The best Nintendo Switch controllers for 2024

Often the best controller is the one you have and Deficiencies of joy they are versatile and adorable. But if you bought a Switch at launch, your controllers suffer from that dreaded “drift” problem. You can get them fixed, but it doesn’t hurt to pick up an extra pair regardless. They come in bright colors like bright pink and pastel green to match your personal style – I grabbed the blue and yellow and I’m in awe of how the Switch now looks in handheld mode. And they are less likely to suffer from drift.

Sometimes you just want a standard controller to play your favorite action titles. By “standard,” we mean something full of Xbox with grips for the heels of your hands, shoulder buttons and triggers, two thumbsticks, a set of four buttons on the right, and a D-pad. on the left. Nintendo knows this, that’s why they made it Pro Controller. This first-party gamepad pairs easily with the Switch and has a D-pad on the left while retaining features like the infrared sensor and HD rumble functionality that might be missing from third-party alternatives. The only downside to the Nintendo Switch Pro controller is the $70 price tag, but avid gamers of titles like this The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will appreciate the refined equipment and increased comfort.

If you prefer to equip your system with a PlayStation-style controller, then you can’t go wrong. this retro style gamepad copies the general button layout of the classic SNES controller in different colors. Although retro in style, it is by no means old fashioned. It has many modern features like twin thumbsticks, palm grips, back buttons, control reconfiguration and even sensitivity adjustments. It’s the Swiss Army Knife of Switch controllers – or any system, as it’s compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, Raspberry Pi and even the Steam Deck. Even non-Switch gamers should keep this gamepad in their toolkit.

With an ever-expanding library of NES, Super NES, Game Boy and expansion pack, Nintendo 64, SEGA Genesis and Game Boy Advance games, the Switch Online service gives retro fans plenty to play. . That’s a lot, so you might want a controller specifically suited for the task. We recommend for this SN30 Pro, is shaped like the SNES gamepad, but adds dual thumbsticks and wireless connectivity for an easy and convenient retro-gaming experience. It offers all the childhood nostalgia you want while still giving you the benefit of modern conveniences.

Not all players have the same level of dexterity in their hands, making it difficult to use “standard” controllers. The Lite SE it puts all the buttons on its face so you can put it on the table instead of holding it in a deathclaw. It even has grips on the bottom so it doesn’t slip during crazy play. This controller is definitely worth making sure all your friends and family can join in on the fun, and it even works with non-Switch systems, including iPad, Mac and Apple TV.

While the 8BitDo controllers are awesome for their versatility, they won’t do anything but the highest historical accuracy for some gamers. Nintendo its recreation classic GameCube controller It uses a USB-C connection, but otherwise feels exactly like you remember, from the button layout to the excellent build quality. For some, it’s the only way to play Smash Brosbut even like people who play other types of games Pikmin 1+2 it can be a pleasant blast of nostalgia.

If the price of an official GameCube gamepad is too rich for your blood, or if you prefer something wireless, PowerA controllers is also pretty great. They offer solid build quality, responsive buttons, and even come in a variety of colors if you’re into style. It’s the closest you can get to the old Wavebird experience without having to plug a few RF switches into a GameCube adapter. You’ll definitely appreciate it with so many GameCube classics being re-released on Switch, e.g Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, Baten Kaitos, Metroid Prime Remastered, Tales of Symphony and even Close up of the Tasmanian tiger. It’s a great time to be a GameCube fan.

If you mostly play handheld, a standalone controller won’t do you much good. Fortunately, HORI creates itself Peripherals like Joy-Con you can scroll to the right place in your system. If all you really want is a d-pad for old-school gaming, the HORI d-pad does exactly that, replacing the small constellation of buttons on the left Joy-Con with a reliable d-pad. It’s also quite affordable because you only have to buy one instead of a full pair. But at under $30, you might find yourself picking up a few extras anyway, especially if you suffer from the dreaded Joy-Con drift.

For gamers looking for a more premium, Steam Deck-like experience with the Switch in handheld mode, Split Pad Pro it adds a contoured, easy-to-grip back, a d-pad on the left, and even a turbo button. And it’s available in lots of fun colors and designs – whether you want to show off your love for Pokémon, Mega Man, Sonic or even good old Pac-Man, HORI has you covered. It’s nice to know that even handheld gamers can still get a high-end accessory experience.

If the Pro is a little too sturdy or too big for you A compact version of Split Pad it will fit very easily in both your hands and your bag. It still offers the same button selection as the d-pad and dual turbo buttons on the left, but in a less aggressive-looking form factor. This means somewhat muted colors like soft reds or grays – although you can still get Mega Man and Pokémon designs. Whether it’s an Amazon Basics case or the bag you choose to carry your system, it will slide nicely. expensive Waterfield box.