How to Use Nintendo Switch With a Keyboard and Mouse

This article explains what you need to use the Nintendo Switch with a USB keyboard and mouse. This information applies to the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch Lite.

What You Need to Play Games With a Keyboard and Mouse on the Switch

If you enjoy playing games like Fortnite on Nintendo Switch, but you prefer the controller layout of a PC, you're in luck.

To play games using a keyboard and mouse on the Switch, you might need to purchase some extra peripherals.

If you already have a gaming keyboard you like, there are also USB adapters for gaming consoles.

Nintendo Switch Keyboard and Mouse Support

Most USB keyboards are compatible with the Nintendo Switch, but you can't play games with a regular keyboard. You can, however, use it to input passwords and other text. Many people find a physical keyboard is far more convenient than the Switch's on-screen keyboard for things like adding comments to screenshots you upload to social media. Plugging a standard gaming mouse into the Switch will have no effect.

Some companies make keyboards exclusively for the Switch, but the only difference is that they have slots on the sides to hold the Joy-Con controllers. However, since you still can't play games with the keyboard itself, there's no reason to purchase a special keyboard just for the Switch.

How to Connect a Keyboard to the Nintendo Switch

You can plug any USB keyboard into one of the USB ports on the Switch dock. The Switch should detect the keyboard right away. No additional setup is necessary.

It is also possible to use a keyboard while the Switch is in handheld mode with the assistance of a USB to USB-C converter. You can even use a wireless keyboard with the Switch. Just plug a Bluetooth dongle into the Switch dock, and it should automatically work.