Diamond Member Pelican Press 0 Posted April 5, 2024 Diamond Member Share Posted April 5, 2024 The Best Nintendo Switch Controller In 2024 Finding the best Nintendo Switch controller is tough. The Switch’s hybrid nature means there’s no single controller that is best for every player. Handheld players will want the best grips, while those who play docked will be looking for a great pro-style pad–and those of us who use the Switch in both modes might be looking for an option that can do both. Meanwhile, fans of retro titles or fighting games may want something that feels better suited to their perfered genres. Luckily, whatever your criteria, we’ve rounded up the best Nintendo Switch controllers in 2024 to help make your search for a new gamepad a little easier. The This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up is an easy and safe choice, but numerous third-party controllers give it a run for its money. We’ve picked out the best Switch controllers for just about every type of game and experience. Depending on what you play, you may even want to pick up a couple of the controllers on this list. Some of the top brands to consider include 8BitDo, a maker of retro-inspired controllers and the company behind our favorite Pro Controller alternatives, the This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up and This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up ; Hori, which makes the This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up and more of the best Nintendo Switch accessories; and PowerA, which offers some of the This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up and a great This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up as well. Depending on your Switch gaming habits and needs, you can find a great third-party Switch controller out there for less than the price of a Pro Controller–though it’s not a bad idea to invest in one of those as well. From Switch Pro Controller alternatives and better Joy-***** to ****** sticks and retro pads, here are the best Switch controllers we’ve tried and swear by. Plus, check out our picks for the best Nintendo Switch carrying cases, screen protectors, and grips as well as great Bluetooth headsets for Switch. This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up Specs: Battery: 40 hours Gyro: Yes Rumble: Yes (HD rumble) NFC: Yes Hall effect sticks: No Pro features: N/A Connectivity: Wireless (Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C) Supported platforms: Switch, PC, Android *****: Amazing battery life Supports all Nintendo Switch features Comfortable *****: No pro features like back buttons Stick drift is possible Six years after launching alongside the Nintendo Switch, the official Pro Controller ******** the best bet for most players. It arguably has the best ergonomics among Nintendo, This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up , and Sony’s first-party console video game controllers. The face buttons feel good, the analog sticks have excellent tension, the triggers and shoulder buttons are great, and D-pad is solid as well. It’s also the only conventional Switch controller that utilizes all of the Switch’s features, including HD Rumble, gyro motion controls, and NFC support for Amiibo. The Pro Controller is significantly better for playing games in docked mode than the Joy-*****, whether attached to the grip or not. It also has an incredible battery life, holding a charge for around 40 hours. When you buy a Nintendo Switch, you can’t go wrong by pairing it with the Switch Pro controller. Though the Pro controller can also suffer from joystick drifting, in general it tends to hold up very well, even after years of consistent use. It’s a high-performing controller with super ergonomics and an all-around great feel. You can’t ask for much more than that from a first-party controller. That said, there are a couple of third-party Switch controllers that outperform the Pro Controller in some respects… This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up Battery: 20 hours (or AA batteries) Gyro: Yes Rumble: Yes (standard rumble) NFC: No Hall effect sticks: Yes Pro features: Two back buttons, custom layout profiles, Connectivity: Supported platforms: *****: 20 hour batterylife Option to use AA batteries Good customization options *****: Lacks NFT support Minimal pro features The 8BitDo Pro 2 is, quite simply, the best Switch Pro controller alternative on the market for those who prefer aligned joysticks and/or play a lot of games that control better with a D-pad. The Pro 2’s nostalgic design calls back to the SNES controller, which gives it a charming retro aesthetic while maintaining modern features. This Bluetooth gamepad features extensive customization for button mapping, analog sticks, trigger inputs, and vibration adjustments. Notably, the Pro 2 has two back paddle buttons to give you more control while playing, along with an enhanced grip and more ergonomic shape. It allows you to swap button inputs, invert the X and Y axis on your analog sticks, and more. You can even create macros of up to 18 inputs. All of this customization can be done on Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS. The convenient mobile app allows you to remap inputs and make other adjustments on the fly. You can store up to three custom profiles on the Pro 2–a handy feature if you’re regularly switching between multiple games. The Pro 2 has a switch on the back that can be toggled between devices: Switch, Mac, D-Input, and X-Input. This makes it easy to use the Pro 2 on other platforms such as PC, Mac, and Steam Deck without having to reconfigure inputs. Its battery life isn’t nearly as impressive as the official Pro controller, though. You can get around 20 hours on a full charge, but you can also use disposable AA batteries in a pinch. The Pro 2 is equipped with motion controls and rumble–but not “HD” rumble, so it doesn’t offer pinpoint, variable vibration like the first-party controller. One feature it is missing altogether is NFC support, so that’s worth keeping in mind, but it does have anti-drift Hall Effect sticks, which is a huge pro. The 8BitDo Pro 2 is perfect for retro gaming and can also be a wonderful pick for all of your games. The back buttons and customization suite make it well-worth considering if you like the form factor and look. This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up Specs: Battery: 22 hours Gyro: Yes Rumble: Yes (standard rumble) NFC: No Hall effect sticks: Yes Pro features: Back triggers, adjustable trigger sensitivity, customizable macros and button layouts Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4Ghz, USB-C Supported platforms: Switch, PC, Android, Mac, iOS *****: Amazing customization options Charging dock included 2.4Ghz connection on PC *****: Missing a few features compared to the Switch Pro controller If you’re looking for a pro controller that doesn’t feature the retro stylings of the 8BitDo Pro 2, then you’ll want to look at the newer 8BitDo Ultimate. Featuring a charging dock, two back buttons, and custom profile switching, it offers tons of premium functionality and comes in a sleek, modern design. We’re calling this a tie between the two 8BitDo heavyweights. It really comes down to your form factor and stick layout preferences. Despite looking like an expensive gamepad, the 8BitDo Ultimate can be had for just $70, putting it in-line with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. That’s an impressive price for a pro-style gamepad–especially one that comes with a charging dock. You’ll also get support for vibration, motion controls, USB-C, and a battery that lasts up to 22 hours. It connects via Bluetooth, but it also comes with a 2.4GHz dongle (stored inside the charging stand) that can be used on PC. Like the Pro 2, it doesn’t have NFC support. The Ultimate shares many of the same features as the Pro 2, including the impressive customization options. Once again, you can tinker with your controller’s settings using 8BitDo’s easy-to-use Ultimate app. You can remap the excellent back triggers, adjust stick tension and trigger sensitivity, calibrate intensity rumble on both handles, and set up macros. The controller stores three different user profiles. Bottom line: The 8BitDo Pro 2 Ultimate and Pro 2 are the best Switch controllers when it comes to customization. The Ultimate costs $20 more than the Pro 2, but it also comes with a charging dock. These controllers have features that pro-style controllers sold for twice the price or more don’t have. Incredible value. This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up Specs: Battery: N/A Gyro: No Rumble: No NFC: No Hall effect sticks: No Pro features: Remappable back triggers, turbo mode Connectivity: Joycon slot Supported platforms: Switch (handheld mode only) *****: Comfortable Full thumbsticks Can still dock the Switch when attached *****: Missing important features like gyro, rumble, and NFC. The Hori Split Pad Pro is the best set of Joy-***** around. The Split Pad Pro gives the Switch a more conventional controller form factor when playing in handheld mode thanks to its curved handles that add a welcome bulkiness to your grip. In addition to the added ergonomics, the Split Pad Pro boasts regular analog sticks, not the low-profile thumbsticks seen on the Joy-*****. It also has beefier triggers and buttons as well as a real D-pad, making it great for both modern and classic games. Mappable back triggers add more customization and make the Split Pad Pro the ideal controller for competitive handheld play on Switch. The Split Pad Pro is sold in two different models. You can buy just the controller, or you can pick up the controller with an attachment that lets you use the Split Pad Pro in docked mode with a wired connection. The Split Pad Pro draws its power from the Switch itself, so it’s primarily (and understandably) designed with portable play in mind. The Split Pad Pro remedies the ergonomic issues that plague the Joy-*****. And while there are a bunch of great Nintendo Switch grips, none of them fix the Joy-*****’ limitations better than the Split Pad Pro. This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up Specs: Battery: N/A Gyro: No Rumble: No NFC: No Hall effect sticks: No Pro features: Read triggers, turbo mode Connectivity: Joycon slot Supported platforms: Switch (handheld mode only) *****: Great portability Full-size thumbsticks *****: May be too small for some hands Missing important features, especially gyro controls The Hori Split Pad Compact is one of the newest products from Hori, taking everything that made the Split Pad Pro so popular and trimming down its footprint. This makes it a great option for handheld gamers that are constantly traveling, as it’s easy to find space in your bag for the tiny controllers. Despite its small size, the Split Pad Compact still features full-sized analog sticks, buttons, and a responsive D-pad. There’s even a set of programmable rear triggers and a turbo functionality that lets you rapidly input button presses by simply holding down the button instead of constantly mashing it. Larger hands still might be best served with the Hori Split Pad Pro, but folks in need of something highly portable that doesn’t cut features to achieve that goal will find much to love about the Split Pad Compact. This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up Specs: Battery: 20 hours Gyro: Yes Rumble: No NFC: No Hall effect sticks: No Pro features: Four remappable back triggers, swappable thumbsticks Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB-C Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC *****: Lots of customization 3.5mm audio jack (wired-mode only) *****: More expensive than other third-party Switch controllers No rumble or NFC The PowerA Fusion Pro retains the same layout and form factor as the Switch Pro controller while adding four mappable back paddles. The Fusion Pro has rubber grips for added comfort and connects via Bluetooth. You also get two faceplate options and four swappable thumbsticks with different heights and either convex or concave caps. Another great feature on the Fusion Pro is that it has a headphone jack, which is curiously absent from some of the other best Switch controllers. That said, the headphone jack only works when playing with a wired connection. The Fusion Pro comes with a 10-foot USB-C cable and a storage case for the controller. It’s important to note that it does not have HD rumble or Amiibo support. It does offer motion controls, though. This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up Specs: Battery: 25 hours Gyro: Yes Rumble: Yes (adjustable rumble) NFC: Yes Hall effect sticks: Yes Pro features: Custom button mapping, up to 10 minute input recording Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB-C Supported platforms: Switch, PC, Android, Mac, iOS *****: Lots of cool bonus features like input recording One of the few third-party controllers with NFC support App-free button remapping *****: Some features may be superfluous Some similarly priced options still beat it At a glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking the Gulikit KingKong Pro 2 was an Xbox Series X controller. It features most of the same buttons in a nearly identical layout as the latest Xbox gamepad, but it’s actually designed specifically for Nintendo Switch. Aside from looking like an Xbox controller, the KingKong Pro 2 brings a few cool features to the table. The first is its Hall Sensor joysticks, which are much more resistant to drift than other sticks and should provide a smooth gaming experience for the life of your Switch. Its buttons are also clicky and responsive, leading to a premium feel despite its standard $70 price tag. The Switch Pro Controller and 8BitDo Ultimate should still be high on your shopping list, but Xbox fans crossing over to the world of Nintendo will find plenty of reasons to check out the KingKong Pro 2. Premium features such as autopilot gaming and customizable buttons, a slick design, and top-tier joysticks make it a great, under-the-radar option. This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up Specs: Battery: N/A Gyro: Yes Rumble: No NFC: No Hall effect sticks: No Pro features: No Connectivity: Joycon slot (handheld mode only) Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch (handheld mode only) *****: Great D-pad Feels almost identical to the standard Joycon *****: Only replaces the left Joycon Can’t be used wirelessly Lots of missing features Perhaps the most disappointing thing about the Switch Joy-**** as a game controller is the lack of a proper D-Pad on its left Joy-****. It’s not an automatic dealbreaker, with games like Breath of the Wild and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate not utilizing the D-pad for anything super demanding, but when the situation calls for it, the Hori D-Pad Joy-**** feels a lot more precise and comfortable when playing in handheld mode without having to resort to a fully alternate gamepad. The D-pad on Hori’s Joy-**** is a bit soft, but it’s hard to deny just how pleasant the experience is. There are a few things that are important to note, however. First off, this Joy-**** can’t be used wirelessly, so you’re restricted to using it in handheld mode. Secondly, it’s incompatible with most cases and grips. This is because the latch button protrudes out further than the official Nintendo Joy-*****. We took a pair of scissors and cut out a space for it on a cheap Orzly grip case, Finally, you should note that you’ll only get one left controller–there’s not matching right controller included. This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up Specs: Battery: N/A Gyro: No Rumble: No NFC: No Hall effect sticks: No Pro features: Two remappable back buttons Connectivity: USB Supported platforms: Switch, PC *****: 10-foot USB cable Simple design Lots of unique themes and ****** options *****: No gyro, rumble, or NFC Wired-only The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller is an honorable mention when it comes to discussing Switch Pro Controller alternatives, largely because of the range of themed designs. PowerA has outdone itself when it comes to the range of designs available for the Enhanced Wireless Controller, with bold and striking designs themed after Nintendo franchises and other popular series, from Mario and Zelda to Cuphead, Spyro, and The Witcher. Priced at $50, you’ll often find nice deals on older designs at This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up as well. Build-wise, the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller is simply lacking compared to some other controllers on this list. It feels lighter and cheaper than the Pro Controller, the joysticks are slightly taller, and the D-pad is slightly further in. Overall, the controller looks and feels quite similar to the first-party option with a comfortable, ergonomic design and standard button layout, but it lacks that premium feel. You do get two mappable rear buttons and support for motion controls, but not HD rumble, IR, or Amiibo NFC. Finally, this model runs on AA batteries and can’t be recharged similar to the Pro Controller, though you could use rechargeable AA batteries in it. Ultimately, we love the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller for its unmatched range of themed designs and its overall similarities to the Pro Controller with a cheaper price tag, though we don’t recommend picking this up to be your main Switch controller. Instead, make this your second or third Switch controller that you pick up for multiplayer sessions or for when your Pro Controller needs to charge. This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up Specs: Battery: 18 hours Gyro: No Rumble: No NFC: No Hall effect sticks: N/A Pro features: Button mapping, turbo mode (PC and Android-only) Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB-C Supported platforms: Switch, PC, Android *****: Six-button layout is great for multiple retro consoles on NSO *****: Lack of thumbsticks and other features limits its use for modern games 8BitDo’s M30 controller is an excellent retro gamepad, especially if you have Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack to play the library of ***** Genesis games. The M30 uses the six-button Genesis layout, which makes it far more versatile than the original three-button Genesis controllers. Its ergonomics have been shaped differently to make it more comfortable to hold than the ***** original, and the D-pad simply incredible. Classic titles, platformers, and fighting games are the obvious choice for the M30, but it’s great for a wide variety of genres. It’s definitely not going to work with every game, especially those that rely on a second analog stick, but it’s a nice option to have around. 8Bitdo N30 Bluetooth Specs: Battery: 18 Hours Gyro: No Rumble: No NFC: No Hall effect sticks: N/A Pro features: Turbo mode Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB Supported platforms: Switch (NSO-only) *****: Compact and simple design Perfect for NES games *****: Only works with NSO games The 8Bitdo N30 isn’t going to be for everyone. It’s an NES-style controller that is great for very specific games, like everything in the Switch Online NES library and very few others. That said, if you are nostalgic for the rectangular NES controller form factor, you can’t beat it. Nintendo’s own NES Switch controllers are good, but they have inferior shoulder buttons and need to be charged the same way as your Joy-*****–not to mention, the Nintendo Switch Online subscription that’s required before you can even purchase them. With all this considered, the N30 is perfect for the job, if you can find it in stock. This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up Specs: Battery: 30 hours on 2 AA batteries Gyro: Yes Rumble: No NFC: No Hall effect sticks: No Pro features: N/A Connectivity: Bluetooth or USB Supported platforms: Switch *****: Nostalgic design Great for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate *****: Only works with select games PowerA’s GameCube-style controller feels very similar to Nintendo’s original controller with its shape and size; however, that doesn’t mean it’s without changes. The biggest difference is the larger D-pad, which makes it better suited for games like 2D platformers or fighting games–though there are still controllers with better D-pads out there if you’re looking for one. Thankfully, where PowerA’s controller excels is with games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. If you’re looking for a controller that is nearly identical to the GameCube’s–but with some modern niceties–then PowerA’s pad is a great option. It comes in both wireless and wired designs. This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up Specs: Battery: N/A Gyro: N/A Rumble: N/A NFC: No Hall effect sticks: N/A Pro features: Remappable buttons and macros Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4Ghz, USB-C Supported platforms: Switch, PC *****: Solid build quality Arcade-like button response Lots of modability and customization options *****: Minimal support for other platforms There’s no shortage of great ****** sticks on the market, but there aren’t many designed specifically for Switch. The 8BitDo Arcade Stick is one of those, and you can’t beat the combination of price and performance, so that’s why it’s getting the nod here. Built around a retro chassis that features premium buttons and a reliable joystick, it’s well worth the $90 price tag. It’s not an ultra-premium ****** stick, but the Switch isn’t really a platform for competitive fighting games outside of Smash Bros. anyway. The 8BitDo Arcade Stick works on both Switch and PC, giving you a bit of multiplatform support should you decide to connect it to your gaming rig. It offers eight large face buttons that have been placed in a way that mimics the natural curvature of your hand for easy access (and comfort during extended play sessions). It also supports button mapping and lets you connect via Bluetooth, 2.4Hz, or a wired USB-C port. If you find something you don’t like about the Arcade Stick, 8BitDo has ensured that the unit is easy to mod. That means you can swap out the arcade buttons or replace the joystick with a new one if needed. And according to 8BitDo, the unit supports “virtually every arcade stick ever made,” so it shouldn’t be hard to find something that fits your preferences. This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up Specs: Battery: N/A Gyro: N/A Rumble: N/A NFC: No Hall effect sticks: N/A Pro features: N/A Connectivity: USB Supported platforms: Switch, PC *****: Simple and compact design Classic arcade-style button layout Affordable compared to other ****** sticks *****: Minimal features Can’t be modded Feels cheaper than other sticks If you’re somebody who plays fighting games but has been hesitant to drop the serious amount of money that’s required for a high-end ****** stick, then Hori’s Fighting Stick Mini is a great beginner’s stick. Despite its cheap price and lightweight form factor, it’s perfectly capable of keeping you in the ******, whether you’re gaming on Switch or PC. Because the Fighting Stick Mini is much cheaper than higher-end sticks, it’s questionable whether its components will last the punishment a fighting game fan can dish out. The lack of features is a tad disappointing as well, especially the inability to swap the joystick’s control from the D-pad to the analog sticks. Despite all that, the Fighting Stick Mini performs well, especially considering the price. There’s no denying that it’s an excellent option for beginners or even parents looking to introduce their kids to fighting games. This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up Specs: Battery: N/A Gyro: No Rumble: No NFC: No Hall effect sticks: N/A Pro features: N/A Connectivity: USB Supported platforms: Switch *****: Comfortable Great layout for fighting games and retro titles Includes multiple faceplate options *****: Stiff buttons More expensive than other wired controller There aren’t a lot of options for ****** pads on the Switch, and while there are a number of retro controllers that make for great fighting game pads, there’s always something you’re giving up, whether it’s a pair of shoulder buttons or control over the analog sticks. PowerA’s wired Fusion ****** Pad solves these problems with a dedicated switch that lets you swap between D-pad and left and right analog stick control–it also features all four shoulder buttons. The pad itself resembles that of the ***** Saturn, which is one of the best controllers for fighting games and 2D platformers ever. The Fusion ****** Pad doesn’t quite reach those heights, but it’s still a great option if you’re looking for a versatile controller. The buttons are stiffer than those of most ****** pads, so the first impressions weren’t great, but when it came to actually playing, that stiffness wasn’t an issue. The Fusion is very comfortable in the hands, and while it’s not a perfect match for the Saturn, it still feels familiar and good because of the similarities. If you’re looking for a proper ****** pad for the Switch, then PowerA’s Fusion ****** Pad is sure to impress, especially if you’re a fan of more traditional controller buttons. This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up Specs: Battery: N/A Gyro: No Rumble: No NFC: No Hall effect sticks: N/A Pro features: N/A Connectivity: USB Supported platforms: Switch *****: Colorful design Available with or without pedals *****: Missing features found on other racing wheels If you’re looking for a racing wheel for Mario Kart or other racing games on Nintendo Switch, Hori manufactures officially licensed Mario Kart-themed wheels that are great for the price. The Pro Deluxe version comes with a wheel with on-board controls as well as foot pedals. If you opt for the Mini version, which has a more colorful design, you’ll get a similar wheel without the pedals. While these wheels don’t feature high-end features like force feedback, they are reasonably priced and feel high quality nonetheless. This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up Specs: Battery: N/A Gyro: N/A Rumble: N/A NFC: N/A Hall effect sticks: N/A Pro features: N/A Connectivity: USB (controllers pair via Bluetooth) Supported platforms: Switch *****: Lets you use Bluetooth-compatible PlayStation, Xbox, and PC controllers on Switch *****: Some controllers will not work Doesn’t allow for rumble, gyro, or NFC. Sure, this isn’t a controller, but it unlocks the ability to use a wide variety of non-Nintendo controllers on the Switch. You simply plug the adapter into the dock’s USB port and then you can play your Switch games using a DualSense, DualShock 4, Bluetooth-enabled Xbox controller, and plenty others. Of course, any controller you’ll use with this adapter won’t include features like HD rumble, motion controls, or Amiibo support. These losses are negligible for the vast majority of experiences, especially when using your favorite Bluetooth controller is the trade-off. If you want a cheap way to have a great controller you already own work with your Switch console, this is the gizmo to buy. This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up #Nintendo #Switch #Controller This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up For verified travel tips and real support, visit: https://hopzone.eu/ 0 Quote Link to comment https://hopzone.eu/forums/topic/10847-the-best-nintendo-switch-controller-in-2024/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
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