The Xbox Adaptive Controller (XAC) is a device designed by Microsoft that enables gamers with limited mobility to access games on Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs. It does this by allowing gamers to use compatible switches and joysticks to create their own customised controller.
A lot of the gamers we work with want to access other consoles, including the Nintendo Switch. In this post we will look at how to use the XAC with a Nintendo Switch using a Titan Two device.
Note that at the time of writing, the XAC will not work with the Nintendo Switch Lite.
Step 1: Setting up the Nintendo Switch
You need to make sure your Nintendo Switch is set up to use wired controllers. You do this by turning on Pro Controller Wired Communication.
Go to System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Pro Controller Wired Communication > OK
This post gives you a step-by-step guide on how to do this: https://gameaccess.info/nintendo-switch-console-settings-for-using-a-titan-two/
If you detached the Joy-Cons to change this setting, place them back on the Nintendo Switch. If you used the Switch in handheld mode to change this setting, place the device back in its dock with the Joy-Cons attached.
Important: if the Joy-Cons are connected wirelessly to the Nintendo Switch when you plug the Titan Two device in later, the setup will not work. To stop this from happening make sure the Joy-Cons are attached to the Switch in the dock and any spare Joy-Cons are switched off.
Step 2: Connecting the devices
To get the XAC working on Nintendo Switch you need an adapter called a Titan Two:
The Titan Two should work straight out of the box, however it is a good idea to check it has the latest update on it. This post explains in detail how to do this: https://gameaccess.info/how-to-update-a-titan-two-adapter/
The Titan Two comes with a small Micro USB lead:
Plug this into the OUTPUT slot on the top of the Titan Two:
The Xbox Adaptive Controller comes with a USB–C lead. Plug one end of this into the XAC:
Plug the other end of this into INPUT A on the Titan Two device:
Plug in any accessibility devices into the XAC that you use.
Once you have plugged everything into the Titan Two, plug the other end of the OUPUT cable into one of the USBs on the Nintendo Switch dock.
If it is helpful for your gaming you can add a second controller which will plug into INPUT B on the Titan Two. This controller will work alongside the XAC as player one. This means it can be used to supplement your setup or it can be used by someone else if you need help using some of the buttons/joysticks:
The Nintendo Switch does not need a verifying controller so you can plug in a variety of different controllers to use alongside the XAC. Here are some that we frequently use:
– Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
– PowerA wired Nintendo Switch Controller
– PS4 Controller
– Xbox One Controller
Note that if you are using a non-Nintendo controller then its buttons will be labelled differently to those which will be prompted in-game.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch via the Contact Us page if you have any questions about using the Titan Two Adapter on consoles.
Equipment Links (unaffiliated):
Titan Two: https://www.consoletuner.com/products/titan-two/
Xbox Adaptive Controller: https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/accessories/controllers/xbox-adaptive-controller
