iOS 26 Games app bug: Wired Switch Pro controllers (incl. GameSir X5 Lite) not working

[RobbyBaggio94]

Hi everyone,

I noticed a strange issue with the new Games app introduced in iOS 26.

When using a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller in wired USB-C mode (or third-party controllers that emulate it, like the GameSir X5 Lite), the Games app interface doesn’t respond correctly:

• The L/R buttons work,
• But the D-Pad and analog sticks don’t do anything inside the Games app UI.

Once inside an actual game, everything works fine. The problem only affects the Games app launcher.

Here’s what I tested so far:

• Xbox / PlayStation controllers → work fine in both wired and Bluetooth (including inside Games app).
• Switch Pro Controller (Bluetooth) → works fine, no issues.
• Switch Pro Controller (wired) → broken in Games app UI, just like the X5 Lite.

So it looks like iOS 26 does not fully support wired Switch Pro controllers in the new Games app.

My question: is this likely an iOS bug (Apple needs to add proper support), or something that Nintendo / GameSir would need to address?

Would be great to know if others here can reproduce the same issue!

 

[pacorob]

Thanks for sharing. I did notice that the App Store indicates the Apple Games app without indicating in the proper places that the Games app supports controllers even though it does as mentioned in the Apple presentation.
Besides that there is only one image and no video or multiple images.

I own Xbox controllers and Backbone controller, however I will wait with upgrading to iOS26 until 26.1 is out. Not a fan of the Liquid Glass UI at all. The Games app is interesting though as a game launcher. For now I will stick using the Razer Nexus app that sort of works (you still have to press to screen to 'Open' a game) with my Backbone One controller since the Backbone app lacks an actual personal favorites list.