GuliKit USB Dongle Connects PS5 Controller to Switch 2 Seamlessly
Can you use a PS5 DualSense controller with the Nintendo Switch 2? Yes—with the GuliKit Hyperlink Gen 2 USB dongle. Priced at $16.99, this compact adapter wirelessly pairs PlayStation and Xbox controllers to Nintendo's latest console, eliminating the need for proprietary hardware. It delivers responsive motion controls, haptic feedback support, and plug-and-play simplicity for gamers seeking flexibility without sacrificing performance.
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For players who already own a DualSense or Xbox Wireless Controller, this tiny dongle transforms existing gear into a fully functional Switch 2 input device. No firmware updates or companion apps are required. Just plug the USB-A adapter into your dock or a USB-C adapter connected directly to the console, power on your controller, and you're ready to play.
Why Gamers Are Ditching Proprietary Controllers
The controller ecosystem has fragmented across generations. PlayStation loyalists own DualSense pads. Xbox fans prefer Microsoft's ergonomic designs. Meanwhile, Switch players often juggle Joy-Cons that wear out or drift over time. Buying platform-specific replacements adds up—especially when you already own high-quality controllers gathering dust in a drawer.
Third-party USB adapters solve this dilemma by acting as universal translators between ecosystems. The GuliKit Hyperlink Gen 2 stands out not for reinventing the category, but for refining it. At roughly the size of a postage stamp, it's noticeably smaller than competing options, reducing clutter around your dock's single USB-A port. Its $16.99 price undercuts alternatives while maintaining reliable connectivity—a rare win for budget-conscious players.
Setup Takes Seconds, Not Minutes
Connecting your PS5 controller to the Switch 2 requires zero technical expertise. Insert the dongle into your dock's USB port before powering on the console. Press and hold the PlayStation button on your DualSense until the light bar flashes white. Within three seconds, the controller pairs and the light stabilizes to a solid blue.
The process works identically for Xbox Wireless Controllers—hold the pairing button until the Xbox logo flashes rapidly, then wait for confirmation. Android devices and Windows PCs follow the same pattern, making the dongle a versatile travel companion for handheld gaming sessions on Steam Deck or Android tablets. One dongle, five platforms: Switch 2, PC, SteamOS, Android, and macOS.
Notably, motion controls function precisely in games like Splatoon 3 and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Gyro aiming feels indistinguishable from using official Joy-Cons, a critical detail for competitive shooters and precision platformers. Haptic feedback also transmits faithfully, though advanced features like adaptive triggers remain Switch-exclusive.
Low-Latency Mode Elevates PC Gaming Sessions
While Switch 2 compatibility drives initial interest, the Hyperlink Gen 2's PC optimization deserves attention. Enabling low-latency mode reduces input delay to under 8 milliseconds—imperceptible to human reaction times. Competitive players testing the dongle in Valorant and Apex Legends reported no discernible lag versus wired connections.
This mode activates automatically when the dongle detects a Windows or SteamOS environment. No driver installation or software toggles are needed. For cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or NVIDIA GeForce NOW on handheld PCs, the combination of low latency and wireless freedom creates a console-like experience without cables tethering your setup.
Where the Dongle Falls Short (And Why It Still Wins)
No adapter is perfect. The Hyperlink Gen 2 lacks two features power users might miss: remote console wake-up and wireless audio passthrough. You must manually power on your Switch 2 before pairing—unlike Nintendo's own controllers, which wake the console when buttons are pressed. Similarly, plugging headphones into your DualSense won't transmit game audio through the dongle; you'll need to connect audio directly to the console or TV.
Controller compatibility also has boundaries. While PS4, PS5, and current-gen Xbox pads work flawlessly, older peripherals like the Xbox 360 controller or PlayStation Move aren't supported. This narrower scope reflects GuliKit's focus on modern hardware rather than legacy preservation—a reasonable trade-off given today's dominant controller landscape.
Still, these limitations rarely impact real-world use. Most gamers own current-generation pads, and manually powering on the console becomes second nature after a few sessions. For $17, expecting universal compatibility and every premium feature would be unrealistic. GuliKit delivers exactly what matters: reliable connectivity, motion precision, and cross-platform flexibility.
Real-World Testing: From Casual Play to Competitive Matches
I tested the Hyperlink Gen 2 across three scenarios over two weeks. During relaxed Mario Kart 8 Deluxe sessions, the DualSense's refined ergonomics reduced hand fatigue compared to compact Joy-Cons—a welcome upgrade for marathon gaming nights. In Splatoon 3, gyro aiming felt responsive enough for ranked battles, with no noticeable drift or calibration drift between matches.
The most demanding test came in Metroid Prime Remastered, where precise motion-controlled aiming is essential. The dongle maintained consistent tracking throughout hour-long sessions, with zero disconnections or input stutter. Battery life mirrored native Bluetooth performance—approximately 10–12 hours of continuous use before recharging the controller.
On PC, low-latency mode shined during fast-paced Rocket League matches. Input registration felt instantaneous, with no perceptible delay between flicking the analog stick and on-screen response. The dongle remained cool to the touch even after extended use, suggesting efficient power management inside its minimalist housing.
Should You Buy It Over Official Nintendo Controllers?
Official Switch controllers offer seamless integration but come with compromises. Joy-Cons suffer from drift issues and limited battery life. The Pro Controller costs $70—more than quadruple the dongle's price—and lacks the DualSense's immersive haptics or Xbox pad's refined ergonomics.
The GuliKit adapter makes financial sense if you already own a quality third-party controller. Even purchasing a used DualSense ($45–55) plus the dongle ($17) totals under $70—matching the Pro Controller's price while delivering superior build quality and features. For households with mixed console ownership, one dongle enables controller sharing without buying duplicates.
That said, Nintendo purists who value HD rumble nuances or want guaranteed first-party support may still prefer official hardware. But for pragmatic players prioritizing comfort, cost efficiency, and cross-platform utility, the Hyperlink Gen 2 delivers exceptional value.
Adapters Signal a Maturing Ecosystem
USB controller adapters reflect gaming's gradual shift toward interoperability. As subscription services and cloud platforms blur hardware boundaries, players increasingly expect their peripherals to travel freely between ecosystems. Nintendo's historically walled-garden approach is softening—witness the Switch 2's expanded Bluetooth support and USB-C standardization.
Third-party innovators like GuliKit accelerate this evolution by filling compatibility gaps before manufacturers act. Their success pressures platform holders to adopt more open standards. While Nintendo hasn't officially endorsed these adapters, their silent tolerance suggests recognition that flexibility benefits the entire ecosystem.
This dongle isn't just a convenience item—it's a quiet rebellion against proprietary lock-in. Every time you pair a DualSense to your Switch 2, you're voting for a future where great controllers aren't trapped behind brand walls.
Small Dongle, Significant Upgrade
The GuliKit Hyperlink Gen 2 USB dongle solves a genuine pain point with elegant simplicity. Its sub-$20 price, pocket-sized design, and flawless motion control implementation make it an easy recommendation for Switch 2 owners with existing PlayStation or Xbox controllers. Setup requires no technical skill, latency remains imperceptible during gameplay, and cross-platform compatibility extends its usefulness far beyond Nintendo's ecosystem.
Minor omissions like remote wake-up won't deter most users. What matters—responsive controls, reliable pairing, and ergonomic freedom—works exactly as advertised. In an era of $70 first-party controllers and proprietary restrictions, this unassuming $17 adapter quietly delivers one of gaming's simplest joys: the freedom to play your way, with the gear you already love.
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