iOS 16 brings support for Nintendo Switch's Joy-Cons and Pro Controller, expanding on support for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X controllers added in iOS 14.5
MacRumorsJoe Rossignol
Context & Ripple Effects
Apple’s controller support has broadened in stages, from Xbox One S and DualShock 4 support in tvOS 13 to work on Xbox Series X compatibility and updated controller support in macOS Big Sur. iOS 16 extends that interoperability to Nintendo’s current Switch controllers.
The change matters because Apple devices now accommodate controller hardware from all three major console ecosystems, rather than tying mobile and TV gaming input to a single platform’s accessories.
First-order effects
Joy-Con and Switch Pro Controller owners can use existing Nintendo hardware with iOS 16-compatible Apple devices, alongside supported PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X controllers.
Apple expands the set of physical control options available to games on its platforms without requiring players to buy a separate controller.
Second-order effects
Nintendo controller owners gain a new use case for Joy-Cons and the Pro Controller outside the Switch, increasing the value of hardware already in their homes.
Game developers targeting Apple devices can address a broader installed base of console-style controllers, building on Apple’s earlier Xbox Series X controller compatibility work.
Third-order effects
If Apple continues adding current console controllers across its operating systems, controller compatibility becomes a baseline platform feature for gaming across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV rather than a differentiator tied to one console ecosystem.
The trend: Apple is steadily reducing peripheral friction between its devices and the three major console-controller ecosystems.
YES, when you connect both joy-cons they appear as a single MFi Controller to apps! Apple seriously killed it with this implementation, this is incredible 👏 https://twitter.com/... https://twitter.com/...
AND you can dynamically switch between using both joy-cons as a single controller or 2 separate controllers by holding the screenshot + home buttons for a few seconds !! iPhone is officially a switch now dont @ me https://twitter.com/... https://twitter.com/...
Now, imagine if they let Delta into the app store just how cool this would be without the need to mess around with developer accounts. That said, iPad retro gaming just took a great step forward. https://twitter.com/...