on your Pro Controller (like the A button or the Home button) to confirm the connection. And voilà! Your Pro Controller is now paired with your Nintendo Switch. The Player Indicator Lights will change from flashing to a solid light, showing you which player number your controller is assigned. Pretty neat, huh?

Turning On Your Paired Pro Controller

Now that your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is paired, turning it on is even simpler. For subsequent uses, you don't need to mess with the SYNC Button anymore. Just ensure your Nintendo Switch console is powered on. Then, all you need to do is press the Home Button on your Pro Controller. The Home Button is the one with the little house icon on it, usually located in the center of the controller, between the analog sticks. Pressing this button will instantly wake up your Pro Controller and connect it to your Switch. You'll see the Player Indicator Lights illuminate, showing a solid color, and you'll be ready to game in seconds. It's that easy! This is the most common way you'll be turning on your controller after the initial setup. It's designed for quick and seamless access, so you can jump right into the action without any fuss. If your Switch is in sleep mode, pressing the Home Button on the Pro Controller will also wake up the console and connect the controller simultaneously. This is a fantastic feature that saves you a few extra button presses. So, remember: for pairing, it's the SYNC Button. For everyday use, it's the Home Button. Easy peasy!

What If It's Not Turning On or Connecting?

Okay, so sometimes, technology throws us a curveball, right? If your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller isn't turning on or connecting, don't panic! There are a few common culprits and easy fixes. First, check the battery. Your Pro Controller runs on a rechargeable battery, and if it's dead, it won't turn on. The easiest way to fix this is to plug it in. Use the USB-C cable that came with your controller (or any compatible USB-C cable) and connect it to the port on the top of the controller. Then, plug the other end into your Nintendo Switch dock or any USB power adapter. You should see the orange LED on the top of the controller light up, indicating it's charging. Let it charge for at least 15-30 minutes, and then try turning it on again by pressing the Home Button. If it's still not working, let's think about re-pairing. Sometimes the connection can get a little fuzzy. Go back to your Switch's HOME Menu, navigate to 'Controllers' > 'Change Grip/Order'. Then, press and hold the SYNC Button on your Pro Controller until the lights flash. Your Switch should detect it again, and you can press any button on the controller to re-establish the connection. Another thing to consider is firmware updates. Nintendo occasionally releases updates for the Pro Controller to improve performance and fix bugs. To check for updates, make sure your Pro Controller is connected to your Switch. Go to 'System Settings' on your Switch, scroll down to 'Controllers and Sensors', and then select 'Update Controllers'. Follow the on-screen prompts. If your controller isn't even showing up on the Switch, this might not be an option, but it's good to keep in mind if you can get it to connect momentarily. Lastly, ensure your Nintendo Switch console's system software is up to date. Go to 'System Settings' > 'System' > 'System Update'. A lot of controller issues can be resolved with the latest system software. If none of these steps work, and you've tried charging it, re-pairing it, and checking for updates, it might be worth checking if there's any physical damage or if the controller is faulty. But honestly, most of the time, a simple charge or re-pair does the trick. Give these a shot, and you should be back to gaming in no time, guys!

Keeping Your Pro Controller Charged

So, we touched on charging when troubleshooting, but it's super important to know how to keep your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller juiced up for those long gaming sessions. The Pro Controller has a built-in rechargeable battery, which is awesome because you don't need to constantly buy AA batteries like with the Joy-Cons. To charge it, you'll use the USB-C port located on the top edge of the controller. Simply plug one end of a USB-C cable into the controller and the other end into your Nintendo Switch dock (when it's connected to the TV and plugged into the wall), or into a compatible USB power adapter. While the controller is charging, you'll see a small orange LED light illuminate near the USB-C port. This light indicates that the controller is actively charging. Once the charging is complete, this orange light will turn off. A full charge usually takes about a few hours, and it provides a pretty impressive amount of playtime – often around 40 hours, depending on the features you're using like vibration intensity. To maximize your playtime, it's a good habit to charge your Pro Controller whenever you're not using it, especially if you've been playing for a while and notice the battery is getting low. You can check the current battery level of your Pro Controller on your Nintendo Switch by going to the HOME Menu. You'll see a small battery icon next to the controller's icon in the 'Controllers' menu or sometimes right on the HOME Menu itself if the controller is connected. This lets you know when it's time to plug it in. Keeping it charged means you're always ready for spontaneous gaming moments, and you won't be caught with a dead controller when your favorite game is calling your name. So, just remember to plug it in, guys, and you'll be good to go!

Conclusion: Game On!

And there you have it, folks! Turning on and using your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a breeze once you know the simple steps. Remember, the SYNC Button is your best friend for the initial pairing, and the Home Button is your go-to for powering it on and connecting it for all your subsequent gaming adventures. Don't forget to keep it charged using the USB-C cable and the handy orange charging indicator. If you run into any hiccups, a quick check of the battery, a re-pair, or a firmware update usually sorts things out. Now you're all set to enjoy the superior comfort and precision of the Pro Controller. So grab your favorite game, settle in, and happy gaming, everyone!