The greatest Switch controllers for 2024
The Nintendo Switch is among 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 loads of consideration to taking part in on the go when designing the Switch, and, fortunately, there are quite a few methods to get pleasure from your system in the lounge, too.
The Joy-Con grip is ok — we’ll get to only how effectively it might work in a while — however a correct controller makes the Switch really feel rather more like a house console. It would not matter should you choose quick first-person shooters or gradual narrative-driven experiences, our listing of the very best Nintendo Switch controllers has a gamepad for you. We’ll additionally embody an inventory of continuously requested controller-related questions on the backside of this text.
These are the very best Nintendo Switch controllers.
Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Pair
- Official Nintendo gear
- Works with loads of equipment
- Classic Switch design
- Joy-Con drift subject
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 outfitted with face buttons, two bumpers, triggers, and directional buttons, in addition to extra bumper buttons positioned on the facet for while you’re solely utilizing one in all them at a time.
When hooked up to the Switch, the Joy-Cons are almost excellent, providing significantly better management over your sport 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 sport) on the go. These Joy-Cons work with the newer Switch OLED mannequin, as effectively.
The Joy-Con controllers will also be hooked up to the Joy-Con grip to show them right into a type of customary gamepad, albeit a small one. If you don’t go for one other controller, it does the job admirably, and we had been in a position to make it by dozens of hours of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild with out utilizing anything. The Joy-Con Charging Grip is an effective alternative for individuals who do not need 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” subject nonetheless persists to this present day, leading to motion from the analog stick with out really touching it. This subject has plagued customers from the start, and whereas it is not as frequent right this moment, can nonetheless occur, particularly with older Joy-Con. We’ll cowl that in additional element within the FAQ part under.
This controller, being an official Nintendo product, can also be broadly supportive of different Nintendo Switch accessories.
Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Pair
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- Great for docked gaming
- Better for extra complicated video games
- Long battery life
- A tad costly
For gamers who spend nearly all of their time with the Nintendo Switch in its dock, the small Joy-Con grip may really feel too small. In that occasion, you’ll need to spend money on the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
It’s costly, normally 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 inner 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 cases for the Switch, such because the Game Traveler Deluxe, embody 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 utilize at dwelling.
This is the very best controller to make use of for a extra “core” expertise that mirrors fashionable consoles. Use this controller should you’re taking part in exact shooters like Apex Legends or Splatoon 3.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
HORI D-Pad Controller (L) – Nintendo Switch
- Improves controls in handheld mode
- Comfortable
- Many implausible designs
- No rumble
- Only related in handheld mode
When utilizing the Nintendo Switch in its handheld configuration, it might 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 types.
For these taking part in 2D platformers on the go, it’s going to 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 fully 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 value means you possibly can solely use it often and nonetheless really feel such as you acquired your cash’s price.
HORI D-Pad Controller (L) – Nintendo Switch
8bitDo Micro
- Colorful designs
- Lightweight
- Perfect for touring
- Not good for 3D video games
Going on a street journey and need to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze with your pals? Well, 8Bitdo’s Micro controller is a tiny different to the Joy-Con controllers that accommodates 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 consists of movement management assist, 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 assist Raspberry Pi and Android gadgets by Bluetooth, and their firmware could be up to date wirelessly.
8bitDo Micro
PowerA Wireless
- Less costly than Nintendo-brand options
- Wireless
- Beautiful designs
- No HD rumble or Amiibo performance
Wireless play is sort of obligatory for controllers lately, however that does not imply you want to break the financial institution. This pro-style controller offers 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 downside is that you just lose out on any HD rumble, movement controls, and Amiibo performance, however few video games make {that a} requirement.
PowerA Wireless
GameDice Controller Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Edition
- 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 really helps the traditional GameDice controller with using a special adapter.
Both can be found for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Switch, giving veteran gamers the traditional management scheme they know and love. The adapter is equivalent to the one used for the Wii U, so you possibly can plug that into your Switch should you nonetheless have it, and this offers you adequate ports for everybody within the match to make use of a GameDice controller.
The GameDice Controller is a singular beast, and maybe that’s why it’s higher to easily assist it on future techniques relatively than try to repeat it. Its C-stick, asymmetrical button structure, and ergonomic form make it a must have for any Smash Bros. fan, and it’s even being reproduced particularly for combating followers who don’t need to use one of many Switch’s newer controllers.
If you need to play your Switch utilizing GameDice controllers when you’re touring, the one approach 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 need 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
PDP – Wired Fight Pad Pro Controller for Nintendo Switch
- Less costly than Nintendo’s model
- Cool customization choices
- No want for batteries
- Hard to search out
Want to play with a GameDice-style controller however don’t need 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 traditional GameDice controller. With the usual left analog stick and a smaller C-stick on the proper, the face buttons really feel almost equivalent to Nintendo’s personal controller.
It additionally consists of shoulder buttons and triggers on each side, so you should use it for Switch video games that an ordinary GameDice controller wouldn’t have the ability to deal with.
The Wired Fight Pad Pro Controller doesn’t embody movement sensors just like the Joy-Con or Pro Controllers do, because it was primarily designed instead accent for taking part in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. You can take away the C-Stick on the proper facet 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 possibly can let your pals know who you’re going to take into the subsequent match.
PDP – Wired Fight Pad Pro Controller for Nintendo Switch
8BitDo Sn30 Pro+
- 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 count on the SN30 Pro+ to really feel fairly as strong because the Switch Pro Controller. It additionally rattles just a little an excessive amount of when the controller shakes. However, the SN30 Pro+ will value you $10 to $20 lower than Nintendo’s providing, so it’s arduous to complain an excessive amount of.
Out of the field, the SN30 Pro+ is already arrange for Switch. All you need to do is observe the pairing course of in your console, and also you’re all set to play. The Pro+ is an ordinary Bluetooth controller that appears quite a bit just like the common SN30 Pro, however the further + means you’ve extra customization choices.
The SN30 Pro+, which incorporates Steam Big Picture assist, works effectively 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 a minimum of as soon as to benefit from the big range of customizations, even should you solely plan to make use of the controller in your Switch. 8BitDo SN30 Pro’s unimaginable configuration software program permits 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 possibly can 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.
8BitDo Sn30 Pro+
Nintendo Switch 1-Up Glow within the Dark Rematch Controller
Great for gaming on a finances
- Affordable
- Fancy design
- Paddle again buttons
Those searching for an reasonably priced, but fashionable Switch controller ought to look no additional than the Nintendo Switch 1-Up Glow within the Dark Rematch. As its title suggests, it glows at the hours of darkness, and has a nifty Toad design throughout it, permitting you to sport with model.
Beyond that, it is comfy and handy, together with a 10-foot cable, excellent for gamers who do not need to fear about batteries or maintaining the controller charged.
The controller options again button paddles, which undoubtedly makes it really feel like knowledgeable accent with out paying an exorbitant value. In brief, it is a nice choice for these trying to sport on a finances, with out having to sacrifice model and practicality.
Nintendo Switch 1-Up Glow within the Dark Rematch Controller
Great for gaming on a finances
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pro Controller higher than Joy-Con?
In normal, the Pro Controller has loads of advantages that the Jon-Cons lack. For one, the Pro Controller feels extra like a conventional gamepad you could be used to with a PS5 or Xbox Series X. It additionally options extra dependable analog sticks in comparison with the Joy-Cons “drift” points. You’ll discover that taking part in shooters with the Pro Controller will help you be extra exact along with your pictures as a result of dimension and structure of the gadget.
However, the Pro Controller does come at a steep value of $60 to $70, and should you’re not eager on the thought of shopping for extra controllers, you possibly can undoubtedly get by with the Joy-Con. It additionally issues how you intend 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 anything, because the system comes with two Joy-Cons by default. It’s additionally price mentioning that every Joy-Con serves as its personal controller, that means you’ve got acquired two functioning gadgets proper out of the field.
Ultimately, you need to base your choice on finances and playstyle. For us, the Pro Controller beats the Joy-Con in nearly any state of affairs, however your state of affairs may 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 hooked up 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 possibly can examine the battery lifetime of your controllers by visiting the Controllers choice on the system’s essential menu.
Can you utilize 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 under 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 listing of gadgets. Select it and you will be paired wirelessly.
Otherwise, you can even merely join your Pro Controller to your PC with a USB-C cable. Plug the controller into the PC and your gadget 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 hooked up to the Joy-Con Grip to operate as an ordinary controller for one participant, with two analog sticks, a D-pad, face buttons, and shoulder buttons — or can be utilized individually, that means you will be able to play multiplayer video games proper out of the field. Using the Joy-Con individually is not splendid, 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 loads of multiplayer video games that require precision, we advise selecting up a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller or a further set of Joy-Cons for consolation. Though, you will be completely satisfied to know you do not essentially have to purchase any extra controllers for the reason that Switch comes with two.
Why are Nintendo Switch controllers so costly?
If you intend on shopping for a brand new first-party Nintendo Switch controller, you may’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 effectively. These controllers are costlier for a purpose — they embody expertise like movement, HD Rumble, and a built-in NFC reader.
The movement included is extra exact than the motion you may need skilled with the Wii Remotes. Users describe HD Rumble as a technique to really feel the sounds out of your sport. It’s a extra refined model of the vibrations you’ve felt from different controllers. HD Rumble encompasses 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 implausible however elective, so should you can’t afford them, you will get by by shopping for a third-party controller. You received’t get these attractive components that improve your gameplay, however since third-party controllers are about half the value of a Nintendo-made controller, it could be price it to you.
What is Joy-Con drift?
If you are a part of the Switch ecosystem, you’ve got possible heard of Joy-Con drift, which has plagued the system since launch. This is essential to concentrate on, particularly when serious about controller choices. Joy-Con drift is a typical subject that happens with the controllers whereby the stick will “drift” by itself. This will end in your character or the digicam transferring 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 subject. However, the difficulty hasn’t gave the impression to be fully mounted total — that’s until you purchase the Nintendo Switch OLED. This system comes with “improved” Joy-Con, which options analog sticks with “all the improvements,” based on Nintendo’s expertise growth division director, Toru Yamashita.
These Joy-Con look equivalent to the older ones, however have revamped innards that hopefully take away (or improve the chances of) the drift subject. Though, based on TomsGuide, the difficulty nonetheless persists even with the brand new Joy-Cons.
How many controllers do gaming fanatics 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 may love shooters equivalent to Fortnite or Apex Legends, so a Pro Controller is greatest, because it encompasses a extra conventional structure.
However, many households or teams play on the Nintendo Switch domestically, 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 individual solely will get a single Joy-Con. Buying for a big group could be pricey, although, so that you may need to buy among the inexpensive choices just like the PowerA Enhanced or the 8Bitdo Zero 2. Ultimately, it’s going to come all the way down to what video games you play, the way you play, and what number of gamers you need to accommodate — together with finances.
