Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over, have read our Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.

Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • Videos
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
    • G+RLS Podcast
  • Edge
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • Home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Videos
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
    • G+RLS Podcast
  • Edge
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • EDGE GTAVI exclusive
  • Join our monthly RPG Club
  • Golden Joystick Awards 2026
  • Deal of the Day
  • Countdown to GTA 6
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
  • RPG Hub
  • G+RLS Podcast
Want more Switch 2 news?

Sign up to our Switch 2 newsletter to make sure you get the very latest news on Nintendo's new console and its games every week


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Platforms
  2. Nintendo
  3. Nintendo Switch

How to connect an extra Joy-Con to the Switch Lite for multiplayer, motion controls and co-op

Guides
By Leon Hurley
last updated 14 December 2023

The Nintendo Switch Lite can still add extra Joy-Cons

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

connect switch controller
(Image credit: Nintendo)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter

If you want to know how to connect an extra Joy-Con to the Nintendo Switch Lite then we can help. Obviously the Switch Lite doesn't let you slide off the Joy-Cons like the standard model for instant multiplayer, but if you have a spare controller or two you can still connect it for that, co-op and more. If you want to know how, then here's what to do to connect an extra Joy-Con to the Nintendo Switch Lite. 

How to connect an extra Joy-Con to the Nintendo Switch Lite

Connect switch controller

(Image credit: nintendo)

Obviously with the original old Nintendo Switch you could easily slide the Joy-Con into the main unit to sync without having to pair anything. However, the Switch Lite has permanently attached controllers meaning you'll have to pair extra controllers remotely.

To start pairing an extra controller go to the 'Home' menu and select 'Controllers and Sensors'. 

connecting an extra switch controller

(Image credit: Nintendo)

From this menu choose 'Change Grip and Order' to get to this screen: 

Latest Videos FromGamesRadar+
Watch full video here:

Nintendo switch Joy-con connection screen

(Image credit: nintendo)

One you have that screen that screen press and hold the Sync button on the controller you want to use, which is the little round recessed button on the side: 

Nintendo switch Joy-con sync button

(Image credit: nintendo)

You'll have to do this on each controller you're planning to use, so twice if you want to set up a pair:

You'll know when the extra Joy-Con is connected as the player LED will stay on. At this point you'll still need to tell the Nintendo Switch Lite which way you're intending to use the extra Joy-Con: either as a two Joy-Con dual-controller set up, or a single Joy-Con in a horizontal grip. To do that you press the shoulder buttons according to the image on the screen: 

(Image credit: nintendo)

So that's both little shoulder buttons on a single pad to use one individually, or two big ones on both pads to dual wield. You can even sync and hit both shoulder buttons on the Pro Controller to add it. 

And that's that. Follow these instructions and you should be able to connect an extra Joy-Con to the Nintendo Switch Lite to enjoy multiplayer with friend, or play game with rumble and motions controls.

Want more Switch 2 news?

Sign up to our Switch 2 Spotlight newsletter to make sure you get the very latest news on Nintendo's new console and its games every week

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Not picked up the console yet? You can get your hands on one via our guide to the Nintendo Switch Lite price. Alternatively, be sure to check out the best Nintendo Switch bundles available right now, or check how to charge Joy-Cons for Nintendo Switch here.

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission

Leon Hurley
Leon Hurley
Social Links Navigation
Managing editor for guides

I'm GamesRadar's Managing Editor for guides. I also write reviews, previews and features, largely about horror, action adventure, FPS and open world games. I previously worked on Kotaku, and the Official PlayStation Magazine and website.

Latest in Nintendo Switch
A collage of GTA Vice City screenshots including Tommy wielding guns and driving cars through the sunny location, with the Countdown to GTA 6 GamesRadar+ branding
Grand Theft Auto Over 20 years later, GTA Vice City is still a role model for the open-world genre
 
 
A ship in No Man's Sky warps toward a distant star
Survival Games With No Man's Sky's fifth major update in 2026, Hello Games finally makes good on a pre-launch tease
 
 
Fortnite Treasure Hunters Season
Fortnite When does the Fortnite Treasure Hunters mini-season start?
 
 
Witchbrook characters by the river and on the bridge
Simulation Games After 10 years, cozy RPG Witchbrook finally gets a release date – and PS5 fans will no longer be missing out at launch
 
 
Screenshot from Final Fantasy Resonance, showing the Warrior of Light holding a red spiky sword up in front of his face.
Final Fantasy Final Fantasy Resonance and Clair Obscur success points to Square Enix making a mainline turn-based JRPG, analyst says
 
 
Julian, with green hair, reaches out his hand on a ship in Romancing SaGa 3: Destinies United
JRPGs Romancing Saga 3's improvisational JRPG battles have finally turned me into a fan
 
 
Latest in Guides
Phantom Blade Zero Hua pulling massive sword out of a corpse
Action RPGs How to beat Hua, Deadly Betrothed in Phantom Blade Zero
 
 
Crimson Desert DLC
RPGs When does the Crimson Desert Charting the Unknown DLC release?
 
 
Phantom Blade Zero Whence The Weeping quest update Chord in the northern mountains
Action RPGs How to find the source of the weeping in Phantom Blade Zero and complete the Whence The Weeping quest
 
 
A group of teenagers laugh at another teenager in a trash can in Ishin on Roblox.
Simulation Games All Ishin codes (October 2026) and how to redeem them for Rerolls and Yen
 
 
Monster Hunter Outlanders codes
Monster Hunter Monster Hunter Outlanders codes (October 2026) and how to redeem them for Zenny, potions, antidotes, and more
 
 
Phantom Blade Zero Honor Among Thieves quest Gentle Thief explaining questions to Soul
Action RPGs All Phantom Blade Zero Gentle Thief answers for the Honor Among Thieves quest
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Family of the beloved actor urges support for Alzheimer's research
    1
    Star Trek and X-Men actor Patrick Stewart dies at 86
  2. 2
    Dev who copied a popular game on Steam complains another copycat "stole our code," and now it's apparently been kicked out by Valve
  3. 3
    Ubisoft says it's done with Assassin's Creed remakes for now after Black Flag Resynced, and Assassin's Creed Hexe is "making steady progress" toward 2027 update
  4. 4
    Former Valve dev hits back at Epic Games CEO's claims Steam holds gaming back and its AI disclosures are political: "You're just treating players like they're stupid"
  5. 5
    Bungie shares hopes for "a new forever Destiny" and "Destiny 'Legacy,'" but we aren't back yet: "Time isn't our friend"

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...