Undoubtedly there are many gamers out there who own several different consoles. We all pick our favourite controllers, so wouldn’t it be nice to be able to use that controller everywhere? Well, now it’s possible to use Xbox and PlayStation controllers on Nintendo Switch!
The Nintendo Switch controllers themselves are very versatile. The Joycons offer a lot of different gameplay opportunities. However, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, designed for core gaming experiences, is arguably not as good as the modern Xbox or PlayStation controllers. So maybe it would be better to opt for one of those?
In theory, it should not be possible to use another console’s controller on the Nintendo Switch. Sony and Microsoft use different drivers to those that the Nintendo Switch supports. However, thanks to a handy new gadget, it’s possible to force the console to recognise different controllers with minimal effort.
How to Connect Xbox or PlayStation Controllers to Nintendo Switch
To connect a PlayStation or Xbox controller to your Nintendo Switch, you’ll need a third-party accessory called the Mayflash Magic NS. This USB wireless dongle slots into your Switch dock, or you can connect through your Nintendo Switch’s USB-C port using the included USB dongle when you’re playing in handheld mode.
There are two versions of the device available: The Magic NS 1 and Magic NS 2. Both offer built-in support for numerous controller APIs, including DInput, XInput, and more. All first-party PlayStation controllers from PlayStation 3, 4 and 5 work on both models, but Xbox controllers only work with the Magic NS 2.
From here it’s a simple case of connecting your chosen controller to the Magic NS dongle. Simple! However, while you can adjust the Nintendo Switch’s button mapping under System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Change Button Mapping, the in-game button icons won’t match your non-Switch controller. Furthermore, certain controller-specific features, such as the haptic triggers on the PlayStation 5’s DualSense, won’t work with the Nintendo Switch at all.
So while it’s not a perfect solution, it is possible to connect your Xbox and PlayStation controllers to your Nintendo Switch! What do you think about this? Are you looking forward to playing Beast Quest with a PlayStation controller? Let us know in the comments section below!
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