Which Nintendo Switch controllers are best?
Picture this. You’ve just gotten to a point in your game on your Nintendo Switch that you’ve been looking forward to for multiple play sessions. Maybe it’s the final boss, or you just unlocked a cool new ability or mode. But, right as you get there and your excitement reaches its peak, your controller dies. If you had spares, you could get right back into your game. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to have extras so you can play with friends at your next get-together.
Nintendo Switch controller types
There are four types of Nintendo Switch controllers.
First- vs. third-party
Nintendo Switch controllers can be further divided into first- and third-party controllers.
Wired vs. wireless
For Nintendo Switch Pro controllers only, you need to decide between wired and wireless. There’s no wired option for Joy-Cons because it isn’t physically possible for them to be wired.
Design
Nintendo Switch controllers come in many design options, including ones as simple as solid colors or ones that feature your favorite game characters, such as Pikachu or Mario.
Cost
Joy-Cons typically cost $50 for one or $80 for a left and right pair. A first-party Pro controller typically costs $60, while a third-party one can cost $20-$50. Retro controllers typically cost $30-$60.
Best Nintendo Switch controllers
[ Elisween Nintendo Switch Pro Controller ]
This pro controller has two extra buttons on the back that you can program as you see fit, including assigning button combos to them. It comes in four colors.
[ Hori Nintendo Switch Split Pad Pro Controller ]
When the first-party Joy-Cons are attached to the switch, those with larger hands sometimes feel cramped. These extra-wide Joy-Cons solve that problem. They come in 12 designs, including those featuring Mega Man and Sonic.
[ Nintendo Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Controllers ]
If you need spare Joy-Cons as a backup or for playing with your friends, this first-party set is the highest-quality option available. They come in five sets of colors.
[ Nintendo Nintendo Switch Pro Controller ]
This first-party controller is the best option for playing your Switch in TV mode while sitting comfortably on your couch. On a full charge, it can last for roughly 40 hours.
[ PowerA Nintendo Switch Fusion Pro Controller ]
This controller features a special back that adds four customizable triggers so you can improve your competitive play. It can be used wired or wirelessly but doesn’t include Amiibo or HD rumble support.
[ PowerA Wired Nintendo Switch GameCube Controller ]
This GameCube-styled controller is perfect for your next big Super Smash Brothers tournament among your friends. The cable is long at 10 feet. It comes in 13 designs, including some Pokemon ones.
[ Qiaoting Nintendo Switch Pro Controller ]
This wireless controller has special grips on the handles to make it easier to hold during the sweatiest game sessions. It takes roughly two hours to charge and lasts for roughly eight hours.
[ Yccteam Nintendo Switch Pro Controller ]
This wireless controller includes Amiibo support and has dual motor shocks to improve the accuracy of the vibration function. It takes roughly two and a half hours to charge fully and lasts around 10 hours.
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Jordan C Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.