GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.

The Best Nintendo Switch Controller In 2024

The Switch Pro controller is still an excellent gamepad, but there are now many other options that are worth picking up.

Finding the best Nintendo Switch controller is tough. The Switch's hybrid nature means there's no single controller that is best for every player. Handheld players will want the best grips, while those who play docked will be looking for a great pro-style pad--and those of us who use the Switch in both modes might be looking for an option that can do both. Meanwhile, fans of retro titles or fighting games may want something that feels better suited to their perfered genres. Luckily, whatever your criteria, we've rounded up the best Nintendo Switch controllers in 2024 to help make your search for a new gamepad a little easier.

The Switch Pro controller is an easy and safe choice, but numerous third-party controllers give it a run for its money. We've picked out the best Switch controllers for just about every type of game and experience. Depending on what you play, you may even want to pick up a couple of the controllers on this list.

Some of the top brands to consider include 8BitDo, a maker of retro-inspired controllers and the company behind our favorite Pro Controller alternatives, the Pro 2 and Ultimate; Hori, which makes the Split Pad Pro, Split Pad Compact, and more of the best Nintendo Switch accessories; and PowerA, 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.

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com

Join the conversation
There are 34 comments about this story
34 Comments  RefreshSorted By 
GameSpot has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to toxic conduct in comments. Any abusive, racist, sexist, threatening, bullying, vulgar, and otherwise objectionable behavior will result in moderation and/or account termination. Please keep your discussion civil.

Avatar image for nicemouse
NiceMouse

194

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Ancient article.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for leon1978
leon1978

61

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

8BitDo Ultimate is a great controller

Upvote • 
Avatar image for christophersays
christophersays

268

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 29

User Lists: 5

PSA: For those Nintendo Switch owners that bought the 'Hori Split Pad Pro' previously and missed out on the middle piece that's available for sale now - if you go to Hori's website you can find that middle piece that lets you join the two controller pieces and have a nice wired controller. It was $25 on their website.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for nintendians
nintendians

5385

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 139

User Lists: 0

all i need this: https://www.8bitdo.com/wireless-usb-adapter/ with my wii u pro controller and i'm good.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for chronogos
Chronogos

386

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

Will we ever get a real JoyCon with a D-pad? All I want is for Nintendo to make the Left JoyCon but use the D-pad from a Game Boy Micro. Everyone says "Why not get a pro controller?" well I have one but the problem is I must have somewhere to prop up the Switch! I want to hold the Switch and play it as though it were a handheld console. The other counterargument is "But how will you play 2-player games if the Left JoyCon doesn't have seperate buttons"? Easy. JoyCons are hot-swappable which means you can actually add/remove them without rebooting the hardware and without installing new software. So, I would simply plug the old JoyCon back into the Switch whenever I want the original non-d-pad setup. The 3rd party options are horrible. Most notably the Hori D-pad, which does not have vibration, does not work wirelessly, does not work with a case, feels very cheap, looks ugly. I'm willing to spend money on a quality product, but such a product does not exist. Ever since I first saw the announcement for the Switch with the hotswappable JoyCons, my first thought was "Awesome, they're going to make so many different controllers!" But all we've gotten was different colors. Nintendo could make so much money if they sold different JoyCon models.

2 • 
Avatar image for pillarrocks
pillarrocks

3630

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 46

User Lists: 0

@chronogos:

I have a Switch Lite and don't miss the rumble. Though surprised Nintendo never made a traditional d pad for the Joy Cons. That's the only thing I hated about the Switch system.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for gatsbythepig
gatsbythepig

11899

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

Wow!

This article is 2 years old. Why is it reposted like it's from today?

3 • 
Avatar image for LowTechGeek
LowTechGeek

161

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

This article doesn't mention my hands-down favorite controller: the KINVOCA C25 Joy-Pads. The best ergonomics, motion controls, split wireless, no stick drift, $40. Had them for over a year now and haven't touched any of my other Switch controllers.

Do yourself the favor and look 'em up. You won't regret it.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for pillarrocks
pillarrocks

3630

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 46

User Lists: 0

I bought a Pro controller and love it though a bit pricey but worth it if you can get under $50.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for deactivated-6223e64b57ad6
deactivated-6223e64b57ad6

257

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

I have both the Pro Controller and SN30 Pro (bought it prior to the SN30 Pro+ coming out). Love the Pro Controller and SN30 Pro. I might invest in a SN30 Pro+ eventually given the format of it. Also got a wires GC style controller that I use on certain games like Smash and Luigui's Mansion.

3 • 
Avatar image for zafarhacker
zafarhacker

1

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

get a reward i pad pro here

http://bit.ly/2mzSwbZ

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Litchie
Litchie

34547

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 13

User Lists: 0

The 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Plus controller with the GameBoy colors is damn sexy.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for gamingdevil800
gamingdevil800

7159

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 76

User Lists: 0

Pro controller is pretty comfortable for me. I can't play the switch undocked with the joy cons though it's like the hight of discomfort for me.

4 • 
Avatar image for freedom01
freedom01

3676

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 109

User Lists: 0

freedom01  Moderator

I'll add to the list
Best Arcade Stick.
The Hori Mini Fight Stick,

3 • 
Avatar image for ecmiller
ecmiller

6

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@freedom01: With the latest firmware update, Hitbox now natively supports the Nintendo Switch as well. I’ve really enjoyed using it to play Under-Night.

3 • 
Avatar image for Richardthe3rd
Richardthe3rd

3844

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

Edited By Richardthe3rd

@freedom01: Upvoted, but I think it has some competition.

If you want a no-frills wired stick then the Hori Mini Fight Stick is a great stick that's limited to casual use.

If you want something that's wired or wireless and can be modded with higher quality parts the 8bitdo N30 Stick is the way to go. However, the biggest benefit over the Hori is that you can remap the stick to be either an analog or dpad, so you can play SSB with it without issue.

I'm planning a full sanwa project for my N30 soon so I can use it with my Switch, PC and Raspberry Pi.

3 • 
Avatar image for Richardthe3rd
Richardthe3rd

3844

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

I have most of the controllers on this list, and while the M30 is probably the best 2D/Fighting pad ever made (6 face buttons give it the edge in that category), the SN Pro + is probably the single best all-around gamepad I've ever used in my 30+ years of gaming.

The only downside is that it doesnt wake the Switch. That's it. Everything else about it blows every other peripheral out of the water. The shorter analogue sticks that are a bit snappier than the longer sticks on the pro, the amazing d-pad, the feel of the buttons, the low latency and strong sync to the console. Also cheaper than the Pro and better than it in so many ways.

And it works with my PC and phone as well; I'm considering making a holster on my belt for it.

8bitdo absolutely nailed my dream gamepad with this one.

3 • 
Avatar image for christophersays
christophersays

268

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 29

User Lists: 5

Edited By christophersays

@Richardthe3rd: I'm glad you found the 8bitdo SN30 Pro controller worked so well for you. I just tried it out and found the Bluetooth aspect of it to laggy latency wise. It's probably equal to all other Bluetooth controllers, I'm admittedly new to Bluetooth controllers.

I usually just have xbox controllers with their 2.4ghz (and the usb wireless dongle for PC use) or the 8bit 2.4ghz receivers on my retro Sega Genesis.

I tried connecting the 8bit SN30 pro via USB cable to my Switch, then turning on the pro usb option, and it was little 'better'. I noticed it seemed to have less latency that wireless Bluetooth mode, but I didn't pay $50 just for a wired controller. I don't know what it was, but wired still felt a tad laggy when trying Super Mario bros with the Switch Online app.

I tried it with Ori and Will of Wisp on Switch too (as a more modern side scroller to test), and it was a tad better feeling compared Super Mario Bros. Probably good enough actually. But man, I mainly got it for retro games on Switch online Nintendo and snes stuff.

So, I reluctantly returned the SN30. It did feel really good in the hand, just couldn't deal with the Bluetooth latency; and maybe that's not 8bitdo's fault, and it's just the 'way it is' with Bluetooth controllers. I'm trying the Nintendo Switch Pro controller next, but it's also Bluetooth - so maybe same story for me and ultimately another return.

[UPDATE] - Just to clarify @Richardthe3rd - you're not referring to the "8BitDo Pro 2" that they menion in the article above, are you? That looks more like a PS2 style controller? The SN30 Pro controller I'm talking about is more like a traditional SNES controller, but with analog sticks as well.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for skyhighgam3r
SkyHighGam3r

4788

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By SkyHighGam3r

8BitDo's M30 is the finest 2D controller ever made. That thing is just plain amazing. What they need to do though, is quit screwing around, and add 2 more triggers, and 2 thumbsticks w/ stick-buttons. Why? Because we have NEVER gotten a controller with a full setup before. Xbox, PS4, Switch, and every third party device of the like is missing 2 buttons. Z & C.

What I can't wrap my head around is why anyone is concerned with owning these controllers for the SWITCH though... get a Pro controller if you're gonna play Switch games.

You get the 8BitDo controllers for playing old consoles on your PC or something.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Richardthe3rd
Richardthe3rd

3844

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

@skyhighgam3r: the M30 is arguably the best pad for fighting games as well. It's just a fantastic controller.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for reBOOT2099
reBOOT2099

106

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

I've had the 8bitdo SN30Pro+ since its release and I must say it is a great controller. Much better than the Nintendo official one.

The D-Pad is great and is placed at the right place for my tastes. I mostly play 2d platformers or tetris so I prefer it to be placed where it is on the SN30pro+. On Nintendo's controller, it feels weird to use the d-pad, you have to use it at an angle and you often missclick.

There are however 2 things I don't like about the SN30pro+. The home button is placed right below the 4 buttons. When I am playing intense Mario Maker levels, as an example, my thumb slides a bit lower sometimes and hit the home button. It might just be me and others never do that, I don't know, but it's annoying for me.

The other thing is I can't get it to wake the console. It's really annoying to use another controller to wake the console and then switch to the sn30pro+ every time I want to use it. And it also has a hard time connecting to the console when I do switch controllers. It often takes me about 1 or 2 minutes of trying to finally be able to connect to the Switch. But once it's recognized, it doesn't disconnect, so that's a minor annoyance.

I still highly recommend it.

2 • 
Avatar image for izraal
Izraal

466

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

Edited By Izraal

@TJDMHEM

The very easy to find Power A wireless controllers for the Switch aren't mentioned, and they are hands down my favorite controllers for the Switch, and among my favorite for any console. They're lightweight, with a rational/standard layout similar to a PS4/Xbox One Controller. They have excellent D pads for fighting games.

https://www.amazon.com/PowerA-Enhanced-Wireless-Controller-Nintendo-Switch/dp/B07GVY1WXF/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=powera+switch+controller+wireless&qid=1566423537&s=gateway&sr=8-5

The official Switch Pro Controller, which I also own, is far inferior, and I can't see any rationale for why it was ranked so highly in this list. It is at least $10 more expensive than the comparable Power A wired controllers, it's heavier, and has one of the word D pads I've ever encountered. The D pad on the official Pro Controller is incredibly stiff and unresponsive, among the worst I've ever encountered and easily the worst on any Nintendo product since the original NES controller.

The Powered A Switch controllers are ubiquitously available, retail for less than the Pro in Wireless or far less for Wired. Despite owning a Pro Controller and having 2 regular users, I bought two of the Power A wireless controller to ensure neither of us need to use the awful official pro controller on the occasions we do multiplayer gaming on the Switch in docked mode.

2 • 
Avatar image for moonwatcher99
moonwatcher99

122

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@izraal: I don't know, I'm seeing a bunch of reviews that say either certain buttons or even the whole controller stopped working after just a few months. How's your shelf life been?

Upvote • 
Avatar image for izraal
Izraal

466

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

Edited By Izraal

@moonwatcher99: I’ve had one for a bit over six months, one for about four months, and both are going strong. The six month old is my primary Switch controller and I play the Switch a fair amount.

I can’t speak well of the brand as a whole, just the Switch controllers specifically. A Power A controller for the Xbox One did have an analog stick that went wonky after only a couple of months, but I've been very pleased with the Switch controllers, which seem to be well made.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for matpaget
matpaget

2961

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

@izraal: This article doesn't rank any controllers. :)


We're currently testing the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller, so it may appear here in the future.

2 • 
Avatar image for izraal
Izraal

466

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

@matpaget:

Good to know, and thanks for your response!

You're correct, it's not an overall ranking article, but "best of" by category. The official pro controller is not noted as the best pro controller, but the best "first-party" controller, an important distinction. I'm not sure what category to put the Power A model in, aside from "best alternative to pro controller," or something along those lines.

I did appreciate you calling out the D pad, as I've seen other website reviews of the official Switch Pro Controller which seem to have tested it using analog inputs, solely, and fail to recognize the poor D pad. It's baffling, really, as Nintendo has been putting D pads on controllers longer than anyone. Even other cases where the D pad wasn't the focus, as with the N64 or Gamecube controllers, the D pads were functional.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for TJDMHEM
TJDMHEM

3260

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Which controllers should I get for the switch?

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Richardthe3rd
Richardthe3rd

3844

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

@TJDMHEM: the 8bitdo SN Pro +, which is on this list, is the best controller on the Switch if you dont care about joycon motion control.

Personal preference may dictate otherwise for a select few, but this controller does it all (with the exception of being able to wake the controller).

Upvote • 
Avatar image for christophersays
christophersays

268

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 29

User Lists: 5

@Richardthe3rd:I think you mean: "8BitDo Pro 2" in the article above.

There was an earlier 'version 1' of that controller that I think was just called SN Pro+ that was replaced with a newer 'version 2' (the Pro 2) of it that addressed the few concerns people had reported on the beloved original.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for skyhighgam3r
SkyHighGam3r

4788

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@TJDMHEM: A Switch Pro controller. Then get 8BitDo stuff for playing older games.

Upvote •