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iOS 16 Sneaks Nintendo Controller Support Into the Mix

One or two joy-cons, the pro controller, and more

By Rob Rich Rob Rich News Reporter College for Creative Studies Rob is a freelance tech reporter with experience writing for a variety of outlets, including IGN, Unwinnable, 148Apps, Gamezebo, Pocket Gamer, Fanbolt, Zam, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Published on June 7, 2022 10:55AM EDT Fact checked by Jerri Ledford Fact checked by Jerri Ledford Western Kentucky University Gulf Coast Community College Jerri L. Ledford has been writing, editing, and fact-checking tech stories since 1994. Her work has appeared in Computerworld, PC Magazine, Information Today, and many others. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Gaming Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Despite all the many iOS 16 features covered in WWDC 2022, it seems Apple may have left one out of the presentation: The ability to connect wireless Nintendo controllers. Much like pairing a PlayStation 5 (or PS4) controller with a Mac, Nintendo controller support isn't new for Apple's computers—but up until now, it hasn't been available for its mobile devices. It turns out, though, that buried among the multitude of new functions coming to iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 is compatibility with Bluetooth Nintendo controllers. Nintendo Once the iOS 16 developer beta became available, it was only a matter of hours until some began to discover the new feature. The creator of the in-progress Delta emulator and AltStore, Riles, excitedly noted the new controller support almost immediately. Screenshots taken in iOS 16 show that the Switch Pro, as well as joy-cons, now appear in the Bluetooth pairing menu. Many developers with access to iOS 16 confirmed Nintendo controller connectivity across many devices. iPhones, iPads, Pro controllers, multiple joy-cons, and even the wireless NES controller that came with Nintendo's mini-console all seem to be working together. The joy-con functionality, in particular, has people buzzing as you can use a single joy-con or immediately activate two that will function together as a single controller. Whether Apple or Nintendo have any big plans for this new feature in iOS 16 remains to be seen, but even if there isn't anything major coming, it does at least offer more physical controller options. Assuming neither company decides to ax compatibility, you should be able to start pairing your Bluetooth Nintendo controllers with your iPhone or iPad when iOS 16 releases later this year. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Connect a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to a PC How to Connect GameCube Controllers to the Switch How to Connect PS4 or Xbox Controllers to Switch iOS 16: News, Price, Release Date, and Features How to Use Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons on PC What Does Lockdown Mode Mean on Apple Devices? The 15 Best Hidden Features in iOS 16 How to Turn Off a Nintendo Switch Controller How to Customize an iPhone Lockscreen in iOS 16 How to Download and Play Fortnite on Nintendo Switch The 5 Best Nintendo Switch Controllers of 2022 How to Use Passkeys on iPhone, iPad, or Mac How to Turn Off Motion Control on Nintendo Switch How to Charge Your Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons The 10 Best Nintendo Switch Accessories How to Edit Multiple Photos at Once on an iPhone Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies