When you have your Nintendo Switch or Switch OLED docked, opting for a more ergonomic and capable controller than the Joy-Cons can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Not only do these controllers offer comfort during long gaming sessions, but they also feature larger, tactile controls, additional buttons, more customizations, and unique features that can elevate your gameplay on the Switch. We've dedicated hours to playing and reviewing the top Nintendo Switch accessories currently on the market to help you select the perfect controller tailored to your gaming needs.
Our Top Pick
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A controller is the best Switch accessory to enhance your console's capabilities. However, the ideal controller varies based on individual preferences and the types of games you play. We've meticulously researched and tested to bring you a selection of 10 top-notch controllers that cater to a variety of gaming needs. Whether you're looking for a versatile all-around option like the GuliKit KingKong 3 Max, an alternative to Joy-Cons, or something specialized for fighting or racing games, we've identified controllers that suit your play style. Many of these options are not exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, allowing you to use them as a PC controller or with a handheld gaming PC.
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Our Top Pick
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The KingKong 3 Max, equipped with hall effect sensors, swappable buttons, and HD rumble, is designed to deliver an immersive and responsive gaming experience.
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The GuliKit KingKong 3 Max surpasses the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller by offering Hall Effect joysticks and triggers for enhanced precision and adjustable sensitivity, which is particularly advantageous in shooters like Doom. With four detachable and remappable rear paddles, the controller also includes slightly mushy, swappable face buttons and a large, adjustable D-Pad, all for about $10 more than Nintendo’s offering.
The KingKong 3 Max is packed with features that integrate seamlessly with the Switch. It includes three vibration modes, including HD rumble, to immerse you in games like Super Mario Odyssey. The 6-axis gyroscope enhances motion control, and the controller supports Amiibo and can wake the Switch from sleep mode.
Designed similarly to the Nintendo Pro Controller and many of the best Xbox controllers, the KingKong 3 Max is ergonomic and comfortable to hold. Its lightweight design and textured surface prevent slippage during intense gameplay. The RGB lighting around the joysticks not only looks appealing but also indicates joystick sensitivities, which you can adjust directly on the controller.
The KingKong 3 Max connects to the Switch wirelessly via Bluetooth or through a wired USB connection for minimal latency. It's also compatible with PCs, coming with a USB dongle for a reliable wireless connection. Expect up to 28 hours of playtime wirelessly with RGB off, or 15 hours with the lights on.
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The official Nintendo controller boasts HD rumble, large face buttons, tactile triggers, and a signature D-Pad, along with a generous 40-hour battery life.
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Despite extensive use and review, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller secures the second spot on our list. Its design and feel mimic the best Xbox controllers, offering durability that should last the lifespan of the Switch and an ergonomic design that remains comfortable during extended play. However, it may be too bulky for children under 6 who might prefer Joy-Cons.
The transition from Joy-Cons to the Pro Controller is noticeable, especially with its responsive, large face buttons and true D-pad, which significantly improves gameplay in retro 2D platformers. The offset joy sticks provide an excellent tactile feel, though the Z triggers can be hard to distinguish from the L and R shoulder buttons due to their shallow depression.
As a wireless controller, the Pro Controller offers up to 40 hours of battery life on a single charge, rechargeable via USB-C. It also supports wired use and includes an NFC reader for Amiibo compatibility. While it features HD rumble, the intensity doesn't match that of the Joy-Cons. Despite this, the controller offers substantial value for less than $70.
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These versatile controllers are essential for both docked and handheld modes, though they may suffer from potential drifting issues.
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Product Specifications
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Nintendo’s Joy-Cons are indispensable to the Switch's functionality, despite the persistent issue of Joy-Con drift. They enable versatile gameplay in docked and handheld modes, allowing you to play with the controllers attached to the console or wirelessly detached.
For multiplayer gaming, you can turn the Joy-Cons sideways to serve as smaller standard controllers, though using the straps is advisable for better grip. As the controllers that come with the console, Joy-Cons offer a solid gaming experience, with no direct alternatives that match their functionality.
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These controllers provide a more ergonomic grip and larger buttons compared to traditional Joy-Cons, perfect for handheld gaming.
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For those seeking a more ergonomic handheld experience, the Hori Split Pad Pro is an excellent choice. Licensed by Nintendo, these $50 controllers offer a wider grip and larger buttons, including alternate shoulder triggers and a turbo setting. However, they only function when attached to the Switch, lacking wireless capabilities for shared gameplay.
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This pro-level controller offers four rear paddles, interchangeable thumbsticks, and motion controls but lacks rumble features.
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Our hands-on review of the PowerA Fusion Pro revealed its extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor the controller to your specific needs. While it lacks the rumble feature and has a shorter 20-hour battery life compared to the Nintendo Pro Controller, the Fusion Pro compensates with swappable faceplates, multiple joysticks, and customizable rear trigger paddles.
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This budget-friendly arcade stick features additional macro buttons and a turbo function, offering versatile connectivity for the Switch, PC, or mobile.
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The $90 8BitDo Arcade Stick is highly recommended for fighting games on the Switch. With a retro style and customizable support for Sanwa parts, this fight stick automatically adjusts button assignments based on whether it's connected to a Switch or PC, wired or wireless. It can store two profiles for different platforms or games, and includes turbo support with up to 40 hours of battery life on a 2.4GHz connection or 30 hours on Bluetooth.
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Ideal for playing Super Smash Bros, this controller features a unique button layout that simplifies executing moves.
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The Nintendo GameCube Controller became the gold standard for Super Smash Bros. with its unique button layout, making it easier to perform jumps, air attacks, and smash attacks. While the Switch Pro Controller is adequate for casual play, competitive players should opt for the $75 GameCube controller along with a $15-to-$20 adapter for the Switch.
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This controller combines a retro aesthetic with modern features, ideal for playing classic games on the Switch.
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The $50 8BitDo Pro 2 offers a retro feel with modern sensibilities, perfect for Nintendo Switch Online's classic game libraries. Its buttons and direction pad mimic the original SNES controller, while the extended grips and dual Hall Effect joysticks evoke the first PlayStation DualShock. With support for three unique button layout profiles, the Pro 2 is versatile for both retro and modern gameplay.
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Customize button mapping, stick behavior, and vibration levels with this controller, which also includes two extra rear paddles and a charging dock.
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The 8BitDo Ultimate controller offers robust customization options through its app, allowing adjustments to button mapping, stick behavior, and vibration levels. With two extra back paddles and a custom profile switch button for storing three profiles, it provides versatility for various gaming needs. The controller features a 22-hour battery life and comes with a charging dock, supporting both Bluetooth and a 2.4GHz dongle for connectivity.
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This affordable racing wheel and two-pedal set offers customizable controls and different sensitivity levels for an immersive racing experience.
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Product Specifications
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The Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe is a solid option for Switch racing games, priced at $100. While it lacks advanced features like force feedback, it provides a decently sized and sturdy wheel with customizable controls, paddle shifters, and adjustable sensitivity levels. The included two-pedal set enhances the immersive experience, making it suitable for Switch and some PC driving games.
When choosing a new Nintendo Switch controller, focus on comfort and the type of game you play. For general gameplay, Nintendo’s options are recommended. However, for specific genres, consider:
The upcoming Switch 2 will feature upgraded, larger, and magnetic Joy-Cons, incompatible with standard Switch Joy-Cons. However, Bluetooth-only controllers like the Switch Pro or the KingKong 3 Max should still work. The new console's extra USB-C port will likely allow direct accessory connections.
Official Nintendo controllers like the Switch Pro and Joy-Cons are compatible with PCs. The Switch Pro connects via a wired connection or Bluetooth, with Steam recognizing it as an Xbox controller for easy setup. Joy-Cons can connect via Bluetooth, requiring additional software for full functionality.
Joy-Con drift is a known issue, where the controller registers unintended inputs. While it's a common problem, there are ways to fix it yourself or have Nintendo repair it. Other Nintendo controllers experience less drift.
A new Switch OLED or original Switch model includes a set of Joy-Con controllers for handheld, tabletop, and TV modes. The Switch Lite has built-in controls for handheld mode only, requiring a separate controller purchase for other gameplay types.
While there are controllers that enhance handheld play like the Hori Split Pad Pro, no alternatives fully replace Joy-Cons, especially for motion sensor-dependent games.
Switch controllers often go on sale during Amazon Prime Day in July and during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales events.
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