Nintendo Joy-Cons for the EMDR App

The EMDR app with connected Joy-Cons for alternating vibrations.

Nintendo Joy-Cons: our recommended choice for alternating vibrations.

About Nintendo Joy-Cons

Nintendo Joy-Cons are ideal accessories for alternating vibrations and controlling stimulations, thanks to their ergonomic design, high-quality vibrations, and affordable price. They are widely available, both new and second-hand, making them a more sustainable choice than traditional stimulation hardware. They also come in many colors to match personal preferences.

We recommend Joy-Cons for the EMDR app because they are reliable and easy to use. When purchasing a set, don’t forget to also include a Joy-Con charger.

Compatibility
• All official Nintendo Joy-Cons are supported.
• "Joy-Con 2" controllers for Nintendo Switch 2 (2025) are not yet supported.

Setting Up Nintendo Joy-Cons

Step 1: Activate Pairing Mode
Find the small, round Sync button on the rail of each Joy-Con (circled in red in the illustration). Press and hold this Sync button, until the lights start flashing. The Joy-Con is now in pairing mode.

Step 2: Connect Your Joy-Cons
Open the Bluetooth settings in your device's Settings app (pictured: iPhone). Your Joy-Cons will appear here. Tap on each Joy-Con here to connect.

When your Joy-Cons are both connected, return to the EMDR app to find a "Joy-Cons" button above the control panel. You can now start a session with Vibrations enabled to alternate vibrations between both Joy-Cons. Tap the "Joy-Cons" button to view options and controls.

Note: if both Joy-Cons vibrate at the same time, press and hold their Home and Capture buttons (circled below) simultaneously for 4 seconds, to switch to an alternating mode.

To reconnect later, instead of the Sync button, press and hold two face buttons on each Joy-Con - e.g. Ⓐ and Ⓑ, or ▼ and ▶.

Using Joy-Cons with the EMDR Connect Web Page

The EMDR Connect web page with connected Joy-Cons for alternating vibrations.

Participants in your EMDR Connect sessions can also receive alternating vibrations through their Joy-Cons, even when connected via the EMDR Connect web page.

Set-up

Participants connect their Joy-Cons to the EMDR Connect web page in three steps:
1. put the Joy-Cons in pairing mode (see step 1 above);
2. pair the Joy-Cons in the computer’s Bluetooth settings;
3. click the new “Add Joy-Cons” button on the EMDR Connect page.

Room hosts: don’t forget to enable Vibrations in your EMDR app to broadcast the vibrations to your participants.

Compatibility

Windows, Mac, and Linux computers are supported. Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge are required; if another browser is used, the EMDR Connect website will help participants download a supported browser.

❮ The EMDR App homepage