How to Turn Off Motion Controls on Nintendo Switch

As an avid gamer who creates YouTube walkthroughs and tips videos, one of the most common questions I get asked is how to disable motion controls on Nintendo Switch games. While innovative, motion controls aren‘t for everyone – especially in competitive multiplayer.

Fortunately, almost every major Switch game that utilizes tilt functionality gives you the option to turn it off. In this detailed guide, I‘ll show you how to disable motion controls across various Nintendo Switch games, troubleshoot problematic motion sensor lights, and customize your gameplay experience.

What Are Motion Controls on Nintendo Switch?

The Nintendo Switch‘s unique Joy-Con controllers contain advanced motion sensors that allow players to physically tilt, rotate, and point the controllers to control games. For example, guiding a sword swing in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD or twisting to pull off sick tricks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

[[Insert image showcasing Nintendo Switch motion control]]

While this can enhance immersion for some gamers, others may find it distracting or physically uncomfortable – especially in marathon gaming sessions.

The good news is that disabling motion controls on Nintendo Switch only takes a few steps for each game.

How to Turn Off Motion Controls in Major Nintendo Switch Games

Here are the basic steps to turn off motion control schemes in some of the most popular Nintendo Switch titles:

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

1. From the main menu or character select screen, press the + or – Button
2. This opens the kart customization and options screen
3. Select the middle icon showing a controller to change control settings
4. Toggle Motion Controls to Off

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

1. Press the Plus Button during gameplay
2. Choose Settings then Control Options
3. Change Control Scheme from Motion Controls to Button Only Mode

[[Insert comparison screenshot of control schemes]]

Splatoon 2

1. Access the main Options menu
2. Choose Controls
3. Scroll down and disable Motion Controls

This disables gyroscopic aiming, allowing you to aim exclusively with the analog sticks instead.

[[Insert gameplay footage showing Splatoon 2 control schemes]]

Mario Kart Tour (Mobile)

1. Tap the gear icon to access Settings
2. Choose Control Settings
3. Toggle off Tilt Controls

[[Insert data table comparing motion control schemes across popular Switch games]]

Game	Motion Controls	How to Disable
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe	Tilt steering, tricks	Plus Button > middle icon
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD	Sword swinging	Plus Button > Control Options
Splatoon 2	Gyroscopic aiming	Options > Controls
Mario Kart Tour	Tilt steering	Settings > Control Settings

And those are the basics of how to disable pesky motion controls on the Switch‘s most popular games!

While they can provide intuitive and even innovative control schemes, traditionalists can rest easy knowing the choice is still there to rely on button inputs instead.

Of course, there are additional accessibility advantages of allowing…

[[Article continues discussing pros/cons, accessibility advantages, troubleshooting motion sensor lights, and customizing controls]]