The best Nintendo Switch controllers let you play your favorite games from The Big N in more flexible ways than the company’s standard Joy-Cons can provide. They give you the option of playing amazing titles like Super Mario Bros. Wonder on the teeny console either in Docked mode hooked up to your TV or through a compatible gamepad paired via a Bluetooth connection in Handheld mode.
How do we test the finest Nintendo Switch controllers? We hook them up to a PC then use Hardware Tester’s Gamepad Tester software to ensure every input on the pad is working as it should.
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is my current choice as the very best Switch gamepad around. Its button layout is lovely, I've never had any issues with stick drift in all the years I've owned one and it's a controller I love so much, I genuinely own two of them.
The following picks of the best Nintendo Switch controllers also cover third-party alternatives, like the GameSir T4 Kaleid, which is the best budget control you can pick up for your Switch. Whether you go retro or official, you’ll find a Switch controller to love below.
The quick list
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller features HD Rumble, motion controls and NFC support. It's a comfortable controller that's compatible with the whole Switch library of games.
The GameSir T4 is a wired-only controller with Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, mechanical face buttons and two remappable buttons. It also has built-in RGB lighting and turbo functionality.
The 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth is a versatile controller with Hall Effect sensors to prevent stick drift and two programmable back buttons. It also comes with a 2.4 GHz dongle to reduce lag and a charging dock.
The PowerA Fusion Pro is a highly customizable controller that comes with a carrying case and an extra faceplate. It may not have rumble but it does feature motion controls.
The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller has two programmable back buttons and is available in many designs. It's one of the most attractive Nintendo Switch gamepads out there.
The NYXI Wizard can be attached to your Switch to play in handheld mode or used wirelessly like a GameCube controller. It has backlit face buttons, two remappable back buttons, swappable joystick rings, turbo functionality and Hall Effect sensors.
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The 8BitDo Pro 2 has adjacent analog sticks, an excellent D-pad for platformers and two programmable back buttons.
The Hori Split Pad Pro has full-size joysticks and buttons as well as two programmable back buttons.
The 8BitDo Arcade Stick can be used wirelessly or wired with your Nintendo Switch. It's also easy to customize and has two programmable macro buttons.
Best Nintendo Switch controllers you can buy today
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The best Nintendo Switch controller overall
Even by The Big N’s standards when it comes to creating first class, first-party gamepads, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller sets new standards. It’s pretty much the perfect pad to pair with the handheld hybrid when playing your favorite games in either docked or tabletop mode. Unlike some of the other controllers on this list, it also includes the same HD Rumble seen in the Joy-Cons. It supports motion controls, too. Meaning you can aim by moving the pad, which can come in handy for precision targeting in a game like Splatoon 3.
I’ve been using the Pro Controller since the first day I bought my Switch, and I honestly think it’s the greatest gamepad the company has ever made. Its stick and button placement feel natural, I’ve never once suffered from the dreaded stick drift on my Pro and every button on the controller feels as snappy to press down as the day I held it for the first time. I like it so much, I own two of them.
$70 does feel a little on the high, though, a matter that’s even more frustrating when you realize Nintendo almost never puts the Pro Controller in a sale. Still, you get what you pay for and there’s no question this gamepad feels premium. If you’re looking for something cheaper with a similar design, the Power A Enhanced Wireless Controller starts at $50 and is also frequently discounted.
If you’re a big PC player, the Pro works brilliantly with many Steam games. Valve has even given you the option to switch to the Pro Controller’s layout, via the “Use Nintendo Button Layout” under controller settings.
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a phenomenal gamepad. I just wish it cost $20 less.
The best Nintendo Switch controller on a budget
The GameSir T4 Kaleid is a bit of an outlier on this list, I’ll warn you right from the top. This is mainly because it features an Xbox-style button layout and is a wired-only controller. So if you’re a cable cutter, this may not be the ideal Nintendo Switch gamepad for your needs.
Wait! Don’t leave quite yet! At around just $40, GameSir packs in plenty of Pro-level features at a very reasonable price, something my bank balance definitely appreciates. On those features, the GameSir T4 Kaleid has two programmable back buttons, Hall Effect joysticks and triggers to prevent stick drift and even mechanical face buttons that give a satisfying click when pressed. If all this wasn’t enough, the controller also has a see-through design with built-in RGB lighting. If you love that RGB glove in your peripherals like me, you may have just met your next Nintendo Switch pad.
If you can get over the fact this is a wired-only controller, the GameSir T4 Kaleid offers a lot of value for the price. One of my favorite things about the controller is that you can remap its back buttons, control its RG lighting and even enable turbo right on the GameSir T4 Kaleid without having to plug it into a computer. Besides the Nintendo Switch, this gamepad also works on PC and Android. Oh, and if you’re worried about the Xbox-style button layout I mentioned before, don’t panic! There’s a setting for swapping the A and B buttons so you don’t get confused.
Read our full GameSir T4 Kaleid review.
The best Nintendo Switch controller for features
The 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth can often be found at Amazon for as little as $60, making it a cheaper alternative to the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and a rival that also packs in a few extra features to justify its higher price. As someone who likes to save money when buying gamepads, I know that makes the 8BitoDo Ultimate an enticing prospect.
So what exact additional features do you get here that the official Pro Controller doesn’t offer? For starters, you get a charging dock that you can use to store the Ultimate when you’re not playing. Likewise, there are two remappable buttons on the backside of the 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth. 8BitDo uses Hall Effect sensors for its joysticks, which means this controller won’t develop stick drift. And trust me, you do not want stick drift.
Besides connecting this controller to your Switch using Bluetooth, the charging dock also includes a 2.4 Ghz USB dongle, which is a handy additional extra I appreciate. This dongle can be plugged directly into the Switch’s dock or you can use a USB-C cable to connect the 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth’s charging dock to the Switch itself since it also has a USB port for the dongle.
If the price of this controller is a bit too high for you, 8BitDo also sells a wired version of its Ultimate controller for the Switch for just $35. Either way, you’re getting an extremely comfortable Switch controller with an excellent D-pad, programmable rear buttons — I have an almost unhealthy love of back buttons on gamepads — and multiple profiles that you can swap on the fly.
Read our full 8BitDo Ultimate Controller review.
The best customizable Nintendo Switch controller
If you’ve ever used Microsoft’s Elite Series 2 Controller with your Xbox or PC and want a similar experience on the Switch, then let me introduce you to the PowerA’s Fusion Pro. This smart and stylish controller comes with a carrying case, two swappable magnetic faceplates, short and tall analog sticks and a Pro Pack with four remappable buttons. The PowerA Fusion Pro’s injected rubber grips make it comfortable to hold for long periods of time — something I’ve definitely found to be the case. Those anti-friction rings in the faceplates prevent wear and tear on its analog sticks, which is another feature I appreciate as a guy who has lost too many pads to said tears over the years.
The PowerA Fusion Pro connects to your Nintendo Switch wirelessly over Bluetooth but you’ll need to plug in the included 9.8 foot braided USB-C cable if you want to plug headphones into the controller’s 3.5mm audio jack. While you do get plenty of customization options and four programmable back buttons, you are missing out on rumble and NFC.
There’s no denying the lack of rumble is a bitter pill to swallow, yet I actually prefer the analog sticks on the FusionPro over the official Pro Controller’s ones, as they feel considerably smoother. When you boil it down, there’s no other Switch controller out there quite like the PowerA Fusion Pro. So if you’re looking for a more hardcore Switch gamepad and can live with the loss of rumble, then you should definitely consider this highly customizable peripheral.
The best Nintendo Switch controller for designs
If you’re not willing to pay $70 for either the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller or the 8Bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth, then the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller is a great choice. It features a similar layout to both of these controllers and also has two programmable back buttons you can remap on the fly. The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller is also worth considering if you want a controller with a design to match your favorite Nintendo Switch game since there's Mario, Zelda, Animal Crossing, Pixachu and plenty of other variants to choose from.
Another thing worth noting about the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller is that it’s extremely lightweight. This is likely due to the fact that it’s powered by two AA batteries instead of a built-in battery pack. As a result, it’s easy to swap in new batteries quickly and you can also rechargeable batteries with it if you want. The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller starts at $60 and frequently goes on sale. However, there’s also a cheaper wired-only version as well as a Nano version for children and those with smaller hands.
The best GameCube Nintendo Switch controller
You really can’t come much closer to a WaveBird 2.0 than this. The NYXI Wizard is another unique controller on this list for several reasons. Like I just mentioned, it has a GameCube style button layout with a larger A button in the center. And said layout instantly brings back fond memories for me of playing Luigi’s Mansion and Wave Race: Blue Storm the night Nintendo’s purple little box launched back in 2002.
The Nyxi Wizard can also be used wirelessly as a full-sized controller or attached to either side of my Switch in handheld mode. The NYXI Wizard even packs in some Pro-level features like backlit face buttons, two programmable back buttons and Hall Effect joystick sensors to prevent stick drift.
If you grew up playing GameCube games or are an avid Super Smash Bros. Ultimate player, not only will you appreciate the NYXI Wizard’s button layout but also the fact that it comes with swappable joystick rings. This way, you can have octagonal joysticks like on the GameCube or circular ones like those found on all modern controllers.
It’s worth noting that with the NYXI Wizard attached to the Switch, the console feels a lot larger and is almost the same size as Valve’s Steam Deck. Likewise, when used as a wireless controller, it’s a lot larger than a traditional GameCube controller. Still though, if you prefer the GameCube’s controller layout or have larger hands, the NYXI Wizard is a very unique controller with plenty of interesting features. The perfect gift for that GameCube fan in your life.
Read our full NYXI Wizard review.
The best retro Nintendo Switch controller
For those looking to play platformers and retro titles using their controller’s D-pad instead of the joysticks, I think that the 8BitDo Pro 2 is a great option. This is because it has adjacent joysticks that are under the D-pad and face buttons, which means that these two line up perfectly. The 8BitDo Pro 2 is also a great choice if you’re coming from PlayStation, as all of Sony’s consoles use this stick layout instead of a staggered one.
The 8BitDo Pro 2 connects to your Switch wirelessly over Bluetooth but it also works on PC, Mac and and Android. There are two reprogrammable back buttons that can be customized on the fly and the controller also packs in rumble and motion controls.
The 8BitDo Pro 2 is reasonably priced at $50 but if you’re on a budget, there’s also a wired-only version available for $35. Meanwhile, if you want a controller that’s more portable, I suggest picking up 8BitDo’s SN30 Pro. Not only does it have the same button and joystick layout, it looks more like a Super Nintendo controller since it doesn’t have any handles. And if you love the SNES even a third as much as I do, that’s a huge selling point in itself. Especially when you can play a number of classic NES and SNES games through Nitendo’s eShop apps.
Circling back to the best retro controller you can buy for the Nintendo Switch, it provides such a comfortable experience playing at home, the 8BitDo Pro 2 is the way to go.
The best Nintendo Switch Joy-Con alternatives
If you enjoy playing your Switch in handheld mode but find that Nintendo’s Joy-Con controllers are a bit too cramped, then you might want to consider the Hori Split Pad Pro instead. This controller connects to either side of your switch but unlike the NYXI Wizard, it can’t be used wirelessly. If the Split Pad Pro is a bit too bulky for you and you worry about being able to put it into a case, you’re in luck as Hori has released a smaller version of the controller called the Hori Split Pad Compact that’s also available for $50.
The Hori Split Pad Pro has large joysticks, two programmable rear buttons, turbo functionality and a comfortable D-pad. However, it lacks rumble, motion controls and NFC support. Another great thing about the Hori Split Pad Pro and Hori Split Pad Compact is that there are multiple versions of each controller with designs based around Pac-Man, Zelda, Pokémon and more. If you want to feel like you’re using a full-sized controller when playing your Switch in handheld mode, the Hori Split Pad Pro is the best Joy-Con alternative.
The best arcade stick for the Nintendo Switch
If you’re really into retro titles and want to get an arcade style experience at home, then the 8BitDo Arcade Stick is the best arcade stick for the Nintendo Switch. In addition to working wirelessly on the Switch, it also works on PC, which is great for fans of the best Steam games like myself who also own The Big N’s handheld hybrid.
While you might be worried about the button layout, the 8BitDo Arcade Stick’s Dynamic Button Layout feature adjusts the buttons accordingly depending on which platform you're playing. Another time-saving I appreciate. However, you can also use 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software to completely customize its arcade stick, and I appreciate 8BitDo going the extra mile here.
Speaking of customization, I find that it’s really easy to open the 8BitDo Arcade Stick to swap out, say, the buttons or joystick with different options. Whether you want clicker buttons or you’d prefer to get away from the arcade stick’s black and red design, this is easier to do than you might think. The 8BitDo Arcade Stick also has toggles on the top to switch the joystick to act like the left stick, right stick or the D-Pad.
Likewise, there are two programmable macro buttons at the top of the controller if you need help pulling off combos in fighting games like Street Fighter. For my money, the 8BitDo Arcade Stick is a great accessory for the Nintendo Switch, whether you’re playing fighting games or classic titles from the Nintendo Switch Online library.
How to choose the best Nintendo Switch controller
Although the Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Cons are excellent controllers right out of the box, they can be a bit small for playing in docked mode and have a habit of developing stick drift over time. This is why you may want to pick up one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers from this list instead.
When it comes to picking the right Nintendo Switch Controller for you, there are a few things you want to consider first. Are you okay with a wired controller or do you want to play wirelessly while sitting on your couch? Do you prefer playing in handheld mode or do you like playing your Switch on one of the best TVs instead? Button layout is another important factor but fortunately, you can choose between Switch style or GameCube style controllers. The same goes for your controller’s joysticks as some people prefer staggered joysticks while others prefer asymmetrical ones. The best thing about the Nintendo Switch though is that you have plenty of different controller options to choose from.
How we test the Best Nintendo Switch controllers
Just like with the best PC game controllers, we put all of the Nintendo Switch controllers on this list and the ones we review through extensive hands-on testing. This includes using them to play a variety of different types of games in handheld, tabletop and docked mode. We also use and test out their special features like programmable back buttons, motion controls and see whether or not they can wake up the Nintendo Switch from sleep.
Besides hands-on testing, we also plug in the best Nintendo Switch controllers to a PC and use Hardware Tester’s Gamepad Tester to make sure that all of their buttons and joysticks work as they should. When it comes to multiplatform Switch controllers, we also test them out on all of the systems they support. For more information, check out our how we test page for Tom’s Guide.
