In this guide, you can choose either to play with two handed mode or one handed mode for Pokemon Sword and Shield switch controls.
Table of Contents
Pokemon Sword and Shield Switch Controls
Pokémon Sword and Shield have two modes, two handed, using both joycons (or controller), and one handed, utilizing only one joycon. You can switch between the two by accessing the options from the menu and toggling Casual Controls (on for one handed mode, off for two handed mode).
Two Handed Mode
Overworld
Control
Use
L analogue stick
Move in the appropriate direction.
Click L analogue stick
Whistle/ring bell (on bike) to attract wild Pokémon in the overworld.
A
Pick up items, talk to people, interact with objects, etc.
B
Cancel an action, choose the negative option during dialogue.
X
Open the menu.
Y
Access online features.
+, –
Get on/off bike (after obtained).
L
Dash while on bike (when charged).
In battle
Control
Use
Analogue stick / D-Pad
Navigate the battle menu.
ZL / ZR A analogue stick
Select an option from the menu. Options are: Fight, Pokémon, Bag, and Run.
B
Go back up one menu (cancel a selection).
X
Quickly access your Pokéballs.
Y
See info on Pokémon of either side (stat changes, moves used, abilities, held items).
Y (in Fight menu)
See info on selected move (Base Power, Accuracy, description).
One Handed Mode
Overworld
Control
Use
L / R analogue sticks
Move in the appropriate direction.
Click L / R analogue sticks
Whistle/ring bell (on bike) to attract wild Pokémon in the overworld.
D-pad Right / A
Pick up items, talk to people, interact with objects, etc.
D-pad Down / B
Cancel an action, choose the negative option during dialogue.
D-Pad Up / X
Open the menu.
D-Pad Left / Y
Access online features.
-, +
Get on/off bike (after obtained).
L / R buttons
Dash while on bike (when charged).
In battle
Control
Use
L / R
Navigate the battle menu.
ZL or D-Pad Right / ZR or A
Select an option from the menu. Options are: Fight, Pokémon, Bag, and Run.
D-Pad Down / B
Go back up one menu (cancel a selection).
D-Pad Up / X
Quickly access your Pokéballs.
D-Pad Left / Y
See info on Pokémon of either side (stat changes, moves used, abilities, held items).
D-Pad Left / Y (in Fight menu)
See info on selected move (Base Power, Accuracy, description).