Do my old Joy-Con controllers work with the Nintendo Switch 2?
Good news and slightly annoying news: your old Joy-Cons do work with the Switch 2, but they won't attach to it. The new console switched to magnets for controller attachment, so your old Joy-Cons can only connect wirelessly.
They Work Fine, Just Differently
Pair your Joy-Cons through Bluetooth like any wireless controller, and they work great. Motion controls, HD Rumble, all the usual features. No problem there.
The annoying part? You can't charge them by snapping them onto the Switch 2. You'll need your old Switch, a charging grip, or a separate charging dock to juice them up.
Some Games Actually Need Your Old Joy-Cons
Here's a twist: for certain games, you have to use original Joy-Cons. The new Joy-Con 2 controllers are bigger and removed the IR sensor, which breaks compatibility with a handful of titles:
- Ring Fit Adventure: The Ring-Con and Leg Strap were made for the original Joy-Con size
- 1-2-Switch, WarioWare: Move It!, some Labo kits: These use the IR camera that Joy-Con 2 doesn't have
So don't get rid of your old Joy-Cons if you play any of these games. They're the only option.
Your Other Controllers Work Too
The Pro Controller and all those retro wireless controllers from Nintendo (NES, SNES, N64 ones) pair with Switch 2 just fine. Same with most third-party controllers. Everything connects wirelessly.
Bottom Line
Your Joy-Con investment isn't wasted. They work wirelessly, you just can't snap them on or charge them through the Switch 2. And for certain games, they're actually required.
📚More About Nintendo Switch 2
Where to Buy
| Retailer | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|
P PayMore Taylor | $459.99 | Buy Now |
 AliExpress | $582.75 | Buy Now |
Considering the Nintendo Switch 2?
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More Answers
If you're still curious about the Nintendo Switch 2, here are some other answers you might find interesting:
Does the Nintendo Switch 2 support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)?
Yes, Nintendo Switch 2 supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate). Here's what that means.
What VRR does:
Your TV matches whatever frame rate the game outputs. No tearing, no stutter from mismatched refresh rates.
Do you have a compatible TV?
TVs from 2020 or later in mid-range and higher often support VRR. Look for HDMI 2.1 with VRR, AMD FreeSync, or G-Sync compatibility.
How to turn it on:
System Settings > TV Output > enable VRR. Also enable "Match Display."
When it helps:
Games with variable frame rates. Open world games, demanding scenes, anything where performance fluctuates.
When it doesn't matter:
Games locked at stable 60 fps already feel smooth.
Handheld mode?
No VRR. Built-in screen runs at fixed 120Hz. VRR only works docked via HDMI.
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What are the best screen protectors for Nintendo Switch 2?
Nintendo Switch 2 has a plastic screen. It will scratch. Get a screen protector.
The easy choice:
Spigen GlasTR EZ Fit. Made for Switch 2, has an installation tray, tempered glass. Around $15-20 for a 2-pack.
Budget option:
AmFilm or JETech tempered glass. About $8-12 for a 3-pack. No installation tray, but the glass is fine.
Premium option:
dbrand. Precise fit, premium quality, slightly more expensive.
Tempered glass vs film:
Get tempered glass. Feels better, protects better, easier to clean.
Installation tips:
Clean the screen obsessively. Line up before pressing down. Use the installation tray if included.
What to avoid:
Random no-name brands. Poor adhesive, rainbow effects, misaligned cuts.
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How long does it take to fully charge the Nintendo Switch 2?
From empty to full, about 3 hours. Here are the details.
When the console is off or sleeping:
Plug in the included adapter, come back in 3 hours. Using a stronger USB-C PD charger might save 30 minutes.
When you're playing:
Way longer. Demanding games might prevent charging entirely. Expect 4-6+ hours for a full charge while playing.
Fast charge:
A 15-minute charge with a 30W USB-C PD charger gives about 2 hours of playtime.
Why the last bit takes forever:
Lithium-ion batteries charge fast when empty and slow near full. The last 20% takes its time. This is normal.
Keeping your battery healthy:
Don't leave it plugged in constantly at 100%. Let it drain sometimes, then full charge.
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