Since shortly after the Nintendo Switch’s launch, I’ve been on the hunt for brand new Switch controllers. It’s a flexible little console, permitting for a variety of various controller choices, from taking part in together with your PS4 and Xbox One controller to pads that resemble the basic controllers of the previous. The Switch Pro controller is an apparent and nice alternative, but it surely’s additionally costly, and in my expertise, the D-Pad leaves lots to be desired.Thankfully, there are a ton of choices from third-party firms like 8Bitdo and PDP that assist account for private choice whereas additionally introducing new options not present in first-party Nintendo Switch controllers. They aren’t all winners, however I’ve examined and recognized some strong choices value contemplating when you want one thing a bit of completely different at a extra inexpensive worth.We’ll maintain this text up to date as we take a look at new controllers, adapters, and extra. In the meantime, learn on for an summary of the very best Nintendo Switch controllers we have tried and may vouch for. Note that each one pricing indicated beneath is topic to change–Amazon slashes the value on these merchandise often, so you may even see a reduction when clicking by way of that we’ve not listed right here.The merchandise mentioned right here had been independently chosen by our editors. GameSpot might get a share of the income when you purchase something featured on our web site.Quick look: The greatest Nintendo Switch controllers we have examinedNintendo Switch Pro ControllerThe greatest first-party Switch controllerThe Good:The greatest ergonomics of any controller I’ve usedButtons are satisfying to pressFeatures NFC/Amiibo assist, HD rumble, and movement controlsThe Bad:D-Pad is vulnerable to incorrect inputs$70 price ticket is a bit steepFirst off, we won’t speak about the very best Nintendo Switch controllers in the marketplace with out speaking about Nintendo’s first-party possibility, the Switch Pro controller. It’s a terrific pad with only a few faults. For me, it has the very best ergonomics amongst Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony’s first-party controllers. It’s the right measurement for my giant palms, and the triggers are formed good for resting fingers. The face buttons really feel good to press; the +, -, Home, and Screenshot buttons click on splendidly; and the analog sticks have quantity of pressure. The one downside I’ve with the Pro Controller is the D-Pad. It’s vulnerable to incorrect inputs, which is most noticeable when taking part in puzzle video games like Tetris 99 or combating video games like Mortal Kombat 11. This normally occurs while you press a course on the pad, however you are a bit of off-center, inflicting an enter within the flawed course. It’s not one thing that breaks the expertise utterly, however when I’m taking part in a sport that depends notably heavy on the D-Pad, I at all times go for a distinct controller.The Pro Controller additionally boasts a variety of options that almost all third-party controllers not often embrace. This consists of NFC/Amiibo assist, HD rumble, and movement controls. These issues aren’t required for the overwhelming majority of video games, however once in a while, a sure utilization of them can put a smile in your face–HD rumble is used excellently in Super Mario Odyssey, for instance. However, the Pro Controller’s price ticket can also be $70 USD, which is dearer than each the DualShock 4 and newest Xbox One controller. There’s little question the Pro Controller is a wonderful pad, however when there are nice choices at cheaper costs, it is exhausting to justify shopping for a second, third, and/or fourth to your pals to make use of.$70 at Amazon8Bitdo Wireless Bluetooth AdapterThe greatest method to make use of PS4 and Xbox One controllers on the SwitchThe Good:Enables use of a DualShock 4, Bluetooth-enabled Xbox One, Wii U Pro, Wiimote, DualShock 3, and any appropriate 8Bitdo controllerEasy to arrangeThe Bad:Some video games could cause irregular vibration, which requires firmware updates to repairCan’t get up the Switch from Sleep ModeThe first time I plugged the 8Bitdo Bluetooth adapter into my Switch’s dock, it felt like black magic. I used to be utilizing my DualShock 4 on a Nintendo platform, hitting Circle when it requested for A, Cross when it requested for B. And when it requested for X? You guessed it: Triangle. There was undoubtedly a interval of getting used to what buttons I needs to be urgent for every enter the Switch requested, however as soon as this handed, the adapter proved a wonderful method to make use of not simply the DualShock 4, however a wide selection of Bluetooth-enabled controllers that do not already hook up with the Switch immediately.Of course, any controller you’ll use with this adapter received’t embrace 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. One draw back to this adapter, nevertheless, is a rumble problem that crops up with sure video games. Most lately, I’ve skilled this with Fire Emblem: Three Houses, the place your controller will vibrate abnormally even when you flip off rumble within the Switch’s system settings. This problem has been fastened for video games like Splatoon 2 and Crash Bandicoot: N Sane Trilogy, although this requires you to plug the adapter into a pc to replace the firmware.$20 at Amazon8Bitdo SN30 Pro PlusThe greatest Switch Pro Controller variousThe Good:Extensive button mapping and macro customizationAdjustable dead-zones for analog sticks and triggersCustomizable rumble functionalityRemovable, rechargeable batteryAllows for the usage of two AA batteriesAlso doubles as a wonderful possibility for traditional video gamesThe Bad:The 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Plus is without doubt one of the extra thrilling Switch controllers. Not solely does it function a design impressed by the SNES, it additionally options in depth customization for button mapping, analog sticks, set off inputs, and vibration changes. It permits you to 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 have to be carried out on a pc, however 8Bitdo’s customization software program is a breeze to make use of. The one draw back is that there aren’t any further buttons or paddles on the controller, so the remapping is restricted to swapping buttons.My private favourite factor about this controller is the truth that it features a detachable, rechargeable battery and likewise permits for disposable batteries. As somebody who’s at present sitting subsequent to a field of lifeless PS3 controllers, I’m pleased to know there’s a nice various to the Switch’s Pro controller that I’ll have the ability to use lengthy after its rechargeable battery dies.$50 at AmazonPDP Faceoff Deluxe+ ControllerThe greatest funds Switch Pro ControllerThe Good:Great D-padExcellent ergonomicsRemappable paddlesAudio port works nice for voice chat-enabled video games and listening with headphonesThe Bad:Can hit paddles by chance in some instancesCan’t wake the Switch up from Sleep ModeWhen I discovered the Switch had a Pro controller various that included an audio port, boasted remappable paddles, and solely value $25, I did not count on a lot in the way in which of high quality. The PDP Faceoff Deluxe+ wired controller exceeded my expectations and is now one among my favorites to make use of with the Switch. Holding it, it feels similar to Nintendo’s Pro controller. I do not suppose any of those controllers beat the Pro controller in pure ergonomics, however this PDP pad comes shut. The common form is identical, however the sticks and triggers come up a contact larger. I just like the raised peak of the triggers, however I really feel like they might have been reshaped a bit to raised match the pure curve of your fingers.Nevertheless, this hardly ruins the expertise. The inclusion of remappable paddles is a implausible addition. You can map any button to those paddles, and I discovered it extremely helpful for video games that assigned dash to a face button. In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, I’m in a position to dash, leap, and glide, all whereas controlling the digicam with my thumb firmly planted on the proper stick. Of course, this could current some issues in sure video games. When switching from Breath of the Wild to Super Mario Maker 2, I’d instinctively squeeze the paddle whereas making some jumps. And sadly, there’s just one configuration profile and no option to flip the paddles off, so when you do not wish to use them, you may should undergo the quick means of mapping them to every other–this makes it so there isn’t any enter when urgent them. It’s a minor problem, however an annoying one nonetheless.Thankfully, the PDP Faceoff Deluxe+ feels adequate to make use of to take care of the occasional unintentional button press. Its analog sticks have the same pressure to the Pro controller’s, and it has a terrific D-Pad. The 3.5mm audio port is an efficient possibility for voice chat in supported video games (e.g. Fortnite), although I spent most of my time utilizing the port to hear by way of my favorite pair of headphones. This works rather well, with the flexibility to manage your quantity on the controller itself and inside the Switch’s menu. And with its wired connection, you do not have to fret about its battery dying. Because that wired connection powers the Switch, nevertheless, you will not have the ability to flip the console on from Sleep Mode–you’ll should hit the Power button in your docked Switch earlier than beginning to play. As lengthy as you are okay these few inconveniences, then I can wholeheartedly advocate the Faceoff Deluxe+.$25 at AmazonHori D-Pad Joy-ConBest Switch Joy-Con for handheld modeThe Good:The greatest, most handy possibility for a D-Pad in handheld modeVery snug for video games that excel with a D-PadThe Bad:Restricted to handheld use solelyInappropriate with most instances and gripsPerhaps essentially the most disappointing factor in regards to the Switch is the dearth of a correct D-Pad on its left Joy-Con. It’s not an automated 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 taking part in in handheld mode.The D-Pad on Hori’s Joy-Con is softer than what I normally search for, but it surely’s exhausting to disclaim simply how nice the expertise is. I did not understand how a lot I missed a D-Pad till I used this to play video games like Mortal Kombat 11, Tetris 99, and Super Mario Maker 2. These video games, in addition to many others, have since been much more pleasurable in handheld mode.There are some things which might be essential to notice, nevertheless. 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 Nintendo’s official Joy-Cons. I took a pair of scissors and minimize out an area for it on my low-cost Orzly grip case, however I probably will not be doing the identical to my dearer equipment.Zelda Edition: $20 at Amazon Mario Edition: $20 at Amazon Pikachu Edition: $20 at Amazon8bitdo M30 BluetoothThe greatest basic controller on Nintendo SwitchThe Good:Fantastic D-Pad and ergonomicsConnects on to Nintendo SwitchAdditionally appropriate with Windows, Mac, Android, and Raspberry PiThe Bad:Not appropriate for all games8Bitdo’s M30 controller would possibly simply be one among my favourite pads ever. As a Sega Genesis child, I’ve at all times held a particular place in my coronary heart for the six-button controller, which is what the M30 emulates and improves on. Its ergonomics have been formed otherwise to make it extra snug to carry than the Sega unique, and the D-Pad is by far my favourite of any 8Bitdo controller. Classic titles, platformers, and combating video games are the apparent alternative for the M30, however I’ve additionally discovered myself having fun with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with it. It’s undoubtedly not going to work with each sport, particularly people who depend on a second analog stick, but it surely’s a controller I’ll at all times go to if it is potential to take action.$30 at Amazon8Bitdo N30 BluetoothThe greatest NES controller for Nintendo SwitchThe Good:Better shoulder buttons than the subscription-exclusive NES Joy-ConsIncludes a Home buttonConnects on to Nintendo SwitchAdditionally appropriate with retro receivers and USB adaptersThe Bad:Not appropriate for all video gamesThe 8Bitdo N30 is not going to be for everybody. It’s an NES-style controller that’s nice for very particular video games, like all the pieces within the Switch Online NES library and only a few others. I desire the NES controller’s form and button format for that console’s video games, however in looking for different makes use of for the N30, I used to be largely unsuccessful. Even fashionable Tetris video games like Tetris 99 and Puyo Puyo Tetris require greater than the D-Pad and B and A buttons–the further two face buttons on the N30 are restricted to Turbo. The N30 consists of shoulder buttons for L and R, which does lengthen the variety of video games it may be used with (e.g. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe), however the choices are nonetheless restricted.I largely use my N30 along side a retro receiver that lets me use it with actual NES {hardware} and RetroUSB’s AVS. It’s my new favourite pad for that console. It’s additionally a wonderful possibility for the Switch, but it surely’s not essential to get pleasure from any sport, NES or not. However, in case you are in search of that very particular NES expertise, I can wholeheartedly advocate the N30. 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 may even buy them. With all this thought of, the N30 is ideal for the job.$30 at Amazon8Bitdo SN30 BluetoothThe greatest SNES controller for Nintendo SwitchThe Good:Connects on to Nintendo SwitchComes with a retro receiver for SNES useAlso appropriate with USB adaptersThe Bad:Not appropriate for choose video gamesThe SN30 Pro Plus mentioned earlier is perhaps the very best Switch controller on this record, and with its SNES-style format, it is nice for traditional video games. However, when you’re in search of one thing a bit extra genuine to the SNES expertise, then the fundamental SN30 is your greatest various. Like each the M30 and N30, it does not work with each sport, however there are many nice choices with the Switch’s wonderful collection of platformers and combating video games. And if a latest FCC submitting signifies something, we might be seeing SNES video games on the Switch sooner or later.The SN30 additionally comes with a retro receiver that may be plugged right into a SNES. If you continue to have a Super Nintendo–or an Analogue Super NT–then that is an superior choice to play basic video games on that console. And as a bonus, this retro receiver can be linked by way of USB, so long as you might have an additional USB-C cable hooked up.$40 at Amazon