How to Use Turbo Mode on Nintendo Switch Controllers
Rachelle Hanna | August 31 2026
When you’re gaming, timing, speed, precision, and accuracy are just a few vital components needed for a smooth, seamless experience.
But as time passes and the stakes get higher, these components may become more difficult to maintain due to the strain on your hands and wrists from repetitive motion and constant button spamming. What’s more, these elements can make the added pressure of navigating your environment, mastering every combo, and staying on high alert even more daunting.
Luckily, we have a solution: Turbo Mode!
In this article, in addition to explaining how to activate Turbo Mode, we'll also explain what Turbo Mode is, which controllers include this feature, the difference between Semi-Auto and Full-Auto Mode, and when we recommend using this feature.
Let’s dive in!
What is Turbo Mode?
Turbo Mode is a feature that automatically programs a button to repeat the same action over and over again. It’s included in many of our Switch controllers.
By assigning your controller the responsibility of spamming a button, you can focus your attention on other important aspects of your game while reducing muscle fatigue and other tedious game elements.
Semi-Auto vs Full-Auto: What’s the Difference?
There are two types of Turbo Mode: Semi-Auto and Full-Auto.
Semi-Auto
When your Switch controller is set to Semi-Auto, this means that a button will continue performing its programmed action while you are long-pressing it.
For example, imagine playing Galaga, a classic arcade shooter game. That game requires you to constantly smash the fire button while dodging incoming attacks from enemies. When Semi-Auto is activated, you can simply hold the fire button down, rather than repeatedly spam it, to shoot missiles.
Full-Auto
When your Switch controller is set to Full-Auto, this means that a button will continue performing its programmed action even if you aren’t holding the button down.
Going back to Galaga, when Full-Auto is activated, you will continue shooting missiles at incoming enemies even when you’re not holding the fire button down.
Which Controllers Feature Turbo Mode?
| Controller | Turbo Modes | Turbo Speeds | Switch Compatibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NexiGo NS32 | Semi-Auto, Full-Auto | N/A | Switch 1/2/Lite/OLED | Multiplayer gaming, casual gaming |
| NexiGo NS53 Joypad | Semi-Auto, Full-Auto | 5 times/sec, 12 times/sec, 20 times/sec | Switch 1/OLED | Multiplayer gaming, single-player gaming, competitive gaming |
| NexiGo Gripcon (Gen 2) | Semi-Auto, Full-Auto | 5 times/sec, 12 times/sec, 20 times/sec | Switch 1/OLED | Single-player gaming, competitive gaming |
| NexiGo Gripcon (Gen 3) | Semi-Auto, Full-Auto | 12 times/sec, 20 times/sec | Switch 1/OLED | Single-player gaming, Competitive gaming, Docking to HDMI |
| NexiGo Gripcon for Switch 2 | Semi-Auto, Full-Auto | 5 times/sec, 12 times/sec, 20 times/sec | Switch 2 | Single-player gaming, competitive gaming, Docking to HDMI |
| NexiGo NS32 for Switch 2 | Semi-Auto, Full-Auto | 5 times/sec, 12 times/sec, 20 times/sec | Switch 1/2/Lite/OLED | Multiplayer gaming, casual gaming |
Shop Turbo Mode Controllers
How Do You Enable Semi-Auto and Full-Auto Turbo Modes?
Here is a step-by-step guide to activating and deactivating Semi-Auto and Full-Auto, along with other features.
Semi-Auto
Step 1: Hold down the turbo button. Refer to the images below to find the location of the turbo button on your controller.
NexiGo NS32 for Switch 1
NexiGo NS32 for Switch 2
NexiGo NS53 Joypads
NexiGo Gripcon Gen 2
NexiGo Gripcon for Switch 2
NexiGo Gripcon Gen 3
Step 2: While holding the turbo button, press the button you want to pair with Turbo Mode.
Note: For the NexiGo NS53 Joypad, hold down the turbo button located on the same side as the button you wish to automate. For example, if you want to automate A, hold down the turbo button located behind A. If you’re automating ZL, hold down the turbo button located behind ZL.
Step 3: Hold down the button you’ve automated, and the controller will spam it for you!
Full-Auto
Once your controller is set to Semi-Auto, here’s how you can activate Full-Auto:
Step 1: Hold down the Turbo button again.
Step 2: Press the button you automated while holding down the turbo button.
Step 3: Keep playing! You no longer need to hold the button down. The controller will spam the turbo-activated button automatically until you deactivate it.
Adjusting Turbo Speed
Once Turbo Mode is enabled, you can control the speed at which the button is activated. To do so:
Step 1: Hold down the turbo button.
Step 2: While holding the turbo button, press the + button to increase the speed and the - button to decrease the speed. There are three speed settings: 5 shots/sec (available on select models), 12 shots/sec, and 20 shots/sec, with the default being 12 shots/sec.
Deactivating Turbo Mode
While holding down the turbo button, press the automated button twice if you are in Semi-Auto or once if you are in Full-Auto.
Should I Use Turbo Mode on Nintendo Switch?
For Switch games that require constant, repetitive button smashing, we recommend using your choice of Semi-Auto and Full-Auto.
When You Have Unlimited Ammo
Both Semi-Auto and Full-Auto pair especially well with shooter or action games that include unlimited ammo and no consequences for missing your target. Snow Bros, Metroid: Fusion, Doom, Star Fox, and Borderlands are good examples.
When You Have Limited Ammo
Semi-Auto may be a better option for shooter games like Enter the Gungeon that have limited ammo, as it will allow you to conserve your resources and pause shooting to reload.
A still from Enter the Gungeon. We recommend using Semi-Auto Turbo Mode for this game so you can conserve your ammo and other resources.
For Online Tournaments
For games like Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros., and Mario Party, Semi-Auto can give you a competitive edge in situations requiring button spamming during online tournaments and parties at home. This can include Mario Party minigames or when you have a golden mushroom in Mario Kart. Just make sure to check the tournament rules first to see if Turbo Mode is allowed!
For Skipping Cutscenes
If you’re bored with long, nonessential cutscenes, you can use Semi-Auto for games like Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon: Violet to quickly speed through these moments and jump right into the gameplay.
When Not to Use Semi-Auto or Full-Auto Mode
We do not recommend this feature for games that require complex button combinations, as well as games that don’t include repetitive gameplay. For example, for games like Street Fighter and The Legend of Zelda, Turbo Mode may disrupt gameplay and worsen your performance.
A still from Street Fighter 6 on the Switch 2. We do not recommend using Turbo Mode for this game because of the complex button combinations that it requires.
Final Words
It goes without saying that your hands and wrists are your most important tools for gaming, so it’s vital they’re taken care of. Turbo Mode can help reduce muscle strain by spamming buttons for you, allowing you to focus on your game without the stress of overworking your fingers.
Turbo Mode can also help increase efficiency by making certain repetitive game elements less tedious, speeding up gameplay, and ensuring an experience that’s thrilling, immersive, and rewarding overall.
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