A revised Nintendo Switch whose controller does not connect, drifts, drops out or does not respond has a problem that is nearly always the Joy-Con or the Pro Controller and not the console, and a few steps tell you which. The revised standard Switch, HAC-001(-01), uses detachable Joy-Con controllers that slide onto the sides of the console and connect by Bluetooth when separated. Each Joy-Con has a battery, a thumbstick, buttons and a sensor, and any of these can be the source of a problem.
The checks in more detail
Start with the battery and the connection. Slide the Joy-Con onto the console rails to charge; a Joy-Con that is flat will not respond. Check the battery level on the Home screen. If a Joy-Con will not pair, go to the Home menu, Controllers, Change Grip/Order and press the small sync button on the Joy-Con rail for a few seconds, then reattach it to wake it. Restart the console.
Keep the console and the controllers away from interference such as a USB 3 hub, a metal surface or a crowded Wi-Fi area, since Bluetooth is sensitive. For a Pro Controller, plug it in with a USB cable, which also charges it. For drift, where the character moves on its own, calibrate the sticks. In System Settings, Controllers and Sensors, choose Calibrate Control Sticks, and follow the instructions, pressing the stick in and then moving it through its range; this resets the center point.
Blow gently or use compressed air around the base of the stick to remove dust, and avoid liquids. Update the controller firmware under Controllers and Sensors, Update Controllers, and update the console software. If drift or dropouts persist, the thumbstick is worn, and Nintendo repairs Joy-Con drift, often at no charge for eligible controllers; contact Nintendo Support with the serial number from the console and describe the symptom. A new Joy-Con can be bought if you prefer.
Differential
Likely causes of “Nintendo Switch revised model controller will not connect or keeps disconnecting”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A flat Joy-Con battery
What separates it The controller does not respond
How to confirm Charge it on the rails
- 2
A pairing problem
What separates it The console does not see the controller
How to confirm Resync from the Controllers menu
- 3
Stick drift
What separates it The cursor or character moves on its own
How to confirm Calibrate the sticks and clean the base
- 4
Outdated controller firmware
What separates it Odd behavior or dropouts
How to confirm Update controllers and the console
- 5
A worn thumbstick
What separates it Drift returns after calibration
How to confirm Nintendo repair or a new Joy-Con
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which controller fails and how
- The battery level
- Whether calibration helps
- The console serial number
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedCharge the controller
ReversibleOn the console rails.
Resync it
ReversiblePress the sync button.
Calibrate the sticks
ReversibleIn Controllers and Sensors.
Clean around the stick
ReversibleCompressed air.
Update firmware
ReversibleControllers and console.
Contact Nintendo
ReversibleFor drift repair.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Joy-Con
- Detachable controllers with a battery, a stick and sensors.
- Pairing
- The sync button re-pairs a controller.
- Calibration
- It resets the stick center.
- Firmware
- Updates fix known problems.
- Drift
- Worn sticks need repair.
- Nintendo help
- Quote the serial number.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Do not open a Joy-Con
- !Do not spray liquid into the stick
- !Contact Nintendo if the controller overheats or swells
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my Joy-Con not connect?+
A flat battery or a pairing problem.
How do I fix drift?+
Calibrate the sticks and clean around them.
Does Nintendo repair drift?+
Yes, for eligible controllers.
Do I update the controller?+
Yes, in Controllers and Sensors.
Can interference matter?+
Yes, Bluetooth is sensitive.
What does a Pro Controller need?+
A USB cable to charge and wake it.