controllers

The Nintendo Switch 2 is here, but we’re not going to forget about the original Switch. We’ve still got love for the console and its many millions of owners, so we’ll keep recommending the best controllers for the Switch right here. If you’re considering getting a Switch 2 in the future, all of the controllers below will work on the newer console.

Now, you may have already realized long ago that the best Switch controllers aren’t the ones that come with the console. The removable Joy-Cons included with all non-Lite Switch consoles are convenient, given they can be detached for wireless use for up to two players with a pair, but their tiny shape doesn’t do them many favors. They aren’t comfortable to hold for long gaming sessions — especially if you have large hands. And, you’re definitely not alone if you’ve experienced Joy-Con drift.

In this buying guide, we’ll focus on wireless controllers that are both comfortable and reliable, as well as a few options that come with unique features designed that may match your unique play style. We’re not covering wired controllers that plug into the Switch’s dock here, as they’re mostly similar to each other and the savings aren’t worth giving up wireless freedom for.

There are some things that are worth knowing if you buy a third-party wireless controller (as in, one not made by Nintendo), it may not support HD rumble, motion controls, NFC for Amiibo, or be able to wake the Switch remotely. However, there are some exceptions, which we feature below.

If you’re playing your Switch while docked, it’s hard to go wrong with the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (even though its recent $10 price increase hurts). It’s one of very few gamepads to include every feature mentioned above, and it’s one of the most satisfying controllers to use that we’ve tested. The GuliKit KingKong 3 Pro and Max, meanwhile, offer more exhaustive customization, while the Hori Split Pad Compact is a Joy-Con upgrade for those who prefer to play in handheld mode. Then there’s 8BitDo’s Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller and DualShock-esque Pro 3 controller, both of which are worth checking out.

$80

The Switch Pro Controller remains tough to beat, even to this day. It offers an unmatched set of features — including motion controls, NFC, and HD rumble — and is one of the most comfy gamepads available.

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$46

Much like the Split Pad Pro, the Compact version is bigger than the standard Joy-Con, making the Switch more comfortable to hold. The Compact, however, is smaller and more colorful.

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What we’re looking for

How we test Nintendo Switch controllers

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We test Nintendo Switch controllers by playing with them with a standard grip — the same way most gamers do. We test how easy they are to connect to the Switch, as well as how reliably they stay connected. Then, we jump into a game. Since some controllers are better suited to specific genres than others, we try a variety of titles, including fighting games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, racers like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and shooters like Overwatch 2. We pay attention to how everything feels — buttons, triggers, analog sticks, the D-pad — noting whether anything seems off.

Connectivity

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Does it support Bluetooth? Can you use it in wired mode? Are there alternate wireless modes, such as 2.4GHz? Ideally (but not always), a controller we recommend is compatible with other platforms, too.

Quality

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Do the buttons, sticks, and triggers feel good and sturdy? Does the controller have a satisfying, well-balanced weight? Does it use premium materials for the casing and grips? Any connection issues or glitches?

Extra features and customization

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Are there rear-facing buttons? Does it support macro settings? Can you remap buttons? Is there software support for tweaking controller settings? Does it have interchangeable buttons or sticks? Can you fine-tune vibration and sensitivity?

Value

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Is it priced fairly? Are the features and quality worth the money?

The best Nintendo Switch controller for TV mode

$80

The Good

• High quality, sturdy build
• Supports HD rumble, gyro motion, and NFC
• Long battery life
• Mobile and PC compatibility

Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile, Apple TV / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: No / Software customization: No / Rumble: Yes, HD / NFC: Yes / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Yes (but not the Switch 2)

Ever since the Switch launched, Nintendo’s first-party Pro controller has been the best gamepad for the console. In many ways, it rivals the standard models from Sony and Microsoft in terms of comfort and build quality. And, it’s compatible with the Switch 2 (although it can’t wake the new console from sleep — you’ll need a Switch 2 Pro Controller for that).

Aside from the Joy-Cons, the Switch Pro Controller is one of an elite few wireless options that includes good rumble, gyroscopic movement support, and an NFC reader for Amiibo cards and figurines. It’s also one of a few controllers we’ve tested that can remotely turn on the Switch without being plugged into it. The gamepad is built like a tank, and its battery life is so good that it sometimes seems like it’ll never run out. Nintendo says that it lasts around 40 hours per charge, so it’ll likely take casual gamers a long time to run down the battery.

Photo: James Bareham / The Verge

The buttons and triggers have a satisfying bounce, while its directional pad is responsive and clicky enough to satisfy retro gamers. The controller charges via USB-C, just like the Switch, and it’s compatible with a slew of other platforms you might game on, aside from Xbox and PlayStation.

Given the high price — which went up another $10 when Nintendo recently increased Switch prices — we wish that it had other features, like programmable buttons or a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio, even if wireless audio transmission from the Switch to a controller isn’t possible. If you really want the ability to listen via wired headphones without connecting your controller with a wire, you’ll need to get the Switch 2 and its Switch 2 Pro controller.

The best Switch controller for handheld mode

$50

Hori’s Joy-Con alternatives offer a roomier, comfier grip for your Nintendo Switch in handheld mode without the added bulk of its Split Pad Pro version. They also feature two customizable rear buttons and are offered in multiple colors and designs but do not support rumble or Amiibo figures.

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Supported Platforms: Switch, Switch OLED / Connectivity: Wired / Connector type: Joy-Con slots / Mappable rear buttons: Yes / Software customization: No / Rumble: No / NFC: No / Motion: No / Power: via Joy-Con slots / Console Wakeup: No

I’m sure there are some people who enjoy using Joy-Con controllers, but kids and small-handed folks aside, most people probably wouldn’t say they’re very comfortable. If you struggle with hand pain when you use the Switch, that’s where the Hori Split Pad Compact can help out.

The Split Pad Compact is a — you guessed it — a more compact alternative to the Split Pad Pro, which has unfortunately become tougher to find. Similarly, it comes in a variety of colorways, and it adds comfort to using the Switch in handheld mode. One half slides into each side of the Switch console like Joy-Cons, but unlike Nintendo’s default controllers, Hori’s gamepad features big, easy-to-reach buttons and generously sized triggers and analog sticks, all of which feel great in play. It also provides more grip than Joy-Con do, which is particularly useful for people who need to get a better handle on the console for fast-paced gameplay, or to stay comfy over longer play sessions.

The Split Pad Compact fits in your Switch’s Joy-Con slots and doubles as a standalone controller with the optional attachment set. Photo by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge

The Split Pad Compact doesn’t have batteries or sensors — or support for rumble, motion, IR, or NFC — so it’s completely useless when detached from the Switch. It’s only for handheld mode unless you purchase the Split Pad Compact Attachment that turns it into a wired controller. We don’t recommend most people go that route since the attachment usually (but not always) costs more than a Switch Pro Controller, which is a shame considering it doesn’t add any of the aforementioned features. It does add a 3.5mm headphone jack, however.

Read our Hori Split Pad Compact impressions.

The best Xbox-style controller for the Switch

$45

The Good

• Great ergonomics with Xbox-style shape
• Deep customization options
• Hall effect sticks and triggers
• Supports HD rumble, NFC, and motion
• Wide platform compatibility

The Bad

• Lacks companion app for customizations

Supported Platforms: Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile, Apple TV / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Yes / Software customization: No / Rumble: Yes / NFC: Yes (only in KK3 Max) / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Yes

On the surface, the GuliKit KingKong 3 Pro and KingKong 3 Max are similar to the last-gen models they replaced, which took design cues from Microsoft’s standard Xbox controller but rivaled the Switch Pro Controller in terms of build quality and features. We tested them on the Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile, but you can also use them with other Bluetooth devices, including the Steam Deck and Apple TV 4K.

But there are several notable improvements and additions if you scratch deeper. They each have Hall effect dual-mode triggers (both can switch between analog and digital, but the KK3 Max exclusively adds physical trigger stops), in addition to RGB LED-surrounded Hall effect analog sticks. It should make them virtually impervious to drifting and waning responsiveness, as iFixit explains here. They each have GuliKit’s powerful magnetic vibration motors with two intensity levels and three distinct modes (including the Switch’s HD rumble). You can even customize the hot-swappable face buttons to match your preferred platform, and to the delight of tournament players, you can play with a 1,000Hz polling rate for reduced input lag on PC (wired or wireless via a dongle).

Additionally, both controllers feature detachable rear-facing paddles. You get two metal moon-shaped paddles with the KK3 Pro that protrude further from the controller than the extra four you get with the KK3 Max, which are longer and curved to match the contour of the controllers’ rear grips. The latter are similar to the paddles on the Xbox Elite Series 2 and even borrow the same installation technique — just push them into the designated holes on the back. They require a lot more force, though they won’t easily dislodge.

GuliKit’s newest Switch controllers offer ample customization. Photo: Quentyn Kennemer / The Verge

The longer paddles are comfortably reachable once installed, but if you have larger hands, you may need to make adjustments for the shorter variety. They only need a light tap, but since they occupy the space where your fingers usually rest, it can lead to increased misfires while gaming. You can map each back button to emulate any other button on the controller — including the rear triggers — but you can’t configure them to execute combo presses or macros.

In summary, the KK3 Pro and KK3 Max offer a lot for the money. In fact, there may be no better option for interoperability and value in a single multiplatform controller right now. If we’re nitpicking, our biggest gripe is that GuliKit still hasn’t created an app to manage all of its settings more easily.

The best Switch controller that’s also great for PC and Steam Deck

$60

The Good

• Ergonomically similar to the Switch Pro controller
• Uses durable TMR sticks
• Wirelessly compatible with mobile and PC
• Shake to wake Switch

The Bad

• Lacks NFC
• Rumble feels lousy

Supported Platforms: Switch, Switch 2, PC, Steam Deck, mobile, Apple TV, Android, macOS, Apple devices / Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable buttons: Yes, four / Software customization: Yes / Rumble: Yes / NFC: No / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Yes, but not Switch 2

8BitDo’s Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller is a minor step forward compared to the first iteration, but it comes with new features you might care about. It still feels like a Switch Pro Controller in shape, with a similarly short grip profile that larger hands may not prefer. As for what’s changed internally, you’re getting more durable TMR joysticks, plus two new mappable buttons near the triggers (totaling four customizable buttons). Speaking of the triggers, they’re adjustable thanks to new switches that can alter how much you have to pull them to register an input. It’s particularly great for first-person shooters or action games where speed is paramount.

Its haptics are decent in some games, but not nearly as good as Nintendo’s HD Rumble, and it’s missing Amiibo support, though it does feature motion controls — along with a hidden trick that allows you to wake a docked Switch by giving the controller a little shake. It’s a nice value compared to the Switch Pro, as well as most other third-party options because it also includes a charging dock with an integrated 2.4GHz transmitter.

The Ultimate 2 controller comes in two variants, but we recommend the Bluetooth model for Switch owners because it’s the only version that’s compatible. Additionally, it’s compatible with the Switch 2, the Steam Deck, PC, macOS computers, and a slew of other Bluetooth-ready devices. Plus, it includes both 2.4GHz connectivity, in case you need a more reliable connection for compatible devices.

As for any control scheme tweaks you may want to make, you can customize button mapping profiles, macros, vibration intensity, and stick and trigger sensitivity using the Ultimate Software V2 app on PC. The controller has a dedicated button that lets you swap between three profiles on the fly, plus an extra turbo button you can either reconfigure or remap. When it comes to Switch controllers, 8BitDo sets the standard for great third-party controllers, and this is one of its best.

A well-rounded Switch controller that looks like a DualShock

$63

The Good

• Includes charging dock and 2.4GHz dongle
• Highly customizable
• Particularly comfortable for small-handed gamers

Supported Platforms: Switch, Switch 2, PC, Steam Deck, mobile, Apple TV, and more / Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable buttons: Yes, four / Software customization: Yes / Rumble: Yes / NFC: No / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Yes, but not Switch 2

The 8BitDo Pro 3 is the company’s latest high-end controller. On its face, the biggest difference between it and the similarly-priced Ultimate 2 is its PlayStation DualShock-esque stick layout, which alone might enough to convince some gamers to get it. The Pro 3 improves on its predecessor by featuring swappable buttons that can be detached with its included magnetic suction tool. With it, you can go from the Nintendo layout to the Xbox layout. Otherwise, this model’s internal specs and compatibility are very similar to that of the Ultimate 2.

The Pro 3 features TMR joysticks, plus Hall effect triggers with switches that toggle between full pulls or shorter clicks for either trigger. Just like the Ultimate 2, the Pro 3 has four customizable buttons that can be assigned almost any other button, or combination of buttons, through the company’s Ultimate V2 app on PC or by pressing certain buttons together, as listed in the manual. Additionally, the controller supports turbo mode.

Compared to most other Switch controllers, the Pro 3 stands out due to its PlayStation-style layout of D-pad and sticks. You may prefer this model if you play a lot of retro games that prioritize the D-pad, which is more easily accessible than on most other Switch controllers. One other fun perk of the Pro 3 is its swappable joystick caps. Two arcade stick-like knobs are included that make certain games feel more rewarding to play, such as fighting games.

It has rumble support (though not HD rumble) and motion control for games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Overwatch 2, both of which allow for gyroscopic aiming.

Each controller includes swappable arcade stick caps. Photo by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge

On its rear, there’s a switch that lets it toggle between Nintendo Switch, X-input for PC, and DirectInput, each of which offers its own control customizations and Bluetooth profile. One new addition for the Pro 3 is a charging dock that lets the controller recharge via contact pins. The dock also contains a 2.4GHz USB-C transmitter, letting you connect to some devices that route instead of Bluetooth.

Read our 8BitDo Pro 3 review.

An adapter that lets you use your own controllers

$17

The Good

• Inexpensive
• Allows you to use nearly any Bluetooth controller

The Bad

• Requires sourcing your own controller

There are a few other devices that allow you to use third-party controllers, but 8BitDo’s is the best value. Instead of spending $70 on a Switch Pro controller, the $19.99 8BitDo Wireless Bluetooth USB Adapter 2 lets you turn most Bluetooth controllers you already own into a wireless Switch controller. It plugs into your Switch dock (or directly into the console if you have a USB-A to USB-C adapter) and supports a wide variety of models, from the latest Xbox and DualSense controllers to last-gen gamepads for the Wii and PlayStation 3. (Note: the first-gen model can’t connect to most Xbox Bluetooth controllers due to a Bluetooth incompatibility, so make sure you get the latest model we’ve linked to.)

To our delight, the PS5 DualSense controller we tested it with worked incredibly well, with better-than-average rumble and more responsive motion controls than many dedicated Switch controllers offer. What’s more, so long as you’re using one of the newer Xbox Series X or S controllers, an Xbox One Bluetooth controller, a DualSense, a DualShock 4, or the Switch Pro Controller, you can customize their button mapping, analog stick sensitivity, and more within 8BitDo’s computer and mobile app.

8BitDo’s dongle supports most Bluetooth controllers, including official Xbox and PlayStation gamepads. Image: 8BitDo

8BitDo has an extensive support page that lists the steps required to set up your specific controller, as well as which features of those controllers it supports. That said, it’s best if you know the Switch’s button layout by heart if you plan to use either a PlayStation or Xbox controller with this adapter, as the layout on your controller will not match the on-screen prompts in games.

If you already have a controller you really like and don’t mind jumping through a few small hoops to connect it, 8BitDo’s affordable adapter deserves a spot in your entertainment center. If you plan to use more than one third-party controller at a time, you’ll need an adapter for each controller (and a USB hub), but if you have a lot of controllers sitting around, it might be worth it.

Other Switch controllers we tested

Nitro Deck / Nitro Deck Plus

We like CRKD’s Nitro Deck around here. It’s a cradle-style controller that holds the Switch between a pair of Hall effect sticks, outfitting it with a standard array of face buttons, four programmable back buttons, turbo functionality, gyro motion controls, and rumble. It has passthrough charging, though not passthrough video, which would allow it to double as a dock for TV gameplay. The step-up Nitro Deck Plus adds said functionality (with a USB-C to HDMI adapter), along with Bluetooth connectivity and adjustable vibration intensity / analog sensitivity. We’ve found these to be notable improvements, but we wish the passthrough solution was more elegant and that CRKD could solve the ergonomics (particularly on the right side, where the analog and button placement can cause discomfort).

We recently tested the GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro ($49.99) for consideration. It offers a few of the same functions as the GuliKit KingKong 3 — including remappable buttons, Hall effect sticks, and two distinct macro buttons — along with dedicated vibration motors in the triggers, which is something the GuliKit doesn’t match. That said, it falls just short due to mushy-feeling buttons. GameSir considers the extra padding under the buttons a feature that makes the impact softer, but we felt it takes away from the experience. Also, although it’s perfectly usable with the Switch, the Pro’s button labeling takes after Microsoft’s, which may not be ideal for those who have trouble memorizing inputs. We also found resyncing with the Switch to be a chore after switching from a mobile device or a Windows PC.

PowerA GameCube Style Wireless Controller

We also recently tried several wireless PowerA controllers, including the GameCube Style Wireless Controller ($59.99) and a Pikachu-themed version of the standard PowerA Enhanced Wireless ($44.99). We like the fun design of PowerA’s controllers, but they don’t live up to the quality of the models we recommend above, which is a shame considering some cost nearly as much. The GameCube-style wireless controller is a pretty faithful recreation of the original if you fancy a pure Super Smash Bros. experience, but it’s barebones with no rumble, NFC, or IR. It’s an easy way to get the old-school feeling back if you don’t already have a Bluetooth-based alternative to use with 8BitDo’s USB Adapter 2.

We’ll be doing more testing on the EasySMX S10 controller, as well as the GameSir Super Nova and GuliKit’s Elves 2 and ES Pro controllers for consideration.

Update, September 5th: Updated to reflect current pricing and availability. Nintendo’s Switch Pro controller went up $10, as part of the company’s recent price increases on last-gen hardware and accessories.

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