MeinMMO author Dariusz Müller bought a Nintendo Switch for the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet after much hesitation. He is completely satisfied with the console so far, but has not yet warmed up to the Joy-Cons. Now he has discovered a way to use his Xbox controller on the Switch and is almost always thrilled.
The Joy-Cons of the Nintendo Switch are okay. In handheld mode, they mostly serve their purpose, but nothing more. For use on a monitor or TV, there are alternatives like the Xbox controller, which I like much better. Additionally, I have a few PS4 controllers lying around.
At some point, I thought there must be a way to use PS4 or Xbox controllers on the Switch. I like both much better than the Joy-Cons, and I don’t have to spend another around €60 for a Switch Pro controller, even though I already own numerous controllers.
The solution: a small device for under €30
I discovered a small USB stick called the 8BitDo USB Wireless Adapter 2, with which I can establish a connection between the Nintendo Switch and my Xbox controller. The DualShocks of the PS4 work just as well, but mine are significantly more battered and thus went back to the shelf after the short test.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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8BitDo USB Wireless Adapter 2, Bluetooth Adapter für Switch/2, Windows 10, PS Classic, Android,... | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
I simply plug the stick into the Switch and build a wireless connection to the controller I wish to use. If you have a controller that cannot be used wirelessly, that’s not a problem either, as the Switch has two USB ports. Just plug the 8BitDo into one and your controller’s cable into the other.
However, it should be mentioned that the stick is unnecessarily wide. It’s possible that the cable and stick may get a little in each other’s way. In my case, it didn’t cause any problems with the wired connection, but it’s still annoying.
The use of two 8BitDo USB adapters and thus two Xbox controllers is unfortunately ruled out, because both are too thick to fit side by side. I haven’t tested whether a USB hub can remedy this.
Effortless gaming experience, aside from specific exceptions
In most games I play, I haven’t felt a disadvantage with the 8BitDo adapter or my Xbox controller. The buttons worked flawlessly and the connection remained consistent.
Games like Pokémon Scarlet and Legends: Arceus were playable without issues with the Xbox controller. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and the MOBA Pokémon Unite also posed no problems.
However, there are also games like Splatoon 3, where I unfortunately cannot use the Xbox controller. In Splatoon, the motion controls of the Joy-Cons are very important – here the Xbox controller unfortunately has to fit, since it lacks gyro sensors.
In some games, the absence of motion controls is noticeable, but only bothersome if you prefer them over stick controls. In The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, for example, you can use motion controls to solve puzzles with the “Ultrahand” ability or to overcome obstacles.
In Mario Kart, the loss of motion control also means losing the ability to steer the karts like with a steering wheel. However, both Mario Kart and Zelda can also be played easily with the sticks of the Xbox controller.
Why even an alternative to the Joy-Cons?
I have my problems with some aspects of the Joy-Cons. The sticks are unfortunately really not good, as the rubber wears out quickly and the well-known stick drift problem persists – even though Nintendo now offers free repairs for the Joy-Cons.
Furthermore, I find the very flat design of the Joy-Cons quite unhandy. A rounded shape on the underside, like that of most controllers and also the Steam Deck, is completely missing.
The flat underside can be somewhat improved with the included Joy-Con holder, but in my opinion, that’s still not ideal.
The shape still does not feel ergonomic, the holder is barely large enough even for my small hands, and the suboptimal placement of the lower trigger buttons (ZL and ZR) is not improved by this. They could be spaced a bit farther from the upper triggers for me.
If you want to remain loyal to Nintendo’s own controllers on the Switch, MeinMMO editor Benedikt Schlotmann provides you with some pointers to decide whether the Joy-Cons or the Pro Controller is better suited for you:
Joy-Con or Pro Controller: Which should I play with on my Nintendo Switch?
