Can You Use Switch 1 Controllers on Switch 2?
Can you use Switch 1 controllers on Switch 2? Yes: old Joy-Con and the Pro Controller work wirelessly, even in Switch 2 games. The catches explained.
Yes. Switch 1 Joy-Con and the original Pro Controller work on Switch 2 over a wireless connection, even in Switch 2 exclusive games, according to Nintendo’s compatibility support page (checked November 2026; Switch 2 launched June 5, 2025). The catches: old Joy-Con can’t slide onto the Switch 2 console, Switch 1 controllers can’t wake it from Sleep Mode, and games that need Joy-Con 2 mouse controls won’t accept them.
Which Switch 1 controllers work on Switch 2
Every first-party Switch 1 controller pairs with Switch 2. The differences are in charging and in which games accept them. Here’s the breakdown from Nintendo’s official compatibility page:
| Switch 1 controller | Works on Switch 2? | How it charges | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joy-Con | Yes, wireless only | Switch 1 console, Joy-Con charging grip or charging stand | Can’t attach to Switch 2 |
| Pro Controller | Yes, wireless (wired via a setting) | USB cable to the Switch 2 dock | Best Switch 1 option for docked play |
| NES controllers | Yes, compatible games | Switch 1 console or Joy-Con charging stand (two-way) | Can’t attach to Switch 2 |
| SNES, N64, Sega Genesis controllers | Yes, compatible games | USB cable to the Switch 2 dock | For Nintendo Switch Online classics |
| GameCube Controller Adapter | Yes | Not applicable | TV mode only, via a dock USB port |
Nintendo’s page covers first-party hardware only. For third-party pads, check the manufacturer’s Switch 2 compatibility notes before you buy.
Can you use Switch 1 controllers on Switch 2 in every game?
Almost. Switch 1 controllers handle normal play fine, but Nintendo confirmed a few gaps in April 2025, as reported by Nintendo Life:
- The HOME button on a Switch 1 Joy-Con or Pro Controller can’t bring Switch 2 out of Sleep Mode. Use the console’s power button instead.
- Games that require Joy-Con 2 features, such as mouse controls, can’t be played with Switch 1 controllers.
- There’s no C button for GameChat. Start a chat from the HOME Menu instead.
- Old Joy-Con don’t attach to the Switch 2 rails, so handheld play still needs Joy-Con 2.
- Joy-Con 2 have no IR Motion Camera, so games that use it, such as 1-2-Switch, still need original Joy-Con.
How to pair a Switch 1 controller with Switch 2
Pairing works the same way it did on Switch 1. These steps follow Nintendo’s pairing support article; the console has to be on, not asleep.
- From the HOME Menu, select Controllers.
- Select Change Grip/Order.
- Hold the SYNC button for at least one second. On a Joy-Con it sits on the rail; on the Pro Controller it’s on the top edge.
- Wait for the player LED to stay lit, then press the buttons the screen asks for.
Pro Controller shortcut: with Switch 2 in its dock, plug the controller into the dock with a USB cable and it pairs automatically, per Nintendo’s USB pairing steps.
Switch 1 accessories that don’t carry over
Controllers are the good news. Some other gear doesn’t make the jump, per the same Nintendo page. The Switch 1 dock and its HDMI cable aren’t compatible. The Joy-Con grip, charging grip, wheel, strap and AA battery pack only fit old Joy-Con, not Joy-Con 2. Ring Fit Adventure’s Ring-Con and Switch Sports’ Leg Strap still work, but only with Switch 1 Joy-Con connected wirelessly.
Should you upgrade to Joy-Con 2 or a Switch 2 Pro Controller?
Our take: no rush. A Switch 1 Pro Controller covers most docked play, and spare old Joy-Con work fine as second-player controllers in local multiplayer. Buy Joy-Con 2 when a game you want needs mouse controls, or when you want the dedicated GameChat button. If you’re shopping for a pro-style pad anyway, our pro controller input lag roundup is worth a read first. Still deciding whether Switch 2 is the right upgrade at all? Start with which console to buy in late 2026.
Bringing your games too? See whether Switch 1 games play on Switch 2 and our Switch vs Switch 2 comparison. Old Joy-Con drifting? Our stick drift fixes cover the same problem on PS5.
Switch 1 controllers on Switch 2: FAQ
Can I use a GameCube controller on Switch 2?
Yes, with the Nintendo GameCube Controller Adapter. Nintendo says it works in TV mode when plugged into a USB port on the Switch 2 dock. The wireless Nintendo GameCube Controller for Switch 2 is a separate product, sold only to paid Nintendo Switch Online members, and it works only on Switch 2.
Do Switch 1 Joy-Con charge on Switch 2?
No. Old Joy-Con can’t attach to Switch 2, so they can’t charge on it. Nintendo says you’ll need a Switch 1 console or a licensed accessory such as the Joy-Con charging grip or Joy-Con charging stand (two-way). Keep one charger around if you plan to use them often.
Short version: keep your old controllers. Just don’t expect them to wake the console or ride on its rails.
Cassia Fenwick
Cassia Fenwick is a staff writer at Console Alley, covering console gaming from the latest hardware questions to the games players return to for years. Her work moves across news, practical guides, reviews, gaming gear, and the wider culture around games. Whether she is breaking down a new console feature or explaining a mechanic in a familiar favorite, she writes with a straightforward goal: help readers understand what matters and what to do next. She pays particular attention to the small details that shape the playing experience. A controller compatibility rule, a battery-life setting, a difficult-to-find resource, or a change introduced by a game update can make the difference between a frustrating evening and a rewarding one. Her published coverage includes Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 questions, Terraria, Stardew Valley, and The Sims 4, with explanations that welcome readers who may be discovering a game for the first time or returning after time away. Cassia's style is clear, patient, and grounded in practical examples. Rather than assuming readers already know the terminology, she begins with the question at hand, adds the context that genuinely helps, and keeps instructions easy to follow. She is interested not only in how a feature works, but also why its design matters—especially when a small interaction, interface decision, or unexpected mechanic changes how a game feels. Outside her gaming coverage, Cassia enjoys colorful postcards, making books, and noticing the shapes, colors, and details built into everyday objects. That curiosity carries naturally into her writing, where overlooked features and thoughtful design can provide a fresh way to look at a game. Her aim is for every article to be useful on its own: approachable enough for a newcomer, specific enough for someone looking for a quick answer, and enjoyable enough to leave readers with something new to explore.
