The best Nintendo Switch controllers for 2024

The perfect Nintendo Change controllers aren’t those that include it. Whereas the detachable Pleasure-Cons included with all non-Lite Change consoles are handy given they are often indifferent for wi-fi use, their tiny contourless design isn’t that comfy for lengthy gaming periods or massive arms. And whereas Nintendo has taken steps to handle the dreaded Pleasure-Con drift and earlier high quality management issues, some points persist.

On this shopping for information, we give attention to wi-fi controllers which can be each comfy and dependable, in addition to a number of choices that include distinctive options designed to match your play type. We’re not protecting wired controllers that plug into the Change’s dock, as they’re nearly all the identical and don’t supply substantial financial savings in lots of instances. (PowerA and PDP make respectable ones that can do in a pinch, however they’re very primary. Except you detest recharging your controllers, it makes extra sense to go wi-fi.)

Additionally, should you purchase a third-party wi-fi controller (as in, one not made by Nintendo), there are specific issues that it doubtless received’t have the ability to do except in any other case famous:

• It received’t have HD rumble. That is what Nintendo calls its superior haptic suggestions, which is extra exact than that of many third-party controllers and extra akin to Sony’s haptics engine in its subtlety. That mentioned, some extra restricted rumble could also be current. 
• Many third-party Change controllers don’t have movement controls for gestures or gyroscopic aiming in video games that assist it, although extra choices are beginning to implement the latter function with various levels of high quality.
• Most non-Nintendo choices lack an NFC reader for Amiibo playing cards or collectible figurines, which unlock particular options in some video games. 
• Most third-party choices received’t have the ability to activate the Change remotely. (You’ll must manually press the console’s energy button.) 
• Whereas some Change controllers have 3.5mm headphone jacks, getting audio out of them can solely occur by means of a wired USB connection, not wirelessly. For most individuals, pairing Bluetooth headphones to your Change is a adequate (and really straightforward) workaround.

In case you’re taking part in your Change whereas docked, it’s onerous to go fallacious with the official Nintendo Change Professional Controller. It’s the one conventional gamepad that checks all of the packing containers above — minus the three.5mm audio jack — and it’s one of the satisfying controllers we’ve examined. The GuliKit KingKong 2 Professional, in the meantime, makes for a fantastic Xbox-style controller with exhaustive customization, whereas the Hori Break up Pad Professional is nice for individuals who choose to play in handheld mode. Then there’s 8BitDo’s PC-friendly Final Bluetooth Controller and DualShock-esque Professional 2 controller, each of that are nicely value a glance.

Supported platforms: Nintendo Change, PC, Steam Deck, cellular, Apple TV / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: No / Software program customization: No / Rumble: Sure, HD / NFC: Sure / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Sure

Greater than seven years down the street, Nintendo’s first-party Professional controller remains to be the very best gamepad for the Change. It launched alongside the console in 2017 as a extra conventional various to Nintendo’s quirky Pleasure-Cons, and in some ways, it rivals the usual fashions from Sony and Microsoft by way of consolation and construct high quality.

Except for the Pleasure-Cons, the Change Professional Controller is the one wi-fi possibility that features HD rumble, gyroscopic motion assist, and an NFC reader for Amiibo playing cards and collectible figurines. It’s additionally the one controller we’ve examined (once more, other than the Pleasure-Cons) that may energy on the Change with out being plugged into it. The gamepad is constructed like a tank, and its battery life is so good that it typically looks as if it’ll by no means run out. Nintendo says that it lasts round 40 hours per cost, so it’ll doubtless take informal avid gamers a very long time to run down the battery.

The buttons and triggers have a satisfying bounce, whereas its directional pad is responsive and clicky sufficient to fulfill retro avid gamers. The controller fees through USB-C, similar to the Change, and it’s appropriate with a slew of different platforms you would possibly sport on, together with PC, Android, and SteamOS. It additionally works with Apple units because of its compatibility with the most recent variations of iOS, macOS, and even tvOS and visionOS.

Given the worth, we want that it had different options, like programmable buttons or a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio, even when wi-fi audio transmission from the Change to a controller isn’t presently attainable. (At the very least you may join a pair of wi-fi headphones through Bluetooth, however solely when you’ve got not more than two controllers related to your Change without delay.)

Supported Platforms: Change / Connectivity: Wired / Connector sort: Pleasure-Con slots / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: No / Rumble: No / NFC: No / Movement: No / Energy: through Pleasure-Con slots / Console Wakeup: No

I’m certain there are some individuals who get pleasure from utilizing Pleasure-Con controllers, however children and small-handed of us apart, most individuals most likely wouldn’t say they’re probably the most comfy possibility. That’s the place the Hori Break up Pad Professional is available in.

The Break up Pad Professional is available in quite a lot of colorways, and it each seems to be and looks like a Change Professional Controller that’s break up in half. One-half slides into both sides of the Change console like Pleasure-Cons, however in contrast to Nintendo’s default controllers, Hori’s gamepad options large, easy-to-reach buttons and generously sized triggers and analog sticks, all of which really feel nice in play. It additionally gives lots of grip, which is especially helpful for individuals who must get a greater deal with on the console for quick gameplay or keep comfortable over longer play periods.

The Break up Pad Professional doesn’t have batteries or sensors — to not point out assist for rumble, movement, IR, or NFC — so it’s fully ineffective when indifferent from the Change. It’s just for handheld mode except you buy the Break up Pad Professional Attachment that turns it right into a wired controller. We don’t suggest most individuals go that route for the reason that attachment alone prices greater than a Change Professional Controller, which is a disgrace contemplating it doesn’t attempt to add any of the aforementioned parts (it does add a 3.5mm headphone jack, nevertheless).

The corporate additionally sells the Break up Pad Compact, which is a smaller model of the Break up Pad Professional that sometimes prices round $50. It may be value a glance if you would like one thing as practical because the Break up Pad Professional however nearer in dimension to a Pleasure-Con — particularly because it’s presently on sale at Goal for $32.49 (about $18 off).

Supported Platforms: Change, PC, Steam Deck, cellular, Apple TV / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: No / Software program customization: No / Rumble: Sure / NFC: Sure / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Sure

The GuliKit KingKong 2 Professional rivals the Change Professional Controller in construct high quality, but it surely feels extra like a contemporary Xbox controller, and its textured rear grips would possibly give it the sting for some. Not like most third-party controllers, it retains Amiibo assist, although some customers have reported points with inauthentic Amiibo merchandise. The KingKong 2 Professional can join through Bluetooth to the Change and to PC, macOS, iOS, Android, and different platforms. And since it makes use of GuliKit’s Corridor impact sensors for its analog sticks, it’s resistant to drift.

We suggest trying out this video at iFixit to see a radical rationalization of the way it works, however in essence, Corridor impact sensors use magnets to change electrical present as a substitute of bodily rubbing on (and ultimately sporting down) a sensor to provide an enter. Whereas we haven’t heard widespread experiences of power analog stick drift points on the Change Professional Controller to date, controllers with Corridor impact sensors won’t ever encounter it, and the peace of thoughts is well worth the added value. (The 8BitDo Final Bluetooth Controller under also uses GuliKit’s sensors.)

Management-wise, nearly all the things in regards to the KingKong 2 Professional feels excellent. The face buttons, bumpers, and D-pad all strike a stability between journey, tactile suggestions, and really feel. The analog sticks are extremely fluid but simply snap again into their default positions. Clicking the sticks doesn’t require a lot pressure, both, even once they’re off-axis. And whereas we will’t totally credit score GuliKit for the superb ergonomics afforded by the Xbox-inspired form, we will award factors for the sturdy supplies used and nailing a well-balanced weight.

The controller gives exhaustive customizability choices, too. You possibly can swap button layouts, program macros, and cycle by means of preset ranges of rumble depth and set off sensitivity (which can not apply when utilizing it with the Change, because it doesn’t assist analog triggers). Nonetheless, managing these settings is lower than excellent, as you may solely change them by inputting button combos. Certain, the combos are easy, however memorizing all of them is difficult. Fortunately, GuliKit clearly spells all the things out within the complete handbook you’ll obtain with the gamepad.

It’s value noting that GuliKit now sells a KingKong 3 Professional and KingKong 3 Max. The three Professional builds upon the premium controller by including 4 slots for removable rearward buttons or paddles (two come within the field) and a 1,000Hz polling fee for improved responsiveness. The three Max is comparable however contains three pairs of again buttons (together with brief and lengthy types) and a 10-minute macro recording restrict (versus 10 seconds on the three Professional). There’s additionally a devoted set off mode change, RGB lights across the analog sticks that sign which sensitivity mode you’re in, and NFC for Amiibo assist.

We haven’t examined both of the brand new GuliKit fashions (but), however we intend to tug them in for consideration quickly, so keep tuned.

Supported Platforms: Change, PC, Steam Deck, cellular, Apple TV / Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: Sure / Rumble: Sure / NFC: No / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: No

8BitDo’s Final Bluetooth Controller looks like a Change Professional Controller in form, with a equally brief grip profile that bigger arms might not choose. Each share Change and Home windows PC assist, however 8BitDo will get a leg up with full Steam Deck compatibility. Its haptics are respectable however not so good as Nintendo’s, and it’s lacking Amiibo assist, although it does function customizable again paddles and movement controls — together with a hidden trick that permits you to wake a docked Change by giving the controller somewhat shake. It additionally comes with a charging dock, which shops the two.4GHz dongle when not in use. The included dock is useful for charging the 22-hour battery, which remains to be fairly beneficiant however comes nicely in need of the 40-hour mark set by Nintendo’s official controller.

The Final controller is available in a number of variants, however we suggest the Bluetooth mannequin over the two.4GHz or wired choices as a result of it contains 2.4GHz connectivity and GuliKit Corridor impact sticks, which the two.4GHz-only model lacks. The analog sticks supply simply the correct quantity of resistance and sport a snug concave prime, however they’re only a tad brief on the edges. The entire buttons supply nice journey, although, and the analog triggers have a satisfying quantity of resistance when pulled.

As for tweaks, you may customise button mapping profiles, macros, vibration depth, and stick and set off sensitivity utilizing the Final Software program app on cellular or PC. The controller has a devoted button that allows you to swap between three profiles on the fly, plus an additional turbo button you may both reconfigure or remap. In terms of Change controllers, 8BitDo units the usual for the breadth of those choices and methods to entry them, which is another excuse it’s excessive on our checklist.

Supported Platforms: Change, PC, Steam Deck, cellular, Apple TV, Raspberry Pi / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: Sure / Rumble: Sure / NFC: No / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: No

The 8BitDo Professional 2 is one other nice possibility with Corridor impact sticks for the Nintendo Change, particularly in case your arms are happiest with a PlayStation-style controller. The Professional 2 has a snug grip, a crisper D-pad than the Change Professional Controller, and two easy-to-press paddle buttons on the underside. It has rumble assist (although not HD rumble) and movement management for video games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Overwatch 2, each of which permit for gyroscopic aiming. PlayStation avid gamers may even respect that the left analog stick is positioned towards the underside — similar to on Sony’s controllers — quite than above the D-pad as on the Change Professional.

With 8BitDo’s Final software program on a cellular gadget or a Home windows pc, you may customise the Professional 2’s button mapping and the sensitivity of its triggers and analog sticks. You possibly can even save as much as three management scheme profiles and cycle by means of them with a button positioned between the analog sticks. On its rear, there’s a change that lets it toggle between Nintendo Change, X-input for PC, DirectInput, and macOS modes, every with its personal management customizations and Bluetooth profile. This controller affords a lot for $50 (or $54.99 if you would like one of many extremely cool translucent blue, purple, or inexperienced editions).

There are lots of different units that can help you use third-party controllers, however 8BitDo’s may be the very best worth. As an alternative of spending $70 on a number of Change Professional Controllers, the $19.99 8BitDo Wi-fi Bluetooth USB Adapter 2 permits you to flip a Bluetooth controller you already personal right into a wi-fi Change controller. It plugs into your Change dock and helps all kinds of fashions, from the most recent Xbox and DualSense controllers to last-gen gamepads for the Wii and PlayStation 3. (Be aware: the first-gen mannequin can’t connect with most Xbox Bluetooth controllers resulting from a Bluetooth incompatibility, so be sure to get the most recent mannequin.)

To our shock, the PS5 DualSense controller we examined it with labored extremely nicely, with better-than-average rumble and extra responsive movement controls than many devoted Change controllers supply. What’s extra, as long as you’re utilizing one of many newer Xbox Collection X or S controllers, an Xbox One Bluetooth controller, a DualSense, a DualShock 4, or the Change Professional Controller, you may customise their button mapping, analog stick sensitivity, and extra inside 8BitDo’s pc and cellular app. 

8BitDo has an in depth assist web page that lists the steps required to arrange your particular controller, in addition to which options of these controllers it helps. That mentioned, it’s finest if you recognize the Change’s button structure by coronary heart should you plan to make use of both a PlayStation or Xbox controller with this adapter, because the structure in your controller is not going to match the on-screen prompts in video games.

If you have already got a controller you actually like and don’t thoughts leaping by means of a number of small hoops to attach it, 8BitDo’s reasonably priced adapter deserves a spot in your leisure heart. In case you plan to make use of a couple of third-party controller at a time, you’ll want an adapter for every controller (and a USB hub), however when you’ve got lots of controllers sitting round, it may be value it.

Nitro Deck / Nitro Deck Plus

We like CRKD’s Nitro Deck round right here. It’s a cradle-style controller that holds the Change between a pair of Corridor impact sticks, outfitting it with a normal array of face buttons, 4 programmable again buttons, turbo performance, gyro movement controls, and rumble. It has passthrough charging, although, not passthrough video, which might permit it to double as a dock for TV gameplay. The step-up Nitro Deck Plus provides mentioned performance (with a USB-C to HDMI adapter), together with Bluetooth connectivity and adjustable vibration depth / analog sensitivity. We’ve discovered these to be notable enhancements, however want the passthrough resolution was extra elegant and that CRKD might clear up the ergonomics (significantly on the appropriate aspect, the place the analog and button placement could cause discomfort).

We lately examined the GameSir T4 Cyclone Professional ($49.99) for consideration. It affords most of the similar features because the GuliKit KingKong 2 Professional — together with remappable buttons, Corridor impact sticks, and two distinct macro buttons — together with devoted vibration motors within the triggers, which is one thing the GuliKit can’t declare. That mentioned, it falls simply brief resulting from mushy-feeling buttons. GameSir considers the additional padding underneath the buttons a function that makes the impression softer, however we felt it takes away from the expertise. Additionally, though it’s completely usable with the Change, the Professional’s button labeling takes after Microsoft’s, which will not be excellent for individuals who have hassle memorizing inputs. We additionally discovered resyncing with the Change to be a chore after switching from a cellular gadget or a Home windows PC.

GameCube Fashion Wi-fi Controller

We additionally lately tried a number of wi-fi PowerA controllers, together with the GameCube Fashion Wi-fi Controller ($59.99) and a Pikachu-themed model of the usual PowerA Enhanced Wi-fi ($59.99). We just like the enjoyable design of PowerA’s controllers, however they don’t stay as much as the standard of the fashions we suggest above, which is a disgrace contemplating some value practically as a lot. The GameCube-style wi-fi controller is a fairly devoted recreation of the unique should you fancy a pure Tremendous Smash Bros. expertise, but it surely’s barebones with no rumble, NFC, or IR. It’s a simple option to get the old-school feeling again should you don’t have already got a Bluetooth-based various to make use of with 8BitDo’s USB Adapter 2.

Replace, September twenty fifth: Up to date to mirror present pricing and availability.