Switch 2 Pro Controller GL/GR Buttons Setup Guide

This guide shows you how to set up the GL and GR buttons on the Switch 2 Pro Controller. These are the two extra shoulder buttons located near the top corners of the controller. By default, they are unassigned, but you can map them to any other button on the controller, which is useful for games where you want quicker access to actions like jumping or crouching without moving your thumbs off the sticks.

What You’ll Need

• Nintendo Switch 2 console (or Switch 2 docked mode)
• Switch 2 Pro Controller
• Controller charged (at least a few minutes of battery)

Step-by-Step

1. Turn on your Switch 2. Press the HOME button on the controller or the power button on the console itself to wake it up.
2. Open the Controllers menu. From the HOME menu, select the “Controllers” icon (the one that looks like a gamepad) at the bottom of the screen. This opens the controller settings.
3. Select “Change Button Mapping”. In the Controllers menu, you’ll see an option called “Change Button Mapping” or “Button Mapping”. Select it. This is where you can remap any button on your Pro Controller.
4. Choose the controller. If you have multiple controllers paired, the screen will list them. Select your Switch 2 Pro Controller from the list.
5. Select the GL or GR button. You’ll see a diagram of the controller with all its buttons. Tap on either the “GL” or “GR” label (they are usually marked on the top corners). This will highlight the button you want to remap.
6. Choose the button to map. After selecting GL or GR, a list of all other buttons will appear (A, B, X, Y, L, R, ZL, ZR, etc.). Scroll through and select the button you want the GL or GR to act as. For example, if you want GL to act as the A button, select “A”.
7. Confirm your selection. Once you’ve picked the button, confirm by selecting “OK” or “Apply”. The mapping is saved immediately.
8. Test it. Go back to a game or the HOME menu and press the GL or GR button to verify it performs the action you mapped. If it doesn’t work, double-check the mapping in the same menu.
9. Repeat for the other button. If you want to map both GL and GR, repeat steps 5-8 for the other one.

Common Mistakes

• Mapping to a button that’s already used. If you map GL to the A button, the physical A button will still work, but you might accidentally press both at once. That’s fine, but be aware that you can’t disable the original button.
• Forgetting to save. Some users exit the menu without confirming. Always select “Apply” or “OK” after choosing the button.
• Using the wrong controller. If you have multiple controllers paired, make sure you’re editing the Pro Controller, not a Joy-Con.
• Assuming GL/GR are analog. They are digital buttons, not analog triggers. They only register on/off, not pressure sensitivity.

Tips

• Use for quick actions. Map GL/GR to buttons you need frequently without moving your thumbs, like jump (B) or dash (Y).
• Map to less-used buttons. If you find yourself accidentally pressing GL/GR, map them to a button you rarely use, like the minus button, to avoid unintended actions.
• Reset if needed. You can always go back to “Change Button Mapping” and select “Reset” to return all buttons to default.
• Profile per game. The Switch 2 allows you to save different mappings for different games. After setting a mapping, you can assign it to a specific game profile from the same menu.

Troubleshooting

• GL/GR not responding at all. First, check that the controller is charged and synced. If it’s still not working, go to “Change Button Mapping” and see if the GL/GR are set to “No Mapping” or “Not Set”. If so, assign them as per the steps above.
• Mapping works but then reverts. This can happen if the controller loses sync or the console restarts. Re-apply the mapping and make sure you save it to a profile if you want it permanent.
• Can’t find the Change Button Mapping option. Make sure your Switch 2 system is updated to the latest firmware. The option is always in the Controllers menu, but if it’s missing, restart the console.
• GL/GR act as the wrong button. You might have accidentally mapped them to something else. Go back to the mapping screen and verify the current assignment. If needed, reset and remap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I map GL/GR to the same button?

Yes, you can map both GL and GR to the same button (e.g., both to A). This is useful if you want either shoulder to perform the same action.

Can I map GL/GR to the stick clicks (L3/R3)?

Yes, you can map them to the left or right stick click. This is handy for games where you need to sprint or toggle something without pressing down on the stick.

Will the mapping work in all games?

Yes, the mapping is applied at the system level, so it works in any game, including those that don’t have custom button options.

Can I map GL/GR to the capture or HOME button?

No, the system does not allow remapping to the HOME or Capture buttons for safety reasons.

How do I reset GL/GR to default?

Go to “Change Button Mapping”, select the controller, then choose “Reset” to restore all buttons to their original functions.

Does the mapping affect the Joy-Con controllers?

No, each controller has its own mapping. You’ll need to set up GL/GR separately for Joy-Con if you want the same behavior.

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