As you can see, the Wii Remote has fewer buttons than the Joy-Con, even with the Nunchuk extension. Compatibility problems will result from this discrepancy. Although there may be a fix for this, using a Wii controller on the Switch is difficult.
Here, the accelerometer and the rumbling stand out as two more mismatches. The Joy-accelerometer con and gyroscope are precise enough to function without a Sensor Bar. Unfortunately, the Wii Remote is an exception.
Other than that, the rumble of the two controllers differs significantly. Although there is some rumbling on the Wii Remote, it is nothing compared to the rumble on the Joy-Con.
Do Wii controllers work on Switch?
Yes, using an 8BitDo dongle and a USB Type-C hub, a Wii Controller may be connected to a Switch device. Connect the dongle to the hub, then pair it with your Wii remote. However, due to compatibility issues, it is not recommended to use a Wii controller with a Nintendo Switch.
Wii Controller on Switch: How to Connect
Here is a comprehensive video guide that shows you how to connect a Wii remote to a Switch:
What You’ll Need
- Nintendo Switch
- A Wii remote
- USB Type-C Hub for Nintendo Switch
- 8BitDo Bluetooth USB adapter
Step 1 – Charge the Switch
Make sure the Switch is charged first things. While synchronizing your Switch with the Wii remote, you don’t want it to shut off. Before you start, the battery should ideally be at least 50% charged. You can charge your Nintendo Switch using any common charging method.
Step 2 – Plug the USB C Hub
Next, connect your Switch to the USB Type-C hub. Continue by inserting the hub into the Switch’s designated USB C port after finding it. Any setup instructions should be followed. You can connect USB Type-C devices to your Switch console via the USB hub.
Step 3 – Plug The 8bitdo Dongles
The Bluetooth USB adaptor from 8BitDo, also known as a dongle, must now be plugged in for the Switch to be connected to the Wi-Fi. Look for the designated port and insert the dongle there. You’ll notice a bright red flashing light once it’s ready to use and set up.
Once it has happened, press the 8BitDo button. After beginning to flash more quickly, the dongle will stop.
Step 4 – Sync the Wii Remote
The Wii controller can now be synced at this point. Make sure the remote has functional batteries, just like with the Switch. Testing it initially on other items is a good idea. Press the “Sync” button on the remote’s back after making sure it has adequate charge.
Step 5 – Testing the Wii Controller Input
Last but not least, make sure the Wii Controller Input is functional by testing it. First, choose System Settings from the Home Screen. Then navigate to the menu and select the Controller and Sensor option.
Select “Test input Device” from the menu that appears on the right side of the screen. You can choose to “Test Controller Buttons” from that menu. Just click it.
Simply press any button on the Wii Remote to test it. It should do whatever it is configured to do when that button is pressed. If not, you’ll need to conduct some investigation.
Simply hit any button on your controller to end testing and leave this testing session.