If you own an Android and a Nintendo Switch, this trick could take your mobile photography to the next level. It allows you to use your Joy-Con controller as a remote shutter release.
If you are on iPhone, unfortunately this trick will not work for you. Although there are no comparable tricks for iPhone, you could use a gimbal.
Here is the trick and how to do it.
What Is a Remote Shutter Release?
A remote shutter release is a remote control device that controls your camera’s shutter release function. It allows you to snap photos from afar, without having to press the main shutter release button on your camera.
So, in this instance, the Joy-Con is acting as a remote shutter when you input certain button commands, and your smartphone is acting as the camera.
How Does the Joy-Con Remote Shutter Work?
This trick involves pairing your Nintendo Switch Joy-Con to your Android phone via Bluetooth. Once paired, your phone’s camera app can detect input from your Joy-Con’s buttons. Redditor u/Byotan shared this trick in a Reddit post.
This trick would be perfect to use the next time you want to take a group photo without excluding the cameraman, or if you want to take a selfie without having to hold your phone. This trick would also pair great with a tripod; read about the best phone tripods.
Without any further ado, let’s get into how to use this hidden feature.
How to Use a Joy-Con as a Shutter Release
This is how to use your Nintendo Switch Joy-Con as a remote shutter release for your Android. Please note that the Reddit post only confirmed this trick to work on Android devices.
- Press and Hold the Joy-Con’s Sync button (it should light up green).
- Go to Bluetooth settings on your Android and enable Bluetooth.
- Look for your Joy-Con to appear in the device menu and select it to pair it.
Once paired, the next steps will vary depending on what version of Android you are using. Joy-Con buttons A and B control shutter release in most camera apps. And on some phones, X and Y control zoom in/zoom out. Some trial and error may be necessary to figure out the camera controls once paired.
If you run into any issues, please keep in mind that you’re not guaranteed success with this trick.
I tried this trick on a Motorola Android and could not get it to work. Other people on Samsung or Google Androids have gotten it to work, though. Possible troubleshooting options include trying both the left and right Joy-Cons, tinkering with Bluetooth settings, or unpairing and re-pairing devices.
This Joy-Con Trick Is Worth a Shot
If this trick sounds interesting to you and you have the required equipment, go ahead and give it a shot. Be warned, though, success with this trick is not a given and it seems to only work with certain Android smartphones.
If the trick works for you, congratulations. You now have a super convenient way to take photos on your phone remotely.