Official Nintendo Switch 2 HDMI Cable Prevents Joy-Con Issues

A number of Nintendo Switch 2 owners are reporting repeated disconnections with their Joy-Cons. Fortunately, a simple solution has emerged: use the official Nintendo Switch 2 HDMI cable.

Multiple Reddit threads describe Joy-Cons disconnecting at random, sometimes every few minutes. Our own tech editor, Bo Moore, experienced this immediately after setting up his new console, with Joy-Cons dropping connection every few seconds.

Switch 2 Joycons keep disconnecting randomly, anyone else experiencing this?
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The fix, however, is straightforward: simply use the HDMI cable included with the Nintendo Switch 2 instead of a different one you might have on hand.

Switch 2 Joycons keep disconnecting randomly, anyone else experiencing this?
byu/U-Ok-Bro inSwitch

While it may seem obvious, many users have kept their old Nintendo Switch cables assuming they would work. Using a first-generation Switch HDMI cable with the Switch 2 seems fine, but it can cause issues. This is because the original Switch cable is not an "Ultra High Speed" HDMI cable, unlike the one packed with the Switch 2. If you prefer not to use the included cable, any other certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable should work.

How to fix frequent controller disconnects on Switch 2: Use the official HDMI cable
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Our tech editor confirmed that switching to the new Switch 2 HDMI cable resolved the problem, a solution that has worked for numerous other users online.

Nintendo offers the same advice on its official support site:

Ensure you are using an "Ultra High Speed" HDMI cable to connect the dock to your TV. Without it, your console will not perform as expected when docked.

It's generally wise to use the included accessories with any device. This serves as a good reminder that if you ever need to replace the Nintendo Switch 2 HDMI cable, you must use a special Ultra High Speed version for your Joy-Cons to function properly.

For all essential accessories not included with the Nintendo Switch 2, explore our guide to the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories available now, including our detailed recommendations for the best controllers and headsets.