You've got a Nintendo Switch. You also have a beautiful, ergonomic Xbox Series X controller sitting on your shelf, looking way more comfortable than those tiny Joy-Cons. It’s a natural thought. Why buy a $70 Pro Controller when you already own the gold standard of gamepads?
Using an xbox controller to nintendo switch isn't just a pipe dream. It’s actually a very common setup for competitive Smash players and casual Mario Kart fans alike. But here’s the kicker: Nintendo and Microsoft don’t exactly play nice out of the box. You can’t just go into the Bluetooth settings on your Switch and expect the Xbox button to start flashing and sync up. It won't happen. The protocols are different. Nintendo uses a proprietary handshake for their wireless tech, and Microsoft sticks to their own version of Bluetooth and Xbox Wireless.
So, you need a bridge. Honestly, it’s a bit of a "hacker-lite" experience, but it’s remarkably stable once you set it up.
Why People Actually Do This
The Joy-Cons are engineering marvels, sure. But let’s be real. They drift. The buttons are clicky and small. For anyone with hands larger than a toddler’s, playing Breath of the Wild for four hours on Joy-Cons is a recipe for a hand cramp.
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The Xbox Wireless Controller has better analog sticks. They have more tension. The triggers feel like actual triggers, not just buttons. Plus, if you already own an Xbox, you’re saving a significant chunk of change. Why spend more money on a Pro Controller that feels slightly "mushy" compared to the crisp tactile feedback of an Xbox Series X/S pad?
There is one big trade-off, though. You lose the HD Rumble. You also lose the Amiibo scanning functionality because the Xbox controller doesn't have an NFC reader hidden under the thumbstick. Most people don't care about that during a 2 AM Apex Legends session, but it’s worth noting.
The Magic Middleman: Choosing Your Adapter
Since the Switch won't talk to the Xbox controller directly, you need a USB dongle. There are two kings in this space: the 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter 2 and the Mayflash MAGIC-NS.
I’ve spent hundreds of hours with both. The 8BitDo (usually the brown brick-looking one) is the most popular. It’s tiny. It looks like a Mario block. It’s dead simple. You plug it into the USB port on the side of the Switch dock, press the pair button, and you’re basically good to go. The Mayflash is a bit more industrial but often supports more types of controllers and has a slightly better latency track record for some users.
If you’re playing in handheld mode, you’ll need a USB-C to USB-A OTG (On-The-Go) cable to plug these adapters into the bottom of the tablet. It’s a bit clunky looking. Imagine a dongle hanging off a cable hanging off your Switch. It’s not elegant, but it works perfectly.
The Bluetooth Catch
Here is a detail that trips everyone up. Not every Xbox controller works. If you have an ancient Xbox One controller from 2013—the ones where the plastic around the Xbox button is a separate piece from the faceplate—it won't work. Those don't have Bluetooth. You need the newer ones that came out with the Xbox One S or the current Series X/S controllers.
Basically, if the plastic around the guide button is part of the main face of the controller, you're golden.
Setting Up Your Xbox Controller to Nintendo Switch
Don't just plug it in and get frustrated when nothing happens. There is a specific setting you have to toggle in the Switch menus. If you miss this, the console will ignore the adapter entirely.
- Go to System Settings on your Switch home screen.
- Scroll down to Controllers and Sensors.
- Find Pro Controller Wired Communication and flip it to ON.
This is counter-intuitive because your Xbox controller is wireless. But the Switch treats the USB adapter as a "wired" Pro Controller. If that setting is off, the adapter can't pass the signals through.
Once that's done, you plug your 8BitDo or Mayflash into the dock. A light will start flashing. Press the pair button on the adapter, then hold the pair button on your Xbox controller. They’ll find each other in about five seconds. The controller will vibrate, and suddenly, you’re navigating the eShop with an offset analog stick. It feels weirdly satisfying.
The A/B/X/Y Headache
We need to talk about the buttons. This is the biggest hurdle for your muscle memory.
On an Xbox controller, 'A' is at the bottom and 'B' is on the right. On a Nintendo controller, 'A' is on the right and 'B' is at the bottom. They are exactly swapped. When the game tells you to "Press A to jump," and you press the button labeled 'A' on your Xbox controller, the Switch thinks you pressed 'B'.
You will fail quick-time events. You will accidentally exit menus when you meant to confirm.
Most high-end adapters like the 8BitDo allow you to remap buttons via software on your PC. You can actually swap the inputs so that when you press the physical 'A' button on the Xbox pad, it sends the 'A' signal to the Switch. It makes the labels on the controller wrong, but it makes your brain much happier.
Dealing with Input Lag
Is there lag? Technically, yes. You are adding a processing layer between the controller and the console.
However, for 99% of games, you won't feel it. If you’re a frame-perfect Super Smash Bros. Ultimate pro, you might notice a few milliseconds of delay. But for Mario Odyssey, The Witcher 3, or Splatoon, it’s negligible. The 8BitDo Adapter 2 uses Bluetooth 4.0/5.0 which is fast enough that the human eye and thumb generally can't distinguish the difference between it and a native Pro Controller.
If you feel lag, it’s usually interference. If your Switch dock is tucked behind a massive 4K TV or next to a high-powered Wi-Fi router, the signal might struggle. Use a USB extension cable to bring the adapter out into the open. It sounds like overkill. It actually works.
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What About Motion Controls?
This is the surprising part. The Xbox controller doesn't have a gyroscope. Nintendo games love gyros.
If you’re playing Splatoon 3, you’re going to have a bad time. You won't be able to aim by tilting the controller. Same for certain puzzles in Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom that require you to rotate the controller to move a platform.
For these specific games, the Xbox controller is actually a downgrade. There is no software fix for a missing hardware sensor. If the game requires motion, you’ll have to reach for the Joy-Cons or a Pro Controller. But for racing, fighting, or platforming? The Xbox pad wins every single time.
Firmware Updates Matter
I cannot stress this enough: update your adapter.
When Microsoft releases a firmware update for the Xbox controller, it sometimes breaks the compatibility with these third-party adapters. 8BitDo and Mayflash are usually quick to release fixes, but you have to actually plug the dongle into a computer and run their update tool.
If your controller suddenly stops connecting after an Xbox update, don't throw it. Just check the manufacturer's website. They’ve likely already patched it.
The "Third Way": Mission Power and Hardware Mods
There are some niche options beyond USB dongles. Some companies make "Wingman" converters that are even more robust. Others have created shells where you can basically transplant the internals of a Pro Controller into an Xbox-style housing.
That’s getting into the weeds, though. For most people, the $20 dongle is the sweet spot. It’s the best balance of cost and "it just works" energy.
Battery Life Longevity
One perk of the Xbox controller is the battery versatility. The Nintendo Pro Controller has a legendary 40-hour battery life, which is hard to beat. But with an Xbox controller, you can swap in AA batteries or use a rechargeable pack. If your controller dies mid-boss fight, you aren't tethered to a charging cable; you just pop in two fresh AAs and you're back in the action in ten seconds.
Actionable Steps for the Best Experience
To get the most out of your xbox controller to nintendo switch setup, follow this specific workflow:
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- Verify your hardware: Ensure your Xbox controller has the Bluetooth-compatible faceplate (the plastic around the Xbox button matches the rest of the controller).
- Get the right adapter: Buy the 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter 2 (the black or the latest version) for the best firmware support.
- Update immediately: Before plugging it into your Switch, plug the adapter into your PC/Mac and download the 8BitDo Ultimate Software to update the firmware.
- Toggle the Switch settings: Enable "Pro Controller Wired Communication" in the System Settings menu or the adapter won't be recognized.
- Handle the A/B swap: Decide if you want to relearn the button positions or use the adapter’s software to remap the buttons so the physical positions match the Nintendo layout.
- Mind the motion: Keep your Joy-Cons nearby for games like Skyward Sword or Mario Party that require motion or specific Nintendo hardware features.
By bridging these two ecosystems, you get the best of both worlds: Nintendo’s world-class game design and Microsoft’s world-class ergonomics. It's a DIY solution that feels surprisingly professional once the initial five-minute setup is out of the way.