One of the most distinctive features of Nintendo’s new game console is the Joy-Con game controllers that come with the Nintendo Switch.

The game console itself is a small tablet that you can use on the go or plugged into a TV when connected to a docking station, and the Joy-Con controllers can be used in a variety of ways too: docked to the side of the tablet, put together on a grip for traditional game controller mode, or as two smaller gamepads.

But it turns out that’s not all the Joy-Con system is good for. You can also use the controllers with Mac, Windows, or Android devices.

Since the Joy-Con controllers use Bluetooth to connect to the Switch wirelessly, you can also pair them with a PC or mobile device via Bluetooth.

There are some quirks though: a set of Joy-Con controllers has two parts: the left controller and the right controller. Your computer, phone, or tablet will see them as two separate devices.

But you can use an app like JoyToKey (for Windows) to map the buttons on the controllers to the appropriate functions, letting you use the controllers to play PC games.

The video below from DreWoof shows a Windows PC with a Joy-Con controller in action.

Nintendo’s Switch Pro controller can also be used as a Bluetooth gamepad for Windows or other platforms.

via The Verge

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3 replies on “Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers work with Windows, Mac, or Android devices”

  2. Glad to see Nintendo didn’t nerf this ability. I’ve been using a Wii Remote with a Classic Controller for years on my Mac. It’s perfect for emulation and indie titles.

    I agree with SmileyAja as well. It’d be interesting to see if someone can emulate the HD Rumble. It’d open the feature up to the huge world of Indie Devs. I’m sure there are several that could think of unique and fun games that use HD Rumble.

  3. Can’t wait to see if someone were to make drivers to utilize HD Rumble – perhaps feature some sort of tweaking tool based on games, so if they had an action assigned to a certain button you could set up the HD Rumble effect for it yourself.

    Someone could also develop sound to vibration software as well, since Nintendo apparently also provided similar software to developers. Though it probably wouldn’t do on it’s own, it would probably be a good guide.

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