Can You Play Co-op Games With 2 Joycons on PC? A Supreme Duelist Guide

Have you ever wondered if you can dive into the world of co-op gaming on your PC using those trusty Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons? Well, you’re not alone! Many PC gamers are curious about utilizing their existing controllers, and at SupremeDuelist.blog, we’re here to break down the possibilities. This guide will explore how to play co-op games with 2 Joycons on PC, offering practical solutions and insightful advice to elevate your gaming experience.

The convenience of using Joy-Cons for PC co-op is undeniable, but the setup can seem daunting at first. At SupremeDuelist.blog, our mission is to simplify the complex world of gaming tech, providing you with clear, concise, and actionable advice. Whether you’re a seasoned PC gamer or new to the scene, this guide will help you navigate the process, ensuring seamless co-op gameplay with your Joy-Cons. We are your ultimate source for all things related to competitive and cooperative gaming.

Understanding Joy-Con Compatibility with PC

The Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons are versatile controllers that can connect to your PC, but they aren’t plug-and-play by default. The main challenge lies in how Windows recognizes these controllers. Unlike standard PC controllers, Joy-Cons use Bluetooth and are often perceived as two separate devices rather than a single paired controller. This requires a few extra steps to set up for smooth co-op gaming.

Bluetooth Pairing Basics for Joy-Cons

Before getting into co-op specifics, it’s essential to know how to pair your Joy-Cons to your PC. First, ensure your PC has Bluetooth capabilities enabled. Then, take the following steps:

1. Open the Windows Settings menu and navigate to “Devices”.
2. Click on “Bluetooth & other devices”.
3. Select “Add Bluetooth or other device”.
4. Choose “Bluetooth”.
5. Press and hold the small sync button on top of each Joy-Con until the lights start flashing.
6. Select each Joy-Con from the list of available devices.

Now that the Joy-Cons are paired, they are treated as two independent devices, not one combined controller, making many games unplayable in co-op.

Why Direct Co-op Doesn’t Always Work

Unfortunately, many PC games expect a single controller input for each player, making native support for split Joy-Cons a rarity. When you connect two Joy-Cons, the system usually recognizes them as two separate controllers, meaning you can’t control a single character or work in tandem in most co-op games. “The issue comes down to how the game interprets the controller input. Many are simply not designed to accommodate two separate controllers acting as a single player entity,” says Arthur Sterling, a game interface designer. This limitation needs to be addressed by alternative methods.

Solutions for Playing Co-op Games with 2 Joy-Cons

The good news is that there are solutions to this controller conundrum! Several third-party tools and software can help remap your Joy-Cons into a single virtual controller or allow two different controllers to work as separate player input. Here are a few popular methods:

Using the BetterJoy Driver

BetterJoy is a highly recommended software that converts your Joy-Cons into an XInput device, which most PC games can understand. XInput is a common interface used by many PC game controllers, including Xbox controllers. By using BetterJoy, both Joy-Cons are combined into a single device that can be used as one complete controller:

1. Download and install the latest version of BetterJoy from its official GitHub repository.
2. Run BetterJoy.
3. Ensure your Joy-Cons are paired to your PC via Bluetooth.
4. The software will now recognize the connected Joy-Cons.
5. You can select both Joycons to treat as one controller.
6. Most games should now recognize your Joy-Cons as a unified controller.

BetterJoy is free, open-source, and offers a reliable solution for unifying two Joy-Cons into one.

Steam Input Controller Configuration

Steam Input provides robust controller configuration options within the Steam client. Here’s how to use it for your Joy-Cons:

1. Launch Steam and navigate to “Steam” > “Settings” > “Controller”.
2. Select “General Controller Settings”.
3. Check the box for “Nintendo Switch Configuration Support.”
4. Connect both your Joy-Cons.
5. They should now be detected by Steam.
6. Select the controller and press “Define Layout”. You can combine the two Joycons as if they are one controller.
7. Launch a game via Steam; if it allows co-op, you should now be able to play with two joycons as one or with each joycon as its own controller.

Steam Input is another excellent way to configure your Joy-Cons, especially for games available on Steam.

DS4Windows for Joy-Con Mapping

While primarily designed for PlayStation controllers, DS4Windows can also handle Joy-Cons with the right setup. It’s more complex than BetterJoy or Steam Input but can provide additional customization options.

1. Download and install DS4Windows from its official source.
2. Follow the same Bluetooth pairing process for your Joy-Cons.
3. DS4Windows should detect the Joy-Cons, and you can create a profile for each of them.
4. This software is more powerful, so you can configure buttons and triggers.
5. Ensure the game recognizes the remapped controller inputs.

Using DS4Windows may require some trial and error to properly configure the controllers, but it can offer more flexibility for certain games.

Which Games Work Best With This Setup?

Not all co-op games are created equal regarding controller support. Here are some genres and specific titles that typically work well with the Joy-Cons-as-one approach:

• Platformers: Games like Cuphead, Rayman Legends, and Trine series often have local co-op support that works nicely with unified Joy-Cons.
• Action Games: Titles such as Guacamelee!, Castle Crashers, and Streets of Rage 4 are excellent choices.
• Indie Games: Many indie titles prioritize local co-op and generally have good controller compatibility.
• Fighting Games: While they sometimes require specific controller mapping, games like Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, and Tekken series can also work well.

Keep in mind that some games might still require tweaking through BetterJoy or Steam Input. Games like It Takes Two require each controller to be its own player, so one Joycon per player would need to be used.

Two Joycons used for PC Co-op

Frequently Asked Questions About Joy-Cons on PC

Can I use both Joy-Cons separately for different players?

Yes, once paired, each Joy-Con can act as an individual controller for specific games with support for multiple inputs. This would mean one player uses one Joy-Con, and another player uses the second.

Do I need extra software to use Joy-Cons on PC?

Yes, for many games, tools like BetterJoy, Steam Input, or DS4Windows are necessary to remap and combine the inputs of the Joy-Cons for better compatibility. “The additional software helps translate the Joy-Con signals into something the PC can understand as a standard game controller,” adds Emilia Ramirez, a PC game tester.

Can I use Joy-Cons wirelessly on PC?

Yes, Joy-Cons use Bluetooth technology, so they can connect wirelessly to your PC if it supports Bluetooth.

Are there games that absolutely won’t work with Joy-Cons on PC?

Some games, especially those with specific controller input requirements or older titles that are not optimized for multiple controllers, might not work well with this setup.

What’s the best method to use Joy-Cons for co-op on PC?

BetterJoy is often the simplest and most reliable for combining two Joy-Cons into one controller, while Steam Input works great for Steam games. “Experimentation is key. Try different methods to see what works best for your game of choice,” advises James Choi, a gaming accessibility consultant.

Conclusion: Embracing Joy-Con Co-op on PC

While using two Joy-Cons for co-op gaming on PC isn’t straightforward, it’s certainly achievable with the right tools and understanding. Through utilizing software such as BetterJoy, Steam Input, or DS4Windows, you can transform your Nintendo Switch controllers into compatible PC inputs. This opens up a vast world of co-op gaming possibilities, all without needing to purchase additional controllers. Remember to always check game compatibility and tinker with settings to find the best configuration for your setup.

At SupremeDuelist.blog, we’re dedicated to providing the most insightful and helpful information for all your gaming needs. We hope this guide empowers you to experience seamless and enjoyable co-op gaming on your PC with your trusty Joy-Cons. Now, go forth and conquer those games with your friends!