Joy-Con Droid is an app that turns your Android into one of the controllers of the Nintendo Switch system. You can choose between the two Joy-Con (left or right) or even the Pro-Controller. You can also connect a USB controller to your device to control the console. It's important to note that to use and set up Joy-Con Droid you need at least an Android 9.0 smartphone and to have Bluetooth HID Profile. If your smartphone doesn't meet those requirements, it's very possible you'll get different error messages. The first thing you'll see when you enter Joy-Con Droid for the first time is a complete tutorial that explains, step by step, how to set up your Android as a Joy-Con. Once you've watched the tutorial, you can start setting up the app as you please. You can 'map' the buttons however you want, activate or deactivate the motion sensor, and even change the colors of the interface.
About:
Joy-Con Droid is a free Nintendo Switch Joycon emulator that turns your Android device into a Left Joycon, Right Joycon, or Pro Controller. The App lets you choose a custom UI from Customizable Left JoyCon, Right JoyCon, and ProController, NES Style Right JoyCon, TAS UI, Turbo Controller, and PokéMacros.
Besides, you can remap the buttons in your controller and take advantage of features like Gyroscope and Accelerometer. Also, you can change the color settings of your controller. Plus, the App has a guide to help you go through and use it.
Before moving any further, you must know that the App works only on Android 9.0 or later OS. The latest Switch Firmware has Bluetooth Device Class check to check your device is a gamepad. Therefore, your device must be rooted with Magisk, so you can use the Bluetooth++ Module and change your device class to 002508.
Alternatively, you can change your Bluetooth MAC Address to an actual controller that has already been paired. For that, too, you will require to root access. We recommend Magisk to root your device as it is easier and installs the required file automatically after you install a module.
Features
Pairing With Switch
The App lets you pair your Android device to Switch as a controller. So, you can use it as a Joy-Con controller for your Nintendo Switch. However, you must fulfill some requirements for it.
Accelerometer
The Accelerometer helps you with motion controls by detecting the approximate orientation and acceleration and offering an image sensor. You can enable it from the Settings of the App.
Gyroscope
This feature gives you freedom of movement. It is responsible for aiming in the direction where your camera moves through the controller movement. You can enable it from the App Settings.
Custom Gamepad Interfaces
Moreover, the App allows users to use Custom UIs. You can select from Customizable Left JoyCon, Right JoyCon, and ProController, NES Style Right JoyCon, TAS UI, Turbo Controller, and PokéMacros.
Remap Buttons
You can also remap the controller buttons according to your preferences. Go to More Menu from the left side of your screen and go to Map Buttons to remap buttons for your controller.
Customizations
The App allows users to customize the controller settings. You can adjust the Packet Rate, Controllers’ Body and Button colors, and device settings.
Prerequisites to use with ease:
Before you decide to employ this utility app, you must ensure that your mobile device embodies all the requirements needed to smoothly run it. One of its major requirements for your device is the Bluetooth HID Profile, wherein Android Pie (9) or higher version is also needed to operate. You can verify if you have the needed profile through the Bluetooth HID Profile Tester app.
This app is still in its alpha stage of development, thus, you will experience occasional moments of bugginess. Take into consideration also that there are instances that the app will not be fully functional in some devices. In case you encounter this issue, take note of the device model that is not working properly with the application and report it to the Discord or email of the developer.
JoyCon Droid also enables you to play with an Amiibo function—interactive figures and cards that work with compatible Switch games such as Animal Crossing. This feature contains a lot of potential—however, it has issues with reading the files, which can take a couple of seconds just for it to load, and the reading process itself will take forever. Furthermore, it also has a delay in inputs oftentimes and the analog stick doesn’t take directions easily.
Pros & Cons:
Pros
Transforms an Android device into a Nintendo Switch controller
Offers a detailed tutorial for easy setup
Allows extensive customization and personalization
Eliminates the need for extra hardware
Cons
Requires at least Android 9.0 and Bluetooth HID Profile support
May display error messages if system requirements are not met
FAQs:
Is JoyCon Droid on Android?
Yes, the App is available for Android. You can use it on all Android with 9.0 or later OS.
How can I use my Android phone as JoyCon?
You can use Joy-Con Droid App to convert your Android into a JoyCon. You must have Android 9.0 or up and Root with Magisk.
Was JoyCon Droid removed?
No, the App is still available on PlayStore, which means it is safe to use.
