Nintendo Switch not recognizing Arduino Leonardo as controller

[RahamanNoodles]

Hello,

I am trying to use this library to create commands for my Nintendo Switch, but I'm having trouble getting the Switch to recognize the Leonardo as a controller and perform the commands.

I'm able to successfully compile and upload an example like "auto-gain-watt" for Pokemon SWSH, but nothing happens when I plug my Arduino Leonardo into my Switch.

[lefmarna]

Hi,

If the example compiles and uploads but nothing happens on the Switch, it's usually a setup issue rather than a problem with the auto-gain-watt sketch itself. Here’s a short checklist based on the library’s setup guide:

1. Confirm the Leonardo USB IDs (boards.txt)
   The Switch only accepts specific controller IDs. Please make sure your boards.txt for Arduino Leonardo contains all of these lines:

   leonardo.vid.1=0x0f0d
   leonardo.pid.1=0x0092
   leonardo.build.vid=0x0f0d
   leonardo.build.pid=0x0092
   

   After editing: save the file, restart the Arduino IDE, then re‑compile and upload the sketch.

2. Use the supported IDE / core versions
   The guide assumes:

   • Arduino IDE 1.8.x (not 2.x)
   • “Arduino AVR Boards” version 1.8.3

   Also check:

   • Tools → Board is set to “Arduino Leonardo”
   • Tools → Port is set to the serial port that appears when the Leonardo is connected

3. Install NintendoSwitchControlLibrary from the Library Manager
   In the Arduino IDE, go to Sketch → Include Library → Manage Libraries…, search for NintendoSwitchControlLibrary, and install the one “by lefmarna”.
   Then open one of the examples from File → Examples → NintendoSwitchControlLibrary, compile it, and upload it.

4. Test with a very simple sketch first
   Before using auto-gain-watt, try a basic example that just presses a button or opens the menu and moves the cursor in a loop.
   If this simple test also does nothing on the Switch, the problem is with recognition (USB IDs / setup), not with the game‑specific script.

5. Disconnect other controllers
   Make sure wireless controllers (Pro Controller, Joy-Con, etc.) are disconnected so the Switch doesn’t ignore the Leonardo in favor of another controller.

6. Check the in‑game state
   Once a simple test sketch is working, double‑check that Sword/Shield is on the correct screen and in the exact state expected by the auto-gain-watt example (position, open menu, etc.), otherwise the script may run but you won’t see the intended behavior.

If you’re still stuck, it would help to know:

• Your OS (Windows/macOS + version)
• Arduino IDE version
• “Arduino AVR Boards” version
• The Leonardo‑related lines from your boards.txt
• Whether any simple test sketch produces input on the Switch

With that information it should be easier to narrow down what’s going wrong.