Nintendo Switch Tips
Setting up the Nintendo Switch is relatively simple, but you may encounter some quirks later on down the road. Our tips here will help you get better acquainted with Nintendo's new hardware.
Tip #1: How to remove the Joy-Con controllers from the Nintendo Switch console
Attaching the Joy-Con controllers to the console is very straightforward. You simply slide them onto the rails on the side of the device until you get a satisfying click. Removing them is a little more cumbersome, however. You want to make sure you're doing it correctly so you don't damage the hardware.
To remove the Joy-Con controllers, you have to press down on the little black circular buttons on the back before you slide them out.
Tip #2: How to slide the Joy-Con straps on/off the Joy-Con controllers
Nintendo provides two Joy-Con straps along with two Joy-Con controllers with every Switch console. The straps are identical to each other and will slide onto either controller, but you need to orient them correctly. To do this, it helps to align the “-” side of the strap with the - button on the left Joy-Con controller. Similarly, you want to make sure that the + logo on the other strap aligns with the + button on the right controller.
While you need to press down on the small circular buttons on the back of the Joy-Con controllers to detach them from the Switch console, you surprisingly don't need to press these buttons to release them from the straps. You can simply slide them out.
Tip #3: How to pair a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
If you have a spare USB-C to USB-C cable, you can pair the Pro Controller to the Switch by plugging the controller directly into the bottom of the console. There's also a way to connect it wirelessly. In the operating system, click on “Controllers” then click on “Change Grip/Order.” From there, press the little pairing button on top of the Pro Controller. The Switch will detect the controller and then you simply need to click the A button to finish the process.
Tip #4: Get a more accurate battery readout
In the main menu, there's a battery icon on the top right that loosely indicates how much juice your console has left. To get more granular battery information, make sure to take the Switch out of the Dock and tap on the touchscreen above the battery icon. A battery life percentage will appear on the screen for about two seconds.
Tip #5: Inserting a MicroSD card
While the Switch supports UHS-I MicroSD cards, the MicroSD card slot is a bit difficult to find. It's actually tucked underneath the Switch's kickstand. Look for the engraved MicroSD outline to help you properly insert the card.
