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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
On a Nintendo Switch, open HOME Menu → your user icon (My Page) → Friend Add, then choose a friend-code search, a search for someone you played with, or a nearby search. You need to link a Nintendo Account to your Switch user before Friend Add is available.
Before you send a friend request
Connect the console to the internet and link a Nintendo Account to the user you play with. Nintendo says the account link is required for friend features. If Friend Add does not appear in My Page, check that a Nintendo Account is linked to that user.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Nintendo Joy-Con (L/R) - Neon Red/Neon Blue | $88.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Nintendo Switch™ 2 Pro Controller | $89.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Nintendo Switch Pro Controller | $79.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Wireless Switch Controller for Nintendo Switch/Switch 2/Lite/OLED Controller, Switch Controller with... | $26.99 | Buy on Amazon |
For Nintendo Switch instructions, begin at the HOME Menu, select the user icon to open My Page, then choose Friend Add. Nintendo’s official Nintendo Switch friend guide lists the request and acceptance options.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Choose the friend-request method that fits
| Method | Best when | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Search with Friend Code | You and the other player can exchange codes, including when you are in different places. | Enter the other player’s code and send a request. |
| Search for users you’ve played with | You have played together during online communication play, but did not exchange codes. | Find the player in the played-with list and send a request. |
| Search for nearby users | You and the other player have your consoles together. | Use nearby search on the consoles and follow the prompts. If offline, the request is saved on the console and sent when it next connects to the internet. |
These are the three request methods Nintendo documents for the original Switch. Ordinary requests need an internet connection; nearby requests can be queued on the console until it reconnects.
#1 Best Overall
- Introducing Joy-Con, controllers that make new kinds of gaming possible, for use with Nintendo Switch.
- The versatile Joy-Con offer multiple surprising new ways for players to have fun.
- Two Joy-Con can be used independently in each hand, or together as one game controller when attached to the Joy-Con grip.
- They can also attach to the main console for use in handheld mode, or be shared with friends to enjoy two-player action in supported games.
- Each Joy-Con has a full set of buttons and can act as a standalone controller, and each includes an accelerometer and gyro-sensor, making independent left and right motion control possible.
Find your Nintendo Switch friend code
- From the HOME Menu, select your user icon to open My Page.
- Open Profile and read your friend code.
- If the code is not displayed there, check My Page → User Settings → Friend Settings.
Each user linked to a Nintendo Account receives a friend code. Share yours with the player you want to add, then they can choose Friend Add → Search with Friend Code and enter it.
Accept a friend request
- Open My Page from your user icon on the HOME Menu.
- Choose Friend Add, then open the received-friend-requests option.
- Select the request and follow the on-screen prompts to approve it.
What to know about limits and older guides
- Nintendo states that each user can have up to 300 friends.
- Recommendations based on Facebook friends and mutual X followers ended on June 11, 2024. Older instructions pointing to those options are out of date.
- Nintendo still describes recommendations for friends from its smartphone apps and eligible linked Nintendo 3DS or Wii U friends; availability depends on those accounts and services.
Switch 2 uses a separate guide
If you are using a Nintendo Switch 2 rather than the original Switch, consult Nintendo’s Switch 2 friend instructions. The broad request choices overlap—friend code, users played with, and nearby users—but use the Switch 2 guide for its menu wording and screens rather than assuming they are identical to the original console.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 【PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTION for SWITCH CONTROLLER】: The switch controller with 2 back programming buttons, there are two modes, which are single programming or multi-programming. M1/M2= A+B+Y+L+ZL+R+ZR+D-pad, then you can use other fingers to operate more comfortably and centered. Switch controllers with the programmable buttons helping to minimize button abuse and stick clicking it can last more than several years with heavy use.
- 【ONE-BUTTON WAKE-UP SWITCH CONSOLE】: The switch wireless controller is used for the first time, you need to press the "Y + HOME" button to connect. Then next time just simply presses the "HOME" button of the pro switch controller to wake up your device. It's very convenient for you to start the game. (NOTE: DOES NOT SUPPORT WAKE-UP SWITCH 2 AND AUDIO FUNCTIONS)
- 【VIBRATE FUNCTION & GYRO SENSOR】: The controller for switch have dual vibration motors with 3-level precise vibration: weak, medium and strong that provide you excellent vibration feedback to enhance the game immersion. With the 6-axis gyro sensor, this controller can detect the inclination of the controller and make a quick response, give you more fun while playing motion sensing games
- 【ERGONOMIC DESIGN & TURBO FUNCTION】: The pro controller switch remote's ergonomic and non-slip design that allows you to control the game stably and don’t have to worry about the sweat in your hands. The wireless switch controller can be set to auto TURBO or manual TURBO mode. There are 3 adjustable speeds: 5 shots/s, 12 shots/s or 20 shots/s. You also can customize the TURBO button, A/B/X/Y/L/ZL/R/ZR all buttons can be set to TURBO, which make it easier to win an arcade or action game
- 【SCREENSHOT & HIGH-PERFORMANCE BATTERY】: The switch pro controller wireless’s continuous screenshoting function help you more enjoyable to play games. The switch pro controller for controllers with 600 MAH large capacity rechargeable battery, but it just need 2-3 hours to charge fully. Switch controllers pro can run for 10-15 hours, make sure you can enjoy games longer without interruption. (Warm Tips: Left Stick has been upgraded, please purchase with confidence.)
Rank #3
- Take your game sessions up a notch with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- Handheld Nintendo Switch gaming at a great price
- Comes with charging cable (USB C to USB A)
Rank #2
- HD Rumble 2
- Motion controls
- Built-in amiibo functionality*
- Capture Button
- C Button for GameChat**
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
