On an original Nintendo Switch, slide Joy-Con (L) onto the left rail and Joy-Con (R) onto the right rail, with the buttons facing forward, until each clicks. Attaching them registers the controllers, which you can then remove and use wirelessly. A Nintendo Switch Lite has no rails, so pair Joy-Con through the Controllers menu instead.
Pair Joy-Con with an original Nintendo Switch
- Wake the console and open the HOME Menu if needed.
- Match the controllers to the console: Joy-Con (L), marked with a minus button, goes on the left; Joy-Con (R), marked with a plus button, goes on the right.
- With the buttons facing the front of the console, slide each Joy-Con down its side rail until it clicks.
- To remove a controller, press its release button on the back and slide it upward. It remains registered and can be used wirelessly with that console.
Nintendo describes attaching Joy-Con as the standard registration method for the original Switch. You do not need to begin with the HOME Menu’s “Change Grip/Order” screen.
Pair Joy-Con with a Nintendo Switch Lite
Joy-Con cannot attach to Switch Lite. Register them wirelessly from the console’s controller screen:
- From the HOME Menu, select Controllers → Change Grip/Order.
- When the controller-registration screen appears, hold the Sync button on the Joy-Con until the screen confirms registration.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to choose how you will hold the controller: press L and R for vertical use, or SL and SR for horizontal use; then press A to finish.
What to know when changing consoles
A Joy-Con is registered to one console at a time. To use it with a different console, register it on that console using the method for its model: attach it to an original Switch, or use the wireless registration screen on Switch Lite.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Nintendo states that one console can register up to 10 Joy-Con. The support page does not specify a publication or revision date for this limit.
Charging is separate from pairing
Pairing does not require a separate charging accessory. On an original Switch, a depleted Joy-Con can charge while attached to a charging console. Because Joy-Con cannot attach to Switch Lite, Nintendo lists separately sold charging options for those controllers: a Joy-Con Charging Grip, the AA battery expansion accessory, or a Joy-Con Charging Stand (2-way). The Charging Grip also allows charging while playing. These are charging options, not pairing devices.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Compatibility and when to get help
This guide covers original Nintendo Switch Joy-Con, not Joy-Con 2 or Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo says original Switch Joy-Con cannot attach to Switch 2 and must be registered wirelessly there; Joy-Con 2 cannot be used with the original Switch. Check Nintendo’s model-specific instructions before trying to pair controllers across those systems.
If the steps above do not register the controller, use Nintendo Support’s Joy-Con guidance for the current troubleshooting flow for your console model. The support page also links to separate help for Joy-Con that detach from the console.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Source: Nintendo Support — Joy-Con (accessed October 4, 2026; no publication or revision date shown).
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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.
