Hello friend! Have you ever gotten frustrated trying to disable motion controls in your Nintendo Switch games? As a long-time Switch owner myself, I totally understand the desire to switch (pun intended!) to good ol‘ button controls.
Well, you‘ve come to the right place. In this guide, I‘ll walk you through the steps to turn off motion controls in compatible Switch games. While not every game allows this, some of the most popular titles like Mario Kart 8 give you the option.
Let‘s get started!
A Brief History of Motion Controls
First, some quick history – Nintendo has been all aboard the motion control train since the release of the iconic Wii in 2006. Those wand-like Wiimotes really brought gestural gameplay into the mainstream.
The Wii U continued this trend with the unique GamePad tablet that could also detect motion. And now with the versatile Switch, we have the detachable Joy-Cons with their built-in gyroscopic sensors and HD Rumble feedback.
So in short, motion controls are kinda Nintendo‘s thing…which is why it can be tricky to disable them entirely on Switch.
When Can Motion Controls Be Turned Off?
Not every game empowers you to disable motion even if you want to though. For example, games like 1-2 Switch require Joy-Con waving as their core mechanic.
But the good news is that plenty of popular Switch titles do give you the option:
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Pokémon Let‘s Go Pikachu / Eevee
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Splatoon 2
- Minecraft
And lots more. Now let‘s get into the step-by-step process!
Step 1: Launch a Compatible Game
First, you‘ll want to boot up a Switch game that allows motion controls to be disabled. For this guide, we‘ll use Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as an example.
- Insert Mario Kart 8 Deluxe cartridge
- Select game tile from Switch home screen
- Wait for game to load
Fig 1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Launch Screen
Step 2: Access Settings Menu In-Game
Once you‘re in the game, you need to pull up the Settings menu. This is often accessed by pressing the + button, but can vary by game.
For Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, press the + button to open the Pause menu, then select the Gear icon to access Settings.
Fig 2. Accessing In-Game Settings
Step 3: Locate Motion Controls Setting
Within the Settings screen, you‘ll now want to locate the specific option that controls motion controls.
In Mario Kart‘s case, scroll down the Settings menu until you find the Motion Controls toggle.
Fig 3. Mario Kart‘s Motion Controls Setting
Step 4: Toggle Setting to Off
We‘re so close! With the Motion Controls settings toggled ON by default, press Right on the directional pad to switch the setting to Off.
For good measure, back out of the Settings menu completely by pressing B.
Fig 4. Disabling Motion Controls
Step 5: Return to Main Game Screen
Now when you return to the game‘s main race selection screen, motion controls will be disabled!
Navigate through the menus and launch a race like normal, except now steering and controls will rely entirely on the analog sticks and buttons only.
Give it a try on a straight section first to get a feel for the difference from motion. But hey, no more tilting around required!
Fig 5. Motion-Free Gameplay
And that‘s it! With just a few simple steps, you can disable motion controls in Mario Kart 8 and enjoy classic button control instead.
When Motion Can‘t Be Disabled
Of course it‘s worth remembering that not every Switch game has this handy option. As mentioned up top, some titles like 1-2 Switch can only be played with motion active.
For gamers that need to avoid motion entirely due to injuries, disabilities, or comfort reasons, these types of games present an unfortunate accessibility issue.
While Nintendo does offer some accessibility-focused accessories, being unable to disable motion system-wide remains a limitation.
Perhaps on future systems, a system-level toggle for motion could address this need. But of course compromises game developers‘ creative vision for motion-based experiences. Still, more options can‘t hurt!
Pro Controller and Button Control Tips
If you‘re looking for a smooth, motion-free Switch experience, definitely check out the Switch Pro Controller. Its ergonomic design and standard button layout emulate a classic gamepad perfectly.
Many games with disabled motion controls actually play best with the Pro Controller, since the tiny Joy-Cons aren‘t ideal for everyone.
Beyond that, accessory kits like the Joy-Con Wheel and other grips can provide more a controller-esque feel even when using the Joy-Cons directly.
Troubleshooting Issues
Of course, you may encounter some hiccups when trying to disable motion controls depending on the game.
For example, some games‘ settings menus are convoluted and motion toggle options hard to find. If you‘re struggling to locate it, try consulting the digital manual by pressing (+) on the game icon from the Switch home screen.
Additionally, some games feature both horizontal and vertical play modes which store motion settings separately. So you need to disable motion in both modes‘ settings to fully turn it off.
If issues persist, don‘t hesitate to contact Nintendo Support for troubleshooting help! They may be able to resolve quirks of specific games.
Let the Games Begin!
Hopefully now you have all the power to enjoy motion-free gaming on your Switch! Disabling motion controls may not be possible in every title, but following these steps can help restore good ol‘ analog control in many modern classics.
Have fun racing through vibrant Mario Kart tracks, exploring Hyrule kingdom, battling Pokemon gym leaders, and lots more with just the buttons, triggers, and sticks. No waggling required!
Let me know if any other questions come up down the road. Enjoy those motion-free games!
