How to Use Nintendo Switch With a Keyboard and Mouse GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Gaming > Consoles & PCs

How to Use Nintendo Switch With a Keyboard and Mouse

You can connect a USB mouse and keyboard with the Switch

By Robert Earl Wells III Updated on April 17, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

In This Article

Expand Jump to a Section What You Need to Play Games Keyboard and Mouse Support Connect a Keyboard to the Nintendo Switch Frequently Asked Questions

What to Know

Plug any USB keyboard into a USB port on the Switch dock. The Switch should detect the keyboard right away. When the Switch is in handheld mode, you can connect a keyboard using a USB to USB-C converter. You can also use a wireless keyboard by plugging a Bluetooth dongle into the Switch dock. This article explains what you need to use the Nintendo Switch with a USB keyboard and mouse. This information applies to the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch Lite.

What You Need to Play Games With a Keyboard and Mouse on the Switch

If you enjoy playing games like Fortnite on Nintendo Switch, but you prefer the controller layout of a PC, you're in luck. To play games using a keyboard and mouse on the Switch, you might need to purchase some extra peripherals.
The 8 Best Gaming Keyboards, Tested by Our Editors If you already have a gaming keyboard you like, there are also USB adapters for gaming consoles.

Nintendo Switch Keyboard and Mouse Support

Most USB keyboards are compatible with the Nintendo Switch, but you can't play games with a regular keyboard. You can, however, use it to input passwords and other text. Many people find a physical keyboard is far more convenient than the Switch's on-screen keyboard for things like adding comments to screenshots you upload to social media. Plugging a standard gaming mouse into the Switch will have no effect. The 5 Best Gaming Mice of 2022 Some companies make keyboards exclusively for the Switch, but the only difference is that they have slots on the sides to hold the Joy-Con controllers. However, since you still can't play games with the keyboard itself, there's no reason to purchase a special keyboard just for the Switch.

How to Connect a Keyboard to the Nintendo Switch

You can plug any USB keyboard into one of the USB ports on the Switch dock. The Switch should detect the keyboard right away. No additional setup is necessary. It is also possible to use a keyboard while the Switch is in handheld mode with the assistance of a USB to USB-C converter. You can even use a wireless keyboard with the Switch. Just plug a Bluetooth dongle into the Switch dock, and it should automatically work. FAQ Can I use a keyboard and mouse in Fortnite on Nintendo Switch? You can play Fornite and other games on Switch with a specialty keyboard like the Gamesir VX AimSwitch. How do I change the keyboard controls on Nintendo Switch? You can remap the Switch controller buttons by going to System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Change Button Mapping. This will also change the corresponding controls on the keyboard. How do I connect Bluetooth headphones to my Nintendo Switch? To connect wireless headphones to a Switch, put the device into pairing mode, then go to System Settings > Bluetooth Audio > Pair Device. Choose your headset from the list of available devices. How do I connect my Nintendo Switch to my laptop? To connect a Nintendo Switch to a laptop, you need an HDMI capture card like the Elgato HD60. Alternatively, many Switch games have a PC version that you can buy. 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 Fix It When a Keyboard Won't Type How to Connect GameCube Controllers to the Switch How to Connect a Mouse and Keyboard to Steam Deck How to Connect the Nintendo Switch to Your Laptop How to Connect Nintendo Switch to Bluetooth Headphones How to Use a PS5 Controller on Your PC or Mac How to Connect a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to a PC How to Set up and Use a Nintendo Switch Microphone How to Unlock a Keyboard That's Locked Can You Connect AirPods to a Nintendo Switch? 5 Things to Consider When Buying a Keyboard How to Connect PS4 or Xbox Controllers to Switch How to Download and Play Fortnite on Nintendo Switch 8 Things to Consider Before Buying a Computer Mouse How to Connect a PS3 Controller to a PC What Is a Steam Deck? 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