Whether you bought a Switch when it launched or are new to the console, you NEED to know about the Best Nintendo Switch Controllers for the system.
Why? Because you can never have too many controllers, and that’s a fact!
The Nintendo Switch might be all about handheld play and portability, but it still has an arsenal of exciting controllers that you can use while kicking back on your sofa in front of your TV.
Ditch the Joycon grip and check out our list below. We’ve found some of the best looking and most exciting controllers for the console. All you need to do now is decide which one will be your next purchase (or just buy all 12!)
1. RetroFlag Gamecube Controller
The best Nintendo Switch controller of the year so far, has to be the RetroFlag Gamecube Nintendo Switch controller.
Released in December 2022, RetroFlag wanted to bring one of the best controllers of all time to the Nintendo Switch, and they did just that… with style.
This controller uses a “Pro Wired Connection” and your Switch slots into the USB-C port at the bottom giving it connectivity.
The controller only weights 270g, features hall analogue sticks (that resemble the Gamecube joysticks), motion/vibration functionality, fast charging and turbo functions.
All of this with incredible button placement, and the nostalgic coloured shells to match the Gamecube look.
The shoulder buttons are also fantastic, with nice travel, great feedback and superb comfortability. This comfortability comes from the curved back of the grips, making it perfect for large hands and long gaming sessions.
This is an all-round impeccable controller, one that has quickly become our favourite and will be for a long while.
The only downside is that (as of writing this article) it is only available in the USA and Canada, other locations are coming soon.
Read our full review: RetroFlag Gamecube Nintendo Switch Controller
2. 8BitDo SN30 Pro+
This could well be the sleekest looking remote on our Best Nintendo Switch Controllers list. It’s matt black, has a bit of a Playstation meets SNES vibe about it, and it oozes cool.
This controller works with Nintendo Switch versions 3.0.0 and above. It can also be used with Android, PC, and Raspberry Pi devices too. If you’re looking for a one-size-fits-all gaming controller, then this is it!
8BitDo have included rumble, motion controls, and Turbo in this slick little number. The triggers are nice, the controller isn’t too heavy, and the select and start buttons are nicely spaced.
If you’re about to begin an epic quest such as BOTW or Mario Odyssey, then you owe it to yourself to use a comfortable remote like the SN30 Pro+. Check it out!
3. Gulikit King Kong Pro 2
If you’re looking for an advanced controller that will take your gaming to the next level, then the Gulikit King Kong Pro 2 has your back.
Ever heard of ‘hall sensor joystick’ technology? Well, Gulikit’s controllers are the first to implement it, and it basically means you’ll never have stick drift ever again.
The electromagnetic stick (which has been patented, so don’t be thinking of stealing the idea) guarantees no dead zones ever, which means it’s perfect for FPS games.
With Motion Sense for extremely fast aiming of bows, guns, and turning in racing games, and a slick Turbo Mode to save you button mashing or slamming the triggers, it’s a well thought out controller that both simplifies your gaming experience while enhancing it at the same time.
But here’s the real cool feature I’ve been saving till last – Smart Auto Pilot Gaming.
Players can actually record operations in 10-minute stints and have the controller play our their actions. If you’re mining, digging, or completing a boring pattern on a game, then let the Gulikit do the hard work while you have a cup of tea!
4. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
The original Nintendo Switch Pro Controller has been my reliable go-to controller for a long time now.
It feels nice in your hand, it’s got a good weight to it, and it swaps out the directional buttons on the left Joycon controller for a good-old-fashioned D-pad.
What more could a person want!
Charging the Pro Controller is easy via the USB slot on the Switch Dock, and I can get around 40 hours of gaming from it.
That’s even after all this use; I bought it back in 2017 along with my original Switch and Zelda!
The triggers are super responsive, and the controller feels much more solid than using Joycons in the provided holder.
If you don’t know which to choose and fancy going with the Ninty-provided option, then you really can’t go wrong. Over 44,000 people on Amazon agree with me on this one!
5. HORI Switch Pad
Of course, the Best Nintendo Switch Controllers don’t all have to be for TV play!
If you like the feel of a pro controller but tend to play handheld most of the time, then this HORI Switch Pad could be the remote for you. These bulky Joycons slide right onto the Switch screen itself, giving you a bigger surface area to grip onto and a couple more buttons to boot.
If you’re a handheld gamer, then you can revel in the inclusion of bigger buttons, easier to smash triggers, easy-grip analog sticks, and a super-sleek D-Pad. Life doesn’t get better than this!
As well as programmable rear buttons and Turbo functions, the HORI Switch Pad comes with Daemon X Machina branding. That might not mean anything to some of you, but it’s a nice touch for any fans out there.
6. 8BitDo Gamepad
Everyone should own this controller. Not only does it look like a SNES controller mated with the Millennium Falcon, but it adds some serious retro-gaming feels to your Nintendo Switch.
So how does this controller work? You can charge it up via a fast-charging USB-C cable, and it has player indicator LEDs just like the Joycons. It doesn’t need a dongle, and works with any game.
This SNES controller is great if you’re planning on diving into the Nintendo Switch Online catalogue. Nothing says ‘retro gaming’ like those iconic SNES colourful buttons, and the overall shape of this remote is superb.
7. HORIPAD Wired Controller
Sometimes, you just want to have a remote that you can plug in and play with. It’s great to have a wired controller for when you’re charging your Joycons or other controllers, especially when it looks as good as this!
The HORIPAD controller is pretty striking to look at. We love that Sega-style enlarged D-Pad adapter and the overall shape and feel of the remote. It’s a perfect piece of kit and certainly deserves a place in our Best Nintendo Switch Controllers list.
‘What’s a D-pad adapter’, I hear you ask? You can remove the D-pad facing entirely and have access to the same-style directional buttons as the left Joycon. There’s even a place to store it on the back of the remote when it’s not in use.
As well as a 10-foot cable and fast-action triggers, this gamepad has Turbo functions to save your fingers in button-mashing scenarios. We love it, and hopefully you will too!
8. 8Bitdo Lite Bluetooth Gamepad
If you’re more into old-school gaming controllers or prefer a D-pad, then this 8BitDo Lite Bluetooth Gamepad will give you accurate control over your onscreen character with zero lag.
With wireless bluetooth and USB C connectivity, this rectangular pad with rounded corners is perfect for playing on a Switch Lite in tabletop mode or using alongside your standard Nintendo Switch in docked mode.
Players can customise their own turbo features and even upgrade the controller firmware too.
It’s a little hard to get used to at first if you usually use standard controllers, but it’ll be a cinch for anyone into mobile gaming on their iPhone or Android smartphone.
9. GameCube Controller
If you’re a die-hard Nintendoid, then you’ll definitely recognise this next entry on our Best Nintendo Switch Controllers list!
Another PowerA production, this wireless GameCube pad is the perfect piece of nostalgia for the Nintendo Switch. The GameCube controller was a classic, and this officially licensed pad has all of the original features including new buttons that allow you to control every element of your Switch.
This controller is perfect for knocking back enemies on Super Smash Bros, but it also works with all of your other favourite games too!
Like the Poke Ball pad, this controller uses two AA batteries. You get over 30-hours of play time, and it works in both dock and handheld modes.
10. PowerA Poke Ball Controller
If you can’t get enough of hurling Poke Balls at grass-dwelling critters, then this next controller will be right up your street.
PowerA have a whole host of themed controllers available, but this Poke Ball design really caught our eye. This officially licensed, enhanced controller is perfect for anyone who is delving into Sword & Shield for the first time. Just don’t throw it at your dog; it’s not a real Poke Ball.
This PowerA controller has all of the same features as the official Pro Controller as well as two extra buttons for ‘on-the-fly’ button mapping. Plus, you can play anywhere in your home thanks to the Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connection.
The only downside to this controller is that it uses AA batteries. That might seem a bit odd in today’s world of chargeable devices, but you could always get some rechargeable batteries to return balance to the universe. Two AA batteries give you over 30-hours of gameplay-not bad!
11. Smash Bros Fight Pad
If you prefer a wired controller but still want that GameCube feel, then these fight pads from PDP will put a smile on your face and blisters on your fingers.
We’ve opted for showcasing a Luigi themed remote because he doesn’t get enough exposure. There are, however, lots of different designs based on your favourite Smash Bros fighters. Choose from Link, Yoshi, Mario, Pichu, and more!
This controller works perfectly with Smash Bros Ultimate and is an officially licensed Nintendo product. You don’t have to charge it up, and the 10-foot wire means that you won’t have to squat down right in front of your TV.
If you don’t want to use the C-Stick, you can replace it with a full-sized analogue stick for use with other Nintendo Switch games too. PDP have thought of everything!
12. Ralthy Wireless Turbo Controller
The next remote on our Best Nintendo Switch Controllers list takes inspiration from the original blue and red Joycons + handgrip dock.
This controller from Ralthy comes with all of the essential Switch selection buttons including Turbo functions. The shape reminds me more of an Xbox controller, so it might be a better fit for gamers who are new to the world of Nintendo.
Two hours of charge via the included USB-C cable give you 7-10 hours game play. It has a built-in dual-motor with three different levels of vibration too! No you can experience every explosion and crash to your own specifcation.
Ralthy are confident that you’ll love this remote. So confident, in fact, tht it comes with a 45-day returns policy and a 3-year-warranty.
Seb Santabarbara has bought every Nintendo console that has ever been released in his 31 years on Planet Earth. His favourite game franchise is Zelda, and he’s patiently waiting for Banjo-Kazooie to come back to the fold. When he’s not playing games, he’s travelling the world in his self-converted camper van.
