Game on with these great controllers for your Nintendo Switch - TechnW3
To get a better grip on your favorite Nintendo Switch games, you really need to have one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers. There are dozens of options to choose from, and they all have different advantages. The best of these, featuring beautiful designs and a familiar, comfortable feel, is the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller. We've compiled a list to help you choose the best Nintendo Switch controllers for your needs however you want to play.
Best Overall
The Pro Controller is Nintendo's option for the Switch, and it is the controller of choice for many reasons. Perhaps most importantly, it has a perfect weight and feels great in your hand. It also offers NFC scanning, so you can use your favorite amiibo while playing with this controller. Plus, that D-Pad gives you excellent control during high-stress moments whether you're playing a platformer or a retro 2D game.
There are many other great features the Pro Controller offers as well. One of the other top features players will enjoy is that the motion controls can be used as they would be in handheld mode. It also has HD rumble to bring you into the game. The Pro Controller is rechargeable with an included USB C to USB A cable, which means the charging speed is quick. Unfortunately, like many controllers, it doesn't offer a headphone jack.
The two downsides to getting the Pro Controller are that it is significantly more expensive than other options out there, and secondly, it doesn't have a headphone jack, so you cannot plug in wired headphones during TV mode playing sessions. Otherwise, it's the controller of choice for any Nintendo Switch game.
Pros:
- Quick charge
- Amiibo compatible
- Motion controls
- HD rumble
Cons:
- No headphone jack
- Expensive
Best Overall
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Amiibo without the Joy-Con
This Nintendo controller offers great features, including Amiibo compatibility. Just missing a headphone jack.
Best Design Options: PowerA Enhanced Wireless
These are arguably the most beautiful wireless Switch controllers on the market, with many different colors and themes to choose from. While it isn't as powerful as the Pro Controller, it is cheaper and offers most of the functions you want. Using Bluetooth and two AA batteries, you can play Switch games wirelessly for up to 30 hours. An LED comes on to warn you when the power is getting low.
The controller feels good in your hands and responds to motion controls. It gives you an edge when playing against other players since there are two additional buttons on the backside that you can assign actions to. As with most Nintendo Switch controllers on the market, you cannot plug in your headphones.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Beautiful designs
- Extra buttons
- Motion controls
- Battery indicator
Cons:
- No Amiibo functionality
- No headphone jack
Best Design Options
PowerA Enhanced Wireless
Plenty of functions for your money
Less expensive than the Pro Controller. It isn't Amiibo compatible, but it does have great functions for playing against others.
Best Wired GameCube Controller: HORI Battle Pad
This is a wired version of the GameCube style Switch controller officially licensed by Nintendo. It comes with a 10-foot cable to give you more room to move around when playing. Unfortunately, the cable is not a USB and, as such, does not detach from the controller.
The D-pad has been enlarged, and additional buttons have been added from the original GameCube controller making it easier to use. You can choose from five different designs and their corresponding colors, including Zelda, Mario, Luigi, Pikachu, and Princess Peach.
Part of what makes this controller so inexpensive is the lack of motion controls, vibration, and amiibo functionality. It's a fundamental option for those who don't want to spend too much on a GameCube-style Switch controller.
Pros:
- Enlarged D-pad
- Five design options
- Motion controls
- Comfortable grip
Cons:
- No headphone jack
- No rumble ability
- No motion controls
- No Amiibo functionality
Best Wired GameCube Controller
HORI Battle Pad
An inexpensive GameCube-style controller
This controller modeled after the GameCube is very simple. No Amiibo functionality, HD rumble, or motion controls, but it's cheap.
Best Wireless GameCube Controller: PowerA Wireless
This fun controller is perfect for fans of the GameCube. It's similar to the GameCube's controller, but the D-pad and shoulder buttons have been enlarged from the original, making them easier to use. Additional buttons have also been added, so there are no missing functions for the Switch. This controller uses Bluetooth to operate wirelessly. Two AA batteries allow it to work for up to 30 hours. Should the battery get low, an LED indicator lets you know.
The motion controls are helpful when playing games like Breath of the Wild, where you need to use a bow and arrow or locate a tower in the distance. However, it does not vibrate, nor does it respond to Amiibo. On the plus side, there are different colors to choose from so you can find the one you like best.
If you're looking to play with an original GameCube controller, consider getting the 8Bitdo Gbros Wireless Adapter. It allows you to play wirelessly on the Nintendo Switch with the original controllers.
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Motion control
- Works wirelessly
- Multiple color options
Cons:
- No headphone jack
- No Amiibo functionality
Best Wireless GameCube Controller
PowerA GameCube Wireless
Wireless nostalgia at its finest
This wireless controller features motion control and enhanced features from the original GameCube controller.
Best Retro Controller: 8Bitdo SN30 Pro
This is the perfect controller for the longtime Nintendo fan, as it looks like the original Super NES controller. Using Bluetooth and an internal battery, you'll be able to play wirelessly for up to 20 hours. Admittedly this battery life is shorter than the rest of the controllers we looked at, but it shouldn't be a problem if you charge it between gaming sessions.
This controller was made to work with various systems, but it works beautifully on the Nintendo Switch and offers all the buttons you need. It even features rumble vibration and motion controls, so you can play any Switch game without feeling hampered.
Since it was designed for use on more than one system, it doesn't feature Amiibo functionality. Like the rest of the controllers on this list, there is no headphone jack.
Pros:
- Motion controls
- Rumble vibration
- Works wirelessly
- Looks cool
Cons:
- No Amiibo functionality
- No headphone jack
- Shorter battery life
Best Retro Controller
8Bitdo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Gamepad
The serious gamer's controller of choice
The most functionality of any wireless Switch controller on the market, including motion controls and Amiibo compatibility.
Best Versatile Controller: Nintendo Joy-Cons
The Joy-Cons are the included controllers with the Nintendo Switch system, but you may need to pick up a pair to play a few games or with friends if you have a Switch Lite. These make for a unique controller in that you can have one in each hand separately or connect them with a Joy-Con grip if you'd like a more traditional controller feeling. There are several new colors of Joy-Cons outside of the original grey or red and blue combo initially released with the system, making them pretty fun to collect. There's a lot of mix and match capability with the controllers themselves and the Joy-Con Strap pieces.
Even with these controllers separated from the Switch body, players get to enjoy the motion controls and rumble vibration. There are no wires needed for this controller. To charge it, you simply connect it to your Nintendo Switch and place the whole system in the dock. There are also plenty of charging accessories available if you're using extra Joy-Cons and need to charge multiple pairs or connecting with a Nintendo Switch Lite.
The right Joy-Cons are Amiibo compatible since this is how the Switch system is intended to offer Amiibo features. However, they do not offer a way to plug in headphones. The small size of these controllers does lend to smaller buttons, which may lead to pushing the wrong button on accident. But they are the right size to fit comfortably in one hand for kids and adults. Because they are the original controller for the Switch and they are technically two controllers with one function, they do tend to be more expensive, especially if you're looking for a harder-to-find color combo.
Pros:
- Can play attached to Switch or unattached
- Motion controls
- Rumble vibration
- Charges with the Switch
- Color options
- Comfortable
- Amiibo compatible
Cons:
- No headphone jack
- Small buttons
- Expensive
Best Versatile Controller
Nintendo Joy-Cons
The intended controller
A controller pair with fun customization possibilities if you're willing to pay for them. Plus, they charge with your system.
Bottom line
We determined that the best overall Nintendo Switch controller is the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller. It features motion controls making it an excellent choice for most action RPG and battle royale games, and comes in six different colors and designs. It also has a 30-hour wireless battery life for those overnight gaming marathons. As with most other Nintendo Switch controllers, the only thing it's missing is a headphone jack.
We spent over 18 hours evaluating Nintendo Switch controllers to determine which ones to put on this list. We looked at convenience, customer reviews, price, and special features. There continue to be more and more accessories coming out for the Switch, so we'll keep looking to see what other controllers we should add.
Credits - The team that worked on this guide
Rebecca Spear loves keeping up-to-date with the latest and greatest electronics. She is a life-long gamer and a writer who has written hundreds of online articles over the past few years. On any given day, you'll find her drawing with her Wacom tablet, playing RPGs, or reading a good book. Hit her up on Twitter: @rrspear
Alex Huebner has played video games ever since she can remember. Through the years, she has kept up with many consoles and has recently expanded into PC gaming as well. While Nintendo is her favorite, she will always explore other options.
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