2024's top Nintendo Switch controllers

The greatest controllers for the Nintendo Switch provide you with a variety of gaming options for your console, allowing you to play on your TV or in multiplayer with friends. The Switch OLED and Nintendo Switch have Joy-Cons built in, but they are unable to duplicate the tactile experience of a conventional game controller. From the powerful Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to less expensive third-party choices, the greatest Switch controllers vary in both cost and functionality.We have been playing on Switch consoles at SmartRead. years As a result, we are aware of which Nintendo Switch accessories are genuine and which are just gimmicks. We've selected the top Switch controllers from reputable companies to help you choose the ideal one, whether you want additional controllers for gatherings or alternative inputs for your game system.In 2024, these will be the top Nintendo Switch controllers:

1. Switch Joy-Cons – best for most
2. Switch Pro Controller – best for docked play
3. Hori D-Pad Joy-Con – best for retro gaming
4. Hori Split Pad Pro – best for handheld mode
5. 8Bitdo Zero 2 – most portable controller
6. PowerA Spectra Enhanced – best wired option
7. Switch GameCube Controller – best for Smash Bros.
8. 8Bitdo Pro 2 – best for all mobile devices
9. 8Bitdo Pro Ultimate –  best third-party choice

1. Joy-Cons for the Nintendo Switch

Overall, the greatest Nintendo Switch controller.Specifications for the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons:Advantages<

• Easy to slot into your Switch
• Use in handheld or docked mode
• Motion control and HD Rumble

Drawbacks

• Small and a little flimsy
• Older models prone to drifting
• Slightly expensive

Nintendo's Joy-Cons are the ideal starting point for your Switch controller adventure. These adaptable controllers allow for comfortable solitary or spontaneous multiplayer gameplay. They feature motion and HD Rumble, and you can split them into two or smash them in a grip.The Joy-Con will work quite well for most players. The fact that they may be utilised when the Switch is docked and while playing games is useful. They also come in a variety of colours, many of which give them the iconic Nintendo appearance, despite the fact that they do seem a bit fragile.Naturally, you've undoubtedly heard of the infamous Switch drift, in which the player would not have to force the controllers to travel in a specific manner. Even though the most recent versions don't really have this problem, you should be cautious when purchasing less expensive used devices since they may.

2. Pro Controller for Nintendo Switch

The top docked play controller. Specifications for the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller:Advantages

• Impressive battery life
• Sturdy design
• Reasonably priced

Disadvantages

• Not great for handheld play

We heartily suggest the official Pro Controller if you often find yourself playing your Switch docked and comfort is your top concern. Its build quality is on par with that of a DualShock 4 or Xbox One controller, and its battery lasts for around 40 hours.It is obviously far less helpful for such situations if you play in handheld mode often. Theoretically, you can still play it handheld, but you'll seldom be able to accomplish this since you'll need to set the Switch down and rest it on its kickstand.There isn't much to say against this controller other from that. Unlike the Joy-Con, this certified Nintendo hardware has never experienced drifting. Furthermore, you may use it as a wired controller if you'd rather have the assurance that something won't run out of power.

3. D-Pad Joy-Con Hori

The greatest for old school video games.Details of the Hori D-Pad Joy-Con: Play an abundance of old-school video games on-the-go? So, the Hori D-Pad Joy-Con is an absolute must-have. This takes the place of your left Joy-Con and offers a conventional D-Pad, perfect for playing Game Boy games on the Nintendo Switch Online (or NES and SNES). Those who grew up with the original games may find the controls on the normal Joy-Con off-putting (particularly if you're using a stick). This is because the original games featured a D-Pad.This controller does have one significant drawback, though: it can only be used while it is inserted into your Switch. Wireless playback is not a possibility since it lacks a power source of its own. This seems a bit odd, as standard Joy-Cons can do the same thing.Thankfully, the earlier visuals don't necessarily look as well when blown up on a huge TV screen, so playing the classics in handheld mode is still the best option (I believe). In the meanwhile, this Switch controller has a very good appearance. There is a Mario version in addition to the Zelda one shown above, and both are very great.It is important to note that this controller was heavily criticised upon its release for rapidly depleting the Switch's battery. If this has discouraged you from purchasing one, don't worry; unless you reject all system updates, it won't effect you. The issue was fixed with a Switch update.

4. Hori Split Pad Pro for Nintendo Switch

The top handheld controller available. Details of the Hori Split Pad Pro: Advantages<

• Comfortable ergonomic design
• Cheaper than Joy-Cons

Drawbacks

• Lacks many Joy-Con features
• Can only be used in handheld mode

Do you use handheld mode on your Switch more frequently? Controllers like the Hori Split Pad Pro are indispensable. With this low-cost upgrade, your Switch feels much more like the Pro Controller and is considerably more comfortable for extended gaming sessions.It does give up features like motion controls, NFC scanning, and HD Rumble, but it more than makes up for it with improved ergonomics. Even while some players may be upset about these features being gone, we also know that many of you will be OK without them since the greatest Switch games are still fantastic without them.Because it can only be used when inserted straight into the Switch, it is a bit less flexible than other controllers. It's not a problem at all if you exclusively use your Switch in handheld mode, as many people do, but it's important to remember that if you want to play on your TV, you'll need an additional controller.

5. 8Bitdo Zero 2The Nintendo Switch controller that is most portable. Details of the 8Bitdo Zero:Advantages

• Tiny size helps portability
• Really cheap
• Works with other devices

Drawbacks

• Size may be off-putting for some
• Short battery life

This powerful but little controller is a hit as an emergency controller, and it's small enough to put on your keys. This stylish device, which can play games on iOS, Android, and the Nintendo Switch, could be the ideal complement to your setup.However, we must clearly stress how little it is. Do you believe that a controller with only one Joy-Con is fairly compact? Compared to a single controller, this is much smaller. It can even be difficult for you to use if you have big hands.However, to be honest, it's quite affordable and fulfils your needs well. Although its mobility makes it very useful, we would have preferred a little longer battery life. It is also rather adorable.

6. Enhanced Wired Controller PowerA Spectra

The greatest Nintendo Switch controller that is wired. Specifications of the PowerA Spectra Enhanced Wired Controller:Advantages

• Well-designed wired controller
• Two programmable buttons

Drawbacks

• No gyro, motion controls, or HD Rumble
• No option for handheld play

There aren't many better wired options available. There are several reasons to like the Spectra, including its pleasant weight, superb analogue sticks with anti-friction rings, mappable game buttons, and even programmable LED lighting.However, as this one can only be used while the Switch is in its dock, it won't work if you want to play in handheld mode. However, if you utilise the Joy-Cons for portable gaming and leave this for when you're relaxing at home, you should be good to go for a lot of folks who find that they work quite well for on-the-go gaming.In fact, it has a few customisable buttons on the rear, which makes it perfect for competitive players. To quickly and easily employ these abilities in a hurry, you may give them other functions. It's a fantastic method to assist customise the controller to fit your own playing style.

7. Use a different GameCube controller

The finest Super Smash Bros. controller Details of the Switch GameCube Controller:Advantages

• Authentic GameCube controller
• An adapter lets you use historic GameCube controllers

Drawbacks

• Only works with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
• Doesn’t use the wireless WaveBird design

This is a GameCube controller that has been branded with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and is compatible with the Switch thanks to a converter. I mean, it's lovely to be able to purchase a brand-new GameCube controller in 2024.You won't be able to use it as your "main" controller unless Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the only game you play, sadly (let's hope for a future where GameCube games are part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, and these work with them).Even if they're not used much, we're nonetheless glad they're around. Longtime fans will relish the opportunity to play Smash Bros. with this legendary controller once again, and collectors will want to add them to their collection. You may just purchase the adapter and use an old GameCube controller if you already own one.

8.

8Bitdo Pro 2 Wireless ControllerThe greatest mobile device controller available. 8Bitdo Pro 2 Wireless ControllerAdvantages<

• Works on most mobile devices
• Loads of customization options

Drawbacks

• No HD Rumble or NFC scanner

This controller is a true workhorse and has functionality that is very similar to the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, but it is still lacking a few minor functions. A delightful tactile sensation complements an exquisite design, and it works with almost any Bluetooth-enabled device. For mobile gaming sessions, this is a terrific alternative to keep in your bag and use with your Switch or smart device!With the exception of Select and Start, almost all of the buttons may be remapped, and you can save up to four distinct configuration profiles. This implies that you may quickly switch between the settings with a flip of a switch and modify how it functions for various devices.The absence of an NFC reader on this controller could disappoint fans of collecting and using amiibo. Additionally, it does not have the HD Rumble functionality that comes with genuine Nintendo controllers, which may make the gaming experience a bit less engaging. Should they not seem like significant setbacks to you, the 8Bitdo Pro 2 is an excellent option.

9.

8BitDo Ultimate controllerThe top-tier Switch controller from a third party. Details of the 8Bitdo Ultimate Controller:<Advantages

• Comes with a charging dock
• Loads of customisation options

Drawbacks

• No NFC scanner
• Bit on the pricey side

The 8BitDo Ultimate is a genuine competitor for the Switch Pro controller, including a few more features that might potentially make it the greatest controller available. It is the best controller 8BitDo has ever produced, but it comes with a price to match.The one feature it lacks over the Switch Pro is the ability to scan amiibo. There will undoubtedly be a tiny but devoted fan base that spends endless hours levelling up amiibo in Smash Bros. and then sparring with friends, but you won't be losing out on much since the Switch has a lot less amiibo content than previous systems.In the meanwhile, it retains HD Rumble in addition to the motion and gyro controls. It's amazing that despite this, hardly many third-party controllers manage to provide you as many personalisation choices as that one does. It is possible to preserve profiles and remap buttons. It's the most feature-rich third-party controller available right now.Check out our evaluation of the8BitDo Ultimate controller for our complete comments.

How the finest Switch controllers were selected

We used the following standards to choose which alternatives to include in the final list:

• Pricing: We wanted options for gamers on every budget. There are some amazing premium Switch controllers, but we also felt it was important to include some cheaper ones that still manage to pack a punch.
• Portability: As much as the Nintendo Switch is a hybrid, there are a lot of people who like to play their console on the go. We’ve included options which shouldn’t be too difficult to bring with you when playing in handheld mode (except for those explicitly made for docked play).
• Switch Pro features: The Switch Pro is an impressive controller that offers many fancy bells and whistles, from gyro and motion controls, to NFC scanning, and HD Rumble. Not everyone will want or need these, but when it comes to third-party controllers, those which can match this are the ones that have the most to offer.
• Customization: Nintendo rarely let players customize things for some reason. No doubt some arrogant notion about knowing best. If you need a controller with programmable buttons, you’ll have to go for a third-party choice. Fortunately, we’ve covered a couple of these on this list.
• Aesthetics: Who doesn’t like their controller to look good? Though it’s more of a secondary concern for us, we didn’t want to include any hideous cheap-o controllers.

Go through our how we test page if you have any further questions regarding the process we used to compile this list. Have unanswered questions still? Examine the frequently asked questions below:

For the Nintendo Switch, what kind of controller works best?

In general, we would suggest selecting choices made by Nintendo themselves. They often include features that third-party makers overlook and are tailored for Nintendo games. But you'll have to search elsewhere if you're looking for customisable buttons and other features. Nintendo doesn't provide them.

How many different controllers are there for the Nintendo Switch?

Really, too numerous to count. Numerous manufacturers are producing their own controllers in an attempt to capitalise on the popularity of the Switch. We advise staying with Nintendo-produced products or reputable companies like PowerA or 8Bitdo.

Exists a Switch controller that is not prone to drifting?

Indeed. Modern Joy-Cons really don't have that issue. It was a significant issue in the console's early days, but Nintendo fixed the technology, so Joy-Cons are now much more dependable.See our guides to the best MicroSD cards for Switch and the best Nintendo Switch cases for other Nintendo Switch accessories.