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Apple has introduced Nintendo Controller support in iOS 16, iPadOS 16 and tvOS 16, so it’s now possible to connect Joy-Cons to your devices. Here’s how.
Nintendo controllers connect using a specific signal so that they are not visible to devices looking for a standard Bluetooth controller. However, Apple has enabled its devices to detect Nintendo controllers and connect them easily.
Please note: To connect a Nintendo controller, a user will need to use iOS 16, iPadOS 16 or tvOS 16. These operating systems are currently in beta testing and will not be released to the public until the fall.
How to pair your Nintendo controller with an iPhone, iPad or Apple TV
- On your device with the required operating system, open Settings.
- Tap Bluetooth on iPhone or iPad. On an Apple TV, select remote control and devices and then Bluetooth.
- Press and hold the bind button on the Nintendo controller.
- When the lights on the controller start flashing, look for the controller name in Settings.
- Select the controller name to connect
This process only needs to be done once as long as the Nintendo controller is used exclusively with the Apple device. Turn on the controller to automatically connect to your Apple device, or if the controller was previously paired with the Nintendo Switch, repeat the pairing process.
Pair, rename, and pair with Nintendo controllers from Bluetooth settings
How to use your Nintendo controller with the iPhone, iPad or Apple TV
Once you have paired your Nintendo controller with your device, it can be used like any other game controller. Many games in Apple Arcade and across the App Store have control support.
The Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons is a unique controller as it is technically two different devices. Apple has configured the pairing mechanism to show the Joy-Cons as separate devices, but the system will handle them as a single controller.
The Nintendo Switch Pro controller, wireless Gamecube controller and other controllers connect and operate in the same way. The iPhone, iPad or Apple TV will recognize the controllers and map the buttons accordingly.
Customizable options
Apple has a special game controller menu that only appears when a game controller is connected to the device. This menu allows users to map each button and function on the controller differently than the default.
Re-map controller buttons, select vibration levels, and more with Apple’s controller configuration tool
Each game can have different control cards that place buttons in awkward or hard-to-remember positions. This can be fixed by creating a custom button card for each game on the device.
On the iPhone or iPad, navigate to the Settings application and select General, then select Game Controller when a controller is connected. A user can create profiles from this menu and assign them to paired controllers and installed games.
The Apple TV will allow custom controller profiles for any paired controller
On Apple TV, there is an option to select controller profiles from the Bluetooth menu. Select your game controller from the Bluetooth menu where you previously paired the controller, then select the desired profile or create a new one.
Please note: Custom controller features do not work for Nintendo controllers in the first developer beta. Expect it to be fixed before the final release.
Buy a Nintendo Switch Controller