Nintendo is top dog, cream of the crop, king of the hill when it comes to controllers. We’ve put together and tested each of the Nintendo Switch controllers below that we recommend for specific use cases, so that’s where we get in. (However, we still mostly recommend the ones made by Nintendo – it just works that well.) designed.)
Whether you’re into fighting games, need ergonomic support, or use the Switch as your Smash Bros. box, these well-tested recommendations have you covered.
TL;DR – These are the best Nintendo Switch controllers.
1.Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
best switch controller
For just about any Nintendo Switch game you’re serious about playing, Nintendo’s own $70 Pro Controller for Switch is comfortable and effective in any game, if not the best option.
Nintendo has consistently designed great controllers since it started as a video game hardware maker.of nintendo switch pro controller Same with big face buttons, tactile triggers and the trademark (literally) D-Pad for the best retro games. However, it may be a little too big for children under 6 years old.
The Switch Pro Controller also features HD Rumble, so you won’t miss anything while your system is docked. The battery life is also quite good, working well for up to a measured 40 hours on a single charge.
2.Nintendo Switch Joy-Con
best nintendo switch joycons
This might sound a bit redundant, but Nintendo’s own $80 Joy-Cons really make the Switch magical.
They are integral to how the console works in both docked and handheld modes. While it’s on a table or docked to your TV, you can insert both Joy-Cons into the system or play games wirelessly.
You can also share a Joy-Con with a friend by turning it sideways and acting as a small standard controller, but keep the strap handy to hold it a little longer while playing this way. We strongly recommend that you keep it.
3. Hori Split Pad Pro
The best Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons for handheld play
The Nintendo-published Joy-Cons are fine for most people, but you might want something more ergonomic to play handheld. $50 hori split pad pro It’s licensed by Nintendo and features a much larger area to help you grab while playing on the go.
Ergonomics are further enhanced with larger buttons everywhere, alternate shoulder triggers positioned for middle or ring finger reach, and a turbo setting to reduce button presses.
However, these alternative Joy-Cons only work while connected to the Switch. The Split Pad Pro Controller cannot be used wirelessly, so it does not support game modes that require sharing Joy-Cons individually.
4. Power Affusion Pro
best customizable switch controller
for $66 PowerA Fusion Pro, you can truly customize the controller to suit your specific needs, for improved comfort and performance. However, compared to Nintendo’s own Pro Controller, it loses the rumble pack inside and the battery lasts about half as long (20 hours).
It’s a trade-off, and participation should be considered and the benefits weighed. These include interchangeable magnetic faceplates, multiple joysticks to choose from, additional customizable rear trigger paddles, and motion controls for games that support it.
With lots of options for tailoring the controller to your specific gaming needs, you can get a good deal to compensate for the loss of rumble and reduced battery life.
5. 8BitDo Arcade Stick
best fight stick for switch
Since you’re unlikely to play a Nintendo Switch in a fighting game tournament (unless it’s Smash Bros.), I wholeheartedly recommend the $90. 8BitDo Arcade Stick For fighting games on consoles.
Not only does this fight stick have an appealing retro style, it can also be customized with support for Sanwa parts. The stick also automatically recognizes whether it’s connected to a switch or PC (wired or wireless) and changes button assignments on the fly.
Arcade sticks can store two profiles that correspond to button assignments for different platforms or different games, with digital icons that change between profiles. Finally, the stick includes turbo support and the battery lasts up to 40 hours on 2.4GHz wireless connection and 30 hours on Bluetooth.
6. Nintendo GameCube Controller
Best Super Smash Bros. Controller
Although not the first controller in a Super Smash Bros. game, nintendo gamecube controller It cemented itself as the gold standard almost immediately in 2001.
The GameCube controller’s odd button layout (grey jelly bean-shaped X and Y buttons encircling an oversized green A button and a smaller red B button) essentially makes Smash Bros. easier. to play. For example, jumping quickly for an aerial attack or smashing with the yellow C-stick is much easier.
It’s easy to get by playing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with a Switch Pro controller, but anyone who plays competitively remotely will agree: $65 GameCube controller for Switch (and a $15-$20 adapter).
7. 8BitDo Pro 2
best switch controller for retro games
Maker of the best retro-themed controllers available. $50 8BitDo Pro 2‘s retro aesthetic and modern sensibility are tailored to Nintendo Switch Online’s growing library of classic games.
The buttons, directional pad, and shoulder buttons all have clicks and feedback very similar to the original SNES controller. However, the extended grips and dual joysticks look a lot like the original PlayStation DualShock controller, save for the extra trigger paddles underneath.
Having used the Pro 2 for the latest Switch gameplay, I’m happy with it. This, along with support for three unique button layout profiles, makes the Pro 2 ideal for supporting multiple retro gaming consoles, or both classic and modern games.
What to look for in a Nintendo Switch controller
When looking for a new Nintendo Switch controller, the list of criteria is thankfully short and really comes down to just comfort and the kind of games you have at hand.
For basic Nintendo Switch gameplay, we recommend using the Nintendo-specific option. However, if you want to play certain types of games on Switch, we have more specific advice.
Fighting games: Consider a fight stick for traditional arcade-style fighting games such as Street Fighter, BlazBlue, and Mortal Kombat. We Recommend 8BitDo Arcade Stick For Switch Players, But Competitive Players See Guide best fight stick whole.
Racing game: Few (if any) accessory makers are releasing serious racing wheels for the Nintendo Switch, and neither is Nintendo, so we don’t have the best options in the genre to recommend.
Retro games: Players of classic games are generally looking for controllers that are as close to the original as possible, if not re-releases of the controller itself. They are very hard to come by, so we recommend 8BitDo Pro 2 for most people who play retro games on Switch.
Joe Osborne is a writer and editor with over a decade of gaming and tech media experience. His work can be found on Insider, TechRadar, Laptop Magazine, Tom’s Guide and more.
