The Nintendo Switch controller, also known as Joy-Con, consists of two individual units that are the primary game controllers for the Nintendo Switch video game console. The Nintendo Switch controller is attached to the tablet turning the Nintendo Switch console into a mobile gaming device. If you have an iPad and want to use it for gaming, you might wonder if you can use the Nintendo Switch to play games on it.
So, can you use the Nintendo Switch controller on an iPad? You cannot use the Nintendo Switch controller on your iPad because it does not have the software compatible with Nintendo accessories. Apple has designed the iPad to be compatible with other gaming controllers developed by other companies like Microsoft and Sony; however, they are yet to release an update that will allow their products to use Nintendo accessories. If you want to play games on your iPad using a console controller, you can use the DualShock 4 or the Xbox One controller.
Gaming on your iPad is easier nowadays as many gaming companies, including Apple, focus on gamers who prefer portable devices. Apple itself has released a list of gaming controllers that you can use to play games on your iPad. Finding out if you can use the Nintendo Switch controller to play games on your iPad and which gaming controllers are perfect for playing games on your iPad is important.
Apple Inc designed and developed the iPad as a tablet computer people can use for work, learning, or leisure. Therefore, you can also play games on your iPad, such as Among Us and Asphalt 9: Legends, among others. Usually, the game controls will appear on your iPad’s touchscreen, but you may be wondering if you can use the Nintendo Switch controller to play the games.
Unfortunately, you cannot play games on your iPad using the Nintendo Switch controller because its operating system is incompatible with Nintendo accessories. The iPad runs on the iOS and iPadOS mobile operating systems, and Apple has yet to release a version that supports the Nintendo Switch controller. If you want to play games on your iPad, you will have to find a gaming controller compatible with iOS and iPadOS.
The Nintendo Switch controller consists of two individual units that attach to the sides of the Nintendo Switch tablet. You can also use the Nintendo Switch controller wirelessly by connecting it to your console wirelessly.
If you try to connect the Nintendo Switch controller to your iPad via Bluetooth, the controller will appear on your iPad screen, but it will disconnect immediately. The Nintendo Switch controller also has a USB-C port, but you cannot use a USB cable to connect it to your iPad.
Gaming on your iPad is fun, especially if you enjoy playing games on a mobile gaming device. Most games available on an iPad are designed to have controls on the screen when you open the game.
You do not need to connect a gaming controller to your iPad. However, if you are used to playing games with a gaming controller, it can be difficult to start playing games on your iPad using the controls on the touchscreen.
One of the reasons why Apple is yet to add the Nintendo Switch controller support to the iOS and iPadOS operating systems is the similarity between the Nintendo Switch console and the iPad. Both the Nintendo Switch video game console and iPad can be used as portable gaming devices.
Apple does not see the importance of adding support for a device that can rival its own device. If you are looking for an on-the-go gaming device, you can choose to use an iPad or the Nintendo Switch video game console.
Another reason why Apple has yet to release a version of iOS or iPadOS that supports the Nintendo Switch controllers is the number of people who own a Nintendo Switch video game console. The gaming community in the United States is dominated by PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
Few gamers own Nintendo Switch consoles, and most of them use them as a secondary gaming console. Therefore, Apple sees no need to offer support to Nintendo Switch accessories because few people will be interested in using them on their iPad.
If you have the Nintendo Switch controller, you can play games on your Windows PC. To connect the Nintendo Switch controller to your PC, turn on Bluetooth on your PC and disconnect the Joy-Cons from the Nintendo Switch video game console. Hold the Sync button on your Nintendo Switch controller located between the SR and SL buttons until the LED lights start flashing.
Check the devices on your PC’s Bluetooth menu and select the option to pair the controller to your device. Since Joy-Con has two individual units, your PC will recognize each unit as a separate gaming controller. Therefore, you should pair both units if you want to play games with another person.
Which Gaming Controllers Can I Use on an iPad?
Apple has continually released iOS games, and, in 2017, it created a game section on the App Store. There are many games you can play on your iPad without a gaming controller. However, some games have complex controls; hence, the need for a gaming controller.
Apple does not have an official gaming controller; therefore, you must select a controller designed and developed by other gaming companies. Some gaming controllers you can use on your iPad include the DualShock 4, SteelSeries Nimbus Plus, Gamevice Controller Gamepad, Sunwaytek H510 Mechanical Pro, and compatible Xbox controllers.
Apple has extended support to a few gaming controllers, and you need to be sure which controller will work on your iPad before you purchase it. Let us take an in-depth look at each of the gaming controllers compatible with your iPad.
If you are a PlayStation gamer, you might be used to playing with PlayStation controls, and the DualShock 4 is among the best controllers to play games with on an iPad. Apple officially added the DualShock 4 to iOS and tvOS in 2019, and you can connect the controller on your iPad, iPhone or Apple TV.
The DualShock 4 is the primary controller of the PlayStation 4 console and has a familiar layout for PlayStation 4 owners. Therefore, it will not take you a lot of time to learn how the buttons work.
The DualShock 4 is easy to use and can switch between devices within a short time. However, the DualShock 4 does not have a strong battery; therefore, you will have to cut short your gaming sessions to recharge it.
Support for the DualShock 4 varies between games, and the controller might work on one game and fail to work on another. You can also use the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller to play games on your iPad.
To connect the DualShock 4 to your iPad, open “Settings” on your iPad and select “Bluetooth,” and you will see all the devices connected to your iPad. With your controller, press and hold the PS and Share buttons at the same time until the light bar begins to flash. On your iPad, you will see “DualShock 4 Wireless Controller” on the list of devices connected to your iPad.
Select the controller, and the light bar will switch to a red color, indicating that your controller is now paired to the iPad. If the DualShock 4 fails to pair with your iPad, try repeating the process and disconnect other devices connected to your iPad via Bluetooth.
If you prefer Xbox controllers, you can use the Xbox One controller, Xbox Elite Wireless controller series 2, and the Xbox Wireless controller Series X/S. One of the advantages of using an Xbox controller is the comfortable shape that offers you a firm grip. The Xbox controller also has a strong battery that can last up to forty hours of gaming.
If you own an Xbox console, you do not have to spend more money to get another gaming controller. The only disadvantage of using an Xbox controller to play games on your iPad is it might be too large for gamers with smaller hands.
Connecting an Xbox One controller to your iPad is an easy task. Open “Settings” on your iPad and select Bluetooth. Turn on your Xbox One controller and put it in pairing mode by pressing and holding the Xbox button and the pair button until the Xbox button begins to flash. The flashing Xbox button indicates that your controller is ready for pairing.
On the iPad, under the Bluetooth tab, your Xbox One controller should appear on the list with other Bluetooth devices. To pair it, simply tap select the controller’s name on your iPad, and the controller is ready for use. If the Xbox controller does not work after pairing, unpair it and try to pair it again. If it still fails to work, connect your Xbox controller to an Xbox console and check the firmware is up to date.
The SteelSeries Nimbus Plus is another controller that you can use to play games on your iPad. The SteelSeries Nimbus Plus can connect with all devices using the iOS, iPadOS, or macOS operating system. The battery can last up to fifty hours of gaming, so you do not need to carry around your charger if you leave home with a full charge.
It is also very easy to use the SteelSeries Nimbus Plus because it has many features that resemble the layouts of the DualShock 4 and the Xbox One controller. The SteelSeries Nimbus Plus has a lighting port, meaning that you cannot use your USB-C cable to charge its battery, and you will need a Lightning cable.
To connect the SteelSeries Nimbus Plus to your iPad, you first need to turn on Bluetooth on your iPad. Turn on the SteelSeries Nimbus Plus and press the Bluetooth button on the top to put the controller into pairing mode. You will see the SteelSeries Nimbus Plus as a device ready to connect to your iPad.
Select the controller and choose the connect option to pair the SteelSeries Nimbus Plus controller to your iPad. You should note that even after pairing the SteelSeries Nimbus Plus to your iPad, it may not work with some games and applications on your iPad.
If you like the Nintendo Switch console, you can use the Gamevice Controller Gamepad. The Gamevice Controller Gamepad turns your iPad into a Nintendo Switch-like gaming device. The Gamevice Controller Gamepad has side-mounted controls connected with two plastic straps that support the iPad, perfect for playing games such as Fortnite.
One advantage of using the Gamevice Controller Gamepad is the comfortable feel. You can use your hands to hold the controller and iPad at the same time and play games in any position you like.
Unlike the previous gaming controllers, the Gamevice Controller Gamepad does not use Bluetooth to connect to the iPad. The Gamevice Controller Gamepad plugs into your iPad through the charging port. There is no need to pair your Gamevice Controller Gamepad to your iPad or press any buttons to configure your gaming controller.
After you connect the Gamevice Controller Gamepad to your iPad, you will receive suggestions on the games you can install on your iPad that are specifically designed to be played with Gamevice controllers.
If you are on a tight budget and looking for a good quality gaming controller to use on your iPad, you should get the Sunwaytek H510 Mechanical Pro. The Sunwaytek H510 Mechanical Pro has similar features to the Xbox Wireless Elite Controller, and you can play games with it for hours without straining your hands. It has the Arcade Stick D-pad that improves your gaming performance, especially in fighting games.
You can connect the Sunwaytek H510 Mechanical Pro to an iPad by pressing the home and the Y button together and release after the light on the controller turns on. On your iPad, go to the Bluetooth settings and connect your controller. Ensure you turn on Bluetooth on your iPad before you begin the pairing process.
Wrap Up
At the moment, there is no official communication from Apple on when they will add support for Nintendo Switch controllers. If you want to use your iPad like a Nintendo Switch console, you should purchase the Gamevice Controller Gamepad. You can also use your PlayStation 4/5 or Xbox controllers to play games on your iPad.
Before you purchase a gaming controller to use on your iPad, ensure that it is compatible with games installed on your iPad. If the controller you are using on your iPad keeps disconnecting, you can contact the manufacturer to troubleshoot and prevent a bad gaming experience.
