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Nintendo switch 2 third party controller issues explored

Nintendo Switch 2 | 3rd Party Controller Issues Festering Among Gamers

By

Liam O'Connor

Jun 5, 2025, 10:50 AM

2 minutes of duration

A Nintendo Switch 2 console displayed with various third-party controllers, showcasing compatibility issues and testing results.

A wave of disappointment hits Nintendo Switch 2 users as many find their favorite third-party controllers incompatible. Users are reporting that popular controllers, such as the 8bitDo Ultimate, fail to connect, sparking frustration and confusion in the gaming community.

User Experiences Highlight Compatibility Struggles

With the Nintendo Switch 2 hitting shelves, many gamers raced to test their peripherals. However, reports indicate significant issues with third-party controllers.

One user recounted, โ€œMy 8bitDo Ultimate controller is not able to connect to Switch 2 whatsoever,โ€ while their cheaper AliExpress controller worked flawlessly. This discrepancy raises questions about the compatibility of accessories launched for the previous console generation.

"Thatโ€™s why Iโ€™m so puzzled why the cheap ones work when 8bitDo does not," a participant expressed.

Confusion Around Compatibility Claims

Despite Nintendo's assertion that most accessories from the original Switch would function on the new system, some gamers were disappointed to find otherwise.

  • User comments reveal:

    • Uncertainty surrounds whether 8bitDo controllers simply require a firmware update.

    • Not a single arcade stick has connected since launch, contradicting Nintendo's initial claims.

    • Discussions focus on how the cheaper controllers are gaining favor due to their reliable connections.

Some users voiced their concerns, saying, โ€œDoesnโ€™t look like thereโ€™s any 3P controllers that have jack and wake up console other than the pro 2?โ€ The consensus suggests that more clarity from Nintendo could ease frustrations.

Key Takeaways

  • โŒ 8bitDo Ultimate not connecting to Switch 2 has frustrated many players.

  • โœ“ Cheap controllers from AliExpress perform without issues.

  • ๐Ÿšซ Arcade sticks face connectivity problems, diminishing appeal for enthusiasts.

As players await further updates, speculation runs wild on whether a quick fix might be on the horizon. Nintendo's communication will be pivotal in maintaining user support as discontent brews over third-party controller functionality.

Future Controller Expectations

As Nintendo navigates this unexpected backlash, there's a strong chance they may roll out firmware updates for third-party controllers, particularly the 8bitDo Ultimate, within the next few months. Users anticipate improvements in compatibility, especially given the success of cheaper alternatives that are working without issue. Experts estimate around a 70% likelihood that enhanced support for these peripherals will emerge, as gamers' frustrations continue to rise. Nintendo's ability to communicate effectively during this period will be crucial, potentially shaping user engagement moving forward.

A Lesson from the Past

The situation mirrors early smartphone misadventures when certain third-party accessories faced malfunction after new updates, spurring companies to respond swiftly to consumer outcry. Take Apple's initial challenges with non-certified chargers, where public frustration prompted them to enhance the compatibility of mainstream products rapidly. As happened then, Nintendo might find this situation serves as a valuable learning experience, pushing them to adapt swiftly and effectively in the face of consumer dissatisfaction.