Why Original Switch Controllers Won't Connect to Switch 2

Nintendo’s Switch 2 has brought exciting hardware upgrades, but it’s also introduced a frustrating hurdle: original Switch Pro controllers no longer wake the console from sleep. This change stems from Nintendo updating the connection protocols, which affects both first-party and third-party accessories.

For gamers, this means that beloved controllers from the original Switch era won’t seamlessly connect or wake the new console. Third-party manufacturers like 8BitDo and Gulikit have responded with firmware updates to improve pairing compatibility, but these updates don’t restore the ability to wake the Switch 2 from sleep mode.

8BitDo’s Ultimate and Ultimate 2 controllers, for example, require users to update firmware via a PC or Mac using a specific button combination to enter upgrade mode. Even after updates, some devices, like the 8BitDo Micro controller, still struggle to pair with the Switch 2, indicating ongoing compatibility challenges.

Gulikit has also released firmware patches acknowledging that the Switch 2 uses a different communication protocol than its predecessor. This protocol change likely supports new features like the “C” button for GameChat connectivity on Joy-Con 2 and other accessories, but it complicates backward compatibility.

Users can try enabling “Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Wired Communication” in the system settings to improve wired controller connectivity, but Bluetooth pairing remains inconsistent. This leaves many gamers reliant on Nintendo’s official Switch 2 Pro controller, priced at $85, while third-party options remain less reliable despite being more affordable.

Interestingly, the new Joy-Con 2 controllers still use traditional joystick mechanisms rather than Hall effect sticks, which could have reduced drift issues. iFixit’s teardown suggests this choice may be due to magnetic attachment points interfering with Hall effect technology. Nintendo has committed to free replacements for Joy-Con 2 drift issues, offering some reassurance to buyers.

The Switch 2’s evolving accessory ecosystem highlights the challenges of balancing innovation with backward compatibility. For developers and manufacturers, adapting to new protocols means investing in firmware updates and potentially redesigning hardware to meet Nintendo’s standards. For users, it means navigating a transitional period where not all controllers work flawlessly.

In summary, the Switch 2’s new communication protocols and hardware design choices have disrupted the seamless use of original and third-party controllers. While firmware updates help, they don’t fully restore previous functionality, especially waking the console from sleep. This situation underscores the importance of staying current with hardware standards and firmware development in the gaming accessory market.