How to Connect Arcade Controller to Nintendo Switch? | 3 Ways

Arcade controllers pair via Bluetooth, USB-C, or 2.4G wireless. Enable ProController Wired Communication in Settings for wired sticks to work.

Knowing how to connect an arcade controller to your Nintendo Switch unlocks the precise feel of a real arcade for fighting games, shoot-em-ups, and retro collections — the kind of control a standard Joy-Con can’t match. Whether you choose Bluetooth, USB-C wired, or 2.4G wireless, the process takes about a minute as long as your console is updated to version 3.0.0 or above. The Switch treats any compatible stick as a Pro Controller, so it works in every game that supports one. If you’re shopping for your first stick, our roundup of best arcade controllers for Nintendo Switch breaks down the top models by connection type and budget.

Connecting an Arcade Controller to Your Switch: The Connection Options

Native Switch-compatible sticks like the 8BitDo Arcade Stick and the Hori Fighting Stick Mini support three connection paths out of the box. Non-native sticks from PS2 or Xbox require a third-party adapter such as the Collective Minds Switch Up to work with the Switch.

Each method has its trade-offs. Bluetooth is wireless with no extra hardware but can introduce slight input lag. Wired gives the lowest latency but tethers you to the Dock. 2.4G wireless splits the difference — low lag and no cable, but requires the dongle. Unsupported features across all native sticks include motion controls, NFC scanning for amiibo, the IR camera, and HD rumble.

Step-by-Step Bluetooth and Wired Setup

The 8BitDo Arcade Stick is the most common model, and its procedure applies to most Switch-compatible sticks. Here’s how both connection types work.

Bluetooth pairing: Set the Connection Switch to BT and the Mode Switch to S (Switch mode). The LEDs blink. Press and hold the Pair Button for 3 seconds until the LEDs rotate clockwise — that’s pairing mode. On the Switch, go to the HOME Menu and select Controllers > Change Grip/Order. The stick appears and connects automatically; the LEDs turn solid. Press the Home Button to start playing. The stick auto-reconnects on power-up as long as it stays in S mode.

Wired connection: Set the Mode Switch to S. Connect the USB-C cable to the Switch Dock (for handheld play, use a USB-C to USB-A OTG cable into the console’s top port). Go to System Settings > Controllers and Sensors and enable ProController Wired Communication — this is the step most people miss. The stick connects automatically. Check the 8BitDo Arcade Stick manual for the full pairing reference.

Why Won’t My Arcade Controller Connect?

Three mistakes cause most connection failures, and they’re all easy to fix. First, the Mode Switch must be set to S (Switch mode) — not X (Xbox) or D (DS). Second, for wired sticks, ProController Wired Communication must be enabled in System Settings > Controllers and Sensors. Without it, the Switch simply ignores the stick. Third, original 8BitDo sticks won’t pair with Nintendo Switch 2 until you update the firmware via Ultimate Software v2.

If pairing still fails, reset the stick: unplug it, confirm S mode is selected, and re-enter pairing mode. For handheld play without a Dock, you need a USB-C to USB-A female adapter on the console’s top USB port to connect the dongle or stick directly.

Region locking isn’t a concern here — all US Switch consoles accept any compatible controller.

FAQs

Can I use a PS4 arcade stick on Switch?

Not without extra hardware. PS4 sticks need a third-party adapter like the Collective Minds Switch Up. Connect the adapter to the Dock’s USB port, then plug the stick into the adapter. Older PS2 sticks need both that adapter and a PS2-to-Xbox 360 connector.

Does the 8BitDo Arcade Stick work wirelessly on Switch?

Yes — it supports both Bluetooth and 2.4G wireless. For Bluetooth, pair through the Controllers menu as described above. For 2.4G, plug the included dongle into the Dock’s USB port and set the stick to 2.4G mode. No settings changes are needed, and input lag is noticeably lower than Bluetooth.

What games support arcade controllers on Switch?

Any game that supports the Pro Controller also works with an arcade stick. That includes Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection, Capcom Fighting Collection, King of Fighters, Arcade Archives, and shoot-em-ups like Ikaruga and DoDonPachi Resurrection. The Switch treats the stick as a standard controller input, so compatibility is broad.