After the Nintendo Switch console launched again in March 2017, I began trying to find the very best Nintendo Switch controller. While the present mannequin (which sports activities improved battery life over the launch mannequin) is nice, the Joy-Cons go away one thing to be desired (at the least the d-pad is healthier on Switch Lite). Thankfully, Switch gamers have a variety of choices in the case of Nintendo Switch equipment. Whether you favor to play the Nintendo Switch console with a PS4 or Xbox One controller, play utilizing the Joy-Cons whereas they’re charging, or simply love gaming on the go, there’s an adjunct tailored for you. You may even make the console extra comfy by bettering the grip of the console itself, so you do not drop it and injury the display screen (although you need to most likely nonetheless get a display screen protector, simply in case).The official Nintendo Pro controller remains to be the go-to choice for the very best Nintendo Switch controller for the console general (it has an important battery excellent for lengthy gaming stints, simple charging, and can be utilized with a Nintendo Switch dock and even when you’re utilizing the console in tabletop mode), however it’s additionally considerably dear. Looking for one thing else? We’re on the case.Whether you are in search of a less expensive Switch Pro different or simply need one thing with a special grip whilst you play Minecraft, we fortunately have a variety of different gaming choices at our disposal with out having to resort to a Switch mod; third-party corporations like 8Bitdo and PDP have launched some nice alternate options to the Pro controller that account for private choice whereas additionally introducing new options not present in first-party Nintendo Switch equipment. Not all of those Switch equipment are winners, however I’ve examined and recognized a number of the greatest Nintendo Switch controllers (most of which additionally work with the brand new Switch Lite, by the best way), when you want one thing a bit totally different at a extra reasonably priced worth.We’ll preserve this text up to date as we check new controllers, adapters, and extra Switch equipment as extra are launched in 2020. In the meantime, learn on for an outline of the very best Nintendo Switch controllers we have tried and may vouch for. Note that each one pricing indicated under is topic to change–Amazon slashes the value on these merchandise repeatedly, so you might even see a reduction when clicking by that we have not listed right here.Quick look: The greatest Nintendo Switch controllers we have examinedNintendo Switch Pro ControllerThe greatest first-party Nintendo 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 in regards to the first-party choice, the Nintendo Switch Pro controller. The Switch Pro is a good purchase for many gamers with only a few faults. For me, it has the very best ergonomics amongst Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony’s first-party console online game controllers. It’s the right dimension for my giant arms, 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 rigidity. It’s received nice battery life, too, and even works with the Switch Lite, if that is one thing you are in search of. All these benefits make it work brilliantly for many Switch video games. The one downside I’ve with the Pro Controller is the D-Pad. It’s vulnerable to incorrect inputs, which is most noticeable when enjoying puzzle video games like Tetris 99 or combating video games like Mortal Kombat 11. This normally occurs once you press a path on the pad, however you are a bit off-center, inflicting an enter within the flawed path. It’s not a difficulty more often than not you are enjoying with the Switch console (You do not want a hyper-responsive d-pad for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Xenoblade Chronicles 2, for instance) however when I’m enjoying a sport that depends closely on the D-Pad, I at all times go for one thing aside from the Switch Pro.The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller additionally boasts loads of options that almost all third-party controllers not often embody in addition to a fairly succesful USB-C to USB-A cable. This consists of NFC/Amiibo assist, HD rumble, and movement controls. These issues aren’t required for the overwhelming majority of video games, however from time to time, 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 be $70 USD, which is costlier than each the DualShock 4 and newest Xbox One controller. There’s little question the Pro Controller is likely one of the greatest Nintendo Switch controllers and among the finest Switch equipment you should purchase, however when there are nice choices at cheaper costs, it is arduous to justify shopping for a second, third, and/or fourth in your mates to make use of for, say, Smash.8Bitdo Wireless Bluetooth AdapterThe greatest manner 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 may 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 console 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 ought to be urgent for every enter the Switch requested, however as soon as this handed, the adapter proved a wonderful manner 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 straight.Of course, any controller you’ll 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. One draw back to this adapter, nevertheless, is a rumble difficulty that crops up with sure video games. Most just 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 difficulty 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. If you need an inexpensive technique to have an important controller work along with your Switch console, that is the gizmo to purchase. 8Bitdo SN30 Pro PlusThe greatest Switch Pro Controller differentThe Good:Extensive button mapping and macro customizationAdjustable dead-zones for analog sticks and triggersCustomizable rumble functionalityRemovable, rechargeable batteryAllows for using two AA batteries as a substitute of the battery packAlso doubles as a wonderful choice for traditional video gamesThe Bad:The 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Plus is likely 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 means that you can 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 should be performed on a pc display screen, however 8Bitdo’s customization software program is a breeze to make use of. The one draw back is that there aren’t any additional 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 in addition permits for disposable batteries. As somebody who’s at present sitting subsequent to a field of useless PS3 controllers, I’m glad to know there’s a nice different to the Switch’s Pro controller that I’ll have the ability to use lengthy after its rechargeable battery dies.PDP Faceoff Deluxe+ ControllerThe greatest price range 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 accidentally in some instancesCan’t wake the Switch up from Sleep ModeWhen I realized the Switch had a Pro controller different that included an audio port, boasted remappable paddles, and solely value $25, I did not count on a lot in the best way of high quality. The PDP Faceoff Deluxe+ wired controller exceeded my expectations and is now certainly one of 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 similar, however the sticks and triggers come up a contact increased. I just like the raised top 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 unbelievable 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 capable of dash, bounce, and glide, all whereas controlling the digital camera with my thumb firmly planted on the proper stick. Of course, this will current some issues in sure video games. When switching from Breath of the Wild to Super Mario Maker 2, I might instinctively squeeze the paddle whereas making some jumps. And sadly, there’s just one configuration profile and no technique to flip the paddles off, so when you do not wish to use them, you will need to undergo the quick strategy of mapping them to every other–this makes it so there is no enter when urgent them. It’s a minor difficulty, however an annoying one nonetheless.Thankfully, the PDP Faceoff Deluxe+ feels ok to make use of to cope with the occasional unintentional button press. Its analog sticks have an identical rigidity to the Pro controller’s, and it has an important D-Pad. The 3.5mm audio port is an effective choice for voice chat in supported video games (e.g. Fortnite), although I spent most of my time utilizing the port to hear by my favorite pair of headphones. This works very well, with the power to regulate 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 need to 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+.Hori Split Pad ProBest Switch Joy-Cons for handheld modeThe Good:Ergonomic design makes handheld play extra comfortableMore correct analog sticks than Nintendo’s Joy-ConsGlorious D-PadLarger face and shoulder buttonsEasily matches into the dock with Split Pad Pro connectedProgrammable again paddlesThe Bad:Restricted to handheld use onlyBack paddles can solely be programmed to a button on its respective sideNo rumble, movement controls, or NFC reader functionalityThe Hori Split Pad Pro is the very best set of Joy-Cons I’ve ever performed with. As somebody with large arms, the small Joy-Cons are extraordinarily uncomfortable to make use of, mainly forcing me to make use of a grip case at any time when I play in handheld. With the Split Pad Pro, I do not want the rest to have an fulfilling, comfy expertise. It’s not fairly as comfy as holding an actual controller, however the Split Pad Pro has sufficient additional materials to simply fill your arms and make the button placement comfy to work together with. And so far as the buttons, D-Pad, and analog sticks go, I could not be happier. The analog sticks supply a smoother, extra correct expertise, whereas the D-Pad is likely one of the greatest I’ve seen for the hybrid console–especially in handheld mode. The Switch is even simpler to dock with the Hori Split Pad Pro connected, becoming into its plastic house like a puzzle piece.However, the Hori Split Pad Pro does have its downsides. With the dearth of any sort of rumble or movement controls, I used to be left questioning if I used to be lacking out on any particular options in The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening–some Switch video games, like Cadence of Hyrule, use HD rumble in essential methods. After wanting by articles on-line, I satisfied myself I wasn’t, however that uncertainty will seemingly rear its head with every new sport. Another minor annoyance is the shortcoming to map each again paddles to the ABXY face buttons. The Split Pad Pro can solely be utilized in handheld mode as a result of the controllers haven’t any manner of speaking wirelessly–with the Switch or one another. This leaves the left paddle with restricted choices for remapping; I could not discover a good use for the left paddle that was extra handy than simply pushing the D-Pad. Of course, with this being a pair of Joy-Cons that must be connected to the console, it does not work with the Switch dock, both.Despite these few shortcomings, I can not see myself returning to Nintendo’s official Joy-Cons. The added dimension of the Split Pad Pro can be sufficient, however the smoother analog sticks, superior D-Pad, and larger buttons make me excited for the subsequent time I play my Switch. It’s in fact not appropriate with the Switch Lite, because it does not assist totally different Joy-Con choices, and it you possibly can’t get it in neon.Hori D-Pad Joy-ConGreat choice for a D-Pad in handheld modeThe Good:An awesome, handy choice for a D-Pad in handheld modeVery comfy for video games that excel with a D-PadThe Bad:Restricted to handheld use solelyInappropriate with most instances and gripsPerhaps probably 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 scenario requires it, the Hori D-Pad Joy-Con feels much more exact and cozy when enjoying in handheld mode.The D-Pad on Hori’s Joy-Con is softer than what I normally search for, however it’s arduous 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 fulfilling in handheld mode.There are some things which can 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 lower out an area for it on my low cost Orzly grip case, however I seemingly will not be doing the identical to my costlier equipment.8bitdo M30 BluetoothThe greatest traditional 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 may simply be certainly one of 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 comfy 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 plain selection 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, however it’s a controller I’ll at all times go to if it is doable to take action.8Bitdo 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 choose 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 additional 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 principally 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 choice for the Switch, however it’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 must be charged the identical manner as your Joy-Cons–not to say, the Nintendo Switch Online subscription that is required earlier than you possibly can even buy them. With all this thought-about, the N30 is ideal for the job.8Bitdo 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 likely to be the very best Switch controller on this listing, 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 different. Like each the M30 and N30, it does not work with each sport, however there are many nice choices with the Switch’s glorious choice of platformers and combating video games.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 traditional video games on that console. And as a bonus, this retro receiver may also be related through USB, so long as you may have an additional USB-C cable connected.