Version 3.0.0 of Nintendo Switch’s firmware just rolled out, and it includes a controller finding feature. As Nintendo indicates, the update lets users “find paired controllers within communication range by activating the vibration feature.”

Your Nintendo Switch will need to have firmware version 3.0.0 or higher installed for this feature to work.

We’ll start with the catch mentioned in the headline before we get into the meat and potatoes of this handy feature. The Nintendo Switch will only help you find lost controllers if they’re in range of the console. It goes without saying that if you lost your Joy-Con or Pro Controller on, say, a train, your console won’t help you find it from home.

Furthermore, note that they need to be paired. The controller needs to have been connected to your platform in order for this to work.

Here’s how Nintendo instructs users to the “Find Controllers” feature:

Complete These Steps:
  1. From the HOME Menu, select “Controllers” > “Find Controllers.”
  2. Tap on the icon for the controller you wish to find.
Important:
  • If a controller is on top of clothing or a soft object like a pillow, the vibration may become difficult to hear. Please be as quiet as possible during the searching process.
  • If a controller is not vibrating, try moving the console closer to where you think it might be or try searching for the controller using a different console. Controllers may not vibrate if:
    • They are too far away from the console.
    • They are out of battery or have low battery.
    • They are not paired to a console or are paired to a different console.

Easy enough, right? Don’t lose your controllers.

Use a chess clock to keep track of move and play times
Tick tock

Use a chess clock to keep track of move and play times

These chess clocks feature dual clocks for players to control their own timers, and loud alarms so everyone knows when time is up. These clocks can be used for other 2-person games, like checkers, that may benefit from a game timer.