How to Play with 2 Players on the Nintendo Switch

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This wikiHow teaches you how to play a 2-player game on Nintendo Switch. You can play a two player game using the joy-con controllers turned sideways, or one player can use the joy-con controller, and another use the pro-controller.

Steps

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    To detach the joy-con controllers, pick up the Nintendo Switch and turn it over. Press and hold the round button on the back of the joy-con controller next to the ZL and ZR buttons. Slide the joy-con up to detach it. Do the same for the joy-con controller on the other side. [1]
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    The straps are the thin pieces with two buttons and a wrist strap attached. The joy-con straps have a "+" or "-" engraved on the top. Line it up with the "+" and "-" buttons on the joy-con controller. Slide the opening at the bottom of the strap over the track on the side of the joy-con controller until it snaps in place. [2]
    • To remove the joy-con straps, pull the grey tab at the bottom of the strap and slide it up to remove it.
    • If one player is using the pro controller, the other player can place both joy-cons in the joy-con controller holder that turns the joy-cons into a single controller.
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    The icon on the home screen that resembles a joy-con is the controller settings menu. This is where you can set up the controllers for two players.
    • You can select items on the Nintendo Switch by tapping them on the screen, or navigating to them with the controller and press "A".
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    It's the first option in the controller settings menu. [3]
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    If you are using the joy-cons to play two players, turn both joy-cons sideways with the analog stick to the left. Press the two buttons (R & L) on the top of the strap. If you are using a pro controller or other controller setup, press R & L on both controllers that you want to use.
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    There are a variety of two player games on Nintendo Switch. You can purchase games from the Nintendo eShop or from a store. Check the information on the back, or on the information page of the Nintendo eShop to see how many players a game supports. [4]
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    When you get to the title screen of the game, select the multiplayer/two player mode option to start a two player game. [5]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    One of my controllers broke. Two of the buttons do not work. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    You should contact Nintendo's customer service. They can probably fix your controller.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How can I connect two players to Minecraft on my Nintendo Switch if I only have one joystick?
    Community Answer
    Simply, you cannot. You may want to invest in another joycon or other Nintendo controller.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 41 Helpful 22
  • Question
    Is it possible to assign a player to #2 automatically on a Nintendo Switch?
    Community Answer
    For certain games, yes. If you have played two-player before, then it should be able to pair up automatically if you click the "sl" and "sr" buttons.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22335/~/how-to-attach%2Fdetach-the-joy-con-controllers-from-nintendo-switch
      2. ↑ https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22334/~/how-to-attach%2Fdetach-and-wear-the-joy-con-strap
      3. ↑ https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/49232/~/how-to-change-the-control-stick-orientation-on-the-joy-con-controller
      4. ↑ https://www.gamesradar.com/best-two-player-switch-games/
      5. ↑ https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/42835/~/how-to-start-a-local-or-online-multiplayer-game-%28super-smash-bros.-ultimate%29

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Detach the joy-cons and attach the straps.
      2. Select Controllers on the home screen.
      3. Select Change Grip/Order .
      4. Press R+L on both joy-cons or controllers.
      5. Start a two-player game.

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