Nintendo, arguably the most influential gaming company in history, is known for being very innovative. Whether it be the original NES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, or the Wii, their consoles have broken barriers and taken the gaming world to the next level. When the Nintendo Switch was released worldwide on March 3, 2017, the trend continued, with Nintendo offering something exciting and truly unique. They delivered a next-gen console with beautiful graphics that gamers can take wherever they go. Such a console provides multiple ways of playing games, creating a need for various controller options.
There is nothing like playing games on the Nintendo Switch. Gamers can play on traditional controllers or with the one-of-a-kind Joy-Con controllers. A player may prefer using a traditional controller for certain games but chooses to go with the Joy-Cons in another. There are so many controller options for the Switch it can be difficult to know which ones are best. The rest of this article will highlight the best options in an assortment of categories.
When picking out a new Switch controller, there are a few factors to keep in mind.
- Connection Method: What kind of connection works best, wired, wireless, or handheld controllers?
- Special Features: What features on a controller would benefit your gaming style or performance?
Nintendo Switch Pro Wireless Controller
While the price tag may be higher than some other options, the Nintendo Switch Pro Wireless Controller is the best overall controller for the Nintendo Switch. It's perfectly sized, has a massive 40-hour battery life, and has seamless connectivity. It features motion controls, HD rumble, built-in Amiibo functionality, and much more.
- Brand
- Nintendo
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch, PC
- Battery
- 40 Hours
- Connectivity
- Wireless (BT), USB-C
- Headset Support
- Requires add-on
- Programmable
- Yes
- Extra Buttons
- No
- Comfortable Design
- Amiibo Support
- More Expensive than Third-Party Controllers
- Limited Color Options
Sometimes if the best is required, one needs to head straight to the source. The Pro Wireless Controller is a near-perfect gaming controller manufactured by Nintendo themselves. In terms of comfort and quality, it cannot be beaten. Combining the best parts of the Wii's Classic Controller Pro, GameCube controller, and an Xbox controller, the Pro Wireless Controller is a culmination of all things good. Not only is it comfortable and responsive, but it has a bunch of extra features. It has HD rumble, motion controls and can communicate with Amiibos.
The Nintendo Pro Wireless controller comes in a clean, all-black color scheme. Over the years, the legendary Japanese gaming company has released some special editions of the controller. There have been Splatoon, Monster Hunter Rise, Xenoblade Chronicles, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate varieties. Whatever the choice, the wireless controller looks top-notch.
PowerA Spectra Enhanced Wired Controller
PowerA packed a ton of great features in this officially licensed Nintendo Switch wired controller. The two programmable rear buttons can give players a huge edge in multiplayer matchups. Choose from over 30 unique designs that include characters like Mario, Link, Kirby, and more!
8-color RGB lighting gives the PowerA Spectra Enhanced a distinctive look, even among far more expensive controllers. The attached braided cable is designed to last years without the hassle of rechargeable batteries.
- Brand
- PowerA
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch, PC
- Connectivity
- Wired
- Programmable
- Yes
- Extra Buttons
- Two
- Lots of Design Options
- Comfortable Design
- Micro USB Connection
Gamers have debated for years over if a wireless or wired controller is best. But, of course, it really comes down to the individual's preferences. If, ultimately, one decides to go with a wired controller for the Nintendo Switch, there are a ton of options to choose from. While there are many stellar options, none are better than the PowerA Spectra Enhanced Wired Controller. This controller is so great that it even has a feature that Nintendo’s Pro Wireless Controller is lacking: two mappable backside buttons. These buttons can give players a huge advantage, as they can be programmed to be anything and can be accessed more quickly than the regular buttons. On top of that, the design is fantastic. It’s similarly shaped like the nearly-perfectly sized Pro Wireless Controller, and the ten-foot detachable USB cable usually gives more than enough length.
One of the best things about the PowerA Spectra Enhanced Wired Controller is its huge assortment of looks. There are currently 33 options on Amazon to choose from! The standard version comes in a black design paired with LED lighting that can be quickly changed to one of the eight dazzling color options. In addition, PowerA has teamed up with several famous brands to feature some of the world’s most recognizable gaming characters on their controllers. Some options include Mario characters and items, The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, Crash Bandicoot, Animal Crossing, and more.
Nintendo Joy-Con Wireless Controllers
Players will be best off with a pair of Nintendo Joy-Cons when it comes to playing games with motion controls. With a 20-hour battery life and connectivity that can be trusted, these controllers are well worth the asking price. Choose from over 10 colors and a large range of special editions.
- Brand
- Nintendo
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Battery
- 20 Hours
- Connectivity
- Wireless
- HD Rumble
- Can be used as two seprate controllers
- Joystick Drift is a common problem
Often imitated but never duplicated, Nintendo’s own Joy-Cons are the best Joy-Cons available for the Switch. While some third parties offer more affordable options, they tend to be lacking in terms of lag and longevity. Nintendo’s wireless Joy-Cons are the number one option when playing games that involve motion controls. Designed to work seamlessly as if an extension of one’s body, using them is free and easy. On a full charge, they get about 20 hours of gameplay, allowing for many sessions before having to worry about charging. The crispness of the controls, perfect design, and wireless connection make this option impossible to beat.
Players will love the fact that Nintendo’s Joy-Cons are available in a bunch of colors and special editions. If one wants to add a little of their own personality in their controller, they will have no problem finding a specific color or character. There are 11 color options alone, including muted colors like gray or white and vibrant hues like neon green or purple. Additionally, Nintendo has released many special editions of the Joy-Cons, collaborating with games like Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!, Disney Tsum Tsum, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Nintendo Switch HORIPAD Wired Controller
An officially licensed Nintendo Switch controller, it adds a Turbo button but sacrifices motion control and vibration to offer a cost-effective wired controller alternative to the Nintendo Switch Pro controller.
- Brand
- HORI
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch, PC (X-input)
- Battery
- N/A
- Connectivity
- USB-A
- Headset Support
- No
- Programmable
- Yes
- Extra Buttons
- Yes
- Very Affordable
- Comfortable Shape
- No motion or rumble support
For those gamers looking for a no-frills gamepad that is under $30 but doesn't feel like it, the HORIPAD switch controller might just be the perfect fit. Although this controller is not wireless, the 10-foot cable makes it easy to play Switch games from the couch and not have to sit on the floor right by the TV.
This controller is undoubtedly lacking for gamers that want features like HD rumble and Amiibo support. But overall, it will be hard to find a Switch controller that is this affordable and performs as well as the HORIPAD.
8BitDo SN30 Pro
The 8BitDo SN30 Pro combines the retro styling of a classic SNES controller with modern-day features like Bluetooth. It also boasts a full button set with clickable joysticks, rumble vibration, motion controls, and a rechargeable battery over USB-C.
- Brand
- 8BitDo
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch, Windows, MacOS, Steam
- Battery
- 500mAh Li-on rechargeable battery
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Retro Design
- USB-C Charging
- Ergonomics are not great for long gaming sessions
Retro gamers are a group of people who know what they like, so picking a controller that will suit their needs is not an easy task. The 8BitDo SN30 Pro might not hit all the points a retro gamer wants, but the overall design and excellent D-Pad make it worth trying. Modeled after the SNES controller, this gamepad perfectly blends the retro look and modern-day creature comforts like wireless support.
With Nintendo releasing more and more retro games to the Switch, especially with the Nintendo Switch Online Packs for Gameboy, it's hard to go wrong with a controller made for them. Do be warned, though; the lack of hand grips might take some getting used to and are not the best for long gaming sessions.
Hori Split Pad Pro
The HORI Split Pad Pro lets players game with the full-size controller experience in handheld mode. In addition, the included Split Pad Pro Attachment allows gamers to use the Split Pad Pro as a high-quality wired controller when attached.
With full-sized joysticks and larger shoulder buttons, this controller can be easily used for long gaming sessions with minimal cramping.
- Brand
- Hori
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Connectivity
- Wired Unless In Handheld Mode
- Headset Support
- Yes
- Programmable
- No
- Extra Buttons
- 2 Back Buttons
- Ergonomics are great for long gaming sessions
- Can be docked with controllers still attached
- Only wired for docked gaming mode
For those Switch player that likes to play both in handheld mode and docked mode, this controller is the way to go. It will give gamers the feeling of a pro controller in handheld mode and can even be docked to charge without taking the Hori Split Pad Pros off. In addition, it comes with various colorways and makes those longer handheld gaming sessions much easier on your hands.
Switching over to docked mode is simple, but the major downside is that it has to be plugged in because the controllers are not self-powered. The included adapter set makes this less of a con, though, because it comes with a nice long cable, making playing from the couch a viable option.
How To Pick Out The Best Switch Controller For You?
Connection Method
The choice between wireless or wired controllers used to be a question of performance or comfort. It is relatively similar now, but wireless controllers have caught up quite a lot from a performance standpoint. For those gamers that do not want to leave any performance up to chance, a wired controller will give better latency over any wireless controller. Wired controllers also have a massive advantage in the fact that they don't ever need to be recharged.
Wireless controllers are much more convenient than wired options, especially with how streamlined the Switch is. What it comes down to is personal preference.
Special Features
Special features or the X factor of a controller make it the perfect controller, regardless of the gamer's play style. For example, those gamers that want HD Rumble and Amiibo support should use a first-party controller from Nintendo. Other things can be the controller's layout, like the 8BitDo SN30, which makes retro games feel more in place and immersive.
Don't go exorbitantly over your budget, but finding a controller that hits a majority of your creature comforts will be well worth it and probably last longer than a cheapo controller that can be bought on a whim.
FAQ
Q: How much do Nintendo Switch controllers cost?
With so many options, prices can vary from around $20 for budget options while special editions can get up to $100.
Q: How many controllers can you connect to Nintendo Switch?
It depends on the type of controller. Players can connect four pairs of Joy-Cons, eight Wireless Pro Controllers, or two USB Controllers.
Q: What are the best controllers for Nintendo Switch?
The best controllers are the Pro Wireless Controller, PowerA Spectra Enhanced Wired Controller, Nintendo’s Joy-Con Wireless Controllers, FLIEEP Wireless Switch Controller (budget option), and the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch - Mario Pop.