Updated at: 20-02-2023 - By: Gemaga

Each Nintendo Switch controller has its own unique characteristics. Here are currently the top-rated Nintendo Switch controllers on the market.

The Nintendo Switch is a groundbreaking piece of gaming hardware. Its versatility as a handheld or docked gaming system with support for a wide range of official and unofficial controllers is a major selling point.

There appears to be an infinite number of ways to play games on a Switch, depending on whether you prefer the Joy-Con or the Pro controller.

Which controller do you think is best? For the Nintendo Switch, we’ve compiled a list of the best controllers currently available, ranking them based on factors like price, quality, comfort, and usefulness.

In the future, as more controllers become available, we will add them to this list.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Nintendo, the Maker

Typical Forms Wireless and Wired

Typically, a battery will last for around 40 hours.

Docked and Handheld Operation

The Pros:

  • Long-lasting batteries
  • Easy on the eyes and the fingers
  • Constant with the Joy-Con in terms of functionality

The Cons:

  • Expensive

The Switch Pro Controller is Nintendo’s official controller for the Switch. When playing games in docked mode, this one is much more preferable to the Joy-Con grip.

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Pricey as it may be, it offers the same features as the Joy-Con, such as motion controls, HD rumble, and compatibility with Amiibo.

Plus, the Pro controller has one of the longest battery lives of any wireless controller, allowing for around 40 hours of playtime on a single charge. Moreover, they are available in a wide range of hues and designs.

Hori D-Pad Joy-Con

Production Facility: Hori

Type: N/A

Battery Life (On Average): n/a

Mode: portable

The Pros:

  • Complete with a real D-pad
  • Friendly to the user’s comfort
  • Identical to the stock market Joy-Con
  • Value-priced compared to current stock Joy-Con

The Cons:

  • There isn’t a battery inside
  • Only functions when held in the hand.
  • Definingly no HD rumble

While the stock Joy-Con is fantastic, we’re bummed that Nintendo decided to sneak in a real D-pad.

Since joystick inputs aren’t always reliable, this can make games like Super Mario Maker 2 and Mortal Kombat 11 difficult to play for some people. Hori’s D-Pad Joy-Con, which is meant to replace your left Joy-Con with a D-pad, is included as a means of resolving this issue.

Nintendo has approved the controller, but unlike the standard Joy-Con, it requires a wired connection to the Switch tablet to function. Sadly, HD rumble isn’t supported, but at least there’s a D-pad!

Hori Nintendo Switch Battle Pad

Created by the Hori Company

The Wired Sort

Average battery life =?

Position: Docked

The Pros:

  • Controls are the same as the GameCube’s.
  • Prolonged cord
  • Able to be used with other video games besides “Super Smash Bros.”

The Cons:

  • An unusual location for the release button
  • Activates only when docked.

It’s likely that players who enjoy games like Smash Ultimate will feel more at home with a controller resembling that of the GameCube.

If you’re looking to use your original GameCube controller with your Switch, Nintendo does sell an adapter for it, but there are other, simpler options out there.

The Hori Nintendo Switch Battle Pad faithfully recreates the GC’s control scheme, and its plug-and-play design is a breeze thanks to the included USB cable, which is 10 feet long.

GameCube purists may be put off by the controller’s matte finish and awkward placement of the trigger buttons. We still think it’s a fantastic low-cost alternative that doesn’t skimp on quality or speed.

Also, it’s available in a wide range of hues and patterns that pay homage to Nintendo franchises like Super Mario, Pokémon, and The Legend of Zelda.

8Bitdo SN30 Pro Controller

Made by: 8BitDo

Instances: wireless and wired

Standard 18-hour battery life.

Status: Docked

The Pros:

  • Detailed button layout
  • Features identical to the Joy-Con
  • Includes directional pad and analog sticks

The Cons:

  • This is not the most cozy situation

Popular retro controller manufacturer 8Bitdo gives gamers a wide range of choices.

The SN30 Pro controller is one such device, and it has a ton of useful features including a proper d-pad, home and capture buttons, rumble support, clickable joysticks, wireless connectivity, a rechargeable battery, motion controls, and more.

The USB cable that is included with the controller means you can keep playing even if the battery dies. They can be found in either the SNES or Super Famicom color schemes.

8Bitdo Zero Gamepad

8BitDo is the manufacturer.

Structures: Wireless and Wired

Standard 18-hour battery life.

Docked Mode

The Pros:

  • Compact
  • Includes a real D-pad
  • Costs less than a Joy-Con

The Cons:

  • does not have any joysticks
  • Unpleasant experience if you have large hands.
  • Lacking in many essential features.

Taking your Switch to a friend’s house or a family reunion is a breeze, and that’s saying a lot. But it stinks to get there and find out there aren’t enough game controllers for everyone.

9 Best Nintendo Switch Controllers for 2023 - Switch Controller Reviews

If you’re looking for a cheaper and more portable controller for multiplayer games like Mario Kart 8 or Super Mario Party, the 8Bitdo Zero Gamepad is a great option.

Despite its diminutive 3-inch size, the controller feels quite substantial in the hand, and the silicon buttons are noticeably more pleasant to press than those on the regular Joy-Con.

Last but not least, the controller’s 18-hour battery life makes it the best portable option available.

PowerA Nintendo Switch Wired Controller Plus

PowerA is the maker.

Category: Wired

Avg. Battery Life =?

The Docked State

The Pros:

  • easy to handle with comfort
  • Modular joysticks
  • Removable wires

The Cons:

  • Inadequate in important respects

The PowerA Nintendo Switch Wired Controller is a great option if you play your Switch primarily while docked.

Although it lacks Bluetooth, motion controls, HD rumble, and Amiibo support, this controller is officially licensed by Nintendo and offers many of the same features as Nintendo’s own Pro controller.

Although it’s not as feature-packed as the Pro controller, it’s a great cheap alternative. To use it, you simply connect the included, detachable 10-foot USB cable to your Switch, just like the Hori Battle Pad.

In addition, it features a metallic D-pad, soft-rubber grips, and a number of Nintendo-inspired designs based on The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario.

PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller

PowerA is the manufacturer.

Instances: wireless and wired

Standard thirty-hour battery life.

Dual Docking/Portable Usage

The Pros:

  • Easy on the nerves
  • Includes a real D-pad
  • Priced less than a Pro Controller
  • Light-Emitting Diode Marker

The Cons:

  • Some fundamental features are missing.
  • Runs on two AA batteries
  • Compared to other third-party controllers, it’s a bit pricey.

The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller is a great alternative to the Pro Controller, albeit at a higher price than the wired version because it requires AA batteries.

This may be a deal breaker for some people, but if you don’t mind always having fresh batteries on hand or investing in rechargeable ones, you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic third-party controller.

The controller can run on two AA batteries for up to 30 hours of gameplay and features a metallic D-pad, full controller layout, LEDs for power, button mapping, player order, and low battery warning, and a full controller layout. While motion controls are present, HD rumble and Amiibo compatibility are not.

Beyond the standard Zelda and Mario palettes, there is also a rather sleek Crash Team Racing-themed design.

Esywen Wireless Controller

Producer: Esywen

Instances: wireless and wired

Expect around 10 hours of use from a single charge.

Docked and Handheld Arrangements

The Pros:

  • Turbo and low-end rumble controls
  • Includes a real D-pad
  • Value-priced alternative to the professional-grade Pro Controller

The Cons:

  • Some fundamental features are missing.
  • poor endurance in terms of battery life
  • D-pad and joystick positions are switched.

When compared to the other controllers on this list, the Esywen Wireless Controller stands out due to its extensive customization options.

In addition to a controllable amount of turbo, a range of rumble intensities (from strong to medium to weak) is also provided. It has a three-year warranty in case there are any issues and keeps the motion controls of the Nintendo Pro Controller.

At half the price of Nintendo’s controller, there are bound to be compromises. In this case, the functionality of Amiibo is sacrificed, as is a battery life of 10 hours.

It comes in a single color and has the same joystick placement as the Dualshock 4, which can be both a pro and a con depending on your preferences.

PDP Faceoff Deluxe Controller

Maker: PDP

The Wired Sort

Battery Life (On Average): n/a

Put in a Docking Position

The Pros:

  • integrated 3.5mm audio jack with game audio and USB voice chat
  • available in a rainbow of hues
  • Back-paddle inputs that can be mapped

The Cons:

  • Inability to control motion is a major drawback.
  • It’s possible that some people have trouble holding onto the large joysticks.

The PDP Faceoff Deluxe Controller is a second wired option that can be used in place of or as a backup for the Pro controller.

Not only is it officially licensed, but its 3.5mm audio jack allows for in-game audio and USB chat, a feature rarely seen in third-party Switch controllers.

The controller’s back-paddle inputs are programmable, so you can assign them to buttons and set up shortcuts as needed for specific games. Last but not least, the four interchangeable faceplate colors add a lot of variety.

Kingear Wireless Switch Pro Controller

Produced by: Kingear, the Makers

Separated into two categories, wireless and wired devices

Typically, you can expect about five hours of use from a fully charged battery.

Supports both docked and handheld configurations.

The Pros:

  • Improved hold
  • The whole shebang of buttons
  • Support for rumbling and motion controls

The Cons:

  • Disappointing battery life
  • Disgustingly antiquated style

Finally, we have the heaviest controller on this list, the Kingear Wireless Switch Pro Controller. As for the design, it takes us back to the days when Mad Catz released a new transparent controller every other day.

This is because it was made with larger hands in mind, though fans of chunky controllers in general may appreciate its size.

Features such as a complete button layout, rumble support, and motion controls are all present, as would be expected from a third-party wireless controller.

The battery life is short, lasting only about 5 hours on a full charge. However, the included USB charger means you can keep playing whenever you like.

Binbok Joypad Controller

Taking inspiration from both the Joy-Con grips and the Wii U’s wireless Pro Controller, Binbok designed the Joypad. Like Hori’s Switch Split Pad Pro, these left and right Joy-Con-like controllers slot onto the sides of the Switch. It’s like using the Pro controller with the Switch handheld, but with the convenience and larger controls.

The Binbok Joypad, in contrast to Hori’s controller, can be used away from the Switch thanks to its integrated battery and Bluetooth connectivity. It may be uncomfortable to hold them in your hands, but you can still use them as Joy-Cons, and they come with separate rumble and motion controls. Each of the grips features a turbo button and a programmable button. When you’re ready to play, you can activate the Switch by pressing the Home button, and you can customize the color of the thumb stick LED rings.

Similarly to Nintendo’s Joy-Con Comfort Grip, the included holder connects the two controllers into a single, Pro-like controller. Sadly, you can’t charge both controllers at once in this manner; instead, you’ll need to charge them individually, either via their USB-C ports or by docking the Switch and charging it while the controllers are still attached. With the controllers attached, the holder is even wider than a Pro controller. There is a little give where the controllers slot into the holder, making it feel flimsy. The combination of its light weight and pliability results in a sensation of fragility. Still, it’s not like Nintendo’s Joy-Cons are known for dependability, and all things considered, this is a great choice for those looking to save money without sacrificing functionality.

Horipad Nintendo Switch Wired Controller

The Horipad, though wired and costing twenty dollars, is one of the most pleasant controllers we tried. It has a Turbo button, but no options for adjusting the vibration or the motion. Its D-pad is not actually a pad, but rather a plastic overlay for the four individual buttons. That it requires a wired connection to function may be a deal breaker for some. The black controller is currently hard to find at its regular price, but the blue and red versions are widely available.

The best Nintendo Switch controllers in 2022 | GamesRadar+

Insten Wireless Pro Controller

Though I find that “You get what you pay for” applies to the Insten, my 8 and 10-year-old children love it. It is a simple wireless controller, but the dual-shock vibration is very strong. It’s soft and accommodating, but the quality is poor. Although I can’t say the same for my TV, the controller did make it through a high-speed collision with it. The Insten’s best feature is its low cost, especially when purchasing multiple controllers. An affordable two-pack is available for under $50.

FAQS:

What controller should I use for Nintendo Switch?

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is the best Nintendo Switch controller if you don’t mind spending a lot of money. This makes it possible to play games with a wired or wireless traditional gamepad, while still having access to the same motion controls, rumble, and NFC features as the system’s default Joy-Con controller.

Are third-party Switch controllers better?

Fantastic as they are, the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons don’t come cheap. The best third-party Switch controllers, fortunately, offer more reliable and familiar gamepad layouts. There is no universally accepted “best” controller; some people may prefer the lighter Pro Controller, while others may favor the smaller Joy-Cons.

Is Nintendo Switch controller good?

Nintendo’s Pro Controller is a great docked controller thanks to its ergonomic build and lengthy battery life. The most expensive option on our list, at $70, this controller is one of the few that supports Amiibo but is still excellent.

Conclusion

Here, we’ve gone over a wide variety of controllers, discussing the pros and cons of each. Therefore, we cannot recommend a single option above the rest. However, if forced to pick, we would go with the following options.

  • The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a Top-Rated Item. The official Nintendo Pro controller has the longest battery life and the most functionality, but it also comes with a hefty price tag.
  • PDP Faceoff Deluxe Controller, Best Value This controller stands out from the crowd because it incorporates a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing for in-game audio and USB chat, but it lacks some essential features.
  • Superior in Every Way: The PowerA Nintendo Switch Wired Controller Plus It’s possible that the official Pro controller has more options than this one. However, the improved convenience and the 10 foot removable cable make it a respectable substitute.

Of course, these are just our recommendations; if you know what you need from a controller, you’re sure to find something among the options presented here that works perfectly.