The top Nintendo Switch controllers for 2024 are a must-have for any gamer looking to enhance their gaming experience.

The most exceptional Nintendo Switch controllers may not be ones that come with the console itself. Although the detachable Pleasure-Con controllers provided with non-Lite Switch consoles are convenient for wireless gameplay, their compact, shapeless design can become uncomfortable during extended gaming sessions or for users with larger hands. While Nintendo has successfully addressed certain quality control concerns that plagued the company in the past, residual issues still linger.

When shopping for wireless controllers, we offer a range of options that are both compact and reliable, as well as several models featuring unique features tailored to suit individual play styles. While we’re not obscuring wired controllers that connect to the Switch’s dock since they are virtually indistinguishable and rarely offer significant cost savings in many cases. Make available first-rate individuals who are capable of performing at a high level in a pinch, despite being rather basic. Until you reach a point where you despise recharging your controllers, it still makes good sense to opt for Wi-Fi connectivity.

In the event you opt for a third-party Wi-Fi controller instead of one produced by Nintendo, you should anticipate certain features and functions may not be supported or may operate differently.

• It received’t have HD rumble. Nintendo dubs its advanced haptic feedback “Superior Haptic Suggestions,” boasting a precision that surpasses many third-party controllers, with subtle nuances reminiscent of Sony’s haptics engine. Some additional restrained rumbling could potentially be present. 
• While many third-party Swap controllers lack movement controls for gestures or gyroscopic aiming in video games, a growing number of options are emerging to fill this gap, offering varying degrees of quality and functionality.
• The majority of non-Nintendo consoles neglect to include an NFC reader, thereby precluding the use of Amiibo playing cards or collectible figurines that unlock specific features in certain video games. 
• Many third-party options won’t enable remote activation of the Switch. Manually press the console’s power button. 
• While some Swap controllers feature 3.5mm headphone jacks, wireless audio output is limited to wired USB connections only. For many people, this simple solution is a sufficient and uncomplicated fix.

When playing with your Switch while docked, it’s hard to get confused with the official display. This is the sole conventional gamepad that meets every criteria – absent a 3.5mm audio jack – and ranks among the most rewarding controllers we’ve tested. With its comprehensive customization options, the controller excels as an Xbox-style device, perfect for those seeking precise control, while the alternative provides a comfortable handheld experience for players preferring this setup. There are two elements, each with its own unique value worth a second glance.

More than seven years after its debut, Nintendo’s original Professional controller remains a benchmark for excellence in gaming peripherals on the Switch. The Xbox Elite Series 2 controller was released alongside its console counterpart in 2017, offering an alternative to Nintendo’s innovative Joy-Con designs, with some features rivaling those of traditional controllers from Sony and Microsoft in terms of comfort and build quality.

The Swap Professional Controller, apart from the Pleasure-Cons, stands out as the only wireless option equipped with HD rumble, gyroscopic motion assistance, and an NFC reader for seamless interactions with Amiibo figures and playing cards. The Power A Controller is the sole device we’ve tested that can operate on the Switch without being connected to it, aside from the Joy-Con controllers themselves. Built to withstand the rigors of intense gaming, the gamepad’s robust construction resembles a tank’s impregnable armor. Its impressive battery life ensures an uninterrupted experience, rarely leaving you worrying about running out of juice. According to Nintendo, the Switch’s battery life lasts around 40 hours, making it unlikely for casual players to exhaust the battery anytime soon.

While the buttons and triggers offer a pleasant tactile sensation with each press, their directional pad impresses with precise and deliberate clicks that will satisfy even the most nostalgic of gamers. The controller connects via USB-C, mirroring the design of the Switch; it’s compatible with various platforms, including PCs, Android devices, and SteamOS. The tool seamlessly integrates with a range of Apple devices, boasting compatibility with the latest iterations of iOS, macOS, tvOS, and visionOS.

Given the value, we would ideally like it to offer alternative options, such as customizable programmable buttons or a standard 3.5mm audio jack, allowing users to enjoy audio playback even when Wi-Fi transmission to a controller is not feasible. While you may be able to connect a pair of wireless headphones via Bluetooth, they can only be paired with your Switch directly.

While some may enjoy using Pleasure-Con controllers, the majority likely find them uncomfortable to hold for extended periods due to their size and design. Where to find the Hori Breakout Pad Professional?

The Breakup Pad Professional is offered in a diverse palette of colour options, with each design resembling a shattered Swap Professional Controller that’s broken into two halves. The Hori gamepad seamlessly integrates with the Switch console, just like Joy-Con controllers, but deviates from Nintendo’s standard offerings by boasting expansive, easily accessible buttons, large triggers, and sizable analog sticks that provide a pleasant gaming experience. The controller also features various grip options, catering specifically to gamers who require a more secure hold for fast-paced gameplay or extended play sessions that demand comfort.

Without batteries or sensors, the Break-up Pad Professional is essentially useless when compared to the Switch, lacking any capabilities for rumble, movement, infrared, or near-field communication. This gaming experience is only available in handheld mode initially; purchase the accessory to seamlessly transform it into a wired controller. While we wouldn’t recommend this approach for most people, given that the attachment alone costs more than a Swap Professional Controller – a disappointing reality considering it fails to incorporate any of the mentioned features – it does add a 3.5mm headphone jack as a consolation.

The corporation also offers the Mini, a compact version of the Breakup Pad Pro, typically priced around $50.

For those seeking a worthwhile investment, consider taking a closer look at the Breakup Pad Pro – an offering that’s remarkably similar in size to the popular Pleasure-Con – all for a competitive price of $32.49, representing a significant discount of around $18 from its usual rate.

While rivalling the Swap’s Professional Controller in terms of build quality, this alternative feels more akin to a modern Xbox controller, with its textured rear grips potentially giving it an edge for some users. Unlike most third-party controllers, this one uniquely preserves the functionality of Amiibo support, despite occasional compatibility issues with counterfeit Amiibo products from certain manufacturers. The KingKong 2 Professional offers seamless connectivity options, allowing users to pair with various devices via Bluetooth, including PCs, macOS, iOS, Android, and other compatible platforms. With the implementation of GuliKit’s Corridor impact sensors in its analog sticks, this device is effectively impervious to drift.

While attempting to grasp the intricacies of corridor impact sensors, we recommend examining their operation in detail. In summary, these sensors employ magnets to modulate electrical signals, thus eliminating the need for physical contact and wear-and-tear that can occur when sensors are physically rubbed against or worn down to generate input. While there have been no widespread reports of persistent analog stick drift on the Switch Pro Controller thus far, controllers featuring corridor impact sensors are unlikely to encounter this issue, providing a welcome sense of relief that justifies the additional investment. Under $20, the 8Bitdo Final Bluetooth Controller offers an affordable way to play retro games on modern devices.

Management-wise, nearly every aspect of the KingKong 2 Professional leaves a positive impression. The controller’s ergonomic design finds a harmonious balance between travel, haptic feedback, and overall texture. While the analog sticks exhibit surprisingly smooth movements, they unfortunately default back to their original settings with no noticeable haptic feedback or resistance to suggest they’ve actually changed position. While clicking the sticks doesn’t necessarily demand considerable force, even when they’re slightly askew? While we can’t entirely attribute the impressive ergonomics to GuliKit’s design inspiration from Xbox, we do commend the manufacturer for utilizing sturdy materials and achieving a well-balanced weight in their product.

The controller provides extensive customisation options as well. You can swap button layouts, program macros, and cycle through preset ranges of rumble depth and trigger sensitivity, excluding settings that cannot be applied when using it with the Swap, as it does not support analog triggers. While managing these settings may seem straightforward, a more effective approach would be to access them through intuitive button combinations. While the combinations themselves may be straightforward, committing them to memory proves a formidable task. Fortunately, GuliKit thoroughly outlines each component in its comprehensive guide that comes with the gamepad.

It’s worth noting that GuliKit now offers a subscription and a one-time payment option. The three Professional builds upon the premium controller’s foundation by incorporating four removable rearward button slots or paddles – two are included – and an elevated 1,000Hz polling rate to significantly enhance responsiveness. The three Max features similar capabilities to its professional counterpart, but boasts three sets of again buttons (including short and long types) and a 10-minute macro recording limit, compared to just 10 seconds on the three Professional. The controller features an exclusive offset mode switch, accompanied by RGB lighting on the analog sticks that clearly indicate the selected sensitivity mode, as well as NFC compatibility for seamless Amiibo integration.

We haven’t had a chance to thoroughly examine the two latest GuliKit models yet, but they’re soon to be put under our scrutiny, so stay informed and watch this space.

appears as a compact professional controller in form, featuring a grip profile designed for smaller hands or those who prefer a more snug fit. While each Share and Home windows PC provides some assistance, 8BitDo truly excels with seamless Steam Deck compatibility. While the Switch’s haptic feedback is excellent, it still falls short of Nintendo’s standard; additionally, its lack of Amiibo support is notable, although it does offer customizable paddles and movement controls, as well as a clever hidden feature that enables waking a docked console by gently shaking the controller. The device also includes a convenient charging dock that securely stores the 2.4GHz dongle when it’s not being utilized. The included dock proves convenient for recharging the device’s 22-hour battery, which while generously sized, falls short of the 40-hour mark touted by Nintendo’s official controller.

While the Final controller offers various variants, we highly recommend opting for the Bluetooth version due to its added features, including 2.4GHz connectivity and GuliKit Corridor impact sticks, which are absent in the 2.4GHz-only model. The analog sticks offer precisely calibrated resistance and boast a comfortable, curved design, albeit with slightly truncated edge lengths. The entire buttons offer a pleasant journey, accompanied by analog triggers that yield a satisfying level of resistance when activated.

You can customize button mapping profiles, create macros, adjust vibration depth, and fine-tune stick and trigger sensitivity using the Final Software app on mobile devices or PCs. The controller features a dedicated button allowing seamless switching between three profiles, as well as a turbo button that can be either reconfigured or remapped for customized control. When it comes to swap controllers, 8BitDo stands out for its extensive range of options and ease of integration into various devices.

There’s another great option with Corridor-based impact sticks for the Nintendo Switch, especially if your arms are more comfortable with a PlayStation-style controller. The Xbox Elite Series 2’s ergonomic design boasts a comfortable grip, distinguished by a snappier directional pad compared to its counterpart in the Switch Pro Controller, accompanied by two conveniently accessible paddles on the controller’s underside. The Switch Lite features rumble support, albeit not in high definition, as well as movement controls tailored to video game genres like Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros., both of which enable players to utilize gyroscopic aiming capabilities. A notable feature of PlayStation controls is that the left analog stick is positioned beneath, akin to Sony’s traditional design, distinct from the layout on Nintendo Switch Pro controllers where it sits above the D-pad.

On a cellular device or Windows laptop, you can customize the Pro 2’s button mapping and adjust the sensitivity of its triggers and analog sticks. You can also store up to three distinct management strategy profiles and seamlessly switch between them using a dedicated button located between the analog sticks, enhancing your gaming experience. At the rear of the device lies a feature allowing users to seamlessly switch between Nintendo Switch mode, X-input for PC, DirectInput, and macOS modes, each boasting its own set of customizable controls and Bluetooth profiles. This controller offers a unique experience for $50 (or $54.99 for an exclusive, limited edition option that adds an extra layer of coolness).

While there are several options available that enable the use of third-party controllers, 8BitDo’s offerings stand out as a prime choice. Instead of investing $70 in multiple Switch Pro Controllers, this solution empowers you to transform a Bluetooth controller you already own into a wireless Switch controller. The accessory seamlessly integrates with your Swap dock, supporting a diverse array of controller styles, including the latest Xbox and DualSense designs, as well as legacy gamepads for the Wii and PlayStation 3. Due to a known Bluetooth incompatibility issue, the original model is unable to pair with many Xbox Bluetooth controllers. To ensure seamless connectivity, it’s recommended to opt for the latest generation instead.

Surprisingly, the PS5 DualSense controller performed exceptionally well in our tests, boasting superior haptic feedback and more precise motion controls than even many dedicated Switch controllers can offer. With newer Xbox Series X or S controllers, Xbox One Bluetooth controllers, DualSense, DualShock 4, or Switch Pro Controllers, users can fine-tune their gaming experience by customizing button mappings, analog stick sensitivities, and more through 8BitDo’s desktop and mobile applications within a few simple steps. 

That lists the steps necessary for arranging a specific controller, as well as the associated controller options that facilitate this process. It’s essential to grasp the PS4’s DualShock and Xbox controllers’ layout when using this adapter, as the button configurations may differ from on-screen prompts in games.

If you’re content with your existing controller and are willing to navigate a few minor steps to pair it, 8BitDo’s affordable adapter is a worthy addition to your gaming setup? If you intend to utilize multiple third-party controllers simultaneously, consider investing in separate adapters for each one, as having multiple controllers on hand can prove useful over time.

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We’re big fans of CRKD’s rounded design in this context. This innovative cradle-style controller seamlessly integrates a pair of Corridor impact sticks, complemented by standard face buttons, four customizable paddles, advanced turbo functionality, intuitive gyro controls, and immersive rumble feedback. The console features passthrough charging capabilities, but unfortunately, it doesn’t support passthrough video transmission. This limitation means it could potentially serve as a docking station for seamless TV gaming experiences. The step-up controller offers seamless performance when paired with a USB-C to HDMI adapter, complemented by reliable Bluetooth connectivity and customizable features such as adjustable vibration depth and analog sensitivity. Notable enhancements have been identified, with passthrough resolution demonstrating an extra refined touch. Moreover, the CRKD system holds promise in streamlining ergonomics, particularly on the right side where analog and button placement may cause discomfort.

We recently assessed the value of the product priced at $49.99 for potential purchase. Presenting many similar features, the GuliKit KingKong 2 Professional boasts customizable controls, including remappable buttons, corridor-style impact sticks, and two dedicated macro keys, as well as vibration motors integrated into the triggers – a feature unique to this model that cannot be matched by its competitors. However, it’s clear that the issue lies in the tactile feedback from the buttons. While GameSir views the extra padding beneath the controls as a feature enhancing grip, our assessment is that it detracts from the overall proficiency. Although the device is fully functional with the Swap mode, its Professional button layout follows Microsoft’s naming convention, which may not be ideal for those who struggle to remember input commands. After switching between devices, including those running on cellular networks and Windows PCs, we found that resyncing with Swap became a laborious process.

Recently, we experimented with several Wi-Fi PowerA controllers, including the standard ($59.99) and a limited-edition Pikachu-themed version ($59.99), offering a fresh gaming experience. While we appreciate the aesthetic appeal of PowerA’s controllers, their quality falls short of the standards we recommend, which is unfortunate given their comparable price point. The GameCube-style Wi-Fi controller provides a faithful recreation of its original counterpart for those seeking an authentic experience, although it lacks essential features like rumble, NFC, and IR capabilities.

To recapture the classic feel, if you don’t already possess a Bluetooth-enabled option, consider utilizing 8BitDo’s USB Adapter 2 for seamless connectivity.