How to use an Xbox One controller with your Nintendo Switch

I think we can all agree that the Nintendo Switch is awesome. However, some folks feel as if the Joy-Cons leave a little bit to be desired in the controller department. They are not always the most comfortable in some hands, especially during long gaming sessions. One solution would be to go out and pick up a Switch Pro controller. That being said, some of you might already have some controllers lying around from other consoles that could serve as perfectly effective Switch controllers. If you want to use your Xbox One controller on your Nintendo Switch, it IS possible! Here is how to do that!
Downloading the FastSnail firmware


Before you can connect anything with the FastSnail converter, you'll need to update the firmware on the FastSnail dongle. Plug the dongle into your laptop or computer. A window should automatically pop up.




From your laptop or computer go to http://mycoov.com/infomation/fix/cid-1-aid-1.




Click the Download button for Firmware V6.0 version.




Once it finishes downloading. Click on the download box on the bottom of the screen.




A window will pop up showing the unzipped files. If you're running Windows 10 it will look like this. Click the button that says "Unzip to:"




This window will display. Using the scrolling menu on the left, select the dongle folder - In my case it read Coov N100 (E:).




Press Unzip.




Remove the dongle from your laptop or computer. You've successfully updated the firmware.

Note: In some cases, the controller converter doesn't work with every controller out-of-the-box. If you follow these steps and your Xbox One controller still isn't connecting to your Switch, then we recommend contacting FastSnail customer service. They can provide you with updated firmware for your controller connector.
Wired tabletop mode

Note: If you're going to play in tabletop mode it really helps to have a stand handy so that the cable can get plugged into the bottom of the console without issue. I used the Hori Compact Playstand


Insert the FastSnail cable's USB-C into the Nintendo Switch console.




Insert the FastSnail black dongle into the FastSnail cable's USB port.




Insert the AmazonBasics USB 2.0 into the USB port of the FastSnail black dongle.




Plug the Micro USB end of the AmazonBasics cable into the Xbox One controller.




While your Switch is on press a button on the Xbox One controller to get the Switch to respond. It might take a few seconds.




When this screen shows up, press down the LB and RB buttons at the same time. Now you're good to go.


Wired docked mode


Plug the FastSnail dongle into one of the Docks USB ports.




Plug the AmazonBasics cable into the Fast Snail dongle.




Plug Micro USB side of AmazonBasics cable into the Xbox One controller.




Press a button on the Xbox One controller while the Nintendo Switch is on to make sure it works.




If this screen comes up, press LB and RB at the same time.




Now you're good to go. Enjoy.



I'm sure that Nintendo never intended us to do things like use an Xbox controller with a Switch. However, fortunately for us, we live in a wonderful modern world where third parties help us out with adapters to solve so many of gaming's little problems.