When choosing a Switch controller, the first thing to look at is comfort; after all, playing for hours on end is best when you’re comfy. Other features like a headphone jack, additional buttons, or even wireless functionality also come into play as these quality-of-life features can help enhance the experience. To help you in your choice, you can read on as we break down our top controller picks.
Nintendo Joy-Con
Best Nintendo Switch controllers overall
The Joy-Cons are incredibly versatile. They are equally good in a handheld setting as well as docked in an entertainment center. Each controller comes equipped with face buttons, two bumpers, triggers, directional buttons, and additional bumper buttons located on the sides when only one controller is in use.
The Joy-cons are at their best when you attach them to the Switch, as you’ll get better control over your games, much better than what you’d get with older Nintendo systems. Having the Joy-Cons attached to your Switch also means you get an available controller all the time so that you and some friends can run a few laps on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe no matter where you are.
The Joy-Con controllers can also integrate into a Joy-con grip to give even more control, as that accessory transforms your controllers into a more traditional gamepad. We highly suggest this controller if you want a reliable option for your Switch gaming. We were even able to make it through dozens of hours of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild without using anything else, thanks to the dependability of the Joy-Cons.
Why we love it:
- Versatile enough for handheld use and while docked in an entertainment system.
- Quickly converts into two controllers so that you and some friends can always get a game in
- You can show off your style as this controller comes in a variety of color combinations
Why we don’t:
- Comes at a premium price
HORI Nintendo Switch HORIPAD Wired Controller
Best Value
HORI’s Switch controller is an excellent option when you’re looking to put the brakes on your spending after buying a Switch. You get the basic gamepad experience with this controller, from shape and layout, which is a good thing since the design has been tried and tested among different console generations. This officially licensed controller comes wired with a 10-feet cable so that you won’t need to sit too close to your Switch as you play. The buttons and analog sticks are also very responsive, with the sticks gliding around effortlessly during our time with the controller.
An excellent feature of this controller is its turbo button functionality. This function essentially lets you “mash” any button with ease by simply pressing down on the turbo button; plus, you can even program HORI’s turbo button to only register a single button to tailor it to specific games. We had a blast testing this out as it made some of our games way easier than they should’ve, particularly Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
However, we found the detachable D-pad lackluster since it leaves a significant recess on the controller when removed and is not the most comfortable when attached. We can forgive this feature for the great price, though. But, if you need to play fighting games or D-pad heavy games, you may want to consider another option on our list.
Why we love it:
- Gives you plenty more options like shoulder and trigger buttons compared to the default Switch controller
- It doesn’t need recharging or extra batteries to function
- Ergonomic design lets you play for long periods without straining your hands
Why we don’t:
- This controller doesn’t have gyro controls and vibration functions. While the latter isn’t that 100% necessary, the former is crucial for some games.
PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller
Best for customization
When you need a controller that adapts to your games, you may want to check out this option from PowerA. At first glance, the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller resembles Nintendo’s Pro Controller, with similarly positioned analog sticks, face buttons, shoulder buttons, and triggers. The directional pad is slightly smaller on the PowerA, but it didn’t hamper our gaming experience during our tests. But, unlike the Pro controller, which uses an internal battery pack, this one uses AA batteries, which also makes the controller lighter and more comfortable on our hands.
Where it really differs, however, is in the two customizable “Advanced Gaming Buttons,” which give you a competitive edge over your games. You can program these extra buttons to act like any other button, and you can even switch their functionality on the fly if you need to alter them for a specific game. If you just want to use it as an alternative for the Switch Pro Controller, that’s just fine, as it still features motion controls despite costing significantly less.
Why we love it:
- Light and easy to use for comfortable gaming
- Quickly and easily program buttons for different games
- Say goodbye to wires as these controllers use Bluetooth 5.0 to connect to your Switch
Why we don’t:
- These batteries are non-rechargeable, meaning you need to have batteries on hand so that you can readily replace the controller’s current batteries when they run out of juice.
8Bitdo Lite Bluetooth Gamepad
Most Compact
When you’re always playing on the go, you may want to consider this controller from 8Bitdo. This controller has a slim profile thanks to the dual D-pad design. This design decision means that you won’t find any large thumb sticks jutting out of the face of this controller, which allows it to pack up nicely on most Switch cases. The button layout even comes as lean as possible while still having enough separation so that there’s no wasted space nor extra bulk. The exterior also has a grippy matte finish so that the controller doesn’t slip and slide as you play.
The controller itself comes powered by a rechargeable 480mAh Li-ion battery. You can milk out a playtime of about 18-hours on this controller on a single, two-hour charge. With a combination of its long-lasting battery life and portable size, we found that this controller is a perfect companion for extended trips or even whole-day gaming sessions.
Why we love it:
- Responsive and lag-free buttons enhance the gameplay experience
- Easy-to-carry in your bag or pocket as it only weighs 84-grams
- Customizable turbo feature lets you spam buttons without wearing down the four primary buttons
- Pairs with any Switch model and even to your PC for versatile gaming
Why we don’t:
- The R2, R3, L2, and L3 buttons are hard to reach or press as you can accidentally press R1, L1, and the directional buttons
KINVOCA Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch
Best For Kids
KINVOCA’s Switch controller is the perfect device for your little gamer kids with its small frame and cute design. Don’t let it fool you into thinking that it’s just another throwaway controller, though. This controller comes fully equipped with gaming features like gyro controls and vibration feedback to immerse your little ones into their games. The controller even has a dedicated headphone jack so that you or your kid can listen to teammates during online play. However, remember that you need to plug the controller into the Switch dock to use this feature.
From our testing, this controller’s essential functions like the analog, D-pad, and face buttons passed with flying colors. Pressing each button feels smooth and responsive, allowing for a lag-free and no-stress gaming experience. The analog even has a depression in the center and ridged edges to keep you or your child’s thumb firm on both sticks.
Apart from functionality, this controller oozes a style that will surely keep your kids playing. The controller integrates some of its features into a fun cat-like design! You can see this on the turbo button as well as the ears. The practical turbo button at the center of the controller acts like the cat’s nose, while the controller’s ears heighten the gaming experience by lighting up to keep your kids engaged in their games.
Why we love it:
- The versatile design gives the player a choice to play wired or wireless
- 300mAh capacity battery allows for up to 10-hours of game time on a single charge
- A wake-up feature lets you or your kid jump right into gaming from the Switch’s sleep mode
Why we don’t:
- Small design may feel a bit cramped for bigger hands
These Nintendo Switch controllers will provide hours of game playing fun for playing by yourself or with friends. With features like Bluetooth, motion control, dual motion sensors, and multiple device support, there are many different options and ways to customize your gaming experience. Once you get your hands on one of the controllers on our list, you’ll wonder why you haven’t done so way before.
How easy is it to connect controllers to the Switch?
Connecting controllers to your Switch is a relatively simple process but may seem counterintuitive at first because of the Switch’s naming conventions. The first step is to turn on your Switch’s Bluetooth. You can then look into the “Controllers” menu then go into the “Change Grip/Order.” Once you see the screen with four boxes, you can then press and hold your controller’s home button (usually denoted with a house icon or the letter H) for about 15 seconds. You’ll then see the controller’s lights flashing quickly, which means your controller and the Switch is setting up a connection. The signal for a successful connection is a solid light on one of the boxes on your controller, and you’ll also see your player order depending on which light is lit.
For controllers that connect to the Switch directly, pairing your controller is easier. However, if you have a wired controller, you can only reliably use it if your Switch is on its dock. Also, remember that it’s best to follow the connecting instructions that come with your controller for the best results.
Is it okay to use off-brand controllers for my Switch?
Yes! They perform much the same way as the official Nintendo controllers and are more than likely more affordable. However, some generic controllers do lack some critical features like vibration and gyro controls. It’s best to make sure that the games you’re playing don’t need any of these features, as it will make some games unplayable.
With that being said, official Nintendo controllers are likely more reliable. If you gey a Joy-Con or the Pro Controller, you can be sure that your controller will connect to your Switch. The downsides to these controllers are that they can fetch a hefty price, which can add up if you’re planning on maximizing your Switch’s player limit to play with friends.
About the Author:
Gabe Gurwin has been a gamer for over 10 years. What started out as a way to pass some time with his friends turned into a full-blown hobby and obsession, and he’s figured out plenty of ways to use the knowledge for good. Whether it’s reviewing the latest game or accessory or checking out the best chairs and desks, he spends his time consumed by gaming industry news and now he’s here to distill it down and make it easy for everyone (including you) to understand.
Why you should trust us:
The Digital Trends team prides itself in offering expert product recommendations in ways that everyone can understand. Our team of experts is constantly using and reviewing the latest and greatest consumer tech, smart home gadgets, televisions, and so much more to offer insights to help guide your purchasing decision. We have vigorously tested thousands of different products across these categories, and we’ve distilled our lists to bring you the best of the best. If we feel a product does not live up to our expectations, it doesn’t make the list. We are humans though, and realize that not every recommended product will be perfect for everyone, so we do our best to call out important features that may impact your choices. Below our top picks we’ve included additional product information to ensure that you are making the right choice for your unique needs. The products in this guide have been carefully curated by our team of experts and enthusiasts who understand the value and quality needed for the best options.
