If you’re up to date with the latest and greatest in the gaming world, you’d know that the Nintendo Switch is one of the best-selling consoles of all time. With constant updates and new releases, we don’t see the Nintendo Switch going anywhere anytime soon! Luckily, Nintendo is also on the ball when it comes to controllers for the console, with countless offerings up for grabs that allow you to enjoy your switch in a way that best suits you. Time to get gaming!
Best Nintendo Switch Controllers
Combing our way through the internet’s best, we’ve pulled together the best controllers we’ve tested, alongside those that have overwhelmingly positive reviews from users. Here are the 10 best Nintendo Switch controllers and how to know what to choose when it comes to finding the right controller for you.
1. 8BitDo SN30 Pro+
Lovers of all things retro, this is definitely one of best Nintendo Switch controllers we’ve come across. With a wireless design, you do compromise a little on battery life and power, however, the functionality is top-notch. During our time with the 8BitDo SN30 Pro+, we found the suite of key features, such as rumble vibration, motion controls, button mapping, and adjustable hair trigger buttons made things all the more enjoyable. The best addition, however, was the modifiable joystick sensitivity, which isn’t an entirely unique premise, but it appears 8Bitdo has probably done the best job of it. Overall, it’s a fun, quirky design and its comfort factor, which means that you can play for hours on end with no worries at all.
Brand: 8Bitdo
Dimensions: 2.54 x 2.54 x 2.54 cm
Weight: 362.87 grams
Release Date: 7 August 2019
Connection: USB-C
Bluetooth: Yes
Format: Wireless
Price: $79.95
2. PDP Faceoff Deluxe+ Audio Wired Controller
A perennial favourite amongst gamers, the PDP Faceoff Deluxe + Audio offers a host of great features for a fraction of the usual price. Ideal for the budget-conscious home gamer, this Nintendo Switch controller comes with a cool, sleek design and supports in-game audio for all games and USB chat for compatible titles> it is wired so mobility is down, however, the super-long USB cable will keep you connected. The unique interchangeable design means you can swap out and snap in different Faceoff faceplates, making it a solid gamepad for a very affordable price. TomsGuide gave this 4/5 while Big Daddy Gaming went one step further with 5/5 review. Pretty hard to knock those numbers on a sub $30 controller.
Brand: PDP
Dimensions: 0.9 x 0.3 x 2.1 cm
Weight: 399.16 Grams
Release Date: 1 July 2020
Connection: USB-C
Format: Wired
Price: $27.99
3. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
It’s hard to go past the original creators, right? If you’re planning on spending a fair bit of time playing your switch, this controller is everything you could ever dream of. Crafted by Nintendo themselves, the original Switch controller still holds up strong. Ideal for playing in TV mode and tabletop mode, we’ve found this controller’s motion controls, HD rumble and built-in amiibo functionality are among the best of its peers, even if the hardware is a little dated by today’s standards. The traditional style gamepad means you can say goodbye to the claw-hand you start to get after a long sesh using the Joy-Cons, adios!
Brand: Nintendo
Dimensions: 6.5 x 15.3 x 15.5 cm
Weight: 399.73 Grams
Release Date: 3 March 2017
Connection: USB-C
Format: Wired/Wireless
Price: From $120
4. Nintendo Joy-Con
Enjoying playing with a pal? A set of a Joy-Con (L) and a Joy-Con (R) with two Joy-Con straps would be the ideal controller for you. We recommend this controller purely because it allows multiple players to play on one Nintendo Switch console, which means you can make it even more fun and interactive! All you have to do is attach the Joy-Con strap to your wrist when you play which will allow you to hold the Joy-Con more easily and game with supreme comfort.
Brand: Nintendo
Dimensions: 14 x 12 x 4.2 cm
Weight: 182 Grams
Release Date: 3 March 2017
Connection: USB-C
Format: Wireless
Price: From $120
5. Nyko Dualies
For the ultimate immersive and interactive experience while playing your Nintendo Switch, the Nyko Dualies will help get you there. It is a motion controller set that is also perfect for multiplayer. While we haven’t tested this one ourselves, the reviews do sounds impressive, thanks in part to the accurate, multi-functional motion control and rumble feedback. The best bit is the grip. By all accounts, with its large, round edges, improved grip and extreme comfort, you should be able to play all day long.
Brand: Nyko
Dimensions: 13.6 x 3.98 x 17cm
Weight: 204 grams
Release Date: 17 October 2018
Connection: USB-C
Format: Wireless
Price: $39.99
6. HORIPAD+
This classic-looking controller has been made with the subtleties of the Nintendo Switch at the forefront of its design, resulting in a highly customizable wired controller for the Nintendo Switch. The epic controller is equipped with special motion aim features, turbo hold and you can even connect your headset for in-game chat. Whilst it may not look that flash, its gameplay will definitely prove otherwise.
Brand: Hori
Dimensions: 18.5 x 14.5 x 9cm
Weight: 408 grams
Release Date: 21 September 2021
Connection: USB-C
Format: Wired
Price: $49.99
7. PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller
Run, jump, manoeuvre and do everything in between with the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller. The more affordable equivalent to the official Pro controller, the PowerA is just as good, featuring motion controls and mappable advanced gaming buttons all within a stylish, ergonomic design with a standard button layout. It also comes in really cool designs, such as Animal Crossing or Pokemon and has an internal rechargeable battery, which gives you up to 30 hours of gameplay!
Brand: PowerA
Dimensions: 15 x 10.6 x 6.1cm
Weight: 408 grams
Release Date: 10 October 2020
Connection: USB-C
Format: Wireless
8. PowerA GameCube Style Controller
This is considered to be one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers if your favourite game to play includes the Super Smash Bros. The gamepad is wireless and features motion controls as well as system Buttons for compatibility across all Nintendo Switch games. We love the classic GameCube design of this controller, effortlessly transporting us back to the early days of Nintendo, in a good way!
Brand: PowerA
Dimensions: 17.3 x 2,6 x 10.9cm
Weight: 150 grams
Release Date: 23 November 2018
Connection: USB-C
Format: Wireless
Price: $125.00
9. Hori Split Pad Pro
Bigger than most of the controllers on the list, the Hori Split Pad Pro still fits into the sides of your console like normal, but the chunkier style provides a more comfortable grip, full-sized thumbsticks and wider shoulder buttons. Not only is it easier to hold and control, but it also features assignable rear triggers and turbo functionally! The sexy, translucent black design is another reason why this controller is one of our favourites.
Brand: Hori
Dimensions: 17 x 15.8 x 5.5cm
Weight: 226 grams
Release Date: 10 August 2020
Connection: USB-C
Format: Wireless
Price: $49.99
10. PDP Little Wireless
The PDP Little Wireless is by far one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers if you’re after something compact that you can pop in your pocket wherever you go. Expertly designed for on-the-go gaming, it can fit into any small space and features a 40-hour battery life, 30-foot wireless range, and motion controls, so you can play anywhere, at any time.
Brand: PDP
Weight: 80 grams
Release Date: 8 September 2020
Connection: USB-C
Format: Wireless
Price: $135
Nintendo Switch Controller Buying Guide
When it comes to picking up the best Nintendo Switch controller, it’s not as straightforward as you might think. There are a few key considerations to put front of mind before you hit the store or buy online. Here are the major things to look out for:
Wireless Nintendo Switch Controller (Our pick)
If you’re on the hunt for the best wireless Nintendo Switch controller, there are a few things you need to look out for. Ensure the controller has wireless Bluetooth, rumble vibration, motion controls and a USB-C port. Other desirable features also include button mapping for system-changing accuracy, modifiable vibration, adjustable hair-trigger buttons and a modifiable joystick sensitivity. A controller that incorporates all these features, and more, is the 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro+ Bluetooth Gamepad (Second Edition).
- Pros – Mobility is always a winner in our books. Having a controller you can walk around the room with makes life a little easier. it also helps when you’re playing those more intense games.
- Cons – Battery life will play an issue. Try to find a wireless controller with a few hours of battery life left in it. Also, try not to lose it, as we know they have a habit of going walkabout.
Wired Nintendo Switch Controller
If you want to kick things back old-school style, there are a few things you should look out for if you’re wanting the best Nintendo Switch wired Controller. The PDP Faceoff Deluxe+ Audio Wired Controller is our top pick, with a super affordable price tag of just $25, a solid design, programmable buttons and built-in voice chat.
What about Joy-Con Controllers?
Joy-con controllers have the potential for heaps of added features, but you need to make sure the one you’re buying isn’t missing any important ones! Most Switch Joy-Cons should have features including an IR sensor, a feature that can scan collectible Nintendo Amiibo figures that give bonuses or exclusive features in games using the near-field communication (NFC) sensor, as well as HD rumble. For the best joy-con controller, we recommend the Binbok Joypad for Switch, the Hori Nintendo Switch Split Pad Pro and the KINVOCA C25 JoyPad Controller.
General FAQs
The best wireless controller for Nintendo Switch is the 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro+ Bluetooth Gamepad (Second edition).
The best wired controller for Nintendo Switch is the PDP Faceoff Deluxe+ Audio Wired Controller.
The Hori Split Pad Pro is the best Joy-Con controller for Nintendo Switch.
