Does the Google Stadia Controller Work With Nintendo Switch?

After just a few short years on the market, Google Stadia has officially shut down its servers. While you’ll no longer have access to the streaming service, anyone who picked up the official Google Stadia controller can now use it as a Bluetooth controller. You’ll need to go through a short update process, but once it’s complete, you’ll be able to use your gamepad with a variety of other platforms.

But does the Google Stadia controller work with Nintendo Switch? And how do you go about updating your Stadia controller? Here’s a closer look at what you need to know.

While the Google Stadia controller used to only work with Google Stadia, that’s no longer the case. With the service shutting down, Google is giving users the option to switch their controller from Wi-Fi mode to Bluetooth mode. However, the controller won’t work with all Bluetooth devices. According to Google, the Bluetooth mode update was designed for the following platforms:

• Windows 10 and 11 + Steam
• MacOS 13 + Steam
• ChromeOS
• Android

Unfortunately, there’s no mention of support for Nintendo Switch. There’s also no mention of support for Xbox Series X or PS5. A few users have tried to get the gamepad running on Nintendo’s hybrid console, but seem to have hit a roadblock. For now, it appears the Google Stadia controller does not work with Nintendo Switch.

While your Stadia controller won’t work with every device on the market, it’s still worth upgrading. Since the Stadia service is now defunct, there’s no reason to keep it in Wi-Fi mode – unless you’re feeling nostalgic.

To reset your Stadia Controller and enable Bluetooth mode, head over to the official Stadia website and click the “Switch to Bluetooth mode” button at the top of the screen. This will walk you through all the steps needed to make the upgrade. Keep in mind the process is irreversible, and it’ll only be available until Dec. 31. After that date, you’ll be stuck with a Wi-Fi controller.

Once you’ve upgraded your Stadia controller, you’ll be able to pair it with supported devices as you would with any other Bluetooth peripheral. There are a few strange steps in the process (such as holding Y + Stadia button to enter pairing mode), so be sure to keep the Stadia website open in case you run into any snags. And while it won’t pair with Nintendo Switch, the Stadia controller should come in handy for a bit of mobile gaming or if you need a gamepad for PC.