Hyperkin Cadet Bluetooth Controller Setup for Switch and Mobile

Quick answer

Charge the Cadet first, plug its Bluetooth adapter into the console or computer, then put the controller into pairing mode. On Switch, open Controllers > Change Grip/Order; on PC or mobile, add it as a standard Bluetooth gamepad. The Cadet is designed for NES-style play, so treat it as a retro pad rather than a modern analog controller.

What you need before you start

The Cadet Bluetooth Controller ships with a Bluetooth adapter, and that adapter is the part most people forget to plug in. The controller is built for NES-style games, so it uses a digital D-pad and face buttons rather than analog sticks. Before pairing, charge it fully and decide which device you are connecting to, because the pairing steps differ slightly between Switch, Windows, and mobile.

• Fully charge the controller before first use.
• Locate the included Bluetooth adapter.
• Have your Switch, PC, or phone within a few feet during pairing.
• Confirm the game you want to play supports a digital controller.

Pairing on Nintendo Switch

On Switch, the controller pairs through the system menu rather than inside a game. Plug the adapter into a free USB port, then open Controllers from the Home screen and choose Change Grip/Order. Hold the Cadet's pairing button until the player LED starts blinking, and the console should recognize it as a wireless controller. If it does not appear, remove any other wireless controllers from the pairing screen and try again.

Pairing on PC and mobile

For a cadet controller pc connection, plug the Bluetooth adapter into a USB port and let Windows install it, then open Bluetooth settings and add a new device. On Android or iOS, go to Bluetooth settings and select the Cadet when it appears. Mobile gaming works best with emulators and 2D titles, since the Cadet's layout matches classic NES button mapping. If your phone does not list the controller, toggle Bluetooth off and on and keep the controller within a few feet of the device.

When the connection drops or will not pair

Most Cadet issues come from the adapter, not the controller. If the pad disconnects mid-game, check that the adapter is fully seated, keep the controller within the 30ft range, and avoid placing the adapter behind a TV or metal surface. If pairing fails, forget the device in your system settings, restart the controller, and pair again from scratch. A low battery can also cause intermittent drops, so charge it before troubleshooting further.

Setup steps

1. Charge the controller: Plug the Cadet in and let it charge fully before your first pairing attempt. A blinking or unresponsive pad is often just a low battery.
2. Plug in the Bluetooth adapter: Insert the included adapter into a USB port on your Switch, PC, or compatible device. If the adapter is not detected, try a different USB port.
3. Enter pairing mode: Hold the Cadet's pairing button until the LED blinks rapidly. Do not hold it too long; release once the light changes.
4. Add the controller on your device: On Switch, use Controllers > Change Grip/Order. On PC or mobile, open Bluetooth settings and select the Cadet. Keep the controller within a few feet during pairing.
5. Test in a game: Open a 2D or retro-style title and confirm the D-pad and face buttons register correctly. If buttons are swapped, check the game's controller mapping.
6. Fix drops if they happen: Move the adapter away from metal, keep within 30ft, and re-pair if the connection keeps failing. Persistent drops usually mean a low battery or a blocked adapter.

Product facts

• Hyperkin Cadet Bluetooth Controller: Wireless NES-style controller with up to 6 hours of play time and up to 30ft range via the included BT adapter. Six hours covers a long session, and 30ft lets you play comfortably from a couch without a cable.
• Hyperkin RetroN 5 Wireless Controller: Bluetooth controller with a 30-foot range, responsive microswitch D-pad, two programmable macro buttons, and a built-in rechargeable battery. If you also own a RetroN 5, this pad adds macro buttons and a rechargeable battery, which the Cadet does not list.