Questions
How to connect a Switch Pro Controller or Joy-Cons to a Mac
Hold the small Sync button on the top edge of the Pro Controller, next to the USB-C port, until the player lights run back and forth, then pick Pro Controller in System Settings, Bluetooth. Joy-Cons pair the same way with the Sync button on the rail, one Joy-Con at a time. You want macOS 13 or later; earlier versions see the Pro Controller but not the Joy-Cons.
Steps
- Hold the Sync button until the player lights run.
- Open System Settings, Bluetooth, and click Connect next to Pro Controller (or Joy-Con (L), then Joy-Con (R)).
Joy-Cons
Each Joy-Con is its own Bluetooth device. Pair the left, then the right. macOS treats them as two controllers; InputConfig can join them into one pad, or use one sideways as a tiny controller on its own. The Joy-Con page has the details, including the sideways layout.
The Pro Controller's extras
The gyroscope works on a Mac and InputConfig uses it for aiming and as a motion cursor. HD rumble works as feedback. NFC does not. Over USB-C the Pro Controller charges but macOS does not read it, so Bluetooth is the way.
Games
Native Mac games that support controllers see the Pro Controller, though many label the buttons as Xbox ones. Games without controller support get it through InputConfig, which ships an FPS layout for the Pro Controller.
Questions
Does the Switch Pro Controller work on a Mac?
Yes, over Bluetooth on macOS 13 and later. Hold the Sync button to pair.
Can I use Joy-Cons on a Mac?
Yes, on macOS 13 and later. Pair each one separately; InputConfig can treat the pair as one controller.
Why does the Pro Controller not work over USB on a Mac?
macOS only talks to it over Bluetooth. The cable charges it.
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