The best Nintendo Switch controllers for 2025

The Nintendo Change 2 is right here, however we will’t simply neglect in regards to the unique Change. We’ve nonetheless received love for the console, and its many hundreds of thousands of homeowners, so we’ll preserve recommending the perfect controllers for the Change proper right here.

Now, chances are you’ll already know that the perfect Change controllers aren’t those that include the console. The detachable Pleasure-Cons included with all non-Lite Change consoles are handy, given they are often indifferent for wi-fi use, however their tiny form doesn’t do them many favors. They aren’t snug to carry for lengthy gaming periods — particularly when you’ve got massive fingers.

On this shopping for information, we’ll give attention to wi-fi controllers which can be each snug and dependable, in addition to just a few choices that include distinctive options designed which will match your distinctive play fashion. We’re not protecting wired controllers that plug into the Change’s dock, as they’re principally comparable to one another and don’t supply substantial financial savings in lots of circumstances. (PowerA and PDP make respectable ones that can do in a pinch, however they’re very fundamental. Except you detest recharging your controllers, it makes extra sense to go wi-fi.)

Additionally, when you purchase a third-party wi-fi controller (as in, one not made by Nintendo), it probably gained’t assist HD rumble, movement controls, NFC for Amiibo, or be capable to activate the Change remotely. Nonetheless, there are exceptions, which we characteristic under.

For those who’re enjoying your Change whereas docked, it’s onerous to go improper with the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. It’s the one conventional gamepad that features each characteristic talked about above, and it’s one of the crucial satisfying controllers to make use of that we’ve examined. The GuliKit KingKong 3 Pro and Max, in the meantime, supply extra exhaustive customization, whereas the Hori Split Pad Pro is a Pleasure-Con improve for many who favor to play in handheld mode. Then there’s 8BitDo’s PC-friendly Ultimate Bluetooth Controller and DualShock-esque Pro 2 controller, each of that are price trying out.

The most effective Nintendo Change controller for TV mode

Supported platforms: Nintendo Change 2, Nintendo Change, PC, Steam Deck, cellular, Apple TV / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: No / Software program customization: No / Rumble: Sure, HD / NFC: Sure / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Sure

Ever for the reason that Change launched, Nintendo’s first-party Professional controller has been the perfect gamepad for the console. In some ways, it rivals the usual fashions from Sony and Microsoft when it comes to consolation and construct high quality. And, it’s suitable with the Change 2.

Other than the Pleasure-Cons, the Change Professional Controller is the one wi-fi choice that features HD rumble, gyroscopic motion assist, and an NFC reader for Amiibo playing cards and collectible figurines. It’s one of some controllers we’ve examined (apart from the Pleasure-Con and 8BitDo’s Final sequence) that may energy on the Change with out being plugged into it. The gamepad is constructed like a tank, and its battery life is so good that it typically looks like it’ll by no means run out. Nintendo says that it lasts round 40 hours per cost, so it’ll probably take informal avid gamers a very long time to run down the battery.

The buttons and triggers have a satisfying bounce, whereas its directional pad is responsive and clicky sufficient to fulfill retro avid gamers. The controller costs by way of USB-C, similar to the Change, and it’s suitable with a slew of different platforms you would possibly recreation on, apart from Xbox and PlayStation.

Given the excessive worth, we want that it had different options, like programmable buttons or a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio, even when wi-fi audio transmission from the Change to a controller isn’t doable. For those who really need the flexibility to pay attention by way of wired headphones with out connecting your controller with a wire, you’ll have to get the Change 2 and its Pro 2 controller.

The most effective Change controller for handheld mode

Supported Platforms: Change, Change OLED / Connectivity: Wired / Connector kind: Pleasure-Con slots / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: No / Rumble: No / NFC: No / Movement: No / Energy: by way of Pleasure-Con slots / Console Wakeup: No

I’m positive there are some individuals who get pleasure from utilizing Pleasure-Con controllers, however children and small-handed of us apart, most individuals most likely wouldn’t say they’re probably the most snug choice. For those who battle with hand ache while you use the Change, that’s the place the Hori Cut up Pad Professional is available in.

The Cut up Pad Professional is available in quite a lot of colorways, and it each appears and looks like a Change Professional Controller that’s cut up in half. One half slides into all sides of the Change console like Pleasure-Cons, however in contrast to Nintendo’s default controllers, Hori’s gamepad options huge, easy-to-reach buttons and generously sized triggers and analog sticks, all of which really feel nice in play. It additionally offers plenty of grip, which is especially helpful for individuals who have to get a greater deal with on the console for quick gameplay or keep cozy over longer play periods.

The Cut up Pad Professional doesn’t have batteries or sensors — or assist for rumble, movement, IR, or NFC — so it’s utterly ineffective when indifferent from the Change. It’s just for handheld mode until you buy the Split Pad Pro Attachment seen above that turns it right into a wired controller. We don’t suggest most individuals go that route for the reason that attachment alone prices greater than a Change Professional Controller, which is a disgrace contemplating it doesn’t add any of the aforementioned parts (it does add a 3.5mm headphone jack, nevertheless).

The corporate additionally sells the Split Pad Compact, which is a smaller model of the Cut up Pad Professional that prices $50. It could be price a glance if you need one thing as purposeful because the Cut up Pad Professional however nearer in dimension to a Pleasure-Con.

The most effective Xbox-style controller for the Change

Supported Platforms: Change, PC, Steam Deck, cellular, Apple TV / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: No / Rumble: Sure / NFC: Sure / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Sure

On the floor, the GuliKit KingKong 3 Pro and KingKong 3 Max are just like the last-gen fashions they changed, which took design cues from Microsoft’s normal Xbox controller however rivaled the Change Professional Controller when it comes to construct high quality and options. We examined them on the Nintendo Change, PC, and cellular, however you can even use them with different Bluetooth units, together with the Steam Deck and Apple TV 4K.

However there are a number of notable enhancements and additions when you scratch deeper. They every have Corridor impact dual-mode triggers (each can swap between analog and digital, however the KK3 Max solely provides bodily set off stops), along with RGB LED-surrounded Corridor impact analog sticks. It ought to make them just about impervious to drifting and waning responsiveness, as iFixit explains here. They every have GuliKit’s highly effective magnetic vibration motors with two depth ranges and three distinct modes (together with the Change’s HD rumble). You’ll be able to even customise the hot-swappable face buttons to match your most well-liked platform, and to the delight of event gamers, you possibly can play with a 1,000Hz polling charge for diminished enter lag on PC (wired or wi-fi by way of a dongle).

Moreover, each controllers characteristic removable rear-facing paddles. You get two metallic moon-shaped paddles with the KK3 Professional that protrude farther from the controller than the additional 4 you get with the KK3 Max, that are longer and curved to match the contour of the controllers’ rear grips. The latter are just like the paddles on the Xbox Elite Series 2 and even borrow the identical set up approach — simply push them into the designated holes on the again. They require much more pressure, although they gained’t simply dislodge.

The longer paddles are comfortably reachable as soon as put in, however when you’ve got bigger fingers, chances are you’ll have to make changes for the shorter selection. They solely want a light-weight faucet, however since they occupy the house the place your fingers normally relaxation, it will possibly result in elevated misfires whereas gaming. You’ll be able to map every again button to emulate some other button on the controller — together with the rear triggers — however you possibly can’t configure them to execute combo presses or macros.

In abstract, the KK3 Professional and KK3 Max supply loads for the cash. The truth is, there could also be no higher choice for interoperability and worth in a single multiplatform controller proper now. If we’re nitpicking, our greatest gripe is that GuliKit nonetheless hasn’t created an app to handle all of its settings extra simply.

The most effective Change controller that’s additionally nice for PC and Steam Deck

Supported Platforms: Change, PC, Steam Deck, cellular, Apple TV / Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: Sure / Rumble: Sure / NFC: No / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: No

8BitDo’s Ultimate Bluetooth Controller looks like a Change Professional Controller in form, with a equally brief grip profile that bigger fingers could not favor. Each share Change and Home windows PC assist, however 8BitDo will get a leg up with full Steam Deck compatibility. Its haptics are respectable however not so good as Nintendo’s, and it’s lacking Amiibo assist, although it does characteristic customizable again paddles and movement controls — together with a hidden trick that permits you to wake a docked Change by giving the controller a bit shake.

It additionally comes with a charging dock, which shops the two.4GHz dongle when not in use. The included dock is useful for charging the battery. Talking of, it sometimes lasts round 22 hours, which continues to be fairly beneficiant however comes effectively in need of the 40-hour mark set by Nintendo’s official controller.

The Final controller is available in a number of variants, however we suggest the Bluetooth mannequin over the two.4GHz or wired choices for a few causes. One as a result of it’s the one model of the Final that’s suitable with the Change. Plus, it consists of each 2.4GHz connectivity and GuliKit Corridor impact sticks, which the two.4GHz-only model lacks. The analog sticks supply simply the correct amount of resistance and sport a snug concave high, however they’re only a tad brief on the edges. All the buttons supply nice journey, although, and the analog triggers have a satisfying quantity of resistance when pulled.

As for tweaks, you possibly can customise button mapping profiles, macros, vibration depth, and stick and set off sensitivity utilizing the Final Software program app on cellular or PC. The controller has a devoted button that permits you to swap between three profiles on the fly, plus an additional turbo button you possibly can both reconfigure or remap. On the subject of Change controllers, 8BitDo units the usual for the breadth of those choices and methods to entry them, which is one more reason it’s excessive on our record.

A well-rounded Change controller that appears like a DualShock

Supported Platforms: Change, PC, Steam Deck, cellular, Apple TV, Raspberry Pi / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: Sure / Rumble: Sure / NFC: No / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: No

The 8BitDo Pro 2 is one other nice choice with Corridor impact sticks for the Nintendo Change, particularly in case your fingers are happiest with a PlayStation-style controller structure. The Professional 2 has a snug grip, a crisper D-pad than the Change Professional Controller, and two easy-to-press paddle buttons on the underside.

It has rumble assist (although not HD rumble) and movement management for video games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Overwatch 2, each of which permit for gyroscopic aiming. PlayStation avid gamers may also recognize that the left analog stick is situated towards the underside — similar to on Sony’s controllers — somewhat than above the D-pad as on the Change Professional.

With 8BitDo’s Ultimate software on a cellular gadget or a Home windows laptop, you possibly can customise the Professional 2’s button mapping and the sensitivity of its triggers and analog sticks. You’ll be able to even save as much as three management scheme profiles and cycle by means of them with a button situated between the analog sticks.

On its rear, there’s a swap that lets it toggle between Nintendo Change, X-input for PC, DirectInput, and macOS modes, every with its personal management customizations and Bluetooth profile. This controller provides loads for round $40 (or barely extra if you need one of many extremely cool translucent blue, purple, or green editions).

An adapter that permits you to use your personal controllers

There are numerous other devices that can help you use third-party controllers, however 8BitDo’s could be the perfect worth. As an alternative of spending $70 on a number of Change Professional Controllers, the $19.99 8BitDo Wireless Bluetooth USB Adapter 2 allows you to flip a Bluetooth controller you already personal right into a wi-fi Change controller. It plugs into your Change dock and helps all kinds of fashions, from the newest Xbox and DualSense controllers to last-gen gamepads for the Wii and PlayStation 3. (Be aware: the first-gen mannequin can’t connect with most Xbox Bluetooth controllers as a result of a Bluetooth incompatibility, so ensure you get the newest mannequin.)

To our shock, the PS5 DualSense controller we examined it with labored extremely effectively, with better-than-average rumble and extra responsive movement controls than many devoted Change controllers supply. What’s extra, as long as you’re utilizing one of many newer Xbox Sequence X or S controllers, an Xbox One Bluetooth controller, a DualSense, a DualShock 4, or the Change Professional Controller, you possibly can customise their button mapping, analog stick sensitivity, and extra inside 8BitDo’s laptop and cellular app.

8BitDo has an extensive support page that lists the steps required to arrange your particular controller, in addition to which options of these controllers it helps. That mentioned, it’s greatest if you recognize the Change’s button structure by coronary heart when you plan to make use of both a PlayStation or Xbox controller with this adapter, because the structure in your controller won’t match the on-screen prompts in video games.

If you have already got a controller you actually like and don’t thoughts leaping by means of just a few small hoops to attach it, 8BitDo’s inexpensive adapter deserves a spot in your leisure heart. For those who plan to make use of multiple third-party controller at a time, you’ll want an adapter for every controller (and a USB hub), however when you’ve got plenty of controllers sitting round, it could be price it.

Different Change controllers we examined

We like CRKD’s Nitro Deck round right here. It’s a cradle-style controller that holds the Change between a pair of Corridor impact sticks, outfitting it with a typical array of face buttons, 4 programmable again buttons, turbo performance, gyro movement controls, and rumble. It has passthrough charging, although not passthrough video, which might enable it to double as a dock for TV gameplay. The step-up Nitro Deck Plus provides mentioned performance (with a USB-C to HDMI adapter), together with Bluetooth connectivity and adjustable vibration depth / analog sensitivity. We’ve discovered these to be notable enhancements, however we want the passthrough answer was extra elegant and that CRKD may resolve the ergonomics (significantly on the fitting aspect, the place the analog and button placement may cause discomfort).

We not too long ago examined the GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro ($45.99) for consideration. It provides just a few of the identical features because the GuliKit KingKong 3 — together with remappable buttons, Corridor impact sticks, and two distinct macro buttons — together with devoted vibration motors within the triggers, which is one thing the GuliKit doesn’t match. That mentioned, it falls simply brief as a result of mushy-feeling buttons. GameSir considers the additional padding underneath the buttons a characteristic that makes the affect softer, however we felt it takes away from the expertise. Additionally, though it’s completely usable with the Change, the Professional’s button labeling takes after Microsoft’s, which will not be best for many who have hassle memorizing inputs. We additionally discovered resyncing with the Change to be a chore after switching from a cellular gadget or a Home windows PC.

We additionally not too long ago tried a number of wi-fi PowerA controllers, together with the GameCube Style Wireless Controller ($38.99) and a Pikachu-themed model of the usual PowerA Enhanced Wireless ($44.99). We just like the enjoyable design of PowerA’s controllers, however they don’t dwell as much as the standard of the fashions we suggest above, which is a disgrace contemplating some price almost as a lot. The GameCube-style wi-fi controller is a reasonably devoted recreation of the unique when you fancy a pure Tremendous Smash Bros. expertise, nevertheless it’s barebones with no rumble, NFC, or IR. It’s a simple option to get the old-school feeling again when you don’t have already got a Bluetooth-based different to make use of with 8BitDo’s USB Adapter 2.

The Switch 2 is what’s coming subsequent. Nintendo’s new console launches on June 5, and it’s each greater and extra highly effective than the unique mannequin. Suffice it to say, there will likely be many new equipment at launch, together with new Joy-Con 2 controllers, plus a refreshed Switch Pro Controller that options customizable rear paddles. There’s additionally a Switch 2-exclusive wireless GameCube controller releasing that Change On-line subscribers have an opportunity to purchase.

That brings into query whether or not current Change controllers will work with the Change 2 in any respect. Fortunately, Nintendo has published an in-depth support page concerning the Change 2’s compatibility (or lack of compatibility) for unique (and official) Change equipment. Excellent news: most of them will work simply nice. They simply gained’t have the C button. Nonetheless, compatibility with third-party merchandise could also be hit-and-miss.

As for brand new controllers for the unique Change, we’re in a little bit of a holding sample, since most producers are probably at work on Change 2 controllers. 8BitDo has introduced a Switch-compatible Ultimate 2 controller with TMR analog sticks that prices $69.99. There’s nothing else notable on the quick horizon, nevertheless, and that most likely gained’t change till the Change 2 arrives in June.

Replace, Could thirtieth: Up to date to replicate present pricing / availability. Additionally, we added that the Change Professional is suitable with the Change 2. It’s the one controller on this record that has been confirmed to work wirelessly with the brand new console.