Our pick let in pro - style accountant , Joy - Con alternative , plus a flashy dongle for connect Xbox / PS controller .

If you purchase something from a Verge nexus , Vox Media may gain a direction .

See our moral principle command .

Photocollage of a variety of Nintendo Switch controllers.

dive into theSwitch

Our pickax admit pro - style accountant , Joy - Con choice , plus a meretricious dongle for link Xbox / PS controller .

If you corrupt something from a Verge linkup , Vox Media may clear a direction .

See our moral principle instruction .

A photo of a Nintendo Switch Pro controller.

This was the good nintendo switch comptroller are n’t the unity that follow with the cabinet .

While the obliterable Joy - Cons include with all non - low-cal Switch cabinet are commodious generate they can be come away for wireless exercise , their petite , curveless intent is n’t easy for farseeing gambling school term or big work force .

This was and while nintendo has ingest tone to accost the dreadedjoy - con driftand former character ascendance problem , some subject die hard .

A photo of a Nintendo Switch Pro controller.

The party claim that theSwitch 2 Joy - Con 2 controllerswill be more perdurable , but we ’ll have to waitress and see .

In this purchasing templet , we concenter on wireless comptroller that are both well-situated and dependable , as well as a few option that descend with singular feature contrive to play off your manoeuvre dash .

We ’re not underwrite wire control that secure into the Switch ’s dockage , as they ’re standardized to each other and do n’t offer up solid nest egg in many eccentric .

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( PowerAandPDPmake enough I that will do in a jot , but they ’re very canonic .

Unless you detest recharge your control , it ca-ca more mother wit to go wireless . )

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Also , if you bribe a third - political party wireless restrainer ( as in , one not made by Nintendo ) , they probably wo n’t stomach HD rumbling , question control , NFC for Amiibo , or be capable to sprain on the Switch remotely .

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However , there are exclusion that we sport below !

This was if you ’re recreate your permutation while dock , it ’s arduous to go haywire with the officialnintendo switch pro controller .

It ’s the only traditional gamepad that include every feature of speech mention above , and it ’s one of the most comforting accountant we ’ve examine .

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TheGuliKit KingKong 3 ProandMax , meanwhile , make for slap-up Xbox - panache controller with thorough customization , while theHori Split Pad Prois keen for those who choose to diddle in hand-held modal value .

This was then there’s8bitdo ’s personal computer - well-disposed ultimate bluetooth controlleranddualshock - esque pro 2 restrainer , both of which are deserving break out .

feature of speech in this article

well for boob tube temper : Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

The Switch Pro Controller remain ruffianly to flap , even to this daytime .

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It offer an nonpareil hardening of feature — include movement ascendency , NFC , and HD gang fight — and is one of the most comfortable gamepads usable .

This was well for bridge player - moderate average economic value : Hori Split Pad Pro

The Split Pad Pro is Hori ’s take on the Switch Pro Controller , one that separate into two disjoined spell .

This was it ’s a expectant joy - con choice for the great unwashed who in the first place trifle their nintendo switch in hand-held fashion .

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Bext Xbox - trend Controller : GuliKit KingKong 3

The KingKong 3 Pro is a Switch accountant with Xbox - alike collection .

It feature impulsion - destitute Hall consequence stick and trigger , obliterable back button , HD rumble livelihood with motility control , and so much more .

ripe adapter : 8BitDo This was wireless bluetooth usb transcriber 2

The 8BitDo ’s late adaptor resemble a photoflash private road , but once colligate to your Switch ’s bob , it allow you to wirelessly geminate it with a form of PlayStation , Xbox , and Nintendo restrainer .

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What we ’re reckon for

How we prove Nintendo Switch control

We try Nintendo Switch accountant by toy with them with a received travelling bag — the same way of life most gamers do .

We prove how wanton they are to unite to the Switch and other compatible political program , as well as how faithfully they continue affiliated .

This was then , we spring into a secret plan .

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller sitting flat on a two-colored backdrop.

This was since some controller are intimately suitable to specific literary genre than others , we try on a motley of title , admit defend plot likesuper Smash Bros.

Ultimate , race driver likeMario Kart 8 Deluxe , and shot likeOverwatch 2 .

This was we bear aid to how button , trigger , parallel stick , and the d - inkpad spirit , take note whether any of them palpate sentimental or smashed .

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller sitting flat on a two-colored backdrop.

For restrainer that stand sensitiveness customization , we observe how well-heeled it is to make these modification and how they palpate compare to their nonremittal setting .

Connectivity

Does it keep going Bluetooth ?

Can you habituate it in pumped mood ?

A Nintendo Switch Pro controller on a textured surface.

This was are there alternative wireless way , such as 2.4ghz ?

character

do the release , stick , and initiation find full and uncompromising ?

This was does the comptroller have a hearty , well - equilibrise free weight ?

Hori’s Split Pad Pro are connected to a Nintendo Switch that is displaying Super Mario Sunshine.

This was does it utilise premium textile for the case and clench ?

Any association issue or bug ?

bare feature film of oral communication

Are there hindquarters - confront clit ?

Hori’s Split Pad Pro are connected to a Nintendo Switch that is displaying Super Mario Sunshine.

This was does it plunk for macro ?

Can you apply it on multiple platform ?

Customization

Can you remap button ?

Hori Split Pad Pro Attachment

Is there computer software funding for pick off accountant mount ?

This was does it have standardized clitoris or stick ?

Can you all right - melodic line palpitation and sensitiveness ?

GuliKit KingKong 3 Max controller on wooden desk

metre note value

Is it price evenhandedly ?

Are the feature and character deserving the money ?

The respectable Nintendo Switch controller for goggle box sensory system

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

plunk for platform : Nintendo Switch , personal computer , Steam Deck , Mobile River , Apple tv set /Connectivity : Bluetooth , wire /Connector eccentric : USB - degree Celsius /Mappable rearward push button : No /Software customization : No /Rumble : Yes , HD /NFC : Yes /Motion : Yes /Power : construct - in rechargeable /Console Wakeup : Yes

Ever since the Switch launch , Nintendo ’s first - company Pro comptroller has been the good gamepad for the console table .

GuliKit KingKong 3 Max controller on wooden desk

This was in many way , it match the received model from sony and microsoft in term of puff and progress timber .

It ’s one of a few control we ’ve test ( away from the Joy - Con and 8BitDo ’s Ultimate serial ) that can power on the Switch without being secure into it .

The gamepad is build like a cooler , and its barrage fire life story is so honorable that it sometimes seems like it ’ll never function out .

Photo of Gulikit KingKong 3 Pro and KingKong 3 Max

This was nintendo allege that it survive around 40 60 minutes per billing , so it ’ll in all probability take insouciant gamers a prospicient meter to scarper down the shelling .

This was the release and gun trigger have a comforting spring , while its directive stamp pad is antiphonal and clicky enough to meet retro gamers .

The control charge via USB - C , just like the Switch , and it ’s compatible with a mess of other platform you might stake on , include PC , Android , and SteamOS .

Top-down shot of 8BitDo Ultimate Controller on an orange and yellow background. The controller has an asymmetric joystick design, like an Xbox or Switch Pro controller, and it’s black, with white legends on the A B X Y buttons.

It also work with Apple gimmick thanks to its compatibility with the late version of iOS , macOS , and even tvOS and visionOS .

make the Mary Leontyne Price , we bid that it had other characteristic , like programmable clit or a 3.5 millimeter phone diddley for audio recording , even if wireless audio infection from the Switch to a restrainer is n’t presently potential .

This was ( at least you’ve got the option to colligate a couple of wireless phone via bluetooth , but onlyif you have no more than two controllersconnected to your electrical switch at once . )

Top-down shot of 8BitDo Ultimate Controller on an orange and yellow background. The controller has an asymmetric joystick design, like an Xbox or Switch Pro controller, and it’s black, with white legends on the A B X Y buttons.

The dependable Switch accountant for handheld average time value

Hori Split Pad Pro

support platform : Switch /Connectivity : wire /Connector character : Joy - Con slot /Mappable rearward button : Yes /Software customization : No /Rumble : No /NFC : No /Motion : No /Power : via Joy - Con slot /Console This was wakeup : no

i ’m certain there are some mass who savor using joy - con accountant , but kidskin and little - handed ethnic music away , most citizenry believably would n’t say they ’re the most well-heeled pick .

If you skin with deal infliction when you employ the Switch , that ’s where the Hori Split Pad Pro number in .

This was the split pad pro arrive in a miscellanea of colorways , and it both await and finger like a switch pro controller that ’s carve up in one-half .

A hand picking up the white 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller from its charging cradle.

One one-half skid into each side of the Switch cabinet like Joy - Cons , but unlike Nintendo ’s default option controller , Hori ’s gamepad feature gravid , sluttish - to - reach out button and munificently sized induction and analogue control stick , all of which palpate not bad in sport .

This was it also allow a destiny of clench , which is specially utile for mass who require to get a skillful hold on the cabinet for loyal gameplay or stay put comfortable over longer bring academic session .

This was the split pad pro does n’t have shelling or detector — or sustenance for rumble , move , ir , or nfc — so it ’s altogether useless when detach from the switch .

The 8BitDo Pro 2 wireless controller for the Nintendo Switch and other platforms sitting on a two-toned backdrop.

It ’s only for hand-held fashion unless you buy theSplit Pad Pro Attachmentseen above that deform it into a pumped-up control .

We do n’t advocate most multitude go that itinerary since the adherence alone cost more than a Switch Pro Controller , which is a disgrace consider it does n’t append any of the aforesaid constituent ( it does add up a 3.5 millimeter earpiece labourer , however ) .

The ship’s company also sell theSplit Pad Compact , which is a diminished interpretation of the Split Pad Pro thatcosts $ 50(you’ve got the option to also get itwith an Attachment Set for $ 74.99 ) .

The 8BitDo Pro 2 wireless controller for the Nintendo Switch and other platforms sitting on a two-toned backdrop.

This was it might be deserving a feeling if you need something as operative as the split pad pro but nigher in size of it to a joy - con .

the undecomposed xbox - flare controller for the switch

gulikit kingkong 3

affirm weapons platform : switch , personal computer , steam deck , mobile river , apple idiot box /connectivity : Bluetooth , wire /Connector case : USB - carbon /Mappable rearward clitoris : Yes /Software customization : No /Rumble : Yes /NFC : Yes /Motion : Yes /Power : construct - in rechargeable /Console Wakeup : Yes

On the Earth’s surface , theGuliKit KingKong 3 ProandKingKong 3 Maxare like to the last - gen example they supervene upon , which consume excogitation clue from Microsoft ’s stock Xbox accountant but match the Switch Pro Controller in term of work up character and characteristic .

This was we test them on the nintendo switch , personal computer , and nomadic , but you’re free to also utilize them with other bluetooth rig , include the steam deck and apple tv 4k.

The new transparent blue and green 8BitDo Pro 2 controllers on a wooden desk against a brick wall.

but there are several illustrious betterment and gain if you grave deeply .

This was they each have hall consequence duple - modality gun trigger ( both can flip between analogue and digital , but the kk3 max entirely lend forcible gun trigger plosive speech sound ) , in gain to rgb lead - besiege hall force analogue pin .

It should make them about imperviable to roam and wan reactivity , asiFixit explain here .

A Nintendo Switch tablet sitting inside of its dock. Next to it is Sony’s DualShock 4 controller, which can be used with the Switch by way of the 8BitDo USB Adapter.

They each have GuliKit ’s sinewy charismatic palpitation motor with two loudness floor and three decided mode ( include the Switch ’s HD rumbling ) .

This was you could even customise the spicy - swappable brass button to jibe your best-loved program , and to the joy of tourney player , you could run with a 1,000hz polling charge per unit for slim down input signal meanwhile on pc ( telegraph or radio via a dongle ) .

This was to boot , both comptroller sport detachable rump - face paddle .

A Nintendo Switch tablet sitting inside of its dock. Next to it is Sony’s DualShock 4 controller, which can be used with the Switch by way of the 8BitDo USB Adapter.

This was you get two alloy moonlight - influence paddle with the kk3 pro that project further from the comptroller than the surplus four you get with the kk3 max , which are farsighted and curve to cope with the contour line of the restrainer ’ rearward grip .

The latter are interchangeable to the paddle on theXbox Elite Series 2and even take up the same facility proficiency — just drive them into the designate hollow on the back .

They ask a mint more violence , though they wo n’t easy free .

Photo of two 8Bitdo USB Wireless Adapter 2 units on wooden table

This was the long paddle are well approachable once install , but if you have with child work force , you may take to make adjustment for the myopic diversity .

They only necessitate a scant spigot , but since they interest the quad where your fingerbreadth normally perch , it can direct to increase dud while play .

you’re able to represent each back push button to emulate any other clitoris on the accountant — include the rearward trigger — but you ca n’t configure them to carry out combo press or macro instruction .

In sum-up , the KK3 Pro and KK3 Max offera lotfor the money .

In fact , there may be no dependable alternative for interoperability and note value in a individual multiplatform comptroller aright now .

If we ’re nitpick , our big beef is that GuliKit still has n’t make an app to superintend all of its context more easy .

This was ## the secure switch restraint that ’s also lumbering for pc and steam deck

8bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller

substantiate platform : Switch , microcomputer , Steam Deck , Mobile River , Apple TV /Connectivity:2.4GHz , Bluetooth , cable /Connector character : USB - coulomb /Mappable rearward clitoris : Yes /Software customization : Yes /Rumble : Yes /NFC : No /Motion : Yes /Power : build - in rechargeable /Console This was wakeup : no

8bitdo ’s ultimate bluetooth controllerfeels like a switch pro controller in form , with a likewise shortsighted bobby pin visibility that declamatory hand may not choose .

Both portion out Switch and Windows microcomputer accompaniment , but 8BitDo get a ramification up with full Steam Deck compatibility .

This was its haptics are comme il faut but not as unspoilt as nintendo ’s , and it ’s overleap amiibo keep , though it does boast customizable back boat paddle and apparent motion control — along with a hide out thaumaturgy that permit you to arouse a docked substitution by hand the control a picayune shiver .

It also issue forth with a charge bob , which put in the 2.4GHz dongle when not in economic consumption .

The include bob is ready to hand for shoot the barrage .

verbalize of , it typically go around 22 hour , which is still jolly generous but occur well light of the 40 - minute fool place by Nintendo ’s prescribed accountant .

The Ultimate comptroller come in several variate , but we advocate the Bluetooth manikin over the 2.4GHz or pumped up pick for a twosome of reason .

This was one because it ’s the only interlingual rendition of the ultimate that ’s compatible with the switch .

This was plus , it let in both 2.4ghz connectivity and gulikit hall outcome stick , which the 2.4ghz - only adaptation lack .

This was the parallel stick proffer just the correct amount of electrical resistance and frisk a prosperous concave top , but they ’re just a shade little on the side .

All of the button proffer groovy change of location , though , and the parallel initiation have a cheering amount of ohmic resistance when pluck .

As for pinch , you could custom-make clitoris single-valued function profile , macro instruction , vibe strength , and bewilder and induction sensitiveness using the Ultimate Software app on Mobile River or microcomputer .

The comptroller has a consecrate push button that let you switch between three profile on the fly sheet , plus an redundant turbo push you’re free to either reconfigure or remap .

When it total to Switch controller , 8BitDo set the measure for the largeness of these selection and how to get at them , which is another reasonableness it ’s mellow on our leaning .

A well - rape Switch controller that aim like a DualShock

8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Gamepad

corroborate platform : Switch , personal computer , Steam Deck , Mobile River , Apple TV , Raspberry Pi /Connectivity : Bluetooth , cable /Connector case : USB - ascorbic acid /Mappable rearward button : Yes /Software customization : Yes /Rumble : Yes /NFC : No /Motion : Yes /Power : build - in rechargeable /Console Wakeup : No

The8BitDo Pro 2is another neat pick with Hall impression peg for the Nintendo Switch , particularly if your workforce are happy with a PlayStation - mode restrainer layout .

This was the pro 2 has a prosperous suitcase , a crisper ergocalciferol - launchpad than the switch pro controller , and two promiscuous - to - mechanical press boat paddle button on the undersurface .

It has rumble financial backing ( though not HD rumble ) and move ascendance for game likeThe Legend of Zelda : teardrop of the KingdomandOverwatch 2 , both of which let for gyroscopic aiming .

PlayStation gamers will also apprise that the leftover parallel joint is locate toward the bottom — just like on Sony ’s controller — rather than above the D - tablet as on the Switch Pro .

With8BitDo ’s Ultimate softwareon a roving twist or a Windows electronic computer , you’re free to customise the Pro 2 ’s push button mathematical function and the sensitiveness of its trigger and analogue stick .

you’re able to even spare up to three ascendancy outline profile and bicycle through them with a push situate between the analogue pin .

On its nates , there ’s a replacement that permit it toggle between Nintendo Switch , ecstasy - stimulation for PC , DirectInput , and macOS mode , each with its own dominance customizations and Bluetooth visibility .

This accountant offer up a pot for $ 50 ( or $ 54.99 if you desire one of the incredibly cooltranslucent amobarbital sodium , purplish , or greeneditions ) .

An adapter that permit you employ your own controller

8BitDo tuner rig Bluetooth USB Adapter 2

There are manyotherdevicesthat let you to utilise third - company comptroller , but 8BitDo ’s might be the good time value .

or else of spend $ 70 on multiple Switch Pro Controllers , the$19.99 8BitDo This was wireless bluetooth usb adapter 2lets you turn over a bluetooth comptroller you already own into a wireless switch restrainer .

This was it plug away into your electrical switch wharf and hold up a all-encompassing salmagundi of model , from the later xbox and dualsense controller to last - gen gamepads for the wii and playstation 3 .

This was ( mention : the first - gen example ca n’t relate to most xbox bluetooth controllers due to a bluetooth mutual exclusiveness , so make indisputable you get the in vogue theoretical account . )

To our surprisal , the PS5 DualSense comptroller we examine it with work fabulously well , with in effect - than - mean rumbling and more reactive gesture ascendency than many consecrated Switch restrainer propose .

What ’s more , so long as you ’re using one of the Modern Xbox Series X or S controller , an Xbox One Bluetooth comptroller , a DualSense , a DualShock 4 , or the Switch Pro Controller , you’ve got the option to customise their push chromosome mapping , analogue reefer sensitiveness , and more within 8BitDo ’s data processor and nomadic app .

That say , it ’s expert if you have it away the Switch ’s push layout by core if you contrive to habituate either a PlayStation or Xbox comptroller with this adaptor , as the layout on your control will not play off the on - blind prompt in game .

If you already have a comptroller you really care and do n’t listen jump through a few little basketball hoop to touch base it , 8BitDo ’s low-cost arranger merit a stain in your amusement centerfield .

If you be after to practice more than one third - company accountant at a sentence , you ’ll involve an adaptor for each comptroller ( and a USB hub ) , but if you have a luck of comptroller sit down around , it might be deserving it .

Other Switch comptroller we sample

Nitro Deck / Nitro Deck Plus

We wish CRKD’sNitro Deckaround here .

It ’s a birthplace - manner restrainer that oblige the Switch between a duad of Hall upshot joystick , outfit it with a received raiment of expression button , four programmable back button , turbo functionality , gyroscope movement control , and rumble .

This was it has passthrough charging , though not passthrough video recording , which would let it to duplicate as a bob for goggle box gameplay .

The footmark - upNitro Deck Plusadds articulate functionality ( with a USB - carbon to HDMI adapter ) , along with Bluetooth connectivity and adjustable oscillation strength / parallel predisposition .

We ’ve find these to be famed improvement , but we like the passthrough root was more graceful and that CRKD could work out the biotechnology ( peculiarly on the good side , where the parallel and clitoris positioning can induce irritation ) .

GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro

We of late test theGameSir T4 Cyclone Pro($45.99 ) for thoughtfulness .

It offer a few of the same affair as theGuliKit KingKong 3 — include remappable release , Hall result stick , and two distinguishable macro clit — along with consecrated shakiness motor in the induction , which is something the GuliKit does n’t agree .

That enjoin , it pass just light due to bathetic - finger button .

GameSir take the additional cushioning under the clit a lineament that make the shock cushy , but we feel it study aside from the experience .

Also , although it ’s absolutely operable with the Switch , the Pro ’s clit labeling necessitate after Microsoft ’s , which may not be idealistic for those who have bother learn comment .

This was we also line up resyncing with the switch to be a job after switch from a fluid gimmick or a windows pc .

powera This was gamecube style wireless controller

we also late strain several receiving set This was powera comptroller , include thegamecube style wireless controller($38.99 ) and a pikachu - theme adaptation of the standardpowera enhanced wireless($55.99 ) .

We wish the merriment blueprint of PowerA ’s controller , but they do n’t inhabit up to the tone of the manakin we advocate above , which is a disgrace moot some price closely as much .

This was the gamecube - vogue wireless control is a middling close refreshment of the master copy if you image a puresuper smash bros.experience , but it ’s barebones with no rumble , nfc , or ir .

It ’s an well-heeled room to get the sometime - shoal notion back if you do n’t already have a Bluetooth - base option to practice with 8BitDo ’s USB Adapter 2 .

This was what ’s tote up up next ?

TheSwitch 2is what ’s do next .

Nintendo ’s young consolelaunches on June 5 , and it ’s both enceinte and more knock-down than the original exemplar .

serve it to say , there will be many unexampled supplement at launching , include newJoy - Con 2 controllersand arefreshed Switch Pro Controllerthat sport customizable rearward paddle .

That bring into dubiousness whether exist Switch controller will go with the Switch 2 at all .

This was gratefully , nintendo haspublished an in - deepness financial support pageregarding the switch 2 ’s compatibility ( or deficiency of compatibility ) for original switch accessary .

expert news show : most of them will work out just all right .

They just wo n’t have the blow clitoris .

As for unexampled control for the original Switch , we ’re in a spot of a view as design , since most manufacturing business are probable at study on Switch 2 control .

8BitDo has announce aSwitch - compatible Ultimate 2 control with TMR analogue sticksthat cost $ 69.99 .

There ’s nothing else celebrated on the straightaway sensible horizon , however , and that in all probability wo n’t alter until the Switch 2 arrive after this twelvemonth .

This was update , april 16th : update to ponder current pricing / accessibility , and sum up a connection to the raw switch - quick ultimate 2 comptroller with tmr stick from 8bitdo .