The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a highly sought-after accessory for gamers. With its ergonomic design and responsive buttons, it offers a seamless gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch console. However, did you know that you can also connect the Pro Controller to your iPhone? This opens up a whole new world of gaming possibilities, allowing you to enjoy your favorite mobile games with a traditional controller. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of connecting the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to your iPhone, so you can take your gaming experience to the next level.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s first talk about what you will need to connect your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to your iPhone. Here’s a list of things you need to have:
1. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller: Obviously, you will need the Pro Controller itself. Make sure it is fully charged before you begin.
2. iPhone: You will need an iPhone running on iOS 14 or later. Check your device’s software version in the Settings app to ensure compatibility.
3. Lightning to USB Camera Adapter: This adapter is used to connect the Pro Controller to your iPhone. It can be purchased separately from Apple or other third-party retailers.
4. USB-C to USB-A Cable: This cable is needed to connect the Pro Controller to the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter. Make sure you have a compatible cable.
5. Mobile Game: Lastly, choose a mobile game that supports controller input. Not all games have this feature, so check the game’s description or do some research beforehand.
Now that you have all the necessary items, let’s move on to the steps you need to follow to connect your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to your iPhone.
What Requires Your Focus?
To successfully connect your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to your iPhone, there are a few things you should pay attention to:
1. Check Compatibility: Ensure that your iPhone is running on iOS 14 or later, as older versions may not support controller connectivity. Additionally, make sure the mobile game you intend to play supports controller input.
2. Charge Your Controller: Before connecting the Pro Controller to your iPhone, ensure that it is fully charged. This will prevent any interruptions during your gaming session.
3. Use the Right Cables: Make sure you have the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter and a compatible USB-C to USB-A cable. Using the wrong cables may result in connection issues or damage to your devices.
4. Follow the Steps Carefully: The process of connecting the Pro Controller to your iPhone may involve multiple steps. Pay close attention to each step and follow the instructions accordingly to avoid any mistakes.
Now that we have set the stage, let’s dive into the methods of connecting the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to your iPhone.
Method 1. Using the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter
Connecting your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to your iPhone using the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter is a straightforward method. Here’s how you do it:
Step 1: Connect the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter to your iPhone’s Lightning port.
Step 2: Connect the USB-C end of the USB-C to USB-A cable to the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter.
Step 3: Connect the USB-A end of the cable to the USB port on the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Step 4: On your iPhone, open the Settings app.
Step 5: Scroll down and select "Bluetooth".
Step 6: On the Pro Controller, press and hold the sync button located on the back of the controller, near the USB-C port.
Step 7: On your iPhone, wait for the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to appear under "Other Devices" in the Bluetooth settings.
Step 8: Tap on the name of the Pro Controller to pair it with your iPhone.
Congratulations! You have successfully connected your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to your iPhone using the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter. Now, you can enjoy gaming on your iPhone with the comfort of a traditional controller.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Easy and straightforward process to connect the controller. | 1. Requires additional accessories, such as the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter and USB-C to USB-A cable. |
| 2. Offers a seamless gaming experience with physical controls. | 2. The controller’s battery life may drain faster when used with the iPhone. |
| 3. Compatible with a wide range of mobile games that support controller input. | 3. The controller’s design may be less portable compared to dedicated iPhone gamepads. |
Method 2. Via a Bluetooth Connection
If you don’t have a Lightning to USB Camera Adapter and USB-C to USB-A cable, you can still connect your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to your iPhone via a Bluetooth connection. Here’s how you do it:
Step 1: On your iPhone, open the Settings app.
Step 2: Scroll down and select "Bluetooth".
Step 3: On the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, press and hold the sync button located on the back of the controller, near the USB-C port.
Step 4: On your iPhone, wait for the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to appear under "Other Devices" in the Bluetooth settings.
Step 5: Tap on the name of the Pro Controller to pair it with your iPhone.
Once the pairing is complete, your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is successfully connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth. You can now start playing your favorite mobile games using the controller’s physical buttons.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. No additional accessories required. | 1. The controller’s battery life may drain faster when used with the iPhone. |
| 2. Offers a seamless gaming experience with physical controls. | 2. The controller’s design may be less portable compared to dedicated iPhone gamepads. |
| 3. Compatible with a wide range of mobile games that support controller input. | 3. Bluetooth connection may experience occasional lag or latency. |
Method 3. Using a Third-Party Controller App
If you prefer using a third-party app for connecting your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to your iPhone, there are several options available on the App Store. Follow these steps to connect your controller using a third-party app:
Step 1: Open the App Store on your iPhone.
Step 2: Search for a third-party controller app, such as "Controller for iPhone" or "NControl".
Step 3: Download and install the app of your choice.
Step 4: Launch the controller app on your iPhone.
Step 5: On the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, press and hold the sync button located on the back of the controller, near the USB-C port.
Step 6: Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the app to connect your Pro Controller.
Using a third-party controller app may offer additional features and customization options for your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. Explore the settings and options within the app to enhance your gaming experience.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Offers additional features and customization options. | 1. Requires downloading and installing a third-party app. |
| 2. Compatible with a wide range of mobile games that support controller input. | 2. The controller’s battery life may drain faster when used with the iPhone. |
| 3. Allows for fine-tuning of control settings and button mappings. | 3. The app may have limited support or compatibility with certain games. |
Method 4. Via MFi (Made for iPhone) Controllers
In addition to the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, you can also connect MFi (Made for iPhone) controllers to your iPhone for a seamless gaming experience. These controllers are specifically designed to work with iOS devices. Here’s how you connect an MFi controller to your iPhone:
Step 1: Turn on your MFi controller and put it in pairing mode. Refer to the controller’s user manual for the specific instructions.
Step 2: On your iPhone, open the Settings app.
Step 3: Scroll down and select "Bluetooth".
Step 4: On your iPhone, wait for the MFi controller to appear under "Other Devices" in the Bluetooth settings.
Step 5: Tap on the name of the MFi controller to pair it with your iPhone.
Once the pairing is complete, your MFi controller is successfully connected to your iPhone. You can now enjoy gaming with a dedicated iPhone controller.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Offers a seamless gaming experience with physical controls. | 1. Requires purchasing a separate MFi controller. |
| 2. Designed specifically for iOS devices, ensuring compatibility. | 2. The controller’s battery life may drain faster when used with the iPhone. |
| 3. Wide range of MFi controllers available with various designs and features. | 3. May have limited support or compatibility with certain games. |
Why Can’t I Connect My Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to My iPhone?
While connecting your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to your iPhone is relatively straightforward, there may be a few reasons why you are facing difficulties. Here are some possible reasons and their fixes:
1. The Controller is Not Charged: Before attempting to connect the Pro Controller to your iPhone, ensure that the controller is fully charged. If the battery is low or completely drained, the controller may not connect.
Fix: Connect the Pro Controller to a power source using the USB-C to USB-A cable and allow it to charge for a while. Then, try connecting it to your iPhone once again.
2. Incorrect Cables or Adapters: Using the wrong cables or adapters may result in connection issues. Make sure you have the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter and a compatible USB-C to USB-A cable.
Fix: Double-check the cables and adapters you are using. Ensure that they are the correct ones for connecting the Pro Controller to your iPhone.
3. Limited Game Support: Not all mobile games support controller input. If the game you are trying to play does not have this feature, the Pro Controller may not connect.
Fix: Check the game’s description or do some research to confirm if it supports controller input. If it doesn’t, consider trying another game that does support controllers.
Implications and Recommendations
Now that you have successfully connected your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to your iPhone, here are a few suggestions to enhance your gaming experience:
1. Explore Compatible Games: With your Pro Controller connected, explore the wide range of mobile games that support controller input. There are numerous popular titles available that offer a console-like gaming experience on your iPhone.
2. Adjust Controller Settings: Depending on the game you are playing, you may need to adjust the controller settings. Each game may have specific button mappings or control configurations. Take some time to customize the settings to your preferences.
3. Consider a Phone Mount or Stand: Holding your iPhone while gaming for extended periods can be uncomfortable. Consider investing in a phone mount or stand to prop up your device, allowing for a more ergonomic gaming experience.
4. Stay Updated: As iOS updates are released, make sure to keep your iPhone’s software up to date. Updates may bring improvements and optimizations for controller connectivity, ensuring a smooth gaming experience.
5. Explore Accessories: To enhance your gaming experience further, explore other accessories compatible with your iPhone and Pro Controller. Gamepad grips, screen protectors, and carrying cases can add convenience and protection to your gaming setup.
5 FAQs about Connecting the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to iPhone
Q1: Can I connect multiple Pro Controllers to my iPhone at the same time?
A: No, currently, iOS does not support connecting multiple Pro Controllers simultaneously to the same device.
Q2: Will connecting the Pro Controller to my iPhone erase its pairing with the Nintendo Switch console?
A: No, the Pro Controller can be paired with multiple devices. Connecting it to your iPhone will not erase its pairing with the Nintendo Switch console.
Q3: Can I use the Pro Controller’s motion controls on my iPhone?
A: No, motion controls are not supported when using the Pro Controller on an iPhone. Only the physical buttons and analog sticks are functional.
Q4: Does connecting the Pro Controller to my iPhone drain its battery faster?
A: Yes, using the Pro Controller with your iPhone may drain its battery faster compared to using it with the Nintendo Switch console. It is recommended to keep the controller fully charged before each gaming session.
Q5: Can I use the Pro Controller’s amiibo functionality on my iPhone?
A: No, amiibo functionality is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch console and is not supported on iPhones.
Final Words
Connecting your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to your iPhone opens up a whole new world of gaming possibilities. With its ergonomic design and responsive buttons, the Pro Controller offers a comfortable and enjoyable gaming experience on your iPhone. Whether you prefer using the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter, a Bluetooth connection, a third-party controller app, or an MFi controller, the choice is yours. Follow the steps provided in this blog post, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your favorite mobile games with the Pro Controller. So grab your controller, connect it to your iPhone, and embark on your gaming adventures like never before. Happy gaming!