How To Connect Two Joycons As A Controller On Pc For Retro Games

Gaming on PC doesn’t have to mean relying solely on traditional gamepads or keyboard-and-mouse setups. For retro gaming enthusiasts, especially those nostalgic for handheld-style play, the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con offer a compact, responsive, and surprisingly versatile alternative. When paired together, they can function as a single unified controller—perfect for emulating classic titles from systems like NES, SNES, N64, and even GameCube in some cases. Connecting two Joy-Con to your PC wirelessly via Bluetooth and configuring them correctly unlocks a seamless retro gaming experience that feels both modern and authentic.

The process involves more than just pairing devices. Windows does not natively support dual Joy-Con input as one controller, so additional software is required to merge their inputs and map them correctly within emulator environments. This guide walks through everything you need to know—from hardware requirements and driver setup to troubleshooting common issues and optimizing performance for lag-free gameplay.

What You’ll Need: Equipment and Software Requirements

Before diving into configuration, ensure you have the necessary components. While the Joy-Con themselves are central, other elements determine whether the setup will work smoothly.

• Two Joy-Con (Left and Right): Both must be functional with sufficient battery life. They don’t need to be attached to a Nintendo Switch console.
• A Windows PC with Bluetooth 4.0 or higher: Most modern laptops and many desktops include built-in Bluetooth. If yours doesn’t, a low-cost USB Bluetooth 4.0+ adapter will suffice.
• BetterJoy or BetterJoyFork: Open-source software that enables proper Joy-Con recognition and merging on Windows. It translates HID signals into XInput, making the pair appear as an Xbox 360 controller—a format widely supported by emulators.
• .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later: Required to run BetterJoy. Available for free from Microsoft’s website if not already installed.
• RetroArch, RetroPie (via streaming), or standalone emulators (e.g., Dolphin, PCSX2, mGBA): To actually play retro games once the controller is set up.

Tip: Charge your Joy-Con fully before starting. Low battery can cause intermittent disconnections during pairing.

Step-by-Step Guide: Pairing Two Joy-Con to Your PC

Follow this sequence carefully. Skipping steps may result in partial recognition, input lag, or failure to register button presses.

1. Enable Bluetooth on your PC
   Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
2. Put both Joy-Con into pairing mode
   Press and hold the small SYNC button (located next to the rail connector) on each Joy-Con until the LED lights start flashing rapidly. Do this for both the left and right units.
3. Add the first Joy-Con via Windows
   In the Bluetooth settings window, click “Add Bluetooth or other device,” select Bluetooth, then wait for “Nintendo Switch Pro Controller” or “Pro Controller” to appear. Click it to pair. Repeat the process for the second Joy-Con.
4. Download and extract BetterJoyFork
   Visit the official GitHub repository (github.com/Davidobot/BetterJoy) and download the latest release of BetterJoyFork. Extract the ZIP file to a stable location (e.g., C:\\BetterJoy).
5. Run BetterJoy as administrator
   Navigate to the extracted folder, right-click BetterJoy.exe, and choose “Run as administrator.” This ensures full access to system resources and avoids permission-related connection drops.
6. Wait for Joy-Con detection
   BetterJoy will scan for connected controllers. After a few seconds, both Joy-Con should appear in the interface under their MAC addresses, labeled as “Left” and “Right.”
7. Merge the controllers
   Check the box next to “Merge Controllers” in the BetterJoy UI. Once enabled, the software combines inputs from both Joy-Con into a single virtual Xbox 360 controller recognized by Windows and all compatible applications.
8. Test the setup
   Open the Xbox Accessories app (available in Microsoft Store) or use a tool like Gamepad Tester online to verify that button presses, analog sticks, and triggers respond correctly.

If vibration or motion controls aren't needed, you can disable them in BetterJoy settings to reduce CPU usage and improve stability.

Optimizing Performance for Emulation

Even after successful pairing, suboptimal configuration can lead to input delay, dropped frames in video output, or unresponsive buttons—especially in fast-paced retro titles like Super Mario Bros. or Street Fighter II. The following optimizations help maintain responsiveness.

Setting	Recommended Value	Why It Matters
Polling Rate	500Hz	Higher polling reduces input lag; adjustable in BetterJoy settings.
Vibration	Disabled	Saves bandwidth and prevents stuttering on weaker PCs.
Motion Controls	Off unless required	Some games (e.g., Zelda: Twilight Princess) use motion aiming—but most retro titles do not.
Emulator Input Backend	XInput	Ensures compatibility with merged controller signal.
Controller Buffer Size	Low (1–2 frames)	Reduces latency between press and action.

Within your emulator (such as RetroArch), go to Input > Port 1 Device and select “XInput Controller #1” or similar. Map each button accordingly. Since the merged Joy-Con emulate an Xbox layout, standard mappings apply:

• B → A
• A → B
• Y → X
• X → Y
• L/ZL → LB
• R/ZR → RB
• Minus → Back
• Plus → Start

Analog stick sensitivity can usually remain at default unless fine-tuning is needed for precision platformers or shooters.

“We’ve seen a significant rise in hybrid setups where users blend modern hardware with retro software. The Joy-Con, despite being designed for a console, are remarkably adaptable when properly interfaced.” — Lin Zhao, Embedded Systems Engineer and Emulation Specialist

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful setup, problems can arise. Here are frequent issues and proven solutions.

No Response After Pairing

If buttons don’t register in-game or testing tools, check Task Manager to confirm BetterJoy is running. Also, ensure no conflicting drivers (like older versions of SCP Toolkit or DS4Windows) are active. Restart BetterJoy after closing competing apps.

Only One Joy-Con Detected

This typically occurs when Windows fails to recognize one unit during initial sync. Remove both from Bluetooth devices, restart the PC’s Bluetooth service (services.msc > Bluetooth Support Service > Restart), then re-pair both simultaneously while BetterJoy is open.

Input Lag or Stuttering

Reduce background processes consuming CPU or GPU. Disable visual enhancements in emulators (shaders, high-resolution upscaling). In BetterJoy, lower the polling rate to 250Hz temporarily to test stability.

Controller Disconnects Randomly

Poor Bluetooth range or interference from Wi-Fi routers, USB 3.0 ports, or metal enclosures can disrupt signal. Move the PC closer to the controller or use a USB extension cable to position the Bluetooth adapter away from sources of noise.

Tip: Rename your Joy-Con in Windows Settings to \"Joy-Con Left\" and \"Joy-Con Right\" for easier identification when managing multiple controllers.

Mini Case Study: Reviving Childhood Memories with Merged Joy-Con

Mark T., a 32-year-old software developer from Portland, wanted to replay Chrono Trigger on his PC but found keyboard controls awkward and immersion-breaking. He owned a pair of Joy-Con from a previous Nintendo Switch purchase and decided to try connecting them via BetterJoy.

After following the pairing steps and adjusting RetroArch’s input settings, he successfully mapped all actions intuitively. The compact form factor reminded him of playing on the original PlayStation with a DualShock, but the modern haptics and precise thumbsticks enhanced the experience. He now uses the same setup weekly for ROMs spanning Genesis to PS1 eras.

“It felt like bridging two worlds,” Mark said. “The nostalgia of old-school gameplay, but with clean visuals and responsive controls. I didn’t expect the Joy-Con to feel so natural outside the Switch.”

Checklist: Quick Setup Verification

Use this checklist before launching any emulator:

1. ✅ Both Joy-Con are charged and in pairing mode
2. ✅ Bluetooth is enabled on the PC
3. ✅ Joy-Con appear in Windows Bluetooth list
4. ✅ BetterJoy is running as administrator
5. ✅ “Merge Controllers” is checked
6. ✅ Virtual Xbox controller appears in Gamepad Tester or Xbox Accessories
7. ✅ Emulator input is set to XInput and buttons are mapped
8. ✅ Unnecessary features (vibration, motion) are disabled

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use wired USB connections instead of Bluetooth?

No, Joy-Con do not support direct USB data communication when plugged into a PC via USB-C. They only charge over USB. Wireless Bluetooth remains the only viable method for data transmission.

Do I need a Nintendo Account or Switch console to use Joy-Con on PC?

No. The Joy-Con function independently of any Nintendo account or hardware. As long as they’re in pairing mode, they can connect directly to any compatible Bluetooth receiver.

Will this setup work with Steam Big Picture Mode or Steam Deck?

Yes. Once merged via BetterJoy, the controller appears as an Xbox pad, which Steam recognizes automatically. You can configure layouts, enable gyro aiming (if desired), and even use it in non-emulated games.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Connecting two Joy-Con as a single controller on PC opens a world of accessible, tactile retro gaming. With minimal investment and a bit of technical patience, you transform modern accessories into faithful companions for vintage experiences. Whether revisiting classics or introducing younger players to foundational titles, this setup balances convenience, comfort, and authenticity.

The key lies in consistency: keeping software updated, maintaining clean Bluetooth channels, and understanding how emulators interpret input. As open-source tools like BetterJoy continue evolving, support for newer features—including improved HD rumble emulation and lower-latency profiles—will only expand what’s possible.

🚀 Ready to relive the golden age of gaming? Grab your Joy-Con, follow the steps above, and launch your favorite emulator tonight. Share your setup tips or favorite retro picks in the comments below!