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All of 8bitdo's Classic Controllers Work with Nintendo Switch

Controllers modeled after throwback peripherals offer a sturdy (and affordable) alternative to first-party pads.

David Craddock

May 23, 2017 5:00 PM

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8bitdo, manufacturer of find retro goods like throwback gamepads, has updated its classic controllers to work with Nintendo's Switch console. All of 8bitdo's controllers are wireless, which means you now have numerous sturdy and affordable alternatives to first-party controllers such as Nintendo's Pro Controller.

Getting an 8bitdo controller synced to your Switch isn't quite at plug-and-play levels of simplicity, but the process is far from complex. First, you'll need to update your 8bitdo controllers—those being the FC30, FC30 Pro, NES30, NES30 Pro, SFC30, or SNES30—to the company's 4.0 firmware version. To do that, head to 8bitdo's support pages. Assuming your controller is charged, get close to your PC and hold the Start, L, and R buttons until the LEDs start flashing. Follow the on-screen connections to connect the controller to your computer and download your controller's firmware update.

Last, you'll need to make sure your Switch is running a system update from 1.0 through 2.2.0. Once your console and 8bitdo controllers have been updated, you can enjoy Switch games using classic-style controllers.

If only Nintendo's Virtual Console service was up and running, no?

David Craddock

Long Reads Editor

David L. Craddock writes fiction, nonfiction, and grocery lists. He is the author of the Stay Awhile and Listen series, and the Gairden Chronicles series of fantasy novels for young adults. Outside of writing, he enjoys playing Mario, Zelda, and Dark Souls games, and will be happy to discuss at length the myriad reasons why Dark Souls 2 is the best in the series. Follow him online at davidlcraddock.com and @davidlcraddock.