With the release of iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and tvOS 16, iPhones, iPads, and Apple TV now include support for pairing Nintendo Switch Joy-Con and Pro controllers. Keep reading to find out how it’s done.
As many Apple Arcade game enthusiasts know, Apple mobile devices and Apple TV set-top boxes support some popular game controllers right out of the box. For example, these devices support PlayStation 5 DualSense and Xbox Series X controllers since April 2021.
Although not well heralded by Apple, the release of iOS 16, iPadOS 16 and tvOS 16 also added support for Nintendo Switch Joy-Con and Pro controllers, so users can now play better than ever. they might not otherwise be able to use on-screen touch controls or their Apple TV remote.
Also, the advantage of using Joy-Con controllers is that you can connect a single Joy-Con or both Joy-Cons, and when you connect two Joy-Cons, they will appear as one unified MFi controller for your games.
It’s even possible to dynamically switch between using the Joy-Cons individually or as a combo controller by holding down the screenshot and home buttons for a few seconds.
How to Connect a Joy-Con to an iPhone or iPad
The following steps show you how to pair your Nintendo controller to your iPhone or iPad, and we’ll be using a single Joy-Con in our example.
- Remove a Joy-Con from your Nintendo Switch.
- Press and hold the To sychronize button on the black edge of the controller.
- Wait for the lights next to the Sync button to move back and forth, indicating the Joy-Con is in pairing mode.
- Launch it Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Faucet Bluetooth.
- Wait for your Joy-Con to appear in the “Other Devices” section, then tap it to connect.
Your Joy-Con will appear in the “My Devices” list and the controller’s pairing lights will turn off except for one, indicating that it has successfully connected and is ready to use.
How to Connect a Joy-Con to Apple TV
- Remove a Joy-Con from your Nintendo Switch.
- Press and hold the To sychronize button on the black edge of the controller.
- Wait for the lights next to the Sync button to move back and forth, indicating the Joy-Con is in pairing mode.
- On your Apple TV, select the Settings application.
- Select Remotes and Devices -> Bluetooth.
- Wait for your Joy-Con to appear in the “Other Devices” section, then tap it to connect.
You will receive an on-screen notification on your Apple TV confirming that the Joy-Con has been successfully paired and is ready to use.