How to use PS4 and Xbox controllers on Nintendo Switch [Guide]

As innovative and handy as they are, the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons don't have a professional and comfortable controller feel like the more common Xbox, PS4 or PS5 pads. Nintendo has put the Pro Controller on the market precisely to intercept that type of user who would like to play with a familiar and comfortable control system, but why spend so much money if you already have the gamepads of other consoles available?

So, is it possible to connect PS4, PS5 and Xbox controllers to the Nintendo Switch? The short answer is “of course yes”, but there is no system that is free. You need to purchase a Bluetooth adapter to plug into a USB port on the Switch. If you want to avoid adapters but still want an effective gamepad for the Switch that isn't as expensive as the official Pro Controller, we invite you to consult our recommendations for the best controllers compatible with the hybrid console.

How to connect controllers of other consoles to the Switch Use the 8bitdo bluetooth adapter Use the Mcbazel bluetooth adapter

How to connect PS4 and Xbox controllers to the Switch

In order to connect the gamepads of other consoles to your Nintendo Switch just choose between best Bluetooth adapters on the market such as 8Bitdo or Mcbazel. Although these are paid solutions, these are still costs that are much less impactful on your wallet than buying a Switch-compatible gamepad that offers the same comfort and familiarity as a PS4 or Xbox controller.

How to use 8bitdo bluetooth adapter

The 8bitdo adapter looks like any USB pen drive, but the most common and most used models on Nintendo Switch feature a design that recalls the iconic Super Mario bricks. The 8bitdo Wireless Adapter for Switch is ONLY compatible with PS5 DualSense, PS4 and PS3 DualShock, WiiU Pro and Wii controllers but NOT Xbox controllers. You can also use the adapter to connect these controllers to PC, PS Classic, Android and macOS.

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Here are all the steps to connect a PS4 or PS5 controller to the 8bitdo Bluetooth adapter, in order to use them on Nintendo Switch:

Insert the adapter into a USB port the Switch docking station; Turn on the Switch; Use the Joy-Cons or a controller already attached to the Switch to navigate to System Settings; Select  controls and sensors ; Select Pro Controller wired communication; Press OK; Press the key on the dongle to enter pairing mode; Simultaneously press the PlayStation and Share buttons on the controller. If the controller light flashes, it means it is connecting to the adapter. When the controller stops flashing, it has paired with the Switch. The console should also recognize the presence of a gamepad.

How to use Mcbazel Mayflash bluetooth adapter

The most common Mcbazel adapter is similar to that of a USB stick. The device needs a USB cable for the first connection of the controllers to the Switch, but the gamepads that can be used with this adapter are many, including Xbox, PS4, PS5 and even Sega Mega Drive and Sega Genesis Mini. This bluetooth adapter also supports vibration, gyroscope and PS4 wireless headphones.

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Below we leave you the instructions to pair the controllers to the Mcbazel Bluetooth adapter connected to your Switch:

Insert the adapter into a USB port on the Switch docking station; Turn on the Switch; Use the Joy-Cons or a controller already attached to the Switch to navigate to System Settings; Select  controls and sensors ; Select Pro Controller wired communication; Press OK; Connect the desired controller to the adapter using a compatible USB cable; Wait for the Switch to notify you that it has found a controller; If the controller in question is also Bluetooth, you can disconnect the USB cable after the first connection so you can use the pads wirelessly; Attention: it is possible that the PS4 gamepad combined with the Switch has the layout of the keys configured in the Japanese style, i.e. with the inputs of the circle and x reversed. To use the Western key layout, press the Option and X keys for a few seconds.