Best Nintendo Switch Controllers In 2022

Time Stamp: May 27, 2022 2:52 PM

You don’t technically need to buy extra controllers for your Nintendo Switch. After all, most multiplayer games on Switch support single Joy-Con play–so it’s one of the rare consoles that allows you to play local multiplayer without buying any extra accessories. That said, the Joy-Con controllers are really only ideal for handheld mode, as pairing them together with the included grip doesn’t feel quite like a conventional controller. A quality controller is one of the first accessories you should buy for your Switch. Though the Switch Pro controller is an easy and safe choice, there are plenty of other third-party controllers worth considering. We’ve rounded up the best Nintendo Switch controllers in 2022. There are Switch controllers designed for every type of game and experience, so depending on what you play, you may want to pick up a couple of the controllers on this list.

We’ve tested all sorts of Nintendo Switch controllers to find the ones we think are most worth picking up. Some of the top brands to consider include 8BitDo, a maker of retro-inspired controllers and the company behind our favorite Pro Controller alternative, the Pro 2; Hori, which makes the Split Pad Pro and more of the best Nintendo Switch accessories; and PDP, which offers some of the best budget Switch controllers and a great GameCube-style option as well. Depending on your Switch gaming habits and needs, you can find a great third-party Switch controller out there for less than the price of a Pro Controller–though it’s not a bad idea to invest in one of those as well.

From Switch Pro Controller alternatives and better Joy-Cons to fight sticks and retro pads, here are the best Switch controllers we’ve tried and swear by. Plus, check out our picks for the best Nintendo Switch carrying cases, screen protectors, and grips as well as great Bluetooth headsets for Switch.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller


Best Nintendo Switch controller in 2022

The Good:

  • The best ergonomics of any controller I’ve used
  • Buttons are satisfying to press
  • Features NFC/Amiibo support, HD rumble, and motion controls

The Bad:

  • D-Pad is prone to incorrect inputs

Listen, we can’t talk about the best Nintendo Switch controllers on the market without first talking about the first-party option, the Switch Pro Controller. The Switch Pro Controller is a great buy for most players with very few faults. It arguably has the best ergonomics among Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony’s first-party console video game controllers. It’s the perfect size for large hands, and the triggers are shaped just right for resting fingers. The face buttons feel good to press; the +, -, Home, and Screenshot buttons click wonderfully; and the analog sticks have a good amount of tension; it even has motion control included, so you don’t have to switch to Joy-Cons for certain Switch games. It’s got great battery life, too, and even works with the Switch Lite, if that’s something you’re looking for. All these advantages make it work brilliantly for most Switch games.

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller also boasts a lot of features most third-party controllers rarely include as well as a pretty capable USB-C to USB-A cable. This includes NFC/Amiibo support, HD rumble, and motion controls. These things aren’t required for the vast majority of games, but every now and then, a certain utilization of them can put a smile on your face–HD rumble is used excellently in Super Mario Odyssey, for example. While there’s no doubt the Pro Controller is one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers and one of the best Switch accessories you can buy, but when there are great options at cheaper prices, it’s hard to justify buying a second, third, and/or fourth for your friends to use for, say, Smash.

8Bitdo Pro 2


Best Switch Pro Controller alternative

The Good:

  • Extensive button mapping and macro customization, including two new back buttons
  • New switches make togging between custom profiles and modes easy
  • Adjustable dead-zones for analog sticks and triggers
  • Customizable rumble functionality
  • Removable, rechargeable battery lasting up to 20 hours
  • Allows for the use of two AA batteries instead of the battery pack
  • Also doubles as an excellent option for classic games

The Bad:

  • Requires a computer to customize controller inputs

For a long time, the 8BitDo SN30 Pro Plus ranked on this list as one of our favorite Switch controllers, but its successor, the 8BitDo Pro 2, improves on the Pro Plus in key ways while retaining its best features. The Pro 2 is, quite simply, the best Switch Pro controller alternative on the market, with a design inspired by the SNES. This Bluetooth gamepad features extensive customization for button mapping, analog sticks, trigger inputs, and vibration adjustments. Notably, the Pro 2 adds two back paddle buttons to give you more control while playing, along with an enhanced grip and more ergonomic shape. It allows you to swap button inputs, invert the X and Y axis on your analog sticks, and more. You can even create macros of up to 18 inputs. All of this customization must be done on a computer screen, but 8Bitdo’s customization software is a breeze to use. Plus, this software is now available with Android and iOS as well as PC.

Custom profile switching is another new feature present in the Pro 2, letting you store up to three different profiles that can be switched on the fly with an easily accessible button on the front of the controller. This is joined by a mode switch button on the back, which lets you switch between Switch, macOS, D-Input, and X-Input for quickly pairing to different devices. It includes a removable, rechargeable battery and also allows for disposable batteries.

PowerA Fusion Pro wireless controller


Best four-paddle Switch controller

The Good:

  • Four mappable back paddles
  • Great form factor
  • Responsive controls

The Bad:

  • No HD Rumble or Amiibo support
  • Sticks are a tad looser than the Pro controller

The PowerA Fusion Pro retains the same layout and form factor as the Switch Pro controller while adding four mappable back paddles. The Fusion Pro has rubber grips for added comfort and connects via Bluetooth. Another great feature on the Fusion Pro is that it has a headphone jack, which is curiously absent from some of the other best Switch controllers. That said, the headphone jack only works when playing with a wired connection. The Fusion Pro comes with a 10-foot USB-C cable and a storage case for the controller. It’s important to note that it does not have HD rumble or Amiibo support. It does offer motion controls, though.

PDP Gaming Faceoff Deluxe+


Best budget Switch Pro controller

The Good:

  • Great D-pad
  • Excellent ergonomics
  • Remappable paddles
  • Audio port works great for voice chat-enabled games and listening with headphones

The Bad:

  • Can hit paddles by accident in some cases
  • Can’t wake the Switch up from Sleep Mode

The PDP Faceoff Deluxe+ is a great budget controller for Nintendo Switch. This wired controller has remappable paddles and an audio port. Plus, costs less than 30 bucks. From a design perspective, it’s very similar to the Switch Pro Controller. The sticks and triggers are a tad higher, but besides that, it’s largely the same form factor wise.

Its analog sticks have similar tension to the Pro controller’s, and it has a great D-pad. The 3.5mm audio port is a good option for voice chat in supported games or simply listening to in-game audio. This works really well, with the ability to control your volume on the controller itself and within the Switch’s menu. And with its wired connection, you don’t have to worry about its battery dying. Because that wired connection powers the Switch, however, you won’t be able to turn the console on from Sleep Mode–you’ll have to hit the Power button on your docked Switch before starting to play.

Unfortunately, there’s only one configuration profile and no way to turn the paddles off, so if you don’t want to use them, you’ll have to go through the short process of mapping them to each other–this makes it so there’s no input when pressing them. It’s a minor issue, but an annoying one nonetheless.

As long as you’re okay with these few inconveniences, we wholeheartedly recommend the Faceoff Deluxe+ wired controller.

Hori Split Pad Pro


Best for handheld players

The Good:

  • Ergonomic design makes handheld play more comfortable
  • More accurate analog sticks than Nintendo’s Joy-Cons
  • Excellent D-pad
  • Bigger face and shoulder buttons
  • Easily fits into the dock with Split Pad Pro attached
  • Programmable back paddles

The Bad:

  • Back paddles can only be programmed to a button on its respective side
  • No rumble, motion controls, or NFC reader capability

The Hori Split Pad Pro is the best set of Joy-Cons around. The Split Pad Pro gives the Switch a more conventional controller form factor when playing in handheld mode thanks to its curved handles that add a welcome bulkiness your grip. In addition to the added ergonomics, the Split Pad Pro boasts regular analog sticks, not the low-profile thumbsticks seen on the Joy-Cons. It also has beefier triggers and buttons as well as a real D-pad, making it great for both modern and classic games. Mappable back triggers add more customization and make the Split Pad Pro the ideal controller for competitive handheld play on Switch.

The Split Pad Pro is limited to handheld play since it draws power from the console itself. However, if you want a Split Pad Pro that can also function as a conventional controller in TV mode, Hori has released a new model called the Split Pad Pro Attachment. Each side of the controller connects to a grip attachment to become a wired controller. While there are a bunch of great Nintendo Switch grips, none of them fix the Joy-Cons’ limitations better than the Split Pad Pro.

Hori D-Pad Controller


Best for those who just want a real D-pad

The Good:

  • A great, convenient option for a D-Pad in handheld mode
  • Very comfortable for games that excel with a D-pad

The Bad:

  • Restricted to handheld use only
  • Incompatible with most cases and grips
  • Doesn’t come with a matching right controller

Perhaps the most disappointing thing about the Switch Joy-Con as a game controller is the lack of a proper D-Pad on its left Joy-Con. It’s not an automatic dealbreaker, with games like Breath of the Wild and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate not utilizing the D-pad for anything super demanding, but when the situation calls for it, the Hori D-Pad Joy-Con feels a lot more precise and comfortable when playing in handheld mode without having to resort to a fully alternate gamepad. The D-pad on Hori’s Joy-Con is a bit soft, but it’s hard to deny just how pleasant the experience is.

There are a few things that are important to note, however. First off, this Joy-Con can’t be used wirelessly, so you’re restricted to using it in handheld mode. Secondly, it’s incompatible with most cases and grips. This is because the latch button protrudes out further than the official Nintendo Joy-Cons. We took a pair of scissors and cut out a space for it on a cheap Orzly grip case, Finally, you should note that you’ll only get one left controller–there’s not matching right controller included.

PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller


Best Switch controller for themed designs

The Good:

  • Wide range of designs from popular Nintendo franchises and more
  • Supports motion controls and mappable buttons
  • Comfortable ergonomic design is extremely similar to Switch Pro Controller

The Bad:

  • Build quality feels cheap compared to other brands
  • Uses two AA batteries, not rechargeable (unless you use your own rechargeable batteries)
  • No support for HD rumble, IR, or Amiibo NFC

The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller is an honorable mention when it comes to discussing Switch Pro Controller alternatives. Though it can’t stand up to the Pro 2’s build quality and customization, this controller is a nice alternative to PDP’s Faceoff Deluxe+ if you’re looking for a wireless option. PowerA has outdone itself when it comes to the range of designs available for the Enhanced Wireless Controller, with bold and striking designs themed after Nintendo franchises and other popular series, from Mario and Zelda to Cuphead, Spyro, and The Witcher. Priced at $50, you’ll often find nice deals on older designs at Amazon as well.

Build-wise, the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller is simply lacking compared to some other controllers on this list. It feels lighter and cheaper than the Pro Controller, the joysticks are slightly taller, and the D-pad is slightly further in. Overall, the controller looks and feels quite similar to the first-party option with a comfortable, ergonomic design and standard button layout, but it lacks that premium feel. You do get two mappable rear buttons and support for motion controls, but not HD rumble, IR, or Amiibo NFC. Finally, this model runs on AA batteries and can’t be recharged similar to the Pro Controller, though you could use rechargeable AA batteries in it.

Ultimately, we love the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller for its unmatched range of themed designs and its overall similarities to the Pro Controller with a cheaper price tag, though we don’t recommend picking this up to be your main Switch controller. Instead, make this your second or third Switch controller that you pick up for multiplayer sessions or for when your Pro Controller needs to charge.

8BitDo M30 Bluetooth


Best classic controller for Nintendo Switch

The Good:

  • Fantastic D-pad and ergonomics
  • Connects directly to Nintendo Switch
  • Also compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and Raspberry Pi

The Bad:

  • Not suitable for all games

8BitDo’s M30 controller is an excellent retro gamepad, especially if you have Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack to play the library of Sega Genesis games. The M30 uses the six-button Genesis layout, which makes it far more versatile than the original three-button Genesis controllers. Its ergonomics have been shaped differently to make it more comfortable to hold than the Sega original, and the D-pad simply incredible. Classic titles, platformers, and fighting games are the obvious choice for the M30, but it’s great for a wide variety of genres. It’s definitely not going to work with every game, especially those that rely on a second analog stick, but it’s a nice option to have around.

8Bitdo N30 Bluetooth


Best NES controller for Switch Online

The Good:

  • Better shoulder buttons than the subscription-exclusive NES Joy-Cons
  • Includes a Home button
  • Connects directly to Nintendo Switch
  • Also compatible with retro receivers and USB adapters

The Bad:

  • Not suitable for all games

The 8Bitdo N30 isn’t going to be for everyone. It’s an NES-style controller that is great for very specific games, like everything in the Switch Online NES library and very few others. That said, if you are nostalgic for the rectangular NES controller form factor, you can’t beat it.

Nintendo’s own NES Switch controllers are good, but they have inferior shoulder buttons and need to be charged the same way as your Joy-Cons–not to mention, the Nintendo Switch Online subscription that’s required before you can even purchase them. With all this considered, the N30 is perfect for the job, if you can find it in stock.

8BitDo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter


Best way to use PlayStation/Xbox controllers with Switch

The Good:

  • Enables use of a DualSense, DualShock 4, Bluetooth-enabled Xbox controller, Wii U Pro, Wiimote, DualShock 3, and any compatible 8Bitdo controller
  • Easy to set up

The Bad:

  • Some games can cause abnormal vibration, which requires firmware updates to fix
  • Can’t wake up the Switch from Sleep Mode

Sure, this isn’t a controller, but it unlocks the ability to use a wide variety of non-Nintendo controllers on the Switch. You simply plug the adapter into the dock’s USB port and then you can play your Switch games using a DualSense, DualShock 4, Bluetooth-enabled Xbox controller, and plenty others.

Of course, any controller you’ll use with this adapter won’t include features like HD rumble, motion controls, or Amiibo support. These losses are negligible for the vast majority of experiences, especially when using your favorite Bluetooth controller is the trade-off. If you want a cheap way to have a great controller you already own work with your Switch console, this is the gizmo to buy.

PDP Wired Fight Pad Pro


Best GameCube-style Switch controller

The Good:

  • Hand grips are extremely comfortable
  • Shoulder buttons fit nicely to the curve of your fingers
  • Interchangeable C-stick is great for different types of games
  • Wired connection offers latency-free controls

The Bad:

  • D-pad is small like the original GameCube controller
  • Can’t wake the Switch up from Sleep Mode

The classic GameCube controller is an iconic one, especially if you have vivid memories of playing Super Smash Bros. Melee. If you’d rather play all of your new Nintendo Switch games with something resembling a GameCube controller, PDP’s line of Wired Fight Pad Pro controllers are among the best GameCube-style controllers out there, and that’s thanks to PDP not being afraid to change the classic pad. The Fight Pad Pro’s grips are longer than the GameCube’s, making for more comfortable ergonomics that fit better in the palm of your hands. All of the shoulder buttons have also been modernized, with ZL and ZR forming nicely to the curve of your index fingers. Lastly, you’re able to remove the C-stick’s nub and replace it with a proper GameCube-style analog nub.

All of these changes make it easier to enjoy the GameCube’s classic shape and unique button placement in a more modern design. The only downside to the controller’s design is the size of the D-pad, something the original GameCube pad suffered from as well. The Fight Pad Pro is designed with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in mind, and it works great for it, but thanks to the interchangeable C-stick and the more comfortable shoulder buttons and grips, it’s a great controller for games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, too.

PowerA GameCube-style controller


Most true to the original GameCube design

The Good:

  • Very similar to the original GameCube controller
  • Adds a larger D-pad and extra shoulder button
  • Easy to connect the wireless version to Switch
  • Wireless version can wake the Switch up from Sleep mode
  • Nice selection of designs

The Bad:

  • Wired version can’t wake the Switch up from Sleep mode

PowerA’s GameCube-style controller feels very similar to Nintendo’s original controller with its shape and size; however, that doesn’t mean it’s without changes. The biggest difference is the larger D-pad, which makes it better suited for games like 2D platformers or fighting games–though there are still controllers with better D-pads out there if you’re looking for one. Thankfully, where PowerA’s controller excels is with games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

PowerA’s GameCube-style controller isn’t as comfortable as PDP’s take on the pad, but it is much more similar to Nintendo’s original design. If you’re looking for a controller that is nearly identical to the GameCube’s–but with some modern niceties–then PowerA’s pad is a good option.

Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe


Best Switch racing wheel

The Good:

  • Cool Mario Kart-themed design
  • Responsive controls
  • Pro Deluxe version includes pedals, too

The Bad:

  • No force feedback
  • Wired

If you’re looking for a racing wheel for Mario Kart or other racing games on Nintendo Switch, Hori manufactures officially licensed Mario Kart-themed wheels that are great for the price. The Pro Deluxe version comes with a wheel with on-board controls as well as foot pedals. If you opt for the Mini version, which has a more colorful design, you’ll get a similar wheel without the pedals. While these wheels don’t feature high-end features like force feedback, they are reasonably priced and feel high quality nonetheless.

Hori Real Arcade Pro V


Best Nintendo Switch fight stick

The Good:

  • Joystick feels sturdy and accurate
  • Buttons are very satisfying to push and click
  • Ability to swap between D-pad and analog stick control
  • Features buttons for every Switch function
  • Turbo option
  • Also works for PC

The Bad:

  • No way to detach or replace cable
  • Replacing parts isn’t as easy or accessible as other sticks

As far as high-end fight sticks go for the Nintendo Switch, you don’t have a lot of choices. Thankfully, Hori’s experience in making quality sticks has carried over to Nintendo’s hybrid The Badole. The Real Arcade Pro V fight stick is an excellent option that excels with fighting games but is also capable of controlling most games on the console, thanks to a switch that lets you swap between D-pad and analog stick controls as well as buttons for every function the platform features. This makes it a great option for accessibility in addition to being particularly excellent for punching and kicking dudes in the middle of a tense fight.

Hori Fighting Stick Mini


Best budget Nintendo Switch fight stick

The Good:

  • Great stick for the price
  • Despite being “mini,” it’s not too small for big hands
  • Rubber feet keep fight stick from moving around on surfaces
  • Works well for all fighting games
  • Turbo function

The Bad:

  • No way to change the joystick from D-pad control to analog sticks
  • Cheap price means cheaper components

If you’re somebody who plays fighting games but has been hesitant to drop the serious amount of money that’s required for a high-end fight stick, then Hori’s Fighting Stick Mini is a great beginner’s stick. Despite its cheap price and lightweight form factor, it’s perfectly capable of keeping you in the fight, whether you’re gaming on Switch or PC.

Because the Fighting Stick Mini is much cheaper than higher-end sticks, it’s questionable whether its components will last the punishment a fighting game fan can dish out. The lack of features is a tad disappointing as well, especially the inability to swap the joystick’s control from the D-pad to the analog sticks. Despite all that, the Fighting Stick Mini performed well in the midst of fights, and that cheaper price tag makes it hard to ignore. There’s no denying that it’s an excellent option for beginners or even parents looking to introduce their kids to fighting games.

PowerA Fusion Wired Fight Pad


Best Nintendo Switch fight pad

The Good:

  • Comfortable shape and size
  • Buttons feel more like traditional controllers instead of typical fight pads
  • Secure wired connection
  • Interchangeable faceplates
  • Ability to swap between D-pad and analog stick control

The Bad:

  • Only suitable for fighting games and other 2D-focused titles
  • Limited compatibility with PC

There aren’t a lot of options for fight pads on the Switch, and while there are a number of retro controllers that make for great fighting game pads, there’s always something you’re giving up, whether it’s a pair of shoulder buttons or control over the analog sticks. PowerA’s wired Fusion Fight Pad solves these problems with a dedicated switch that lets you swap between D-pad and left and right analog stick control–it also features all four shoulder buttons. The pad itself resembles that of the Sega Saturn, which is one of the best controllers for fighting games and 2D platformers ever. The Fusion Fight Pad doesn’t quite reach those heights, but it’s still a great option if you’re looking for a versatile controller.

The buttons are stiffer than those of most fight pads, so the first impressions weren’t great, but when it came to actually playing, that stiffness wasn’t an issue. The Fusion is very comfortable in the hands, and while it’s not a perfect match for the Saturn, it still feels familiar and good because of the similarities. If you’re looking for a proper fight pad for the Switch, then PowerA’s Fusion Fight Pad is sure to impress, especially if you’re a fan of more traditional controller buttons.

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