These are the best Nintendo Switch controllers available, so whether you need some for local multiplayer or want to replace your basic Joy-Cons with a different form of the gamepad, these are the options to consider.
All of these options are compatible with the Nintendo Switch OLED, Nintendo Switch Lite, and normal Nintendo Switch. This is especially significant for the Lite, which lacks removable controls and hence requires two sets of extra controllers if used for multiplayer.
Take a look at our best Nintendo Switch controllers below, and perhaps you won’t have to keep loan out your favorite Joy-Cons every time you want to play Smash Bros.
The best Nintendo Switch controllers you can buy today
1. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Despite its high price, Nintendo’s Pro Controller remains the best traditional gamepad for playing Switch games with optimum precision, such as Splatoon 2 or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. With ergonomic curves and textured grips on the handles, its translucent plastic form is both strong and pleasant. The thumbsticks are long-lasting and sensitive to the touch, while the face buttons are large and satisfyingly clicky.
One of the controller’s only flaws is the d-pad, which is adequate but not as large or precise as some of the third-party options available. The Pro Controller also supports full-HD rumble and motion control, as well as NFC scanning for amiibos.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Size: 6.1 x 5.7 x 2.5 inches
- Weight: 14 ounces
- HD Rumble: Yes
- Motion Control: Yes
- NFC: Yes
2. 8BitDo SN30
The 8BitDo SN30 is the ideal Nintendo Switch controller if you want to play classic games and platformers like Mega Man X Legacy Collection, Super Mario Maker 2, and the Switch’s plethora of NES games the way they were designed to be played. This stylish retro controller is essentially a re-creation of the legendary Super Nintendo controller, complete with a lightweight candybar shape, an amazing d-pad, and snappy face buttons.
Even better, the newer SN30 models are available in a choice of stunning colors inspired by the Game Boy Pocket. If you desire the SN30’s classic appearance but with two thumbsticks and extra shoulder buttons, we offer the SN30 Pro.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Size: 5.6 x 2.5 x 1 inches
- Weight: 3.3 ounces
- HD Rumble: No
- Motion Control: No
- NFC: No
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3. PDP Faceoff Deluxe Controller
PDP’s Faceoff Deluxe+ Audio Wired Controller stands out from the crowd because it is the only one of our best Nintendo Switch controllers that can be used with headphones. This means you can play Breath of the Wild from the couch or use your gaming headset to communicate with friends in games that support built-in voice chat (including Fortnite). It’s also a good budget controller in its own right, with strong plastic construction, satisfying sticks and triggers, and useful programmable buttons on the back for mapping extra inputs.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Size: 6.2 x 6 x 3.3 inches
- Weight: 14 ounces
- HD Rumble: No
- Motion Control: No
- NFC: No
4. Nintendo Joy-Con
Although the Switch comes with two Joy-Cons, it never hurts to have an additional pair or two on hand for multiplayer games. Each Joy-Con can function as a standalone mini-controller, making them the ideal Nintendo Switch controller to lend to a friend for casual games like Super Mario Party or Overcooked. And, because Joy-Cons available in a variety of colors, purchasing a new pair is an excellent way to personalize your Switch. If you only need one Joy-Con, Nintendo sells them separately.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Size: 4 x 1.4 x 1.1 inches (per Joy-Con)
- Weight: 1.7 ounces
- HD Rumble: Yes
- Motion Control: Yes
- NFC: Yes
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5. PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller
If you don’t want to spend $70 on Nintendo’s Pro Controller, the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller is the finest Nintendo Switch controller alternative for only $20 more. This gamepad offers a lightweight yet sturdy design, robust buttons, and analog sticks that are even smoother than the Pro Controller. While the PowerA controller lacks rumble, it does allow motion control in games like Splatoon 2 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. To top it all off, the Enhanced Wireless Controller is available in a number of stylish color schemes, including licensed Mario, Zelda, and Diablo options.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Size: 6.4 x 6.3 x 2.6 inches
- Weight: 13 ounces
- HD Rumble: No
- Motion Control: Yes
- NFC: No
6. Hori Split Pad Pro
When you attach the Split Pad Pro in place of your Joy-Cons, your Switch will still fit into its dock. This controller, however, is not intended for use with the Switch in TV mode. Instead, you’ll love Hori’s legally licensed accessory best in handheld mode, where its full-sized controls and bonus rebindable buttons positioned on the back grips are fully utilized.
The Split Pad Pro, like the Joy-Cons, comes in an astounding number of colors and special editions, allowing you to express yourself more than most third-party pads. Taking this out and about will be difficult due to the increased weight, and there are no special capabilities such as NFC or motion controllers that make some games more pleasant.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Size: 6.69 x 6.22 x 2.17 inches
- Weight: 8 Ounces
- HD Rumble: No
- Motion Control: No
- NFC: No
FAQs
Are the Switch OLED controllers better?
The Switch OLED has a little larger and brighter screen, a better kickstand, and better speakers. While it isn’t the Pro improvement that many players hoped for, the system does make some graphics stand out.
Is the Switch Pro controller worth it in 2022?
For almost any Nintendo Switch game that you want to play seriously, Nintendo’s own $70 Pro Controller for Switch is a comfortable and effective alternative that will get you through any game.
