Is your Nintendo Switch controller straying? Try these substitutes.

Almost every Switch player has experienced Nintendo Switch controller drifting at some time, so you're not alone if you've experienced it. How much has Link been kicked and kicked again? How many times has an Inkling blown an opportunity? And it all stems from faulty Joy-Cons.

We can see why someone may opt to purchase one of the other best Nintendo Switch controllers in order to start again, even if Nintendo is now offering free repairs on Joy-Cons. Ultimately, a lot of them are more comfy than the Joy-Cons, so you won't have to spend long periods without a controller. Several of the items in this list would also be suitable for our list of the top mobile gaming controllers.

If your Nintendo Switch controller is drifting, here are our recommendations for substitutes:

1. Switch Pro Wireless Controller – best overall
2. PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller – affordable alternative
3. Afterglow Wireless Deluxe Controller – stylish choice
4. Switch GameCube Controller – best retro option
5. Retro-Bit 64 Tribute Controller – best for N64 games
6. 8BitDo Bluetooth Gamepad – best for SNES games
7. Hori Split Pad Pro – best for handheld play

1.

/Switch Pro Wireless ControllerThe ultimate Joy-Con substitute in general.Details for the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller:<Advantages

• Official Nintendo product
• Long battery life
• Comfortable design

Disadvantages

• Expensive
• Inconvenient for handheld play

For those searching for something somewhat better than the Joy-Cons, this is the recommended option. Longer play sessions should be no issue at all since it feels far more comfortable to handle than the Joy-Cons and has a respectable 40-hour battery life. Additionally, it features a sleek, black style that is excellent if you want to feel a bit more like an N64.This is an approved Joy-Con substitute from Nintendo, so it should be appealing to most fans and there won't be any compatibility problems. The great majority of Switch titles run flawlessly with it, and the motion control features of the Joy-Con are still present.

2. Wireless Controller PowerA Enhanced

A less expensive option than the Switch Pro.Specifications for the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller: Benefits

• Relatively inexpensive
• Remappable buttons
• Lots of designs

Cons

• Not rechargeable
• No rumble

With the exception of the three additional buttons on the rear enabling additional button mapping, this controller is remarkably identical to the ordinary Switch Pro model. Additionally, it has an internal battery that can be recharged for up to 30 hours—ten extra hours than the typical Joy-Cons. Furthermore, its ergonomic design aims to maximize hand comfort while minimizing the likelihood of your main character scurrying off to meet their demise.The enormous array of controller styles is another feature that will appeal especially to Nintendo enthusiasts. Two of them include, among other things, a Waluigi controller, an Amazon-only design with colorful Super Mario imagery, a charming Animal Crossing: New Horizons design, and artwork from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. If you would want to eliminate the need for recharging entirely, there are wired options as well. Additionally, the PowerA Spectra, which is also a terrific addition to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, comes with LED lights that you can toggle to change colors, and even more awesome controller themes, including Crash Bandicoot.

3. Wireless Deluxe Controller Afterglow

The trendiest substitute for Joy-Con. Specifications of the Afterglow Wireless Deluxe Controller:Advantages

• Stylish vintage Nintendo design
• Customizable lights
• Comfortable to hold

Drawbacks

• Control sticks a little too long
• Inconvenient for handheld play

The style of this controller is reminiscent of the translucent plastic devices of the Game Boy Color and Nintendo 64, but the Afterglow goes one step farther. Its stylish casing has RGB-like LED lights that you can adjust to glow in various hues, so you may modify it to match your gaming area (or mood).It has an integrated rechargeable battery and wireless connection, much as a lot of other Switch controllers. Additionally, you may configure its twin programmable rear paddle-like controls to fit your own playing style.

4. Change the GameCube controller

. The greatest vintage Switch controllerDetails of the Switch GameCube Controller: Advantages<

• Accurate GameCube controller recreation
• Adapter allows you to use historic controllers

Drawbacks

• Doesn’t work with many games
• Not a wireless Wavebird controller

The GameCube controller is regarded by many seasoned Nintendo fans as one of the greatest ever. For those who may still own their old GameCube controllers, there's good news: they can be used with the Switch... kind of. All you need to do to get going is purchase an adaptor, which isn't too costly.But hold on! What happens if you want to try utilizing an old GameCube controller but you don't have any? Remain calm. Numerous recently released GameCube controllers are particularly made to work with the Nintendo Switch; in fact, some of them even have wireless connectivity and an additional set of buttons (home, +, -, and screen grab) to make them more compatible with the updated system. These are available in all the original color schemes, along with a snazzy new Mario design and controllers with Pokémon themes such as Pikachu, Espeon, and Umbreon for lovers of the game.All we need now is a fresh pair of Donkey Konga bongo controllers that work with the Switch. (What? I want to play that way. Give me some space.)

5. Controller for Retro-Bit 64 Tribute

The greatest Nintendo 64 game substitute for the Joy-Con.Specifications for the Retro-Bit 64 Tribute Controller are as follows: Advantages

• Better than the original N64 design
• Comfortable and stylish

Drawbacks

• Not specifically designed for Switch
• Won’t work well in handheld mode

Are you having fun with the ?N64 games for the Nintendo Switch online? I think Banjo-Kazooie is fantastic. Yes, well, not if you have to fight Switch drift and make your way to the summit of the tree in Click Clock Wood. Since the Retro-Bit 64 Tribute controller is made for two-handed humans instead of the three-handed aliens who were presumably the original N64 controller's intended market, it is effectively an improved version of the original controller.Although this wireless controller is not a Nintendo product, it is nevertheless worth highlighting that it comes with a convenient USB receiver that enables you to use it with the Switch. It also has an N64 port, so you may use it sometimes if you still have your old Nintendo 64.

6. Bluetooth Gamepad 8BitDo Pro 2

The greatest Joy-Con substitute for the SNES. Specifications of 8BitDo Bluetooth gamepad: Advantages

• Much like a SNES controller
• Wired and Wireless play available

Drawbacks

• Might be too small for some
• Battery life kind of short

This gamepad, which is evocative of the original SNES controllers, is another one for vintage gaming enthusiasts. With its sleek and classic style, this wireless Switch controller may be used wiredly or wirelessly for up to 20 hours of playtime per charge. It also comes with a 1 meter USB-C cord.This controller may be used on platforms other than your Switch, such as Windows, Mac, and Android ones, since it connects over Bluetooth.

7. Split Pad Pro by Hori

The greatest controller for portable gamingSpecifications of Hori Split Pad Pro:Advantages

• Like Joy-Cons without the drift
• Ergonomic design
• Cheaper than Joy-Cons

Cons

• No motion controls
• No HD rumble
• Handheld only

When your Switch is in handheld mode, the Hori Split Pad Pro functions similarly to the Joy-Cons. Larger controllers are left on each side when the Switch is inserted into the middle, which is ideal if you have larger hands and find the Joy-Cons' complicated arrangement difficult to use.Although it lacks some of the Joy-Cons' capabilities, such motion controls and HD Rumble, this approved Nintendo substitute does offer certain benefits. One benefit is that there is less danger of drift. Other benefits include bigger buttons and a more comfortable grip for extended periods of play, as well as assignable rear triggers for simpler, more customized play. The Hori Split Pad Pro is a fantastic choice for anyone who like handheld mode, even if you can't use it while playing on a TV.

How do I avoid the drifting of my Nintendo Switch controller?

Unfortunately, drifting is an issue that cannot be easily solved. We advise requesting a free repair directly from Nintendo. Naturally, using this approach will need you to go without a controller for a long if you use your Switch every day. Many may thus choose to get a new one.

In 2023, will Joy-Con drift still be an issue?

Indeed. Even though Nintendo has addressed this issue with the design of its controller, users of Joy-Cons that were made a while ago—many of which are still in use—will find this to be annoying. Even with the more recent Joy-Cons, some players have reported issues (though they don't seem to be as common).

What is the speed at which Joy-Cons drift?

The duration might vary greatly. It begins to happen during the first month for some individuals. Others may experience it after years of consistent usage. Having extra controllers on hand is a smart idea in case anything similar ever happens to you.See our Nintendo Switch vs. Steam Deck post for further Switch content. If you're thinking about upgrading in the near future, you may also find our guide to the best Nintendo Switch console useful.