The official known-issues FAQ reports that a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller's D-pad may not work in menus on Nintendo Switch 2. Its stated workaround is to navigate the menus with the joysticks.
Match the hardware combination
This report concerns the Switch Pro Controller used on Switch 2. It does not establish that every controller on every platform has the same problem. A PC gamepad issue, a disconnected controller and a menu-specific D-pad failure need separate diagnosis.
Try joystick menu navigation first if your hardware matches the official report. Check whether ordinary gameplay input still works, and retain the controller model, platform and installed version when reporting a persistent issue. This is a short evidence-gathering sequence, not a claim that remapping or a firmware update has been tested to fix it.
Chest skipping is a different input question
The launch FAQ names gamepad B among its chest-skip controls; Steam v2.1.6 later changes skipping to any button. The chest guide distinguishes those build-specific instructions from this Switch menu workaround.
Keep unsupported fixes out of the process
The inspected official sources do not say to reset the console, erase a save or install unofficial controller software. Do not treat those drastic steps as required by this known issue. Future patches may change the behavior, so compare the latest official FAQ and your actual build before assuming an old workaround remains necessary.
Sources & version notes
Official announcements and dated community references are distinguished below. Exact unpublished values are not inferred.
- Auroch Digital — official FAQ and known issues (checked 2026-11-12)
- Auroch Digital — Global Release Information (2026-11-09)
Compiled from public sources. We have not personally played or tested these procedures. Check your installed build and its tooltips when details differ.