The Nintendo Switch is likely one of the bestselling consoles of all time, and with the additions of the Switch Lite and the Switch OLED , that should not change anytime quickly. Nintendo paid plenty of consideration to taking part in on the go when designing the Switch, and, fortunately, there are quite a few methods to take pleasure in your system in the lounge, too.
The Joy-Con grip is ok — we’ll get to only how properly it could possibly work in a while — however a correct controller makes the Switch really feel way more like a house console. It would not matter when you want quick first-person shooters or sluggish narrative-driven experiences, our checklist of the very best Nintendo Switch controllers has a gamepad for you. We’ll additionally embrace a listing of ceaselessly requested controller-related questions on the backside of this text.
These are the very best Nintendo Switch controllers.
Sara Kurfeß
Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Pair
Pros
Official Nintendo gear
Works with plenty of equipment
Classic Switch design
Yes, these are the essential controllers that include the Nintendo Switch, however having a number of spares is useful, particularly with the variety of native co-op video games accessible on the Switch.
The versatility of the Joy-Cons is extremely helpful, each with the system in its handheld configuration and docked in an leisure middle. Each comes geared up with face buttons, two bumpers, triggers, and directional buttons, in addition to extra bumper buttons situated on the aspect for whenever you’re solely utilizing one in every of them at a time.
When connected to the Switch, the Joy-Cons are practically good, providing significantly better management over your recreation than you’d get with an older Nintendo system and even the PlayStation Vita. You may even hand one to a different participant to play some Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (or different multiplayer recreation) on the go. These Joy-Cons work with the newer Switch OLED mannequin, as properly.
The Joy-Con controllers can be connected to the Joy-Con grip to show them right into a form of normal gamepad, albeit a small one. If you don’t go for one other controller, it does the job admirably, and we have been in a position to make it by dozens of hours of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild with out utilizing the rest. The Joy-Con Charging Grip is an effective alternative for many who do not wish to fear about reattaching the Joy-Con to the console after every session to juice them up.
It is price mentioning that the notorious “Joy-Con drift” concern nonetheless persists to today, leading to motion from the analog stick with out truly touching it. This concern has plagued customers from the start, and whereas it is not as frequent at the moment, can nonetheless occur, particularly with older Joy-Con. We’ll cowl that in additional element within the FAQ part beneath.
This controller, being an official Nintendo product, can also be extensively supportive of different Nintendo Switch equipment.
Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Pair
Nintendo
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Pros
Great for docked gaming
Better for extra complicated video games
Long battery life
For gamers who spend the vast majority of their time with the Nintendo Switch in its dock, the small Joy-Con grip would possibly really feel too small. In that occasion, you’ll wish to spend money on the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
It’s costly, often retailing for round $70, however the rechargeable Pro Controller comes with massive face buttons, bumpers, triggers, and analog sticks. It additionally has a extra conventional directional pad that feels just like these accessible on the Wii U’s controllers. Its form is just like the Xbox Series X’s controller, and its inside battery lasts far longer than the PlayStation 5’s DualSense.
The Pro Controller is not only for taking part in the Switch at dwelling, both. Some bigger carrying circumstances for the Switch, such because the Game Traveler Deluxe, embrace a compartment that may both maintain a Joy-Con grip or a Pro Controller. With the system’s kickstand or a separate stand, you could be taking part in your favourite video games on the go utilizing the identical controller you employ at dwelling.
This is the very best controller to make use of for a extra “core” expertise that mirrors trendy consoles. Use this controller when you’re taking part in exact shooters like Apex Legends or Splatoon 3.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Image used with permission by copyright holder
HORI D-Pad Controller (L) – Nintendo Switch
Pros
Improves controls in handheld mode
Comfortable
Many unbelievable designs
Cons
No rumble
Only related in handheld mode
When utilizing the Nintendo Switch in its handheld configuration, it could possibly really feel barely odd as a result of lack of a conventional directional pad on the left Joy-Con, which as a substitute makes use of cut up buttons. To rectify this, Hori created its personal left Joy-Con controller, full with a directional pad and accessible in a wide range of totally different kinds.
For these taking part in 2D platformers on the go, it’ll make controlling your character really feel extra pure, although you’ll sacrifice rumble within the course of.
The Hori Joy-Con isn’t meant to utterly change your common left Joy-Con, because it’s solely suitable with the system in handheld mode. It additionally reportedly drains the Switch’s battery extra shortly than different controllers, however its $25 worth means you’ll be able to solely use it sometimes and nonetheless really feel such as you obtained your cash’s price.
HORI D-Pad Controller (L) – Nintendo Switch
Image used with permission by copyright holder
8bitDo Micro
Pros
Colorful designs
Lightweight
Perfect for touring
Going on a street journey and wish to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze with your folks? Well, 8Bitdo’s Micro controller is a tiny various to the Joy-Con controllers that incorporates all of the buttons you want for split-screen multiplayer video games.
In addition to a conventional course pad, face buttons, and shoulder buttons, it additionally contains movement management help, and it is accessible in a wide range of colours meant to emulate the Game Boy Pocket.
As an added bonus, the 8Bitdo Micro controllers additionally help Raspberry Pi and Android gadgets by Bluetooth, and their firmware could be up to date wirelessly.
Image used with permission by copyright holder
PowerA Wireless
Pros
Less costly than Nintendo-brand options
Wireless
Beautiful designs
Cons
No HD rumble or Amiibo performance
Wireless play is sort of necessary for controllers nowadays, however that does not imply you could break the financial institution. This pro-style controller provides you the good really feel of a high-quality Switch controller, as much as 30 hours of battery life, and tons of Nintendo-themed designs to select from. The solely disadvantage is that you just lose out on any HD rumble, movement controls, and Amiibo performance, however few video games make {that a} requirement.
Image used with permission by copyright holder
GameDice Controller Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Edition
Pros
Nostalgia
Cred in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournaments
Great ergonomics in comparison with newer Switch controllers
No, this isn’t a brand new lookalike GameDice controller meant to emulate the true factor — the Nintendo Switch truly helps the basic GameDice controller with the usage of a particular adapter.
Both can be found for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Switch, giving veteran gamers the basic management scheme they know and love. The adapter is equivalent to the one used for the Wii U, so you’ll be able to plug that into your Switch when you nonetheless have it, and this offers you sufficient ports for everybody within the match to make use of a GameDice controller.
The GameDice Controller is a novel beast, and maybe that’s why it’s higher to easily help it on future techniques slightly than try to repeat it. Its C-stick, asymmetrical button structure, and ergonomic form make it vital for any Smash Bros. fan, and it’s even being reproduced particularly for combating followers who don’t wish to use one of many Switch’s newer controllers.
If you wish to play your Switch utilizing GameDice controllers whilst you’re touring, the one manner to take action out of the field is by bringing your dock with you. However, 8BitDo launched the GBros. wi-fi adapter to coincide with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
The GBros. wi-fi adapter connects to the GameDice controller just like the Wii’s Classic Controller did, successfully turning it right into a wi-fi controller with as much as 30 hours of battery life. It even has “share” and “home” buttons so that you aren’t lacking out on any options, and its shade scheme matches the unique GameDice’s purple design. If you wish to use it with the NES Classic, SNES Classic, or Wii Classic controllers, you are able to do that, too.
GameDice Controller Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Edition
Image used with permission by copyright holder
PDP – Wired Fight Pad Pro Controller for Nintendo Switch
Pros
Less costly than Nintendo’s model
Cool customization choices
No want for batteries
Want to play with a GameDice-style controller however don’t wish to spend cash on Nintendo’s USB adapter or a third-party adapter? The PDP Wired Fight Pad Pro Controller mimics the look of a basic GameDice controller. With the usual left analog stick and a smaller C-stick on the appropriate, the face buttons really feel practically equivalent to Nintendo’s personal controller.
It additionally contains shoulder buttons and triggers on each side, so you should use it for Switch video games that a typical GameDice controller wouldn’t be capable of deal with.
The Wired Fight Pad Pro Controller doesn’t embrace movement sensors just like the Joy-Con or Pro Controllers do, because it was primarily designed in its place accent for taking part in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. You can take away the C-Stick on the appropriate aspect and change it with a second analog stick, and this comes included with each controller.
They can be found in Mario, Zelda, Pikachu, Luigi, and Peach, variants so you’ll be able to let your folks know who you’re going to take into the subsequent match.
PDP – Wired Fight Pad Pro Controller for Nintendo Switch
Image used with permission by copyright holder
8BitDo Sn30 Pro+
Pros
Nostaliga
Great for NES and SNES titles
Comfortable
With the controller’s distinctive mixture of designs, it’s appropriate for all the things from Animal Crossing: New Horizons to Astral Chain. In phrases of high quality, don’t anticipate the SN30 Pro+ to really feel fairly as stable because the Switch Pro Controller. It additionally rattles a little bit an excessive amount of when the controller shakes. However, the SN30 Pro+ will price you $10 to $20 lower than Nintendo’s providing, so it’s exhausting to complain an excessive amount of.
Out of the field, the SN30 Pro+ is already arrange for Switch. All you need to do is comply with the pairing course of in your console, and also you’re all set to play. The Pro+ is a typical Bluetooth controller that appears loads just like the common SN30 Pro, however the additional + means you’ve got extra customization choices.
The SN30 Pro+, which incorporates Steam Big Picture help, works properly with macOS, Android, and Windows. Even although it’s suitable with macOS, you need to know the SN30 Pro+ doesn’t seem to work with iPhones or iPads.
We advocate connecting it to your laptop not less than as soon as to make the most of the big range of customizations, even when you solely plan to make use of the controller in your Switch. 8BitDo SN30 Pro’s unimaginable configuration software program helps you to arrange set off useless zones, program macros, rebind keys, and extra.
Since you already know and love your Nintendo Switch (we hope), it’s time to discover a controller you’ll be able to bond with, too. From tabletop mode to handheld gameplay and extra, our favourite Switch controllers allow you to customise your taking part in expertise much more. After all, that’s what the Switch is all about.
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Nintendo Switch 1-Up Glow within the Dark Rematch Controller
Great for gaming on a price range
Pros
Affordable
Fancy design
Paddle again buttons
Those in search of an inexpensive, but fashionable Switch controller ought to look no additional than the Nintendo Switch 1-Up Glow within the Dark Rematch. As its identify suggests, it glows in the dead of night, and has a nifty Toad design throughout it, permitting you to recreation with model.
Beyond that, it is comfy and handy, together with a 10-foot cable, good for gamers who do not wish to fear about batteries or preserving the controller charged.
The controller options again button paddles, which undoubtedly makes it really feel like an expert accent with out paying an exorbitant worth. In brief, it is a nice choice for these trying to recreation on a price range, with out having to sacrifice model and practicality.
Nintendo Switch 1-Up Glow within the Dark Rematch Controller
Great for gaming on a price range
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pro Controller higher than Joy-Con?
In basic, the Pro Controller has plenty of advantages that the Jon-Cons lack. For one, the Pro Controller feels extra like a conventional gamepad you is perhaps used to with a PS5 or Xbox Series X. It additionally options extra dependable analog sticks when put next with the Joy-Cons “drift” points. You’ll discover that taking part in shooters with the Pro Controller will can help you be extra exact along with your photographs as a result of dimension and structure of the machine.
However, the Pro Controller does come at a steep worth of $60 to $70, and when you’re not eager on the concept of shopping for extra controllers, you’ll be able to undoubtedly get by with the Joy-Con. It additionally issues how you propose on utilizing your controllers. If you have a tendency to make use of your Nintendo Switch in handheld mode extra, you will not essentially want the rest, because the system comes with two Joy-Cons by default. It’s additionally price mentioning that every Joy-Con serves as its personal controller, which means you have obtained two functioning gadgets proper out of the field.
Ultimately, you need to base your choice on price range and playstyle. For us, the Pro Controller beats the Joy-Con in virtually any state of affairs, however your state of affairs would possibly differ.
How lengthy do Nintendo Switch controllers take to cost?
According to Nintendo, the Joy-Cons take round three to 4 hours to cost, whether or not they’re connected to the Switch itself, or the Joy-Con grip. As for the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, that may take you round six hours to cost. When you boot up your Switch, you’ll be able to test the battery lifetime of your controllers by visiting the Controllers choice on the system’s essential menu.
Can you employ a Nintendo Switch controller in your PC?
In brief, sure! You can use a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller on a PC in wired or wi-fi codecs. It connects utilizing Bluetooth, and beneath are the steps for pairing it along with your PC.
Navigate to Bluetooth & Other Devices and ensure Bluetooth performance is turned on.
Then activate the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and press the sync button, discovered on the prime, subsequent to the USB-C cost port. Press and maintain this button, and inexperienced lights on the underside of the controller will start flashing.
On your PC, click on Add Bluetooth or Other Device.
The Pro Controller will now seem on the checklist of gadgets. Select it and you will be paired wirelessly.
Otherwise, it’s also possible to merely join your Pro Controller to your PC with a USB-C cable. Plug the controller into the PC and your machine ought to acknowledge the Pro Controller.
How many controllers include the Nintendo Switch?
All Nintendo Switch techniques include two Joy-Con controllers every — a left and a proper Joy-Con. The Joy-Con could be connected to the Joy-Con Grip to perform as a typical controller for one participant, with two analog sticks, a D-pad, face buttons, and shoulder buttons — or can be utilized individually, which means you may be able to play multiplayer video games proper out of the field. Using the Joy-Con individually is not preferrred, however actually will get the job accomplished when taking part in multiplayer video games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
If you are going to be taking part in plenty of multiplayer video games that require precision, we advise choosing up a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller or an extra set of Joy-Cons for consolation. Though, you may be completely satisfied to know you do not essentially have to purchase any extra controllers because the Switch comes with two.
Why are Nintendo Switch controllers so costly?
If you propose on shopping for a brand new first-party Nintendo Switch controller, you would possibly’ve observed that they arrive with a hefty price ticket. A brand new pair of Joy-Cons retails for round $70, whereas the Pro Controller is about $60 to $70 as properly. These controllers are dearer for a purpose — they embrace know-how like movement, HD Rumble, and a built-in NFC reader.
The movement included is extra exact than the motion you might need skilled with the Wii Remotes. Users describe HD Rumble as a solution to really feel the sounds out of your recreation. It’s a extra refined model of the vibrations you’ve felt from different controllers. HD Rumble contains a larger diploma of vibrations with variable speeds to boost immersion. The built-in NFC reader is made particularly for amiibo, that are the little Nintendo figures which you can scan into collaborating video games.
The Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers’ options are unbelievable however optionally available, so when you can’t afford them, you will get by by shopping for a third-party controller. You gained’t get these attractive parts that improve your gameplay, however since third-party controllers are about half the value of a Nintendo-made controller, it is perhaps price it to you.
What is Joy-Con drift?
If you are a part of the Switch ecosystem, you have probably heard of Joy-Con drift, which has plagued the system since launch. This is necessary to pay attention to, particularly when desirous about controller choices. Joy-Con drift is a standard concern that happens with the controllers whereby the stick will “drift” by itself. This will end in your character or the digital camera shifting by itself, resulting in an disagreeable gaming expertise.
Surprisingly, even a number of years after the launch of the Switch, Joy-Con drift persists. There are a number of DIY fixes, and Nintendo does change Joy-Con with the drift concern. However, the difficulty hasn’t appeared to be utterly mounted total — that’s except you purchase the Nintendo Switch OLED. This system comes with “improved” Joy-Con, which options analog sticks with “all the improvements,” in line with Nintendo’s know-how improvement division director, Toru Yamashita.
These Joy-Con look equivalent to the older ones, however have revamped innards that hopefully take away (or improve the percentages of) the drift concern. Though, in line with TomsGuide, the difficulty nonetheless persists even with the brand new Joy-Cons.
How many controllers do gaming lovers want?
There is not a easy reply to this query, because it’s largely depending on the participant’s wants. For occasion, an individual who performs single-player video games can get away with solely having a Pro Controller and even the Joy-Con that comes within the field. Likewise, that very same participant would possibly love shooters corresponding to Fortnite or Apex Legends, so a Pro Controller is finest, because it contains a extra conventional structure.
However, many households or teams play on the Nintendo Switch regionally, with video games like Super Mario Party or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. In this case, having sufficient controllers for all gamers is right, even when every particular person solely will get a single Joy-Con. Buying for a big group could be expensive, although, so that you would possibly wish to buy among the inexpensive choices just like the PowerA Enhanced or the 8Bitdo Zero 2. Ultimately, it’ll come right down to what video games you play, the way you play, and what number of gamers you wish to accommodate — together with price range.
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