how to use joy con on pc dolphin emulator

2 min read 02-10-2024

how to use joy con on pc dolphin emulator

The Dolphin Emulator allows you to relive classic gaming experiences from the Nintendo GameCube and Wii on your PC. If you're a fan of Nintendo’s games, using a Joy-Con controller on Dolphin can elevate your gaming experience to a whole new level. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of using Joy-Con on PC Dolphin Emulator seamlessly.

What You Need

Before we begin, make sure you have the following:

A PC capable of running the Dolphin Emulator.
Joy-Con controllers (left and right).
Bluetooth connection on your PC.
Dolphin Emulator installed (download from Dolphin's official website).

Steps to Connect Joy-Con to Your PC

1. Enable Bluetooth on Your PC

Make sure your PC has Bluetooth enabled. You can do this by going to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
Turn on Bluetooth, if it’s not already active.

2. Pair Your Joy-Con Controllers

To pair your Joy-Con with your PC, follow these steps:

Detach the Joy-Con from your Nintendo Switch. Simply slide them off the console.
Press and hold the Sync button. This is located between the SL and SR buttons on the Joy-Con. Hold it until the lights start blinking.
On your PC, go to Bluetooth settings.
Click on "Add Bluetooth or other device" and select "Bluetooth".
Choose "Joy-Con" from the list of available devices. Once paired, the Joy-Con will stop blinking and remain lit.

3. Download and Install the Dolphin Emulator

If you haven’t already, download the Dolphin Emulator from the official site and install it on your PC. Follow the installation prompts until it’s complete.

4. Configure Dolphin Emulator for Joy-Con Use

Open the Dolphin Emulator.
Go to Controllers in the main menu.
Under "Gamecube Controllers", select "Configure" for the first controller.

Using Joy-Con as a GameCube Controller:

In the "Controller Settings", set the "Device" dropdown menu to "Joy-Con".
You may need to configure the buttons manually. Press the buttons on your Joy-Con while clicking on the corresponding actions in the Emulator to map them correctly.

Using Joy-Con as a Wii Controller:

If you're using it as a Wii controller, you may need to set it as a "WiiMote":

In the same Controllers menu, select the "WiiMote" settings.
Set the device to "Real WiiMote" or "Emulated WiiMote" depending on your preference.
Configure the motion controls as necessary.

5. Test Your Configuration

Once configured, load up a game and check if the controls respond correctly. If you find some buttons aren’t working, return to the controller settings and make adjustments.

Troubleshooting Tips

If Joy-Cons won’t connect: Ensure that no other Bluetooth devices are interfering and that the controllers are fully charged.
Input lag issues: Make sure your Bluetooth drivers are up-to-date or try using a USB Bluetooth dongle for better performance.
Configurations not saving: Run Dolphin as an administrator to ensure it has the necessary permissions.

Conclusion

Using Joy-Con on your PC Dolphin Emulator can enhance your gaming experience, letting you enjoy classic titles with a familiar controller. By following these steps, you can set up your Joy-Con and dive back into the games you love.

For more guides on Dolphin Emulator and gaming setups, check out our other articles on Dolphin Features and Best Games for Dolphin Emulator. Happy gaming!

By following this guide, you're now equipped to use your Joy-Con on the Dolphin Emulator. Enjoy exploring the vast library of games available and make the most out of your gaming experience!