In 2023, there isn’t a scarcity of Nintendo Switch controllers of all varieties, from pro-style gamepads to retro-infused controllers and every little thing in between. Though the Nintendo Switch is the uncommon fashionable console that comes with every little thing you want for (two-person) multiplayer for a lot of video games due to the Joy-Con, lots of Switch homeowners will inevitably need totally different choices. To put it merely, there are a bunch of controllers on the market which can be higher for each enjoying Switch in your TV and in handheld mode. We’ve rounded up the very best Nintendo Switch controllers in 2023.The Switch Pro controller is a simple and secure selection, however quite a few third-party controllers give it a run for its cash. We’ve picked out the very best Switch controllers for almost each sort of recreation and expertise. Depending on what you play, it’s possible you’ll even wish to decide up a few the controllers on this checklist. Some of the highest manufacturers to think about embody 8BitDo, a maker of retro-inspired controllers and the corporate behind our favourite Pro Controller alternate options, the Pro 2 and Ultimate; Hori, which makes the Split Pad Pro, Split Pad Compact, and extra of the very best Nintendo Switch equipment; and PowerA, which gives a number of the finest finances Switch controllers and an awesome GameCube-style possibility as effectively. Depending in your Switch gaming habits and wishes, you will discover an awesome third-party Switch controller on the market for lower than the worth of a Pro Controller–though it isn’t a foul thought to spend money on a type of as effectively.From Switch Pro Controller alternate options and higher Joy-Cons to struggle sticks and retro pads, listed below are the very best Switch controllers we have tried and swear by. Plus, take a look at our picks for the very best Nintendo Switch carrying instances, display protectors, and grips in addition to nice Bluetooth headsets for Switch. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Six years after launching alongside the Nintendo Switch, the official Pro Controller stays the very best guess for many gamers. It arguably has the very best ergonomics amongst Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony’s first-party console online game controllers. The face buttons really feel good, the analog sticks have wonderful rigidity, the triggers and shoulder buttons are nice, and D-pad is stable as effectively. It’s additionally the one standard Switch controller that makes use of the entire Switch’s options, together with HD Rumble, gyro movement controls, and NFC assist for Amiibo. The Pro Controller is considerably higher for enjoying video games in docked mode than the Joy-Cons, whether or not connected to the grip or not. It additionally has an unimaginable battery life, holding a cost for round 40 hours.When you purchase a Nintendo Switch, you’ll be able to’t go incorrect by pairing it with the Switch Pro controller. Though the Pro controller may undergo from joystick drifting, generally it tends to carry up very effectively, even after years of constant use. It’s a high-performing controller with tremendous ergonomics and an all-around nice really feel. You cannot ask for far more than that from a first-party controller. That stated, there are a few third-party Switch controllers that outperform the Pro Controller in some respects… 8BitDo Pro 2 The 8BitDo Pro 2 is, fairly merely, the very best Switch Pro controller different in the marketplace for many who favor aligned joysticks and/or play lots of video games that management higher with a D-pad. The Pro 2’s nostalgic design calls again to the SNES controller, which provides it an enthralling retro aesthetic whereas sustaining fashionable options.This Bluetooth gamepad options intensive customization for button mapping, analog sticks, set off inputs, and vibration changes. Notably, the Pro 2 has two again paddle buttons to provide you extra management whereas enjoying, together with an enhanced grip and extra ergonomic form. It lets you swap button inputs, invert the X and Y axis in your analog sticks, and extra. You may even create macros of as much as 18 inputs.All of this customization might be completed on Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS. The handy cell app lets you remap inputs and make different changes on the fly. You can retailer as much as three customized profiles on the Pro 2–a helpful function should you’re usually switching between a number of video games.The Pro 2 has a change on the again that may be toggled between gadgets: Switch, Mac, D-Input, and X-Input. This makes it straightforward to make use of the Pro 2 on different platforms resembling PC, Mac, and Steam Deck with out having to reconfigure inputs.Its battery life is not almost as spectacular because the official Pro controller, although. You can get round 20 hours on a full cost, however it’s also possible to use disposable AA batteries in a pinch. The Pro 2 is provided with movement controls and rumble–but not “HD” rumble, so it would not provide pinpoint, variable vibration just like the first-party controller. One function it’s lacking altogether is NFC assist, in order that’s price maintaining in thoughts.The 8BitDo Pro 2 is ideal for retro gaming and may also be a beautiful decide for your entire video games. The again buttons and customization suite make it well-worth contemplating should you like the shape issue and look. 8BitDo Ultimate If you’re on the lookout for a professional controller that doesn’t function the retro stylings of the 8BitDo Pro 2, then you definitely’ll wish to have a look at the newer 8BitDo Ultimate. Featuring a charging dock, two again buttons, and customized profile switching, it gives tons of premium performance and is available in a glossy, fashionable design. We’re calling this a tie between the 2 8BitDo heavyweights. It actually comes all the way down to your kind issue and stick structure preferences.Despite wanting like an costly gamepad, the 8BitDo Ultimate might be had for simply $70, placing it in-line with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. That’s a formidable worth for a pro-style gamepad–especially one which comes with a charging dock. You’ll additionally get assist for vibration, movement controls, USB-C, and a battery that lasts as much as 22 hours. It connects by way of Bluetooth, however it additionally comes with a 2.4GHz dongle (saved contained in the charging stand) that can be utilized on PC. Like the Pro 2, it would not have NFC assist. The Ultimate shares lots of the identical options because the Pro 2, together with the spectacular customization choices. Once once more, you’ll be able to tinker along with your controller’s settings utilizing 8BitDo’s easy-to-use Ultimate app. You can remap the wonderful again triggers, regulate stick rigidity and set off sensitivity, calibrate depth rumble on each handles, and arrange macros. The controller shops three totally different person profiles.There are a pair notable variations between two 8BitDo pro-style controllers. The Ultimate has Hall Effect joysticks, a tech development that enables the sticks to function with out creating friction. As a outcome, they need to maintain up higher over time and are not vulnerable to joystick drift.Bottom line: The 8BitDo Pro 2 Ultimate and Pro 2 are the very best Switch controllers with regards to customization. The Ultimate prices $20 greater than the Pro 2, however it additionally comes with a charging dock. These controllers have options that pro-style controllers bought for twice the worth or extra haven’t got. Incredible worth. Hori Split Pad Pro The Hori Split Pad Pro is the very best set of Joy-Cons round. The Split Pad Pro provides the Switch a extra standard controller kind issue when enjoying in handheld mode due to its curved handles that add a welcome bulkiness your grip. In addition to the added ergonomics, the Split Pad Pro boasts common analog sticks, not the low-profile thumbsticks seen on the Joy-Cons. It additionally has beefier triggers and buttons in addition to an actual D-pad, making it nice for each fashionable and basic video games. Mappable again triggers add extra customization and make the Split Pad Pro the best controller for aggressive handheld play on Switch.The Split Pad Pro is bought in two totally different fashions. You can purchase simply the controller, or you’ll be able to decide up the controller with an attachment that permits you to use the Split Pad Pro in docked mode with a wired connection. The Split Pad Pro attracts its energy from the Switch itself, so it is primarily (and understandably) designed with moveable play in thoughts. The Split Pad Pro treatments the ergonomic points that plague the Joy-Cons. And whereas there are a bunch of nice Nintendo Switch grips, none of them repair the Joy-Cons’ limitations higher than the Split Pad Pro. Hori Split Pad Compact The Hori Split Pad Compact is without doubt one of the latest merchandise from Hori, taking every little thing that made the Split Pad Pro so standard and trimming down its footprint. This makes it an awesome possibility for handheld players which can be consistently touring, as it is easy to seek out area in your bag for the tiny controllers.Despite its small measurement, the Split Pad Compact nonetheless options full-sized analog sticks, buttons, and a responsive D-pad. There’s even a set of programmable rear triggers and a turbo performance that permits you to quickly enter button presses by merely holding down the button as a substitute of regularly mashing it.Larger fingers nonetheless is perhaps finest served with the Hori Split Pad Pro, however people in want of one thing extremely moveable that doesn’t minimize options to attain that aim will discover a lot to like concerning the Split Pad Compact. PowerA Fusion Pro wi-fi controller The PowerA Fusion Pro retains the identical structure and kind issue because the Switch Pro controller whereas including 4 mappable again paddles. The Fusion Pro has rubber grips for added consolation and connects by way of Bluetooth. Another nice function on the Fusion Pro is that it has a headphone jack, which is curiously absent from a number of the different finest Switch controllers. That stated, the headphone jack solely works when enjoying with a wired connection. The Fusion Pro comes with a 10-foot USB-C cable and a storage case for the controller. It’s essential to notice that it doesn’t have HD rumble or Amiibo assist. It does provide movement controls, although. Gulikit KingKong Pro 2 At a look, you’d be forgiven for considering the Gulikit KingKong Pro 2 was an Xbox Series X controller. It options a lot of the identical buttons in a virtually similar structure as the newest Xbox gamepad, however it’s truly designed particularly for Nintendo Switch.Aside from wanting like an Xbox controller, the KingKong Pro 2 brings just a few cool options to the desk. The first is its Hall Sensor joysticks, that are far more proof against drift than different sticks and may present a easy gaming expertise for the lifetime of your Switch. Its buttons are additionally clicky and responsive, resulting in a premium really feel regardless of its customary $70 price ticket.The Switch Pro Controller and 8BitDo Ultimate ought to nonetheless be excessive in your buying checklist, however Xbox followers crossing over to the world of Nintendo will discover loads of causes to take a look at the KingKong Pro 2. Premium options resembling autopilot gaming and customizable buttons, a slick design, and top-tier joysticks make it an awesome, under-the-radar possibility. Hori D-Pad Controller Perhaps probably the most disappointing factor concerning the Switch Joy-Con as a recreation controller is the shortage of a correct D-Pad on its left Joy-Con. It’s not an computerized dealbreaker, with video games like Breath of the Wild and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate not using the D-pad for something tremendous demanding, however when the state of affairs requires it, the Hori D-Pad Joy-Con feels much more exact and cozy when enjoying in handheld mode with out having to resort to a completely alternate gamepad. The D-pad on Hori’s Joy-Con is a bit smooth, however it’s arduous to disclaim simply how nice the expertise is.There are some things which can be essential to notice, nonetheless. First off, this Joy-Con cannot be used wirelessly, so that you’re restricted to utilizing it in handheld mode. Secondly, it is incompatible with most instances and grips. This is as a result of the latch button protrudes out additional than the official Nintendo Joy-Cons. We took a pair of scissors and minimize out an area for it on an inexpensive Orzly grip case, Finally, you must be aware that you’re going to solely get one left controller–there’s not matching proper controller included. PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller is an honorable point out with regards to discussing Switch Pro Controller alternate options, largely due to the vary of themed designs.PowerA has outdone itself with regards to the vary of designs obtainable for the Enhanced Wireless Controller, with daring and putting designs themed after Nintendo franchises and different standard collection, from Mario and Zelda to Cuphead, Spyro, and The Witcher. Priced at $50, you may typically discover good offers on older designs at Amazon as effectively.Build-wise, the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller is just missing in comparison with another controllers on this checklist. It feels lighter and cheaper than the Pro Controller, the joysticks are barely taller, and the D-pad is barely additional in. Overall, the controller seems to be and feels fairly just like the first-party possibility with a cushty, ergonomic design and customary button structure, however it lacks that premium really feel. You do get two mappable rear buttons and assist for movement controls, however not HD rumble, IR, or Amiibo NFC. Finally, this mannequin runs on AA batteries and cannot be recharged just like the Pro Controller, although you could possibly use rechargeable AA batteries in it.Ultimately, we love the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller for its unmatched vary of themed designs and its general similarities to the Pro Controller with a less expensive price ticket, although we do not suggest selecting this as much as be your important Switch controller. Instead, make this your second or third Switch controller that you simply decide up for multiplayer periods or for when your Pro Controller must cost. 8BitDo M30 Bluetooth 8BitDo’s M30 controller is a wonderful retro gamepad, particularly when you have Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack to play the library of Sega Genesis video games. The M30 makes use of the six-button Genesis structure, which makes it much more versatile than the unique three-button Genesis controllers. Its ergonomics have been formed in another way to make it extra snug to carry than the Sega authentic, and the D-pad merely unimaginable. Classic titles, platformers, and combating video games are the plain selection for the M30, however it’s nice for all kinds of genres. It’s positively not going to work with each recreation, particularly people who depend on a second analog stick, however it’s a pleasant choice to have round. 8Bitdo N30 Bluetooth The 8Bitdo N30 is not going to be for everybody. It’s an NES-style controller that’s nice for very particular video games, like every little thing within the Switch Online NES library and only a few others. That stated, if you’re nostalgic for the oblong NES controller kind issue, you’ll be able to’t beat it.Nintendo’s personal NES Switch controllers are good, however they’ve inferior shoulder buttons and should be charged the identical method as your Joy-Cons–not to say, the Nintendo Switch Online subscription that is required earlier than you’ll be able to even buy them. With all this thought-about, the N30 is ideal for the job, if you will discover it in inventory. PowerA GameCube-style controller PowerA’s GameCube-style controller feels similar to Nintendo’s authentic controller with its form and measurement; nonetheless, that does not imply it is with out modifications. The greatest distinction is the bigger D-pad, which makes it higher fitted to video games like 2D platformers or combating games–though there are nonetheless controllers with higher D-pads on the market should you’re on the lookout for one. Thankfully, the place PowerA’s controller excels is with video games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.If you are on the lookout for a controller that’s almost similar to the GameCube’s–but with some fashionable niceties–then PowerA’s pad is a good possibility. It is available in each wi-fi and wired designs. 8BitDo Arcade Stick There’s no scarcity of nice struggle sticks in the marketplace, however there aren’t many designed particularly for Switch. The 8BitDo Arcade Stick is a type of, and you may’t beat the mix of worth and efficiency, in order that’s why it is getting the nod right here. Built round a retro chassis that options premium buttons and a dependable joystick, it’s effectively definitely worth the $90 price ticket. It’s not an ultra-premium struggle stick, however the Switch is not actually a platform for aggressive combating video games exterior of Smash Bros. anyway.The 8BitDo Arcade Stick works on each Switch and PC, supplying you with a little bit of multiplatform assist must you determine to attach it to your gaming rig. It gives eight massive face buttons which were positioned in a method that mimics the pure curvature of your hand for straightforward entry (and luxury throughout prolonged play periods). It additionally helps button mapping and allows you to join by way of Bluetooth, 2.4Hz, or a wired USB-C port.If you discover one thing you don’t like concerning the Arcade Stick, 8BitDo has ensured that the unit is straightforward to mod. That means you’ll be able to swap out the arcade buttons or change the joystick with a brand new one if wanted. And in line with 8BitDo, the unit helps “virtually every arcade stick ever made,” so it shouldn’t be arduous to seek out one thing that matches your preferences. Hori Fighting Stick Mini If you are any individual who performs combating video games however has been hesitant to drop the intense sum of money that is required for a high-end struggle stick, then Hori’s Fighting Stick Mini is a good newbie’s stick. Despite its low-cost worth and light-weight kind issue, it is completely able to maintaining you within the struggle, whether or not you are gaming on Switch or PC.Because the Fighting Stick Mini is less expensive than higher-end sticks, it is questionable whether or not its elements will final the punishment a combating recreation fan can dish out. The lack of options is a tad disappointing as effectively, particularly the lack to swap the joystick’s management from the D-pad to the analog sticks. Despite all that, the Fighting Stick Mini performs effectively, particularly contemplating the worth. There’s no denying that it is a superb possibility for inexperienced persons and even mother and father seeking to introduce their children to combating video games. PowerA Fusion Wired Fight Pad There aren’t lots of choices for struggle pads on the Switch, and whereas there are a variety of retro controllers that make for nice combating recreation pads, there’s at all times one thing you are giving up, whether or not it is a pair of shoulder buttons or management over the analog sticks. PowerA’s wired Fusion Fight Pad solves these issues with a devoted change that permits you to swap between D-pad and left and proper analog stick control–it additionally options all 4 shoulder buttons. The pad itself resembles that of the Sega Saturn, which is without doubt one of the finest controllers for combating video games and 2D platformers ever. The Fusion Fight Pad would not fairly attain these heights, however it’s nonetheless an awesome possibility should you’re on the lookout for a flexible controller.The buttons are stiffer than these of most struggle pads, so the primary impressions weren’t nice, however when it got here to truly enjoying, that stiffness wasn’t a problem. The Fusion could be very snug within the fingers, and whereas it isn’t an ideal match for the Saturn, it nonetheless feels acquainted and good due to the similarities. If you are on the lookout for a correct struggle pad for the Switch, then PowerA’s Fusion Fight Pad is certain to impress, particularly should you’re a fan of extra conventional controller buttons. Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe If you are on the lookout for a racing wheel for Mario Kart or different racing video games on Nintendo Switch, Hori manufactures formally licensed Mario Kart-themed wheels which can be nice for the worth. The Pro Deluxe model comes with a wheel with on-board controls in addition to foot pedals. If you go for the Mini model, which has a extra colourful design, you may get an identical wheel with out the pedals. While these wheels do not function high-end options like pressure suggestions, they’re moderately priced and really feel prime quality nonetheless. 8BitDo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter Sure, this is not a controller, however it unlocks the power to make use of all kinds of non-Nintendo controllers on the Switch. You merely plug the adapter into the dock’s USB port after which you’ll be able to play your Switch video games utilizing a DualSense, DualShock 4, Bluetooth-enabled Xbox controller, and many others.Of course, any controller you may use with this adapter gained’t embody options like HD rumble, movement controls, or Amiibo assist. These losses are negligible for the overwhelming majority of experiences, particularly when utilizing your favourite Bluetooth controller is the trade-off. If you need an inexpensive strategy to have an awesome controller you already personal work along with your Switch console, that is the gizmo to purchase.

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