Nintendo Explains Cause of Switch Joy-Con Sync Problems
By Rob Gordon 04 March 2017
With the Nintendo Switch now officially available, many users were hoping that Nintendo would have fixed issues regarding Joy-Con controller synchronization. Unfortunately, the day one patch is not working for everyone, but at least Nintendo has been able to give some kind of explanation on why these controller problems are popping up. According to the company, these issues are being caused by interference from other objects.
Nintendo confirmed this in a support post on its website, as well as giving some potential workarounds for users trying to play their new Switch without problems. For starters, Nintendo suggests that all users ensure they have downloaded the latest system update, that the Joy-Con controllers themselves are fully charged, and to reduce the distance to the console. One reason why the Joy-Con controllers might be suffering from desynchronization or incorrect input beyond this is the placement of the Switch console itself, with Nintendo warning against placing the Switch behind a TV, near an aquarium, against large amounts of wires, or within a few feet of items such as wireless speakers or access points.
Alongside this, Nintendo has stated that other devices can also interfere with the Switch. These include laptops, wireless headsets, microwaves, cordless phones, and wireless printers. The company has advised that in most cases these items should stop causing problems when moved three or four feet away from the Switch and controllers, but in other cases they may need to be powered down when using the Switch.
It’s hardly the ideal start for life in the wild for the Switch, and it’s not exactly the perfect solution to have to potentially turn off other wireless devices when using the console. However, the day one patch does seem to have alleviated the issue for many users, and no doubt Nintendo will be aiming to iron out any further kinks as quickly as possible.
The overall reaction to the Switch at launch has been very positive for Nintendo, however. GameSpot has stated that the release of the Nintendo Switch has been the “strongest console launch in years,” while many have been quick to congratulate Nintendo on the launch of the Switch – including many industry personalities. Should Nintendo quickly sort out these connection and sync problems, then no doubt the praise will keep on coming.
Those suffering from these Joy-Con problems can read the full support instructions from Nintendo below:
- Ensure your console has the latest system update.
- Ensure the Joy-Con controllers are charged. How to
- Try to decrease the distance between the Joy-Con and the Nintendo Switch console.
- Ensure that the Nintendo Switch console is placed to minimize interference with the Joy-Con. It is best if the Nintendo Switch console is placed out in the open and that it is not:
- Behind a TV
- Near an aquarium
- Placed in or under a metal object
- Pressed against a large amount of wires and cords
- Within three to four feet of another wireless device, such as a wireless speaker or a wireless access point.
- Check for possible sources of interference and turn them off. Interference can be caused by devices, such as:
- Laptops, tablets, etc.
- Wireless headsets
- Wireless printers
- Microwaves
- Wireless speakers
- Cordless phones
- USB 3.0-compatible devices such as hard drives, thumb drives, LAN adapters, etc.
In most cases it will be enough to move these devices three to four feet away from the Nintendo Switch console and/or Joy-Con controllers. However, if you continue to experience this issue, please power these devices off while using the Nintendo Switch console.
The Nintendo Switch console is out now.
Source: Nintendo
