The Nintendo Switch 2 now supports Xbox and PlayStation controllers–as in the first-party Xbox Wireless Controller and PS5 DualSense. Nintendo’s new console doesn’t have “official” compatibility with controllers designed for competing platforms, of course, but you can wirelessly sync those controllers and others to your Switch 2 with a $20 adapter made by 8BitDo.
The 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter 2, one of the most useful accessories for the original Switch, now supports Switch 2. The adapter was part of a small group of 8BitDo accessories that received firmware updates shortly after the Switch 2’s launch. 8BitDo also added Switch 2 support to its flagship Ultimate 2 Controllers, the retro-inspired Pro 2 Controller, and a few others. Here’s a list of 8BitDo products that now work on Switch 2. Check out our 8BitDo controller roundup for more details on each controller, and read on for a look at the handy adapter.
8BitDo Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories:
$19 (was $20)
The 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter 2 is a Bluetooth receiver designed specifically for video game controllers. It’s available in black or brown models comes with a cap to cover the USB port when not in use.
With the adapter, you can use wireless controllers designed for other consoles on Switch 2. As mentioned above, that includes Xbox Wireless Controllers with Bluetooth (2016 models and beyond) and PS5 DualSense Controllers. PlayStation and Xbox Controllers with back buttons–DualSense Edge and Elite Series 2–are compatible, too.
With the Elite Series 2, you’ll have four remappable paddles, which can be quite useful in game with elaborate control schemes and heavy resource management. Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, for example.
Along with current first-party PlayStation and Xbox controllers, the adapter supports legacy Nintendo and PlayStation controllers, including the Wii Remote, Wii U Pro Controller, DualShock 4, and DualShock 3. If the controller supports vibration and/or motion controls, it typically supports those features when synced to the adapter. It’s also compatible with all 8BitDo Bluetooth controllers, including the Switch/PC Arcade Stick, which has yet to receive an official Switch 2 update.
You can use your PS5’s controller settings or the Xbox/PC accessories app to remap inputs, but 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software offers support for Microsoft’s first-party controllers, DualSense, DualShock 4, and Switch Pro Controllers. With the free Windows app, you can remap your controls and adjust settings such as trigger, stick, and vibration sensitivity.
8BitDo also updated its original USB adapter to add Switch 2 compatibility. That said, we wouldn’t recommend buying that one since it doesn’t support Xbox Wireless Controllers and costs the same price.
How to set up 8BitDo Adapter 2 on Nintendo Switch 2
Once you get your adapter, you’ll need to connect it your Windows PC or Mac and download 8BitDo’s firmware updater tool or Ultimate Software. The latest update adds Nintendo Switch 2 support. After completing the update, which only takes a few seconds, you can connect it to one of the free USB-A ports on the Switch 2 dock.
Before you can sync a controller to the adapter, you need to enable support for 2.4GHz Wireless and wired controllers. In System Settings on your console, find Controllers & Accessories, and make sure the box for Pro Controller Wired Communication is checked.
To establish a wireless connection, press the pairing button on the top of the adapter and enter pairing mode on your controller.
The 8BitDo USB Adapter 2 is a handy little device for platforms beyond Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch. Along with PC support, it can be used on Steam Deck and select retro hardware, including the Analogue Pocket Dock, Evercade VS, Evercade Alpha, and others.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
Nintendo’s new wireless controller, the Switch 2 Pro Controller, also has a pair of built-in back buttons. If you’re interested in picking one up, Walmart has restocked it for $84. The Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip, an official Nintendo accessory, also adds back buttons for TV mode and is available for $40.
